The Business Intelligence to Competitive Intelligence Continuum
August 01, 2017
Where law firm leaders' "gut judgement" was once sufficient, running the business well now requires solid intelligence (yes, Big Law is a business). Decisions must balance the demands of clients with those of the partnership. Law firms are awash in data, but harnessing it to support sound decision-making is a major challenge.
Patent Infringement
July 02, 2017
<b><i>Supreme Court Turns Back Clock</b></i><p>Although <i>TC Heartland v. Kraft Foods </i> answers the question of where a domestic corporation resides in patent infringement cases, it does not fully answer the question of where proper venue lies.
Ransomware Attack on DLA Piper Puts Law Firms, Clients on Red Alert
July 02, 2017
The ransomware attack on June 27 on DLA Piper sounded an alarm for Big Law. The world's biggest firms are just as prone to ransomware attacks as any other company, and the potential ramifications of a network-crippling malware infection are wide-ranging for a service industry that holds the legal fate of corporations in its palm.
Why Associates Leave and How You Can Get Them to Stay
July 02, 2017
When a seemingly happy and successful associate announces the decision to move on, his or her firm can be left feeling shocked and confused. This article provides insight behind these moves, and what law firms can do to make their top associates want to stay.
Law Firm Strategy Execs Wield Uneven Clout
July 02, 2017
The role of chief strategy officer (CSO) — increasingly common in corporate America — has been adopted by relatively few law firms. Consultants say perceptions of what the position entails and whether it's necessary vary widely throughout the legal industry.
Forensic Accounting: When Do You Need It?
July 02, 2017
Most matrimonial attorneys have heard a client, typically the "out-spouse" in a marriage with a business interest, say, "The books are cooked," or "Personal expenses are being paid by the business," or "The accounting records are fiction." Failing to probe these issues may cost your client a lot of money when the asset division takes place, and may leave him or her dissatisfied with your representation.
Alternative Legal Services Providers: Changing Buyer Perceptions
July 02, 2017
No longer are law firms the only option for clients with legal work; they now have a wider menu of providers from which to choose. But what are the contours of that Alternative Legal Services (ALS) market? How are these new providers being used by corporate clients and law firms? What's driving that usage? And what does it mean for traditional law firms?
Drafting an Effective Commercial Lease Default Lease: Two More Secrets
July 02, 2017
<b><I>Part Two of a Two-Part Article</I></b><p>Last month, the authors outlined three types of provisions that can ease a commercial landlord's efforts to enforce the terms of a lease when a tenant defaults: clauses related to additional rent, rent acceleration and late charges. They continue here with two more lease-drafting ideas for minimizing the effects of tenant default.
Motivating Attorneys To Accomplish Firm Objectives
July 02, 2017
Absent the willingness or inability of first tier partners to create an environment in which blossoming attorneys can achieve their personal, professional and economic objectives, the likelihood is that these very attractive partners may leave to join other law firms.
