Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Fraud-on-the-Market Presumption in Securities Fraud Litigation
February 28, 2014
When the U.S. Supreme Court 25 years ago decided <i>Basic, Inc. v. Levinson</i>, it adopted a legal theory that commentators would describe as revolutionizing securities law in the United States. By accepting the "fraud-on-the-market" theory, the <i>Basic</i> Court made it much easier for plaintiffs to get their cases certified as class actions, increasing the potential exposure of corporations and their officers and directors.
The Evolution of a Process
February 25, 2014
Here we are in 2014, the number of law firms outsourcing parts of their back-office is increasing and more and more firms are interested in the process as a way to control costs and increase the efficiencies in their back office operation. Why the change? To explain it fully requires one to look at the evolution of the process.
The Dimensions of 'Goodwill' in a Law Practice Sale
January 31, 2014
One of the thorniest issues in selling a law practice involves the issue of goodwill and how to value it. Goodwill is both an accounting term and a qualitative dimension. Understanding both helps the average lawyer better understand the sale of a law practice.
Financial Education Through Software
January 31, 2014
It's a challenge for many lawyers to find the time to understand the financial side of their practices. At Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, financial education has become a priority. When our lawyers became better equipped to understand the economics of their practices, our firm was able to sustain growth and increase efficiency as well as improve client service across the board.
$1,000 Per Hour Isn't Rare Anymore
January 31, 2014
As recently as five years ago, law partners charging $1,000 an hour were outliers. Today, four-figure hourly rates for in-demand partners at the most prestigious firms don't raise eyebrows ' and a few top earners are closing in on $2,000 an hour.
The Death Benefit Only Program
January 31, 2014
The Death Benefit Only (DBO) program provides non-qualified deferred compensation, and death benefits. The DBO program can be used by employers without regard to corporate and qualified plan limitations and may be provided by employers on a permissibly discriminatory basis. The DBO program, when structured properly, can accept elective or non-elective contributions on an individual employee basis. The benefits can also be used as Golden Handcuffs to retain valued employees.
Data Analytics
January 31, 2014
Data analytics, the same data mining and interpretive analysis used for decades in other professions, is bringing change to the core business side of the legal profession ' and in the process, revealing great potential for increased efficiency, cost-savings and new ways of managing risk.
Global Corruption Enforcement
January 31, 2014
For multinational corporations, reducing the risks and concomitant expenses associated with corrupt employee behavior must be a priority. This article discusses the benefits of embedding compliance doctrine within operations, and how businesses could market integrity and compliance to gain a competitive advantage.
The Expanding Role of the Audit Committee
January 31, 2014
The role the independent audit committee of a board of directors is becoming increasingly important as significant responsibilities shift to the board of directors.
