Let the Hirer Beware
June 24, 2009
With so many lawyers up for grabs these days, firms have enticing opportunities to bring aboard top talent, sometimes at bargain prices. But let the hirer beware. Lateral hiring isn't without risk, and more lateral hiring means more exposure to claims alleging malpractice and other failings.
Ex-Heller Employees Sue Former Partners
June 23, 2009
Former employees of Heller Ehrman sued at least 179 former partners in April, demanding they fork over $32 million for the largest group of creditors in the defunct firm's bankruptcy. This article discusses the suit.
Law Firm Layoffs Trigger Need for Preventive Steps
June 23, 2009
Over the past several months, law firms have discharged both lawyers and staff in unprecedented numbers. Although it may be too early to assess whether these layoffs will result in significant legal fallout, law firms may make particularly attractive targets for lawsuits.
Seventh Circuit Vindicates Secured Lenders' Right to Full Payment
June 23, 2009
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held on May 5, 2009, that two secured lenders were fully secured, "entitled to a full recovery" from the debtor ("UAL") despite the bankruptcy court's improper valuation of the collateral (improved airport terminal space) securing the lenders' underlying $60 million loan.
How to Start A Practice <i>What Do I Do Next?</i>
June 02, 2009
Every legal and accounting publication ' in hard copy or on the Internet ' is loaded with advice about how to start a practice. But what seems to be missing is realistic guidance on the practice ' the practice, not the theory ' of practice development: Not what you should do, but what you could do.
Social Networking And Legal OnRamp
May 28, 2009
True to all the hype, social networking tools are posed to be the next stage in the evolution of effective client communication. You've been under a rock if you haven't been confronted by the buzz about MySpace, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. These are the most popular online social networking communities, but none of them are specifically targeted to the legal profession (unless your clients enjoy gaudy, blinking Web pages or virtual flowerpots).
Professional Development: Teaching Others to Deliver
May 28, 2009
On the topic of leadership, Albert Schweitzer stated, "Example is leadership" and observed that "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." We learn optimally by observing best practices and adapting these as our own. Client service is one such practice that is furthered by example. Here are seven project management insights that demonstrate how senior practitioners, leading by example, can teach junior attorneys how to focus on their client deliverables.
Law Firm Leadership: Leading in Challenging Times
May 28, 2009
Times of uncertainty and layoffs often lead to negative emotions, a lack of trust in management, and a decrease in productivity. So, what is a CMO or Marketing Director to do in the midst of such chaos? Here are some leadership tactics that will not only help your team survive the crisis, but strengthen it through the process.
Professional Development for the Senior Associate
May 28, 2009
Senior associates ' who, by definition, are reaching higher levels of profitability for the firm and have developed practice expertise ' are often left behind when it comes to targeted professional development. But ignoring this population creates problems for a firm, particularly as people move into partnership and as responsibilities shift from "doing" to "leading.
