Office Space
December 31, 2014
Law firms have long dominated downtown trophy office space, locating in buildings that are the best-of-the-best at "Main and Main." But times are changing. While growth is slowly returning to the legal industry, slightly rising revenues are still no match for rapidly increasing office space rents. New solutions ' and new locations ' must be found.
<b><i>At the Intersection:</i></b> Making Your Net Work
December 31, 2014
Those who gauge networking success by the sheer number of contacts they can cultivate digitally need to get this through their heads: You are not "networked" unless you make your net work, which is to say, unless you work your net.
Legal Sector Jobs Hold Steady in November
December 31, 2014
The number of jobs in the legal sector remained flat in November compared with the previous month, even as the total number of jobs in the U.S. increased by 321,000, according to seasonally adjusted preliminary data released last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sequenced Discovery in Mass Tort Litigation
December 31, 2014
This article focuses on sequenced discovery ' an underutilized tool that permits courts to focus initial discovery on general causation. Sequenced discovery front-loads the issue of general causation and prevents plaintiffs from dragging out litigation without having been put to the test of proving that the product at issue can cause the alleged injury.
How to Approach a Law Firm Merger/Acquisition
November 30, 2014
Many law firms ' of all sizes and types ' believe that their future organizational and financial security is linked to growth and/or diversification. They are seeking the lateral addition of experienced lawyers through the acquisition and merger of practices. These firms are seeking to anticipate trends of their clients and in legal practice.
New Fee Models for the New Economy
November 30, 2014
To remain competitive in the new economy, both inside and outside leasing counsel are exploring and utilizing various alternative fee arrangements (AFAs). This article explores the use of AFAs by leasing counsel, and offers some insight into how they may be more effectively utilized.
Law Firm Security Pressures Alleviated with Financial Strategies
November 30, 2014
We know the consumer-industry stories of hackers infiltrating Target and, more recently, Home Depot. "Here's the thing about breaking into a multi-billion-dollar company and stealing the credit card information of millions of customers: It's just not that hard." -- Mashable.com
<i>At the Intersection:</i> Cutting Corners
November 30, 2014
If one purpose of a column or blog is to provoke spirited debate, we surely succeeded in our recent posts on whether client-driven pressures for greater efficiency and cost-control compel outside counsel to "cut corners" in legal service delivery. Passionate and pointed comments filled our e-mail inboxes.
Linking Business Development to Partner Compensation
November 30, 2014
In recent years, as client fee pressure has increased and client loyalty has decreased, law firms are investing significant time and money in business development programs. Some partners receive training to dust off selling skills that were largely unnecessary during a time of plenty. Other partners receive training, then individualized coaching, then more training, then more coaching, in an often-futile attempt to turn everyone into a capable rainmaker.
