Features
Senior Executive and Officer Litigation
In the old days, decisions made by executives and directors in the board room often were cloaked with a veil of legitimacy. Now, however, these decisions are under constant surveillance and scrutiny from outsiders and are even vulnerable to leaks from insiders. As executives and directors are thrust into the media and legal forefront, not only do they face potential personal liability for their decisions, but the corporations themselves face liability for their actions.
Features
Title VII Disparate Pay Claims
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering a case of great importance to employers, <i>Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Inc.</i> It will decide when the statute of limitations begins to run under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) ('Title VII') for certain types of disparate pay claims.
Features
Wage Hour Laws Provide Traps for the Unwary
It has often been said that the most frequently violated federal employment-related statute is the Fair Labor Standards Act ('FLSA'), 29 U.S.C. '' 201-19 (Supp. 2006). This law, enacted in 1938, regulates, among other things, the payment of overtime to employees who work for employers. Our experience indicates that most, if not all, employers do not intend to violate the provisions contained in the FLSA but, instead, do so out of ignorance of its requirements. This article highlights some of the key provisions of the FLSA, makes reference to recent pronouncements by the United States Department of Labor (the federal agency principally responsible for interpretation of the statute) and presents advice on how to avoid the pitfalls inherent in the FLSA.
Features
TRHCA Tax Savings
Along with a multitude of other changes, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 ('TRHCA') extends the time for several tax cuts that had expired at the end of 2005, makes certain tax breaks more beneficial, and provides greater flexibility regarding health savings accounts. This article highlights noteworthy new TRHCA provisions that can benefit law firms and their clients, as well as individual attorneys and staff members and their families.
Features
Supporting Non-Equity Career Opportunities Through Two-Tier Ownership Structures
Lately, we've been hearing from a growing number of our (Hildebrandt International, Inc.) clients about escalating concerns relating to career path and non-equity opportunities. Although 79 AmLaw 100 firms and 169 of the NLJ 250 firms acknowledge a tiered ownership structure, and a large number of others utilize a de facto two-tier structure, many firms still adhere to a single-tier model.
Features
Older and Better: Partner Retirement Policies
You have heard the clich': '60 is the new 40.' In today's law firm, however, the 60-year-old may very well be at the prime of his or her career, and many firms are taking notice. Firms committed to building critical mass, particularly in key practice areas and offices (notably New York) are scrambling to recruit the 'big splash' partner. The seasoned attorney from a top-tier firm, approaching the firm's retirement age but not yet ready to quit, is a prime target. This partner has a loyal client base, the wisdom gained from years of experience, and prot'g's who are frequently eager and willing to follow the master.
Features
Partnership Investments
With profits per partner continuing to rise, many attorneys have more discretionary income available for investment. In addition to investing directly in both traditional and nontraditional sources, some partners may also choose to invest (either inside or outside their law firms) in opportunities that arise in the law firm setting.
Features
The Motion to Disqualify: A Recurring Theme in the Modern Law Firm
High-stakes disputes often generate hardball tactics by the parties and their attorneys. Even before the lawsuit is filed, attorneys are claiming conflicts of interest, on the part of opposing counsel, with increasing regularity and fervor. As law firms grow, clients merge or divest divisions, and attorney departures and arrivals become more common, conflicts of interest — and the possibility for disqualification motions — become a larger problem for law firms. Do such motions present a legitimate complaint mechanism for wronged clients, or simply one more arrow in the quiver of the scorched earth litigator? Regardless of what you think is the correct answer to the preceding question, disqualification motions and threats are unquestionably something that modern law firms are forced to address with increasing frequency.
Features
Your Law Firm Web Site
A law firm Web site is an interactive experience ' one that takes place between someone in need of information and someone in the position to provide that information.The total experience a client or prospective client has while visiting a Web site reflects on your firm. A bad experience forms a bad association. A good experience creates a good one.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- When Is a Repair Structural or Nonstructural Under a Commercial Lease?A common question that commercial landlords and tenants face is which of them is responsible for a repair to the subject premises. These disputes often center on whether the repair is "structural" or "nonstructural."Read More ›
- Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With LawyersThere's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.Read More ›
- Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult CoinWith each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.Read More ›
- Technology in Marketing: Where to Invest Your Marketing Technology DollarsLaw firms have realized that using technology ' particularly the Internet ' is a powerful tool for creating a more level playing field to enhance their images, expand their visibility in targeted markets and drive business to their firms. However, with so many competing interests for limited marketing dollars, where should you invest your firm's resources to get the most bang for the buck?Read More ›
- Coverage Issues Stemming from Dry Cleaner Contamination SuitsIn recent years, there has been a growing number of dry cleaners claiming to be "organic," "green," or "eco-friendly." While that may be true with respect to some, many dry cleaners continue to use a cleaning method involving the use of a solvent called perchloroethylene, commonly known as perc. And, there seems to be an increasing number of lawsuits stemming from environmental problems associated with historic dry cleaning operations utilizing this chemical.Read More ›