A Fresh Look at Pro Bono
March 30, 2009
In a perfect world, attorneys and firms would choose to make commitments to pro bono matters because it's the right thing to do, and it enables those who have to give to those who don't. Ours is not a perfect world and 2009 is certainly not a perfect year. But if we are looking for silver linings, pro bono seems ready made.
Downsizing the Right Way
March 30, 2009
This first part in a two-part series deals with the primary legal risks of a "downsizing" event at your firm.
How to Identify a Non-Statutory Insider
March 30, 2009
Recently, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower courts' rulings that a public company was an insider of another non-affiliated public company and was therefore required to return a $188.2 million payment made over four months before the debtor's bankruptcy filing. This decision, illustrates how critical it is for lenders and vendors to conform their conduct toward troubled companies so as to reduce their risk of being deemed non-statutory insiders.
Counseling Franchises During the Recession
March 26, 2009
These are extremely trying times for all businesses, including franchisors, seeking to survive through this recession. It is imperative that franchisors demonstrate leadership in preserving their franchise systems, but fault lines undoubtedly will emerge. In this environment, much pressure will fall on the shoulders of franchisor's counsel to guide clients to achieve their goals.
Media & Communications Corner: Upgrade Your Communications Tools for Free
February 25, 2009
A host of free Web applications are surprisingly effective in helping law firms from solo practitioners to large firm in-house PR and marketing staff, stay on top of the game. The trick is knowing which tools out there are worth your time. Here are the applications that made our top 24 list.
Op Ed
February 25, 2009
Ms. Tursi: "It's time for you to seat your CMOs at the management table ' if they are not there already. It's time for partners to understand that these individuals are not just employees."
Corporate Criminal Liability
February 23, 2009
In January, the Second Circuit affirmed the conviction of Ionia Management S.A. (Ionia) for criminal acts of its non-management employees. While the affirmance of a conviction is commonplace, what set this appeal apart is that the Association of Corporate Counsel, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, and other prestigious amici supported Ionia's argument that the Second Circuit should revisit its long-standing rule that a company can be held criminally liable for acts of even low-level employees.
Communicating Effectively with Colleagues and Clients
February 20, 2009
Are you a successful partner? Are you thriving at your firm and with your clients by raising your communication bar and keeping it high? The following four principles will enable you to improve your effectiveness when communicating orally or in writing with colleagues and clients.
The Treasury Department's Guidelines on Executive Pay
February 20, 2009
President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner stood together on Feb. 4, 2009, to announce the Treasury Department's new set of guidelines restricting executive compensation at financial institutions that receive governmental money. Here's what this entails.
Giving 'Til It Hurts
February 20, 2009
Even with firm cuts and layoffs, no firm can afford to give up a community-related giving practice. It can, though, and should be, controlled.
