How Firms Should Be Measuring the Profitability of Matters
September 02, 2017
Matter profitability matters. Yet most firms struggle to measure it in a manner that is accurate, focused on the levers partners control, and inclines partners to take action. Using margin per-partner-hour (MPH) to measure profitability delivers on these objectives.
Smaller Firms' Message To Big Law on Alternative Fees: Join the Club
September 02, 2017
Microsoft's vow to make its outside lawyers bill nearly all their work under alternative fee arrangements caused a stir, given large law firms' traditional devotion to the billable hour. But for a growing number of mostly smaller firms, those anxieties highlight a Big Law business model they've already left behind.
Surviving the Retail Shift
September 02, 2017
<b><I>Part One: Manage Expectations and the Legal Process</I></b><p>So far this year, more than 3,200 retail stores have closed their doors. While this is certainly not the end of brick and mortar retail, owners and managers of shopping centers faced with dark stores and mounting receivables are asking "now what?" This article is the first in a five-part series.
Employee Privacy and Corporate Legal Risk
August 02, 2017
The use of business email accounts and digital devices for personal communications can be risky for both employers and employees. However, employees of all levels may be commingling corporate communications with their personal information, according to new research.
The New DOL Fiduciary Rule
August 01, 2017
</b><i.What Does It Mean to Me?</b></i><p>While there are many items and complexities to the new rule, this article focuses on the basic premise of why the rule was developed and adopted and the effect on the retirement landscape and the players involved.
3 Tips for Handling the Difficult Decision to Downsize
August 01, 2017
By handling all involuntary terminations with professionalism and formality, law firms can limit the potential for conflict and give proper attention to the potential ethical and legal issues. Here are three tips for handling the transition of attorneys and staff from the firm.
The Law Firm Value Proposition
August 01, 2017
<b><i>How to Successfully Hire Lateral Partners</b></i><p>While a law firm asks for specific education, experience, contacts and portables at certain law firms, what if the candidates were to ask for their own list of must-haves? How would a firm measure up?
Court Holds That Deposits Would Be Hypothetical
August 01, 2017
In a recent ruling, the Ninth Circuit held that bankruptcy courts may permissibly engage in "hypotheticals within hypotheticals" so long as the inquiry is factually warranted and is supported by appropriate evidence, and provided further that the hypothetical action would not contravene any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code.
Bankruptcy Litigation Update: Determining Adequate Capital
August 01, 2017
This article focuses on the concept of "unreasonably small capital," which is not defined in the Bankruptcy Code or applicable state statutes. Consequently, the determination of adequate capital is fact-intensive and fertile grounds for litigation.
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.
