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Getting Systems in Line
Data conversions are a given for law firms implementing new systems, switching to new vendor platforms or upgrading existing systems. The number of practice-related system transitions that a typical law firm experiences (e.g., moving from Vendor X's to Vendor Y's software; upgrading from system Version 1 to Version 2) correlates with the adoption strategies and overall technology goals of a firm. Long ago, most mid- to large-sized law firms implemented financial systems specifically designed to efficiently invoice clients in accordance with time and expenses associated with specific representations.
As law firms realized the benefits of having a billing system specifically designed to their needs, they sought out systems that could help streamline the then-manual processes for searching conflicts and managing client files. Financial software vendors responded and established an early and majority market share in implementing conflicts and records management systems. Many firms are on their fourth or fifth iterations of their accounting software, whereas vendor swaps or upgrades related to records management systems and/or conflicts management systems may just now be coming into play. It logically follows that IT personnel are most likely more familiar with the processes involved in managing time and billing system conversions. However, the same methodology cannot be applied universally from system to system. For firms about to embark on records management or conflicts management conversions, recognition of how these key firm systems define and manage data is critical to ensuring a successful transition.
The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later
The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.
Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar Investigations
This article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.
The DOJ's New Parameters for Evaluating Corporate Compliance Programs
The parameters set forth in the DOJ's memorandum have implications not only for the government's evaluation of compliance programs in the context of criminal charging decisions, but also for how defense counsel structure their conference-room advocacy seeking declinations or lesser sanctions in both criminal and civil investigations.