Scrutiny of Eminent Domain Power
February 01, 2023
How closely will courts scrutinize exercises of the eminent domain power? Until recently, courts have been quite deferential when entities clothed with eminent domain power have determined that private property is necessary for public use. Two recent decisions, however, suggest that there are limits to that deference.
NY Court Strips Major Claims from Lil Wayne's Suit Against Lawyer
February 01, 2023
A New York State appellate court knocked out major claims from prominent rapper Lil Wayne's $20 million lawsuit against Ronald Sweeney, his former attorney and representative of 13 years, including causes of action for fraudulent inducement, legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment.
Expense Right-Sizing In a Challenging Economy
February 01, 2023
What strategies can law firms take to rein in expenses during a challenging, down market to avoid further layoffs? Look no further than the firm's back-office operations. This article presents a brief overview of five areas where your firm can not just "cut costs" but actually improve operations while doing so — this is expense "right-sizing."
What's Working to Get Employees to Return To the Office
February 01, 2023
We are seeing a variety of successful measures that are designed to help attorneys get what they want: a best-of-both worlds scenario where they keep some work-from-home and fold-in an opportunity to intentionally connect and collaborate with colleagues in the office.
Second Circuit Narrows Reach of Wire Fraud and Insider Trading Prohibitions
February 01, 2023
The Second Circuit's long-anticipated decision in United States v. Blaszczak limits the government's ability to bring fraud or insider trading prosecutions where the information used to achieve an advantage is regulatory information held by the government. It also brings the Second Circuit in greater alignment with the Supreme Court's wire fraud jurisprudence.
New Bankruptcy Code May Provide Way Out of Commercial Leases
February 01, 2023
In major metropolitan areas, commercial office vacancies have skyrocketed and rents have plummeted. Tenants, required to examine their space needs post-pandemic, are eager to take advantage of the lower rents. A recent addition to the Bankruptcy Code provides these lessees with an opportunity to walk away from above-market leases.
What Successful Hybrid Firms Are Doing
February 01, 2023
We are seeing is a variety of successful measures that are designed to help attorneys get what they want: a best-of-both worlds scenario where they keep some work-from-home and fold-in an opportunity to intentionally connect and collaborate with colleagues in the office.
Improving Firm Profitability Through Contracts
February 01, 2023
The best and most effective way to drive firm profitability is through influencing partner behavior. The best way to incent the partners is by linking their compensation clearly and directly to the achievement of the firm's business strategy.
Regulators Reaching Deep In Their Toolbox to Prosecute Users of Encrypted Messages
February 01, 2023
If you use Whatsapp or similar platforms for work-related communications, then you've probably heard that regulators are putting an end to that practice. Ephemeral and encrypted messaging, they have noted, evades monitoring and prevents retention. A seldom used doctrine allows prosecutors to charge executives with misdemeanor offenses just for being in the position of power when others commit the misconduct. Rather than take a wait-and-see approach, companies and their leaders would do well to prepare for prosecutors to reach deep into their toolbox.
