The Sorcerer's Apprenticeship
October 28, 2009
Apprenticeships for new lawyers sound promising and the firms that are implementing them should be commended. However, under the current system of legal education and private practice, this model may not be realistic for most law firms.
Insurance Issues to Consider Before Retaining Contract Attorneys
October 28, 2009
Given the widespread use of contract attorneys, law firm managers should evaluate whether their firms' professional liability insurance policies, and those of their contract attorneys, provide adequate coverage. Some may be surprised to find that their policies have not kept pace with the times.
A New Leadership Model Is Needed
October 28, 2009
Before firms can address the changes they need to make in their management and leadership, they must identify and understand the trends and issues that have developed, and the challenges they are creating. The list is extensive.
Lessons Learned: The DOJ's Crackdown on Hiring Practices
October 26, 2009
Over the past several months, the DOJ has begun investigating several leading technology companies for possible violations of the antitrust laws. One focus of the multi-faceted investigation is whether certain companies have violated antitrust laws by agreeing among themselves not to recruit one another's employees.
Pro Bono Networking
September 29, 2009
In spite of the everlasting drive to bill more hours or service more paying clients, many law firms and bar associations enthusiastically support pro bono activities, with some firms even granting credit for the hours spent on such cases.
The Urge to Merge
September 29, 2009
In the midst of the current recession-induced pummeling of law firms and in-house legal departments, some positive changes are occurring that are setting the stage for a stronger industry. One is the quantity and quality of law firm mergers that are being consummated.
Creating Better Mentors
September 29, 2009
The success of any law firm is dependent on the quality of its lawyers. So, developing the next generation is always of monumental importance. But not all partners are skilled in effective mentoring. This article describes the basics of what makes a good mentor, and in turn, a good program.