Southern Wiretap Ruling May Affect New Yorkers
November 01, 2003
Because so many New York residents have strong ties to Florida and other southern states through second homes and relatives, New York family law attorneys should be aware that a recent decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has altered precedent concerning wiretap legality in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Where to File — New York or Connecticut?
November 01, 2003
Because Connecticut serves both as a bedroom community and a weekend haven for New Yorkers, New York matrimonial lawyers often find themselves required to make a judgment as to whether a matrimonial action can be brought in Connecticut and if so, which jurisdiction is more favorable to their clients. Connecticut's matrimonial jurisprudence, while similar to New York's, differs both substantively and procedurally at a number of significant points. Unfortunately, the similarities may create something of a trap for the unwary since, by and large, the differences between New York and Connecticut matrimonial law tend to be in the details rather than in the broad strokes. This article discusses a number of the most significant points at which the laws of the two jurisdictions come together or diverge.
Big Changes in Child Protection Policies?
November 01, 2003
On September 23rd, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit certified to the New York Court of Appeals three questions for clarification whose answer could become of major importance to New York child-welfare professionals and the families they work with. The responses to these questions and the ultimate decision in this case could have a significant impact on the way in which children can be removed from homes where one adult has domestically abused another.
On the Job: Politics As Usual
November 01, 2003
Of the many skills useful to law firm marketing professionals, the one that we can learn best from our attorneys is the political art. Fact is, even the most adept marketer will find it difficult to develop traction for marketing programs at his or her firm without using a heaping helping of political acumen to build consensus and boost allegiance.
The Legal Marketplace Branding Roundtable
November 01, 2003
Branding: Is it the legal marketplace buzzword for the twenty-first century or is there really something to all of this? On October 19th Law Journal Newsletters Marketing The Law Firm hosted a Roundtable in its offices in Philadelphia. We decided to give branding its due by bringing together a panel of experts: Burkey Belser is President and Creative Director of Greenfield Belser Ltd. with offices in Washington, D.C. and Boston; Dr. Mark Greene is the Managing Director of The Brand Research Company with offices in Washington, D.C. and Boston; Douglas C. Kramer is the Chief Marketing Officer of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Philadelphia; and Edward M. Schechter is the Chief Marketing Officer of Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia.
Branding: Enhancing Successful Legal Marketing
November 01, 2003
The efficacy of branding law firms has been a topic of considerable debate. At root, the discussion lays bare an interesting and fundamental question ' are law firms really something greater than the sum of their parts? On one level, any organization that isn't completely dysfunctional adds something to the individuals of which it is comprised. Getting from that simple human statement to branding, however, requires buy-in to another, related concept.
Ask the Coach
November 01, 2003
This month's question:<BR>We're an IP boutique. Many of our partners are in the enviable position of literally not being able to take on any more work. How can I keep them involved in our marketing effort?
What You Need to Know About Overtime Pay for 'White-Collar Employees'
November 01, 2003
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempts certain categories of "white-collar employees" from the overtime pay provisions of that statute. Unfortunately for employers, the correct application of those exemptions is difficult and often misunderstood. Even more unfortunate is that the consequences of even innocent mistakes can be extremely costly for employers. That situation has prompted demands for fundamental revisions of the regulations that the United States Department of Labor (DOL) promulgated decades ago to provide criteria for exempting white-collar employees from mandatory overtime pay. Regrettably, that sorely-needed reform appears to be hopelessly ensnarled in politics as the parties position themselves for next year's national election. This article will examine both the proposed changes to these regulations and what employers can do to help protect themselves until change is effectuated.
Protect Your Insurance
November 01, 2003
Whether in bankruptcy or in liquidation, trustees or liquidators of insolvent corporations look for available sources of cash to pay creditors. Unfortunately for in-house or outside attorneys representing such corporations, director and officer liability policies or professional malpractice policies are identified early on as possible sources of funds for insolvent companies. This article discusses the theories that are typically brought in these cases, and suggests ways to avoid or defend such claims in the future.
