Unfinished Business Claims
September 02, 2014
This two-part article describes recent developments with respect to unfinished business claims, discusses the implications that those cases may have on law firm partnerships, and provides some suggestions as to what law firms may do to avoid unfinished business claim litigation.
Using IRA Funds to Purchase Life Insurance
September 02, 2014
Many individuals desire to acquire insurance on their lives using funds held in a qualified retirement plan. The acquisition of insurance using funds within an IRA is beneficial since the Plan uses tax deductible dollars to acquire the insurance. Furthermore, the Plan Funds are not otherwise being directly used by qualified plan participant (Participant) for the Participant.
Valuation of a Law Firm and a Law Practice
August 02, 2014
Lawyers leaving a law practice have an economic interest in monetizing their career-long investment in building a client portfolio and a referral network. How each lawyer has accomplished this depends on his or her particular practice, market and style. But while the means may vary, the results are the same ' access to clients who have legal needs. And this is the value the acquirers wish to capture.
Alternative Secretarial Approaches to Legal Support
August 02, 2014
Most law firms above 100 to 150 attorneys outsource many of their basic services. Mail, messenger, records and photocopy staff are now commonly supplied by a group of national and regional vendors. However, one key service that is not supplied by any vendor ' and in most of our individual business case analysis proved to be one of the most inefficient services that law firms supplied ' was that of secretarial support.
Planning a Merger?
August 02, 2014
A successful merger should improve the firm's competitive position and add value for your clients ' due diligence is key to that success.
General Schemes vs. Specific Claims
July 02, 2014
The <I>qui tam</I> provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private individuals ("relators") to bring suit on behalf of the federal government and keep a percentage of the proceeds, continue to be some of the most potent weapons in the government's antifraud arsenal.
Planning a Merger? Avoid Pitfalls through Proper Due Diligence
July 02, 2014
After reaching an all-time high in 2013, the pace of U.S. law firm mergers and acquisitions is showing no signs of slowing down. With all of these deals in the news of late, you may be considering whether a merger or acquisition might be an appropriate growth strategy for your firm.
Proactive Trust Planning to Protect Your Clients
July 02, 2014
Planning for trusts has evolved substantially over the years. "Modern" trusts are more comprehensive, flexible and protective than those that were more typically completed only a few short years ago. Understanding the characteristics of modern trust drafting is critical to achieving better protection for clients.
New French Employment Legislation One Year Later
July 02, 2014
On June 14, 2013, France enacted the so-called "Employment Securization Law." This affects the operations in France of companies whose headquarters are located in other countries, such as the United States.
The Death Benefit Only Plan for Non-Profits
July 02, 2014
The Death Benefit Only (DBO) Plan for Non-Profits is an arrangement in which the employer, a 501(c) non-profit organization, agrees to pay the actuarially determined cost of the current death benefit on a permanent life insurance policy to be owned by the employee or employer. The employer and employee enter into a written agreement that ordinarily requires the employer to make premium payments as long as the employee works for the employer.
