Trends in Enterprise Legal Management
February 28, 2015
In this roundtable conversation, Marcus Hartmann , General Counsel, RB (formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser) and Jason Parkman, CEO, Mitratech, discuss trends in enterprise legal management, the tools it provides users, and the increased controls brought to legal departments using this technology.
Getting to Zero
February 28, 2015
The question of how to manage paper records ' both onsite and off ' is probably the greatest hurdle faced by many of law firms. For most areas of back-office operations not running optimally, firms can outsource or hire a new manager and typically solve the problem. This is not the case for paper records.
Franchising in Russia
February 28, 2015
In Part One, last month, we discussed the fact that while international franchising always brings a host of issues and complications, importation of franchise concepts into Russia highlights some critical issues and some lessons for international franchising in a broader context. The discussion concludes herein.
Case Notes
February 25, 2015
Analysis of a case involving the SEC.
<b><i>Voice of the Client:</i></b> Differentiation Through Better Client Connection
January 31, 2015
2015 has brought a new year with resolutions to begin new routines to achieve success. Recent economic reports for law firms tell the story of a legal economy that continues to face real change in the face of soft demand, even though there is increasing evidence of performance separation from some firms to others.
Billing Rates Rise, Discounts Abound
January 31, 2015
The price of a billable hour has risen by more than 10% in four years, as large corporate law firms focused on their most expensive work and saved clients' money elsewhere.
Pricing It Right: Restructuring Billing
January 31, 2015
As pressure on pricing continues, Big Law firms are buying (or building) analytics technology and hiring pricing specialists ' people who use market data, internal firm data and economics/pricing experience to ensure that firms are smart about bidding on work. The mission: Educate clients about the value the firm brings, while making sure to charge enough to make a profit.
The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014
January 31, 2015
On Dec. 19, 2014, the President signed into law the long-awaited year-end tax package, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (TIPA). This law extended to the end of 2014 many but not all of the individual, business, and energy provisions that expired at the end of 2013. In addition, the law provides for a new tax-advantaged savings program to aide in meeting the financial needs of disabled individuals, called the " Achieving a Better Life Experience" (ABLE) program.
The Right to Associate in the Defense
January 31, 2015
The "right to associate" permits the insurer to work with the insured to investigate, defend, or settle a claim. Such partnerships protect the insurer and can prove beneficial to the insured's underlying case and ultimate exposure.
Coaching: A Shift in Law Firm Culture
January 31, 2015
Like other firms, Seyfarth found that developing employees, increasing engagement, addressing generational changes, and matching associate objectives with firm goals is a constant challenge. Here's how they solved the problem.
