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Law Firm Risk Management

Discusses of compliance, conflicts, intake and other risk issues for law firm risk professionals.

http://lawfirmrisk.blogspot.com/

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Southern District of Florida Blog

Provides news and notes regarding federal practice in the Southern District of Florida. By David Markus

http://sdfla.blogspot.com

Nov 19
News & Notes (Fins edition)

It's been a long day, so I'm trying to cheer up in watching the Fins. So far, so good. 14-3 as we speak. Here we go with some news & notes: 1. Who wants to be a Magistrate? There's an opening in the District. The salary is $160K and to apply, you need to be less than 70, a member in good standing of the bar for 5 years, and not related to any judge in the district. Chief Judge Moreno has put together this selection committee: Chair:David Rothman, Esq. Rothman & Associates, P.A. Georgie... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 02:06 pm by David Oscar Markus
Nov 18
Lawyer acquitted in federal court in Georgia

Friends of the blog, Tom Withers* and Craig Gillen, walked a lawyer (Mark Shelnutt) today in Columbus, Ga. Shelnutt was charged with money laundering and drug offenses. The judge read 36 not guilty verdicts: At 2:45, Land began to read. "Count One, conspiracy to launder money," the judge said. "Not guilty." "Count Two, aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Not guilty." "Count Five, money laundering. Not guilty." Then the judge's words, cadence and diction took on a lyrical... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 02:46 pm by David Oscar Markus
Nov 18
"Liberty City terror suspect gets 6 years in prison"

The first of the Liberty City defendants -- 24-year-old Burson Augustin -- was sentenced today. The government sought the maximum -- 30 years. But Judge Lenard did the right thing and sentenced Augustin to 6 years. From the AP: A judge on Wednesday handed a six-year jail sentence to one of five men convicted of plotting to blow up the tallest building in the United States, Sears Tower, and swearing allegiance to Al-Qaeda. US District Judge Joan Lenard found that Burson Augustin, 23, played a... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 07:29 am by David Oscar Markus

Rank This Week: 71

Lawyers and Business Executives in...

Lawyers and Business Executives in the News

Offers exclusive interviews with some of America's preeminent lawyers and business executives.

http://prlawinc.typepad.com/lawyers_and_business_exec/

Jul 31
PR Law

PR Law Posted on July 31, 2008 at 04:00 am by William Leskinen
Oct 24
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES/ABC RADIO NETWORK/LARRY KING SHOW FOR LAWYERS

America's Premier Lawyers Show announces a double feature with Continental Airlines' Award Winning "Larry King & Friends" show, to be broadcast on Continental Airlines and ABC Radio's The LawBusiness Insider. Each selected lawyer/law firm will be showcased prominently in Continental Airlines Magazine, reaching over 150 million Continental Airlines' ,Insider Exclusive" TV Show, ABC Radio Network viewers & listeners. Watch these featured lawyers on The Insider Exclusive TV Show @... Posted on October 24, 2007 at 12:07 am by Steve Murphy
Oct 23
Ray Boucher, President of Consumer Attorneys of California, Offers Major Endorsement for the "Insider Exclusive" TV Show

Ray Boucher, the President of Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), and a partner at Kiesel, Boucher & Larson, LLP, has a major endorsement for The InsiderExclusive TV Show with Steve Murphy, on TimeWarner TV. (You can watch some of these interviews with Ray and his firm by clicking here.) Ray states: The Insider Exclusive TV Show is an excellent, highly professional and entertaining look at the most important legal and business issues of the day. Steve Murphy's interviewing style... Posted on October 23, 2007 at 11:49 pm by Steve Murphy

Rank This Week: 108

TechnoLawyer Blog

Covers legal technology and practice management news.

http://blog.technolawyer.com/

Nov 20
Sony Vaio Z21MN Review; Practice Management Data Conversion; Grilling Discovery Service Providers; Cloud Computing Safer Than Software; Much More

Coming today to Fat Friday: Gerard Stubbert reviews his Sony Vaio Z21MN laptop, Paul Mansfield discusses data conversion in relation to switching practice management systems, Dominic Jaar shares some tips for choosing the right online repository for discovery documents, Craig Bayer explains why SaaS is safer than traditional software, and Stephen Hayes shares his experience using Timeslips and Dragon NaturallySpeaking on a 64-bit Windows PC. Don't miss this issue. How to Receive Fat Friday Our... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 03:26 pm by Sara Skiff
Nov 19
Reviews of Zotero, SnagIt, GoodSync, SugarSync, Time Matters, TrustFax, CiteAdvisor; Outlook Archiving Tip

Coming today to Answers to Questions: Doug Koenig reviews Zotero, SnagIt, GoodSync, and SugarSync, Theodore Borrego reviews Time Matters' performance and support, Frank Tesseyman reviews TrustFax, Laura Hills explains how she archives case-related email in Outlook, and George Allen reviews CiteLink (now West CiteAdvisor) for creating Tables of Authorities in WordPerfect. Don't miss this issue. How to Receive Answers to Questions Do you believe in the wisdom of crowds? In Answers to Questions,... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 01:57 pm by Sara Skiff
Nov 17
The Pros and Cons of Using SaaS Products in Law Offices

Coming today to TechnoFeature: There's a new kid in town - software as a service (SaaS), aka cloud computing. Many early adopter law firms have embraced SaaS, but should you? In this issue, lawyer and free thinker Jeff Allen lays down the law on SaaS. In a refreshing and unbiased look at this technology, Jeff explores the benefits and risks, and explains how to evaluate vendors and their SaaS offerings. Jeff's advice won't just save you time and money. How to Receive TechnoFeature Our flagship... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 12:27 pm by Sara Skiff

Rank This Week: 116

Life of a Law Student: All Feeds

Covers law foundations of Canadian Law. From McGill University's Neil Wehneman and Erin Morgan.

http://www.lifeofalawstudent.com

Sep 19
The Art of the Law School Transfer

As many of you know, I transferred law schools after my 1L year. Many law students consider transferring after their 1L year, generally to move to a higher ranked school. I transferred because I was marrying someone out of state (and dropping a little in the law school rankings), so I didn't have the same academic pressure. Unfortunately, that transfer process did not go smoothly for me. Thankfully, a LoaLS listener has written a comprehensive guide on transferring, appropriately entitled The... Posted on September 19, 2009 at 03:05 pm by Neil
Sep 16
A Plea to New Law Students

Among other things, I am Firearms Instructor. When I tell people this, it's usually a 50/50 split as to whether their eyes are filled with fear or interest. Minds have been conditioned by the media and social biases that "Guns are bad." When I counsel students at the college where I work who are starting their education in legal studies, I ask them a few questions (this works a bit better during an election year): 1) Do you think guns should be banned? 2) The guy who held the sign "You're a... Posted on September 16, 2009 at 07:32 am by Rob Wiltbank
Aug 3
LoaLS #1 on Online Schools Blog Choice

I found out this morning that Life of a Law Student is the top choice over at OnlineSchools.Org on their list of 100 Best Blogs for Law School Students. "Law school is an arduous ordeal few are prepared to undertake. In recent years, the proliferation of technology has made it easier for students to get study tips, career advice or anything else they may need. Blogs have been especially useful for sharing information between people. Whether you're already in law school or are thinking about... Posted on August 3, 2009 at 04:41 am by Rob Wiltbank

Rank This Week: 146

A Harvard Lawyer In Magic City

By Jared Beck.

http://beckandlee.wordpress.com

Oct 9
Stein And Starwood: Two Important New Chapters In The Great American Real Estate Crash Story

September and October of 2009 saw two momentous new chapters in the ongoing saga of the great American real estate crash: a new titan in South Florida real estate development, and a major new opinion on the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In September, the FDIC seized Corus [...] Posted on October 9, 2009 at 05:44 pm by Jared Beck
Jul 6
Navigating The ILSA Minefield: How Have Courts Applied The Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act In An Era Of Economic Crisis?

Back in October 2007 - when the Florida real estate market had just started its precipitous decline, but before the onset of the global credit crunch - I asked whether the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSA) was a "land mine ready to explode" for developers. Now that thousands of ILSA claims filed by [...] Posted on July 6, 2009 at 01:21 am by Jared Beck
May 15
The Trump Facade Is Cracking (Again); With It, The Licensed Condo-Hotel Model

Donald Trump and his businesses have had their share of financial problems over the years, typically the result of being over-leveraged at the wrong time. Now, the vaunted Trump name faces a new type of tarnishment: the kind that comes from branding a new condo-hotel as a "Trump" property, and then pulling off the "Trump" [...] Posted on May 15, 2009 at 07:03 am by Jared Beck

Rank This Week: 204

idealawg

Law practice information and ideas. From Stephanie West Allen of Allen & Nichols Production.

http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/

Nov 19
Interview of a neuroscientist - Learning, Doing, Being: A New Science of Education

Click to listen to this interview of Adele Diamond. From the Web page: What Adele Diamond is learning about the brain challenges basic assumptions in modern education. Her work is scientifically illustrating the educational power of things like play, sports, music, memorization and reflection. What nourishes the human spirit, the whole person, it turns out, also hones our minds. Do you think our method of education needs to be changed? Note: Click to read many of Diamond's publications. And... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 02:22 pm by StephanieWestAllen
Nov 19
Some articles for you mediators

Thanks, SSRN. "The Four Ways to Assure Mediator Quality (and Why None of Them Work)" "Caucus with Care: The Impact of Pre-Mediation Caucuses on Conflict Resolution" "'I' Before 'E', Except in Mediation: Training Introverts to Use Extroverted Techniques to Become Stronger Mediators" Posted on November 19, 2009 at 09:59 am by StephanieWestAllen
Nov 19
Article from Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution: "Venting or Vipassana? Mindfulness Meditation's Potential for Reducing Anger's Role in Mediation"

I am adding another article to the growing collection of articles and resources focused on contemplative lawyering and mindfulness in the law. This one is entitled "Venting or Vipassana? Mindfulness Meditation's Potential for Reducing Anger's Role in Mediation" [PDF]. Posted on November 19, 2009 at 06:41 am by StephanieWestAllen

Rank This Week: 251

JD Bliss Blog

For attorneys seeking career satisfaction, work/life balance and personal growth.

http://www.jdblissblog.com/

Oct 14
Working Mother Magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers Announce Their 2009 List of the "50 Best Law Firms for Women"

It's a late summer tradition: Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers team up to publish their annual list of the top 50 law firms for women. Working Mother magazine is a major publication dedicated to serving and supporting all mothers who are committed to their careers. On its Web site, Flex-Time Lawyers identifies itself as "a national consulting firm that advises law students, attorneys and legal employers on work/life balance, retaining and promoting women and law-firm restructure."... Posted on October 14, 2009 at 08:11 am by Steve Imparl
Mar 1
Guy Kawasaki Shares 10 Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

In a recent blog post, startup guru Guy Kawasaki explained how to use LinkedIn to find a job. For those not familiar with the site, LinkedIn is a professional networking site with over 35 million members in over 140 industries. Members "connect" to each other to form networks, and then share business referrals, marketing tips, job opportunities, and much more (check out LinkedIn for Lawyers 101 for a short LinkedIn tutorial tailored to attorneys). Below, in summary form, are Kawaski's ten tips... Posted on March 1, 2009 at 09:15 am by JD Bliss
Dec 31
Michelle Obama Puts the Spotlight on Work-life Balance for Lawyer-moms

On January 20, 2009, Michelle Obama will become the First Lady of the United States. Arguably, she is going to be the most prominent example of a woman dealing with the challenges that working lawyer-moms face as they work to balance their professional careers with their roles as mothers. Obama, an attorney with a successful career in private practice, city government, and corporate law, has recently spent a great deal of time working on the campaign of her husband, President-elect Barack... Posted on December 31, 2008 at 12:49 am by Steve Imparl

Rank This Week: 260

Strategic Legal Technology

Covers the application of technology to law practice and law business. By Prism Legal Consulting.

http://www.prismlegal.com/wordpress/index.php

Nov 12
Roundup of Twitter Posts - October 2009

Since not everyone reads Twitter, I reproduce here a selection of my recent Tweets. RT @tcorcoran: "Demystifying Outsourcing 4 Corporate Counsel" http://bit.ly/r2E06 || Excellent LPO article. RT @technotheory Exciting new Twitter feature: friend lists built into the site + open APIs http://sn.im/twilists || Taxonomies anyone? Re-Tweets force me to come up with two-word editorial comments. Maybe Tweeting lawyers will learn to write clearly Desperate for outlining software with each point... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 06:49 am by Ron (mailto:ron@prismlegal.com)
Nov 8
New UK Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Survey Suggests Market Growth

LegalWeek last week published a survey of UK partner views on LPO. Partners seek new models but wary of LPOs opens "City partners increasingly believe the law firm model will have to be overhauled but remain sceptical that legal process outsourcing (LPO) will be a major part of the revolution." First the findings, then comments on the survey, and finally the implications. Key Findings: GROWTH. Asked about LPO growth prospects, 13% see "major prospects for growth" and 34% "considerable". The... Posted on November 8, 2009 at 02:53 am by Ron (mailto:ron@prismlegal.com)
Nov 2
Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Update

Legal process outsourcing (LPO) has been in the news a lot in the last few months. And there have been some good blog posts too. Here's a listing. For a November 9th presentation on Legal Process Outsourcing: Opportunities and Challenges to the Palo Alto Area Bar Association (PDF of program) I assembled a list of recent legal press LPO coverage. I was surprised at the extent and nature of the coverage. That list appears at the end of this post. I also want to call out a few blog posts of... Posted on November 2, 2009 at 11:10 am by Ron (mailto:ron@prismlegal.com)

Rank This Week: 266

What About Clients?

Features ideas and thoughts on servicing business clients as valued customers in American law firms. By Dan Hull.

http://www.whataboutclients.com/

Nov 21
Chicago has always had "it".

Posted on November 21, 2009 at 08:59 pm by Holden Oliver
Nov 16
"Hello, my name is Amy Walker."

Dialect. Here's a bit of talent, some fine digital self-promotion and--best of all--a quick trip through the English-speaking West. Posted on November 16, 2009 at 06:14 pm by JD Hull
Nov 15
'Professionalism': A Lawyer-Centric Ruse?

Reprinted from a 2005 "Law Week edition" of The San Diego Daily Transcript, here's "Professionalism Revisited: What About The Client?", written by one of our spunkier U.S. trial lawyers. Note that the piece ends with "rules of professionalism"--but from the client's perspective. Excerpts from Rules 1, 5 and 6: 1. We come first. Be nice--but if in doubt, use the rules. If you feel you know the lawyers you are dealing with, we will follow your advice and instincts. If you are in doubt about the... Posted on November 15, 2009 at 09:31 pm by JD Hull

Rank This Week: 275

Legal Profession Blog

By Professors S. Alan Childress, Michael S. Frisch and Jeffrey M. Lipshaw.

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/

Nov 21
Fieger In Arizona

Geoffrey Fieger was admitted on examination in Arizona in 1980. He also is admitted in Michigan (where he principally practices) and Florida. He was administratively suspended in 1993 for failure to complete Arizona CLE obligations. There are no such requirements... Posted on November 21, 2009 at 05:42 am by Legal Profession
Nov 21
Bait-And-Switch Tactics Merit Suspension

The Illinois Review Board has recommended a five-month suspension in a matter involving an attorney who handled real estate closings. The attorney had failed to disclose his financial interests in survey and title companies used in the transactions. He had... Posted on November 21, 2009 at 05:05 am by Legal Profession
Nov 20
Fairness Not An Unconstitutional Burden

The Alaska Supreme Court has held that a suit against a law firm based on allegations of improper activities in pursuing debt-collection litigation on behalf of a client should not have been dismissed: Robin Pepper sued an Anchorage debt collection... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 02:38 pm by Legal Profession

Rank This Week: 282

Ms. JD - Changing the Face of the...

Ms. JD - Changing the Face of the Legal Profession

A forum for dialogue and networking among women lawyers and aspiring lawyers.

http://ms-jd.org

Nov 20
Ms. JD Weekly Roundup: Week Ending November 20, 2009

Half AmLaw 100 Firms Say They'll Abandon Lockstep. Now What? U.S. Ranks 31st in Global Gender Gap Rankings ABA Lobbies to Let Unemployed Law School Grads Convert Private Student Loans to Federal Ones Anker Named 2009 Woman of Justice EWLA Insists on Naming Women for Top EU Positions Sidley Austin LLP Partner Virginia A. Seitz Honored with a 2009 PAR Flex Success Award read more Posted on November 20, 2009 at 06:55 am by Ms. JD Weekly Roundup
Nov 13
Ms. JD Weekly Roundup: Week Ending November 13, 209

U.S. Lags in Global Gender Gap Ranking Attention Law Students: ABA Proposing Loan Relief Law School As An Investment Why Is Feminism Still So Divisive? The GOP's Women Problem read more Posted on November 13, 2009 at 04:14 am by Ms. JD Weekly Roundup
Nov 12
Do we have a pipeline problem?

After I posted yesterday about the NAWL survey, I couldn't sleep. Despite what I suggested in my original post, I am concerned about the findings, actually deeply concerned (well, except about the rainmaking finding). That concern leads me to this question: Do we have a pipeline problem? One of the main premises upon which the NAWL report is based is that for more than two decades women have graduated from law schools and started careers in private practice at about the same rate as men. Yet,... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 08:11 am by Peg

Rank This Week: 298

Law Department Management

Covers managing in-house counsel groups. By Rees Morrison.

http://www.lawdepartmentmanagementblog.com/

Nov 20
Plenum spaces and pony walls: ways lighting and sound affect the productivity of workers

"Countless studies show that proper lighting and acoustic levels play a key role in increasing workplace productivity." The point is made in an article in Law Practice, Nov./Dec. 2009 at 39 by experts at PDR Corp, that it is better to "reduce your overall ambient light levels and incorporate task lighting controlled by dimmers and motion sensors." "Task lighting" is jargon but the notion makes sense (See my post of Sept. 22, 2009: more on lighting and energy.). The item also mentions that... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 12:37 am by Rees Morrison
Nov 20
Four more environmentally progressive ideas that legal departments might adopt

An article in Legal Tech. News, Vol. 16, Nov. 2009 at 39, describes the environmental efforts of a 40-person law firm. It adds several ideas, and quantifies some of their benefits, to my previous collection (See my post of March 11, 2009: conservation for law departments with 7 references; and Aug. 7, 2009: 32 steps to take.). The firm set a goal to reduce paper consumption by 80 percent and to use recycled paper. The recycled paper costs $1 more per ream (29% more expensive) but the firm... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 12:36 am by Rees Morrison
Nov 19
Train clients or members of the legal department using “spaced education”

People learn much more effectively if they spread out their learning over a period of time, rather than cramming, and if they are tested as they proceed, rather than at the end. Those are the two primary tenets of what is called in the Harv. Mag., Nov.-Dec. 2009 at 10, "spaced education." To improve your training program for clients, break the information they need to learn into discrete packages and repeat them over intervals of time, always presenting it in a test format. New information... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 12:37 am by Rees Morrison

Rank This Week: 299

Build A Solo Practice, LLC

Covers solo practice, marketing and work/life balance. By Susan Cartier Liebel.

http://susancartierliebel.typepad.com/build_a_solo_practice/

Mar 31
We've Moved!

You can now find Build A Solo Practice at our new home at Solo Practice University! Come join me! Posted on March 31, 2009 at 04:44 am by Susan Cartier Liebel, Esq.
Mar 20
Come On In. The Wait is Over.

Solo Practice University is opening today at 12:00 noon EDT. Join us! Posted on March 20, 2009 at 08:30 am by Susan Cartier Liebel, Esq.
Mar 9
Announcing Tuition at Solo Practice University™

We've announced our tuition for Solo Practice University. Head on over to SPU and check it out! Posted on March 9, 2009 at 05:10 am by Susan Cartier Liebel, Esq.

Rank This Week: 380

Lawsagna

Alternating layers of thoughts, tools, tricks, tips and other ingredients for a successful learning experience in law school and beyond. From Anastasia Pryanikova.

http://lawsagna.typepad.com/lawsagna/

Nov 12
How To Think Clearly Under Pressure

About a week ago, I was at a seminar conducted by David Rock, the author of the recently published book "Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long." It was an engaging and thought-provoking presentation that challenged many of our typical work habits that we think serve us well. One of the insights had to do with thinking clearly under pressure. We've all been there: when we need to come up with a solution fast in stressful... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 12:28 pm by Anastasia
Nov 5
Meditate NYC : Free Meditation Instruction at Open Houses Throughout NYC, November 9 – 15

Meditate NYC begins on Sunday, November 8 with an afternoon of meditation instruction by Buddhist teachers from a great variety of traditions. The event is free and open to all. Meditate NYC's kick-off will be followed by a full week of free meditation instruction, November 9 - 15. People from all faiths, backgrounds, and experience are welcome at Open Houses hosted by meditation groups and dharma centers throughout the NYC area. Ongoing scientific research confirms meditation's positive... Posted on November 5, 2009 at 09:50 am by Anastasia
Oct 29
The stressful way to happiness

If learning a new skill is stressful for you, don't despair. According to a new study, people who work hard at improving their competence at something may feel stressed in the moment, but experience greater happiness on a daily basis and longer term. The study examined whether people feel happier when they fulfill certain psychological needs, specifically, the need to be competent, to feel connected to others, and to be autonomous or self-directed. ScienceDaily reports in the article "No Pain,... Posted on October 29, 2009 at 01:52 pm by Anastasia

Rank This Week: 415

Blawfields

Discusses current legal issues.

http://blawfields.blogspot.com/

Aug 12
Tales from the MPRE

Because my MPRE score expired, I had to retake it. After spending a couple hours with students about to begin their third year of law school, I have some observations: The MPRE is a weird exam. It is easy in that you can normally eliminate two wrong answers quickly, leaving you a 50/50 (or at worst a 30/30/30) guess. Often the remaining answers both seem right (impossibly so and even if you Posted on August 12, 2008 at 01:41 am by Purpose
Aug 12
Free LSAT Advice

Prior to and during law school, I was an LSAT tutor both on my own and (at a different time) for one of the large test preparation companies. I'm not particularly fond of the LSAT. Rather, I couldn't believe that my performance on a single test that was learnable could erase years of undergraduate work. I figured out a strategy that significantly improved my score (almost 25 points) and wanted Posted on August 12, 2008 at 01:16 am by Purpose
Aug 3
Some Early Reactions to the Bar Exam

Many of the other people who took the bar exam with me last week are now on well-deserved vacations and have an entire month of relaxation before beginning work again. I, on the other hand, am back working. The joys of being a practicing attorney. I don't know whether I passed or not, though I feel much less confident about it this time than my previous, successful, attempt several years ago Posted on August 3, 2008 at 05:04 pm by Purpose

Rank This Week: 429

Legal Andrew

Law practice and law school tips and information. From Andrew Flusche.

http://www.legalandrew.com

Sep 21
Eee PC Battery Test – 7 Hours, 29 Minutes

I was at an all-day seminar last week, sporting my Asus Eee 1000HE netbook. I brought my AC adapter, but I figured it would be a great chance to really test Asus' claimed 9.5-hour battery. I started the day at about 8:45am with a fully-charged battery. When I decided to actually watch the meter, I tweeted that [...] Posted on September 21, 2009 at 08:30 pm by Andrew Flusche
Sep 20
3 Launchy Tricks – Evernote, Google Voice, RTM

If you want to control your computer from your keyboard, check out Launchy. It's a free keystroke launcher. Here are three ways to supercharge Launchy. Evernote I use Evernote for all my note-taking needs. I constantly need to pull up a note that I've previously written. With Launchy and Evernote's Windows scripting, this is now a piece [...] Posted on September 20, 2009 at 08:10 pm by Andrew Flusche
Sep 19
My Custom Business Management System

Business have data to manage, documents to produce, and customers to invoice. Law firms are no different. I run my own traffic defense law firm. It's a high-volume practice area, which means I have lots of clients at any given time. There are lots of client contracts and invoices going out and coming back from clients. In [...] Posted on September 19, 2009 at 08:06 pm by Andrew Flusche

Rank This Week: 444

Criminal Defense Law with an Apple...

Criminal Defense Law with an Apple

Looks at OSX in a criminal law firm. By Aaron A. Pelley.

http://lawwithanapple.com/

Nov 10
What’s New

Well things have been quiet at Law With an Apple. We have been clicking along without much to say but I thought I would give a quick update on what's new (or the same). I have been very happy with Dropbox and have nothing to report except smooth sailing. We still love our Scan Snap and Adobe tools. I was also given a nice workaround for my gripes with the Scan Snap courtesy of Finis Price. Thanks Finis. Check out his blog, Techno Esquire. I ordered the new Magic Mouse. I love it. But mostly... Posted on November 10, 2009 at 06:09 pm by admin
Oct 14
New Blog: Law On My Phone

Came across the blog Law On My Phone. The blog covers a iPhone hardware/software and shows a lot of promise. Most recent post was on Google Wave. Although I think Google Wave's applications to Criminal Defense Lawyers is far more limited, I am still looking forward to checking out this new product from Google and seeing what tools can be integrated into our firm. Posted on October 14, 2009 at 12:29 pm by admin
Oct 13
Fix the ScanSnap

Today I was going to upgrade my OS to Snow Leopard. Literally minutes before I was going to shove the Snow Leopard disk into my iMac, I got an email from my friend Jonathan, a Lynnwood DUI Lawyer. Jonathan asked whether ScanSnap was compatible with Snow Leopard. I thought to myself, why wouldn't it be? I typed in ScanSnap and Snow Leopard into Google and&#xe2€&#xa6boo. I have posted numerous times on my love affair with the Fujitsu ScanSnap. But this is really sad. The fact that it has still not been... Posted on October 13, 2009 at 02:21 pm by admin

Rank This Week: 509

InhouseBlog

Covers corporate, employment law, environmental, forms, insurance, IP, litigation and more. By Geoffrey G. Gussis.

http://www.inhouseblog.com/inhouseblog/

Nov 19
The 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

Reid Trautz has done it again - for the fifth year in a row. Spread the word - the Holiday Gift Guide is out!! Reid My Blog!: The 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers * Find an In-House Counsel Job @ GoInhouse.com * Posted on November 19, 2009 at 11:01 pm by Editors
Nov 19
Google Gets into Legal Research

The blawgosphere is abuzz with the news - Google has entered the legal research game. Learn more about the news by reading a recent post at Robert Ambrogi's LawSites and then head over to Google Scholar to check it out. * Find an In-House Counsel Job @ GoInhouse.com * Posted on November 19, 2009 at 04:17 am by Editors
Nov 15
Mastering Outlook to Increase Productivity

Microsoft Outlook isn't perfect, but there is more to its e-mail and calendar functions than meets the eye. By combining some of Outlook's best undiscovered features with a little ingenuity, lawyers can reduce their stress levels and perhaps add a bit of leisure time to their schedules. [via Law.com - Mastering Outlook to Increase Productivity.] * Find an In-House Counsel Job @ GoInhouse.com * Posted on November 15, 2009 at 11:58 pm by Law.com

Rank This Week: 521

GarrettWorley.com

Covers the impact of technology and innovation on solo and small firm practitioners.

http://www.garrettworley.com

Oct 12
GarrettWorley: Vexatious litigator ordered to sue no more, files complaint with Sup. Ct. (vexatiously?). http://bit.ly/x7Grt

Vexatious litigator ordered to sue no more, files complaint with Sup. Ct. (vexatiously?). http://bit.ly/x7Grt Posted on October 12, 2009 at 08:29 pm by R. Garrett Worley III
Oct 12
GarrettWorley: Did Erpenbeck bury millions under hole #3 at Summit Hills Country Club? FBI thinks so. http://bit.ly/IGi8R

Did Erpenbeck bury millions under hole #3 at Summit Hills Country Club? FBI thinks so. http://bit.ly/IGi8R Posted on October 12, 2009 at 07:11 am by R. Garrett Worley III
Oct 11
GarrettWorley: Passed the bar exam. Now I just have to wait another two weeks to get sworn in.

Passed the bar exam. Now I just have to wait another two weeks to get sworn in. Posted on October 11, 2009 at 11:24 pm by R. Garrett Worley III

Rank This Week: 538

Adam Smith, Esq.

An inquiry into the economics of law firms. By Bruce MacEwen.

http://www.bmacewen.com/blog/

May 16
Adam Smith's Home Town

If you've never been to Edinburgh, I highly commend it to you. And that's not just because of the Adam Smith connections, although that's what I'll very briefly mention here. We're staying about 200 yards down the Royal Mile from Adam Smith's new statue, unveiled 4 July 2008, and about 400 yards up from his gravesite in the Canondale Kirk yard. The statue is bronze, 10' tall, and prominently situated in front of St. Giles church, Behind him is a plough, said to symbolize the impact of his... Posted on May 16, 2009 at 09:58 am
Apr 14
Interest Rates or Collateral?

Every once in awhile, a genuinely novel idea comes up in economics, and you would think that given the generally impenetrable, contradictory, and confused commentary emanating from far and wide about our current situation, now might be a propitious time for a truly new idea to arise. Parenthetically, I do not wish to single out any particular source or category of publications as blameworthy for disappointing commentary. It seems universal, from the ed and op-ed pages of our most distinguished... Posted on April 14, 2009 at 05:18 am
Apr 8
The Balance Sheet Recession

More than ample is the ink that's been spilled over trying to explain just exactly what we're going through economically: Is it a bad recession? A near depression? Is it analogous to 1929? Is it analogous to....? Does our salvation lie in monetary policy? In fiscal policy? Are trillion-dollar budget deficits as far as the eye can see a monumental threat to the economy, or not nearly enough to deal with the crisis? Is capitalism fundamentally challenged? Was this all the fault of the hubristic... Posted on April 8, 2009 at 05:33 am

Rank This Week: 552

Expert Witness Blog

Blog covers use of expert witnesses in trials as well as expert witness issues. Published by Jim Robinson.

http://www.expertwitnessblog.com/

Nov 15
Forensic Engineering Experts On Motorcycle Helmets

Crashworthiness experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration answer the questions "DO MOTORCYCLE HELMETS INTERFERE WITH THE VISION AND HEARING OF RIDERS? ' Motorcycle crash statistics show that helmets are about 29 percent effective in preventing crash fatalities. That is, on average, riders wearing a helmet have a 29 percent better chance of surviving a crash than riders without a helmet.The hearing test showed that there were no significant differences in the riders' ability... Posted on November 15, 2009 at 12:05 pm by Karen Olson
Nov 15
Fire Expert Witness On What Fire Scene Responders Need To Know Part 1

In What Fire Scene Responders Need to Know in Tough Economic Times (Part 1), fire expert witness and Principal of Pyrocop Inc., Robert Rowe writes: Fire investigation is one of the most difficult of the forensic sciences to practice and as the motivations for arson increase, so too may the need for professional investigators. In most forensic disciplines, even the basic question of whether a crime has been committed is in most cases obvious. However, unlike most crime scenes, a fire scene... Posted on November 15, 2009 at 06:00 am by Karen Olson
Nov 14
Mortgages Expert Witness On Loan Underwriting Part 5

In Basic Characteristics And "Life" of Residential Mortgage Loans mortgages expert witness J. F. "Chip" Morrow writes: The underwriter must also evaluate the character risk of the borrower. Statistics have shown that past satisfactory payment credit history indicates with high probability that the prospective borrower will make future payments including this new loan. The underwriter analyzes the prospective borrower's credit history by obtaining a Residential Mortgage Credit Report ("Credit... Posted on November 14, 2009 at 06:00 am by Karen Olson

Rank This Week: 588

DennisKennedy.blog

Covers legal technology, technology law and other musings. From LexThink's Dennis Kennedy.

http://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/

Aug 30
Recent Microblog Posts - August 30, 2009

DennisKennedy.Microblog is a supplement to this blog that can be found on Twitter at @dkennedyblog. I invite you to become a follower. An explanation of the microblog can be found here. Here are recent posts from the microblog: Amber Riviere: Your blog is your mothership - [bit.ly] Patrick Lamb on Rob Millard's Insights Into The Future Of Law - [bit.ly] - "vectors" and strategy as ongoing process RT @collabtools: Jon Udell on using FriendFeed for collaboration - [bit.ly] - the potential of... Posted on August 30, 2009 at 07:59 pm
Jul 27
Recent Microblog Posts - July 27, 2009

DennisKennedy.Microblog is a supplement to this blog that can be found on Twitter at @dkennedyblog. I invite you to become a follower. An explanation of the microblog can be found here. Here are recent posts from the microblog. As an aside, it's intriguing to me that any one or all of these would have turned into a blog post with some discussion of the topic several years ago. Om Malik on "The Social Web Prays at Email's Altar" - [bit.ly] - ways to fix email? Here's a great podcast -... Posted on July 27, 2009 at 07:26 pm
Nov 6
Recent Microblog Posts - November 6, 2008

DennisKennedy.Microblog is a supplement to this blog that can be found on Twitter at @dkennedyblog. I invite you to become a follower. An explanation of the microblog can be found here. Here are posts from the microblog for the last week or so: What is the potential of Obama's campaign network in running the government and the country? Rob Paterson on Change.gov - [bit.ly] @matthomann's 10 Rules of Legal Technology - [bit.ly] - a great list, but I still have to talk Matt out of his keyboard... Posted on November 6, 2008 at 06:52 pm

Rank This Week: 591

The Mac Lawyer

Covers legal technology with a focus on using Macs in the law office. By attorney Ben Stevens.

http://www.themaclawyer.com/the_mac_lawyer/

Nov 22
Additional Thoughts About "Got Apple Envy"

Last week, I blogged about my presentation from ABA TechShow 2009, "Got Apple Envy? Macs in a PC World". Yesterday, Jeffrey Kabbe of Apple Briefs published the following article, which set forth his thoughts regarding what should be added to my article: I just finished reading through the materials for the presentation by Ben Stevens and David Sparks at the 2009 ABA TechShow called "Got Apple Envy? Macs in a PC World." It's a great introduction to using Macs in any business, but with a special... Posted on November 22, 2009 at 09:01 pm
Nov 19
FutureLawyer on Wrong Side of iPhone vs. Droid Debate Too

As you may recall, FutureLawyer (Rick Georges) and The Mac Lawyer (Ben Stevens) went head-to-head in the March 2008 ABA Journal (Mac v. PC). By all accounts, the fight had to be stopped early - with Mac being declared the unanimous victor. Hip hip hooray! Now, FutureLawyer seems to be itching for another fight, as he blogged earlier this month "iPhones Are For Sissies". He actually wrote, "This thing feels like a man's phone, and makes the iPhone experience feel more suited to a latte drinking,... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 09:01 pm
Nov 17
Got Apple Envy? Macs in a PC World (Best of ABA TechShow 2009)

The ABA TechShow blog has a series called "The Best of ABA TechShow 2009", which features some of the best presentations given by past speakers to showcase some of the content available to attendees. I am pleased that "Got Apple Envy? Macs in a PC World", the presentation given by David Sparks and me is one of those featured. The session description is listed below, and you can download a *.pdf version of our materials as well. It used to be the only apples found in the law office were in lunch... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 09:01 pm

Rank This Week: 699

South Carolina Trial Law Blog

Covers trial techniques, including decision making, exhibits, medical information, presentation settlement, themes and arguments. By David Swanner.

http://www.sctriallaw.com/

Nov 19
Adjuster Law: Not Enough Damage to the Car

I sent a demand package to an insurance company on a car wreck case with about $26,000 in bills for medical treatment and two herniated disks. The adjuster wanted us to get information on prior medical treatment because of the severity of the claim, they felt there had to be some pre-existing condition. We complied because that was information that we would need to gather if there was a lawsuit anyways. When that didn't turn up anything, the denied any payment. The reason? Not enough damage to... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 08:19 am
Aug 19
Funny Answer for Request on Information for an Expert

In a recent conversation: Question: Does anyone have any information on expert _______? Answer: You are in trouble. ______ is formidable. I have used the expert myself on several occasions. The expert is well qualified, very articulate, makes a very good witness, quick on his/her feet, and is married to a judge. Good luck. Ouch. Just goes to show that both sides can have good witnesses. Posted on August 19, 2009 at 01:21 pm
May 23
Don Keenan and David Ball Seminar on the Reptilian Brain

I went to their seminare in Atlanta 2 weeks ago. Great, great stuff. Unfortunately, the book was still at the printers and won't be out for another week or so. They conducted a lot of focus groups and studies based on Clotaire Rapaille's work. Here is Rapaille's home page. The basic concept is that we have the modern functioning brain that helps us with decision making and functioning in our current environment. Underneath that is our lizard brain. The reptilian brain. The reptilian brain works... Posted on May 23, 2009 at 05:55 am

Rank This Week: 721

Counsel to Counsel

Focuses on career and marketing issues facing associates or partners. By Stephen Seckler.

http://www.counseltocounsel.com/blog.html

Nov 19
I'm Guest Blogging on the MassLOMAP Blog

This organization is providing some great resources to solo and small firm attorneys. I'm happy to add my two cents once in a while but I also look forward to continuing to read their very insightful commentary. Posted on November 19, 2009 at 06:53 am by Stephen Seckler, Esq.
Nov 19
Study: Social Media Increasingly Used by Business Executives

An interesting new study documents that increasingly, CEO's and other business professionals are using social networks to help them in their decision making. Sounds like another good reason to join in the dialogue. Posted on November 19, 2009 at 12:42 am by Stephen Seckler, Esq.
Nov 12
Social Media--On the One Hand, But On the Other Hand

A partner at Nixon Peabody lays out the risks and opportunities. Sounds like a lawyer grappling with the tension between what he knows is reality and what he fears could go wrong. Posted on November 12, 2009 at 02:01 pm by Stephen Seckler, Esq.

Rank This Week: 722

My Shingle

Covers client relations, ethics, malpractice, legal research, marketing and solo practice trends. By Carolyn Elefant.

http://www.myshingle.com/

Nov 17
Free Legal Research by Google & What It Means

What do I think about Google's recent launch of a free, online legal research tool as part of Google Scholar? (disclosure: my husband works for Google, but isn't involved with the legal research project) Funny you should ask, because I've been tracking, evaluating and most of all, patiently awaiting the arrival of a functional, robust online research tool for nearly a decade. Back in 2000, I wrote my first piece for the Washington Legal Times, entitled How I Researched A Legal Brief Online for... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 06:28 pm
Nov 12
The Page Between Biglaw and Solo Practice, Between Life and Death

Even though I reside in Bethesda, Maryland and practice appellate law in Washington D.C. just like appellate lawyer Mark Levy, the former Kilpatrick Stockton attorney who took his life after his firm downsized, our paths never crossed. As a biglaw attorney and a small fry in a highly stratified town like Washington D.C., lawyers like Mark Levy and I travel in different circles, attend different conferences and represent different types of clients. Yet in an odd turn of circumstances, our worlds... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 05:04 pm
Nov 10
Your Blog On Social Media

This is a quick video that my daughter, Elana helped me put together (don't you love the blog in the frying pan?) that demonstrates how social media can be used to amplify blogging efforts. That's the topic I'll be discussing today at the Avvo's Mid-Atlantic Tour here in DC (I just noticed that Avvo launched Avvo Pro which will also allow for redistribution of blog content, but I didn't have time to add it). The fact of the matter is that RSS feed, which most bloggers originally believed would... Posted on November 10, 2009 at 06:24 am

Rank This Week: 732

Naked Ownership

A blawg devoted to all things legal in Louisiana.

http://www.nakedownership.com/

Jan 29
What exactly is a "bed and breakfast"?

Well, now we know. According to the Madisonville City Council, &#xc2&#x95 A bed and breakfast must be a one-family dwelling. &#xc2&#x95 The exterior of the building shall maintain a residential appearance. &#xc2&#x95 The facility shall be the residence of the operator, who is the owner or leaseholder of the building. &#xc2&#x95 Rooms may not be rented for more than seven consecutive days, and no more than 15 days per person in any 30-day period. &#xc2&#x95 A morning meal must be served on premises and included within the room charge... Posted on January 29, 2009 at 08:19 pm
Jan 29
What exactly is a "bed and breakfast"?

Well, now we know. According to the Madisonville City Council, &#xc2&#x95 A bed and breakfast must be a one-family dwelling. &#xc2&#x95 The exterior of the building shall maintain a residential appearance. &#xc2&#x95 The facility shall be the residence of the operator, who is the owner or leaseholder of the building. &#xc2&#x95 Rooms may not be rented for more than seven consecutive days, and no more than 15 days per person in any 30-day period. &#xc2&#x95 A morning meal must be served on premises and included within the room charge... Posted on January 29, 2009 at 08:19 pm
Jan 29
Mandeville police have too much discretion in DWI arrests...

So reads this headline from the Times-Picayune: A report on how the Mandeville Police Department handles suspected drunken drivers blames an outdated standards manual and inadequate training for giving patrol officers too much discretion in deciding whom to arrest. The report, by attorney Howard Daigle Jr., was commissioned by the City Council in July after revelations that Mayor Eddie Price was let go by Mandeville police officers in 2006 despite signs that he was driving his city-owned... Posted on January 29, 2009 at 08:14 pm

Rank This Week: 776

Stop the Presses

Advises law firms on how to win in the court of public opinion. By Richard Levick.

http://www.levick.com/blog

Aug 5
Apple’s Mobile Mess

The latest wave of disappointment in Apple's iPhone 3G saga came with the launch of MobileMe a few weeks back. As users reported server outages and lost e-mails, Apple remained quiet - issuing a terse, one-sentence statement online and eventually sending an apology e-mail to subscribers a few days later. To date, the company still has not answered the increasingly angry demands for information from its loyal customers and has stiff-armed inquiring news media. As a result, the mainstream media... Posted on August 5, 2008 at 01:15 pm by rlevick
Aug 1
Nurturing an Investment Carnivale

Rising oil prices have impacted national economies in myriad ways, but one beneficiary of the latest push-pull in energy demand is Brazil. Not only did the South American nation begin to diversify its own energy solutions years ago - it is now pushing to harvest natural resources by initiating oil exploration offshore, putting it on pace to join other energy-exporting superpowers. The result is a boost to almost every sector of Brazil's economic development - from new jobs, to new businesses,... Posted on August 1, 2008 at 05:59 pm by rlevick
Jul 30
Between a Rock and a Hard Place

The New York Times homepage provides a list of stories that readers most frequently e-mail to others. Washington press secretaries, Madison Avenue executives, and marketing experts around the country view this list as a leading indicator of trends in the news. If you're the communications director of a trade or industry association, chances are you don't want see your products mentioned anywhere near it. But on July 24th and 25th, the top story was an article entitled "What's Lurking in Your... Posted on July 30, 2008 at 09:00 pm by rlevick

Rank This Week: 784

Trial Lawyer Resource Center

Several top trial attorneys join together with litigation experts to lend their expertise on topics that matter in your trial practice.

http://www.tlrcblog.com/

Nov 19
Synthes USA, Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) Lots Numbers

Lawyers Mark Zamora and Rob Bunch are investigating these claims, and you can reach them at 404-451-7781 and 888422-2882. Here is the information on the recalled Lots: Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) This recall involves part numbers 04.808.001-11, Synex II Central Body, Titanium (all lots). Part Numbers Descriptions 04.808.001 04.808.002 04.808.003 04.808.004 04.808.005 04.808.006 04.808.007 04.808.008 04.808.009 04.808.010 04.808.011 Ti Synex (TM) II Central Body 14 mm - 19 mm Ti... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 02:15 pm
Nov 17
Vertebral Body Replacement Recall

Attorneys Mark Zamora at 877-574-6454 and Rob Bunch at 888-422-2882 are investigating links between this recall and injuries FDA has notified healthcare professionals of a Class I Recall of all lots of the Synthes USA, Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement, a device used in the T1-L5 portion of the spine to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body. Reports of moderate to severe loss of vertebral body replacement height (caused by failure of the central body component) at six to... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 11:47 am
Oct 15
Blair Robes Recall

Blair Chenille Robes Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Blair LLC, of Warren, Pa., announced a voluntary recall by Blair of 162,000 women's full length Chenille Robes. Since the recall was originally announced in April 2009, Blair has received reports of six deaths due to the robes catching on fire. Five of the six victims were female, and all five were cooking at the time of the incidents. Three of the victims were in their 80s. CPSC and Blair... Posted on October 15, 2009 at 01:09 pm

Rank This Week: 839

Bulletins from Aloha

Covers the Oregon State Bar and lawyering in Oregon.

http://www.bulletinsfromaloha.org/weekly/

Nov 11
AN ODE TO THE CORPORATE LAWYER

OF MORLOCKS AND ELOI Louis D. Brandeis' life bridged the Civil War (b.1856) to World War II (d. 1941). Yet, the battles he fought and wars he won are very relevant today. His recent biographer stated that the headlines of 1905 would be scarcely different from today. "Officials of corporations with huge cash reserves had been treating the company's coffers as their own private piggy banks, using the funds for personal indulgences and illicit campaign contributions." Melvin I. Urofsky, Louis D.... Posted on November 11, 2009 at 03:09 pm by LAUREN PAULSON
Nov 7
STATE LAWYER LEADERS MEET

THE ANNUAL STATE BAR HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING -- 2009 Over one hundred fifty lawyers (150) met at the Bar Center yesterday for the annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting. The House of Delegates is the legislative branch of the State Bar Association (SBA). Some House of Delegates members are elected by their constituents. Some are anointed by virtue of their office, for example, county bar association --presidents. Oddly, the Board of Governors, the executive branch of the SBA government,... Posted on November 7, 2009 at 09:01 am by LAUREN PAULSON
Oct 31
CLOSED JUDICIAL MEETINGS

OREGON JUDICIAL CONFERENCE -2009 I learned several years back that there are numerous meetings around the state that touch and concern the public as well as the law business that are secret. The Oregon Judicial Conference is one of them. But right there on the Oregon Judicial Department's current Statement of Values is that word; yep, there it is: "Oregon courts provide justice and uphold the rule of law. We value: "&#xe2€&#xa6&#xe2€&#xa6"Openness". If that is so, when you have a meeting at the Salem... Posted on October 31, 2009 at 12:03 pm by LAUREN PAULSON

Rank This Week: 912

Knowledgeline

Covers knowledge management within a law firm. By Tom Baldwin.

http://kmpipeline.blogspot.com

Sep 4
Okay, so it's been a while..

It's a good thing I don't try and make a living as a blogger, my time between posts has been quite long - which is a good indicator of how busy we've been here. While every firm is grappling with the change in the economy, that certainly hasn't slowed us down with the projects we're undertaking at the firm. The two biggies this year for us are our rollout of FileSite and our intranet project. You may have seen some press lately around our purchase of Recommind , ContactNetworks, and selecting... Posted on September 4, 2008 at 12:18 pm by Tom Baldwin - Chief Knowledge Officer
May 27
Slow your roll on outsourcing?

In an interesting twist, a Bethesda, MD firm has filed a suit in Federal court claiming that law firms who outsourcing their legal support services overseas could be jeopardizing their client confidentiality. This story was picked up by several news sources, including Law.com. The main point of contention is that once the data leaves the US, the privacy privileges we enjoy go out the water and even claims the US Government might go out of its way to run surveillance on the data: "It seeks this... Posted on May 27, 2008 at 07:01 am by Tom Baldwin - Chief Knowledge Officer
Apr 22
Live from GearUp 2008

So far this is been pretty informative. Guy Kawasaki kicked off the morning in the Keynote, if you've not heard Guy speak before, he's fantastic. Later in the morning there was a panel comprised of CIO/IT Directors from a range of firms, including Ashurt from the UK. No surprises, everyone was still very much challenged with how to manage e-mail. In a room with well over 100 people, only 3 hands went up when the moderator asked who had 75% or higher of adoption for e-mail filing. After lunch... Posted on April 22, 2008 at 08:35 am by Tom Baldwin - Chief Knowledge Officer

Rank This Week: 939

Client Service for Law Firms

Covers business development, client service and customer focus. By Mike Hellum.

http://www.lawfirmclientservice.com/

Oct 11
Word of Mouth Rules Again

According to the Church of the Customer Blog, a new Nielsen study confirms, once again, that word of mouth referrals are still the most trusted form of advertising out there. This news is about as groundbreaking as a new AMA survey that reveals cigarettes are hazardous to your health and licking electric fences can cause severe discomfort. While we all appreciate the confirmation, and I'm definitely grateful to McConnell and Huba (publishers of the awesome CotC blog), it strikes me as another... Posted on October 11, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Oct 11
Employee Motivation!!

Thanks to JD Hull for linking to an old post of his on what he tells his associates. The comment by Mr. Robins below isn't bad, either. Here's the (partial) quote from JD Hull: Every day, the client service...should be good enough to permit those employees to actually steal any client, and take them to another law firm...if they were to leave your shop tomorrow morning. If you are not...willing to go that far with your own employees...you are neither confident about client loyalty (not to... Posted on October 11, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Oct 3
Jeff Bezos Speaks

Thanks to a friend, Jack Mowreader, for an HBR link of Jeff Bezos being interviewed. Feel free to read the entire thing, but here's the kicker as it relates to client service. I love this quote: "You should wake up every morning terrified with your sheets drenched in sweat, but not because you're afraid of our competitors.Be afraid of our customers, because those are the folks who have the money. Our competitors are never going to send us money." Well put!!! Anything else I add will just... Posted on October 3, 2007 at 02:30 pm

Rank This Week: 948

The Common Scold

Covers legal technology, law firm management, business travel and the New York Yankees. By Monica Bay.

http://commonscold.typepad.com/commonscold/

Nov 22
GMTA: WHY MISSION STATEMENTS SUCK

Peter Pepiton was right when he told me that I'd like this video about writing corporate mission statements, from Fast Company's Dan Heath. Posted on November 22, 2009 at 04:56 pm by Monica Bay
Nov 19
LTN AWARDS: DEADLINE EXTENDED, FEE WAIVED

The economy has hit hard on law firm budgets, and especially on discretionary spending for support professionals - sooooo, we have decided to WAIVE the entry fee (and extend the nominating deadline) for our 2009 LTN Law Firm/Law Department Awards. The new deadline is Friday, December 4. This also makes it easier for those of you who want to nominate colleagues who might work for other organizations! And in these turbulent times, it's especially important that we recognize the innovations, hard... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 02:14 pm by Monica Bay
Nov 19
VIRTUAL LEGALTECH

Doors Are Open! Our first Virtual LegalTech has launched. The Exhibit Hall opened this morning at 9 a.m. Starting at 10 a.m., a new program started every hour. My program airs at 3 p.m., "IT Leadership in Turbulent Times," with Morrison & Foerster's James McKenna, and Nixon Peabody's John Roman Jr. John and I (and possibly James) will be available live for chats at 4:15 p.m. EST today (in the Lounge)! You can catch the programs "live" today, until 5 p.m., when the doors close -- but only... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 12:38 pm by Monica Bay

Rank This Week: 957

Engaging Experts: Can I Get a...

Engaging Experts: Can I Get a Witness?

Covers expert witnesses. By the Round Table Group.

http://roundtablegroup.com/engagingexpertwitnesses/

Nov 20
Maryland Court of Appeals to Determine What Professional Activities Qualify Doctors to Testify as "Medical Experts"

Medical expert witnesses in Maryland could see rules tightened in connection with their ability to testify in court as an expert. In 2004, Maryland issued a law that prevented any doctor who devoted more than 20% of their professional time to working on personal injury cases from testifying as a "medical expert." Soon the Maryland Court of Appeals is expected to clarify as to what sort of professional activities may make up the remainder of a doctor's time to qualify. Check out the full AMA... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:16 am
Nov 12
Expert Witness Communications Rule May Be Expanded

The Judicial Conference of the United States recently proposed an amendment to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that would have an impact on expert witness communications. Specifically, the rule would expand the range of communications covered under the work product privilege between attorneys and expert witnesses. The rule change recommendation, as well as another governing summary judgment, must first be adopted by the Supreme Court before going into effect. Check out the full WSJ story. Posted on November 12, 2009 at 07:33 am
Nov 3
Regulatory Expert Witness Article In Latest Edition of MCC

A pair of lawyers from Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. have written an excellent article providing advice on how to successfully use regulatory expert witnesses in product liability actions. The article highlights the importance of proper FDA regulatory analysis as well as providing a proper regulatory history of the product in issue. It's in the latest edition of the Metropolitan Corporate Counsel. Posted on November 3, 2009 at 08:08 am

Rank This Week: 975

Outside Counsel

Occasional notes on a glamor profession. By Bill Altreuter.

http://outsidethelaw.blogspot.com

Nov 20
I'm very sad to learn that...

I'm very sad to learn that Jeanne-Claude, Christo's partner and collaborator, has died. The Central Park Gates was perhaps the happiest public art project I have ever witnessed. She and Christo created an afternoon for our family that I think we will always recall fondly. I know I will never forget the atmosphere of giddy happiness that seemed reflected in the eyes of everyone we encounterd as we walked through the park that day. My condolences to Christo, and to everyone else who loved her or... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 12:00 am by Bill
Nov 19
New York's Court of Appeals got it...

New York's Court of Appeals got it right, I think, by holding that the State must recognize marriages that are legal where performed, including same-sex unions, and I am pleased that Western New York's own Judge Eugene Pigott wrote the majority opinion. During argument Judge Pigott had seemed troubled by the idea that holding this way would amount to telling "Canadians and ...Vermont residents and to people of other states that, 'You're more valuable to us than our own residents,' That, if... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 05:02 am by Bill
Nov 16
Every week the Village Voice posts a...

Every week the Village Voice posts a list of the top selling records at a Village music shop. Greenwich Village is one of the few places left that even has record stores, and the feature is as much about the stores and what they feature as anything else, so it is something that I always turn to with some interest. Last week's store was Rebel Rebel Records. Its Top 10: 1. Various Artists:The Village: A celebration of the Music of Greenwich Village 2. Ricky Lee Jones: Balm in Gilead 3. Julian... Posted on November 16, 2009 at 12:02 am by Bill

Rank This Week: 982

Law Practice Management

Covers disaster planning, law practice management, insurance, marketing and security. By Freedman Consulting.

http://www.pa-lawpracticemanagement.com

Nov 19
Free Case Research on Google Scholar

On November 17th, Google announced its latest offering - Google Scholar - a place where one can find and read full text legal opinions from U.S. federal and state district, appellate and supreme courts; all for free. Google envisions that this will "empower the average citizen by helping everyone learn more about the laws that govern us all." But it is also a handy tool for attorneys. Harrisburg, PA attorney Jan Matthew Tamanini astutely says "It's no substitute for paid services, but its... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 09:04 am by Administrator
Nov 17
Independent Contractors

A number of law firms choose to classify part-time employees as Independent Contractors because it's easier than adding them to payroll, or dealing with tax deductions, workers compensation, and benefit decisions based on part-time or erratic hours of service. But what are the risks involved? Some of the risks depend on whether the employee is properly categorized or not. A number of years ago an internal IRS enforcement memo issued instructions to target law firms who categorized attorneys as... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 02:30 am by Administrator
Nov 12
Peace of Mind from Blackberry

Maybe you're already aware of this, but I just found out about it. BlackBerrys have a special security feature that can be configured at the server end. They have an alert mechanism set up that will send out an emergency notification if you type in a password "under duress" (i.e., if someone is forcing you to unlock your password against your will, for whatever reason). Users can indicate that they are unlocking their BlackBerry Smartphone against their will by moving the first character of... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 01:42 am by Administrator

Rank This Week: 987

The Greatest American Lawyer

Covers alternative billing, marketing, office space and small office technology.

http://greatestamericanlawyer.typepad.com/greatest_american_lawyer/

Nov 18
Interview with William Patry, Author of Moral Panics and the Copyright Wars

The growth of the Internet has created new paradigms and tested old boundaries. In the areas of trademark infringement and copyright infringement those old boundaries may have met their match. William Patry is the chief copyright lawyer for Google and recently authored the book Moral Panics and the Copyright Wars. In this interview concerning copyright wars on Traverse Legal Radio interview, Mr. Patry discusses the controversy concerning the premise of the book that rhetoric is dominating the... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 06:54 am by The Greatest American Lawyer
Nov 12
Free Resources for Attorneys to Create Their Own Websites

I received an email from Adrienne Carlson at McIver & Associates in Houston about a blog she did on the free resources available to attorneys to help them create their own websites. She lists 50 various resources to help create a website that will be informative and helpful to potential clients. Check it out. Posted on November 12, 2009 at 06:27 am by The Greatest American Lawyer
Nov 12
How Attorneys Can Stop Being Perceived as Ambulance Chasers

If there ever was a derogatory term for a lawyer, it is this - being called an ambulance chaser is similar to being compared to a vulture; you're portrayed as being responsible for sucking the blood out of someone who is literally fighting for their life. It's not hard to understand why all personal injury lawyers are tarred with the same brush even though some of them are decent human beings who value their ethics and morals - we hear of them hounding people to file cases, suing people who... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 06:09 am by The Greatest American Lawyer

Rank This Week: 1000

Law People

Covers associate development, coaching, culture, management, mentoring and succession. By Ronda Muir.

http://www.lawpeopleblog.com/

Nov 16
The People Factor Critical to Reinvention

One of the important implications of Muir's article "What the New Law Firm Looks Like: The Reinvention of a Reluctant Industry" is that going forward firms will require the close involvement of sophisticated management professionals who are not necessarily or even preferably lawyers to help design and manage change. These critical players will not only assist in initially envisioning the goals of the firm and its related programs and in easing the various players toward them through the... Posted on November 16, 2009 at 08:00 am
Nov 12
EMail Notifications Are Again Operational

Our host's email notification server has been down for several days and is only now operational, so you have not received notices of blog entries posted during that time. Rather than flood your inbox with notications, please browse the blog at your leisure to catch up on the latest entries--The Importance of Glue, Throwing out Consultants' Reports, and The People Factor Inherent in the Coming Reinvention. Posted on November 12, 2009 at 07:55 am
Nov 6
Throw Out Those Consultants' Reports

We spend our days advising law firms and law departments about the changing landscape for their professional services. But just as the legal industry is in a state of transition, so is the industry that consults with the legal industry. We at Robin Rolfe Resources are retuning our services in order to offer you cost-effective updates on the fast-paced corrections and counter-corrections occurring daily in the legal world. And we are going to do so without killing a lot of trees or landing in... Posted on November 6, 2009 at 08:35 am

Rank This Week: 1013

LawBiz Blog

Covers buying and selling a practice, law firm management and legal marketing. By Ed Poll.

http://www.lawbizblog.com/

Nov 13
Press coverage is good

My father, when I first started my law practice, gave me sage advice: Be by the phone when a customer calls.' The same advice is true for when the press calls for they have deadlines that generally can't be moved. If they reach you, you are likely to get quoted. If they don't reach you, you'll read someone else's quote. This week, I was fortuitously by the phone when two reporters called. The article in the LA Times (and the following day in the Chicago Tribune, the Times' parent) was about... Posted on November 13, 2009 at 02:10 pm
Nov 11
Civil Gideon statute - Are we ready for this?

California now has the nation's first "Civil Gideon" statute, which provides a lawyer to people who cannot afford one in civil cases related to critical basic human needs. Posted on November 11, 2009 at 06:45 am
Nov 11
Is the cloud ready for prime time?

Some folks are now advising the implementation of a hosted exchange server. They appear to have become more stable and reliable. Is this true? Is the "cloud" now being effectively seeded by qualified and capable technology? What are the pros and cons of hosted exchange servers? Posted on November 11, 2009 at 04:14 am

Rank This Week: 1016

legal sanity

Covers key lawyering skills, nontraditional approaches to practicing law and work/life balance. By Arnie Herz.

http://www.legalsanity.com/

Nov 12
continuing legal education through self-study

When it comes to continuing legal education (CLE), most of us think in the very black and white terms of meeting our state's mandate. But, my thinking has been colorized a bit by the convergence of three forces: A Ms. JD post on extending legal education Recent coverage of the Association of Corporate Counsel's new ACC Value Index (allowing/encouraging its members to "share ratings of law firms based on client satisfaction") Dispute resolution expert Diane Levin's compelling look at... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 06:41 pm
Nov 2
everything old is new again: the re-birth of the client-centric lawyer

For the last few years, I've devoted a lot of space here to the idea and practice of client-centricity. You can sample my take on the topic via posts like these: evangelizing legal service delivery client experience management legal service delivery: what controls the client experience are you remarkable? client centered care (re)designing legal service delivery around the client experience (introducing my legal sanity mentor series why it's a great time to be a village lawyer I based these... Posted on November 2, 2009 at 06:01 pm
Oct 26
lawyers are not service providers

Last week, I discussed why clients and prospective clients view lawyers as commodities. I suggested that we can avoid this type of identity crisis (yes, I think that being labeled a commodity is not a good thing) by taking some time to figure out what the people we help really want from us beyond fairly priced services. I found some good guidance and inspiration on this front in a remarkablogger post titled Why You Are Not A Service Provider. In it, blogger Michael Martine notes that consumers... Posted on October 26, 2009 at 09:25 am

Rank This Week: 1018

Federal Bar Association - New...

Federal Bar Association - New Orleans Chapter

Lists bar association news and events.

http://www.nofba.org/nofba/

Nov 7
Last Chance CLE – December 9

The New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association will present its annual "Last Chance CLE" on Professionalism and Ethics on December 9, 2009, from 3:00 to 5:15 p.m. This year's speakers are Judge Sarah S. Vance, Magistrate Judge Alma L. Chasez, and Professor Pamela R. Metzger. Seminar attendees will receive continuing legal education credit in both ethics and professionalism. The seminar will take place in the Ceremonial Courtroom (5th Floor) at the United States District Court for the... Posted on November 7, 2009 at 08:58 am by Wendy Hickok Robinson
Nov 7
State and Federal Courts CLE – December 7

On Monday, December 7, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association will present a seminar entitled "State and Federal Courts Continuing Legal Education." This informative seminar will address what is happening in the state and federal courts and the Louisiana State Bar (with court updates from Judges of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana), how... Posted on November 7, 2009 at 08:34 am by Wendy Hickok Robinson
Oct 22
Malcolm W. Monroe Federal Practice Seminar – November 20

Each year, the Younger Lawyers Division of the Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, hosts the Malcolm W. Monroe Federal Practice Seminar. This program is specifically geared toward newly admitted attorneys, and it offers them the opportunity to be admitted to all of the federal courts in Louisiana. In addition to the joint admission ceremony, this year's seminar will feature presentations on ethics, professionalism, law office management, and federal practice, for which attendees will... Posted on October 22, 2009 at 03:45 pm by Wendy Hickok Robinson

Rank This Week: 1032

the [non]billable hour

Covers client service, law office economics, marketing and the practice of law. By LexThink's Matt Homann.

http://thenonbillablehour.typepad.com/nonbillable_hour/

Nov 4
Ten Rules of Law Firm Retreats

Whether your next law firm retreat takes place at a tropical location or in the firm's conference room, there are several things to keep in mind to make it productive, useful and fun. Here are my Ten "Rules" for law firm retreats. Feel free to add your own in the comments. Enjoy! 1. When planning a retreat, the most important voice at the table should belong to your best clients. Ask them what you need to improve upon in the coming year, and invite them if you dare. 2. At a good retreat, firm... Posted on November 4, 2009 at 08:39 am by Matthew W. Homann
Oct 28
Does Your Firm Know Customer Math?

Jackie Huba has a great Q and A with Jeanne Bliss, the author of "I Love You More Than My Dog": Five Decisions That Drive Extreme Customer Loyalty in Good Times and Bad." There's a lot of meat in the interview (and probably in the book as well), but the real nugget is this reminder to pay more attention to serving existing customers than to pursuing new ones: Q: Do companies need to be customer-driven to grow? A: Companies forget that customers keep them in business. Customers who love... Posted on October 28, 2009 at 11:16 am by Matthew W. Homann
Oct 28
Keep Your Clients Healthy

/**/ John Jantsch, of Duct Tape Marketing, tweeted this "killer retail traffic strategy" that could work for law firms: hook up with RN and offer flu shots in your store or business. Could you offer a free flu-shot to your clients? Especially if combined with a legal check-up, too? Posted on October 28, 2009 at 11:11 am by Matthew W. Homann

Rank This Week: 1038

Cotterman on Compensation

Covers lawyer compensation and law firm finance. By Jim Cotterman of Altman Weil, Inc.

http://blog.altmanweil.com

Nov 2
Start Working on AR Now

Today's Wall Street Journal had an article on corporations hoarding cash. While not directly citing a slow down in paying bills, the mindset of holding onto cash to retain "operational and strategic flexibility" is not a good sign. With two months left in the year it may be prudent to begin that final push to bill and collect a bit earlier this year. Posted on November 2, 2009 at 08:44 am by Jim Cotterman
Oct 29
What Ever Happened to Mandatory Retirement?

Whatever happened to mandatory retirement? Just two years ago in 2007 the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) developed position statements urging abandonment of mandatory retirement. According to the NYSBA report, "We do not suggest that partnership is, or should be, a guarantee of life tenure, and we are well aware of the economics of law firm practice and the need for senior partners to pass on client responsibilities to younger partners." Then the... Posted on October 29, 2009 at 12:07 pm by Jim Cotterman
Oct 16
The Changing Associate Model

The recession has challenged businesses everywhere. Law firms have been more profoundly affected by these extraordinary times then any I can remember. Unfortunately these changes have disrupted lives and livelihoods - significant associate layoffs, associate pay reductions, reductions in first-year class size and starting salaries, and deferrals of employment start dates, among others. However, the news is not all bad. Law firms are also making changes that actually make associate careers... Posted on October 16, 2009 at 04:32 pm by Jim Cotterman

Rank This Week: 1041

Small Business and Solo Law...

Small Business and Solo Law Practice Blog

Offers tips for running your own small business or solo law practice. By Victor Medina.

http://victormedina.typepad.com/lpmblog/

Sep 18
Clark Grading Grading Contractor

Clark Grading is a top quality Grading Contractor. Being in the business for over 30 years there experience will speak for them selves. Clark Grading as a Grading Contractor services the Inland Empire Grading, Grading Riverside, Grading Corona, Grading San Bernardino, Grading Orange County and all surrounding areas.You will be sure to receive the highest quality Grading Contractor in the area. Also you will find Clark Grading all around Finish Grade Riverside Posted on September 18, 2009 at 03:19 pm by I love my Blog
Apr 29
MILO Chat Weekly - Ep. 11 - "Bringin' the Funny Today"

MILO Chat Weekly - Episode 11 - "Bringin' the Funny Today" Regular crew: Ben Stevens, Finis Price, Victor Medina We ran a little long on this one, but we think it's entertaining. As usual, let us know what you think by clicking email link below and sending us your comments. Comments? Send them to milochat@miloweekly.com Subscribe to this podcast using iTunes! Embedded player here: Download the podcast directly by right-clicking and saving this link Posted on April 29, 2009 at 08:11 pm by milochat@miloweekly.com (Victor Medina)
Mar 24
MILO Chat Weekly - Ep. 10 - "I'm the Mac Lawyer, lowercase 't'"

MILO Chat Weekly - Episode 10 - "I'm the Mac Lawyer, lowercase 't'" Regular crew: Ben Stevens, Finis Price, Victor Medina The show is shorter in length, easier to digest. Let us know what you think by clicking email link below and sending us your comments. Comments? Send them to milochat@miloweekly.com Subscribe to this podcast using iTunes! Embedded player here: Download the podcast directly by right-clicking and saving this link Posted on March 24, 2009 at 04:03 pm by milochat@miloweekly.com (Victor Medina)

Rank This Week: 1066

Greensboro Law Blog

Covers the practice of law in Greensboro, North Carolina.

http://greensborolaw.blogspot.com/index.html

Sep 7
Officer Voluntarily Dismisses Lawsuit Against City of Greensboro

In case you didn't see it this past week, Lieutenant James Hinson, who was seeking damages against the City of Greensboro for racial discrimination, voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against the City.There were numerous articles about this turn of events. You can find one of them here. Posted on September 7, 2009 at 12:52 pm by Greensboro Law Blog
Jul 19
Sen. Hagan submits recommendations for federal posts

I know this is old news already, but Senator Kay Hagan recently submitted her recommendations for federal posts. Her recommendations include Judge Catherine Eagles, Anita Earls and Judge Edwin Wilson in the Middle District, which includes Greensboro.Potential U.S. Attorney nominees include Judge Ripley Rand, Lee Farmer and Judge Susan Taylor in the Middle District, which includes Greensboro.For Posted on July 19, 2009 at 02:38 am by Greensboro Law Blog
Jul 19
New E-mail Address for Greensboro Law Blog

Yahoo was starting to get on my nerves, so I decided to jump on the Google bandwagon.Any ideas, thoughts, or comments? E-mail us at greensborolawblog at gmail.com. Posted on July 19, 2009 at 01:43 am by Greensboro Law Blog

Rank This Week: 1069

Ross Ipsa Loquitur Blog

Offers thoughts on law practice management and technology issues. By Ross Kodner and the MicroLaw team.

http://rossipsa.com

Aug 21
Abomination

The title says it all. No, it's not about legal technology. It's about sports. And about decency, or lack thereof. My family have been Packers fans and season ticket holders since the dawn of recorded time. And like every member of the tribe, and like other Packers shareholders (yes, we have our single share of team ownership), we were devoted Brett Favre followers. But this is an abomination. It is an affront to all that is decent or at least should be decent in sports. It is about spite,... Posted on August 21, 2009 at 08:07 am by Ross
Aug 17
Monday Deal Alert! 25″ LCD/HDMI Display for $189

What a perfect day to start your digital week! Tigerdirect has an i-Inc 25&#xe2€&#xb3 LCD flat panel display for $189. To be sure, that's a great price but what makes it a really exceptional deal is: 1920 x 1080 resolution Super-fast 2 ms screen response time fast enough even for mid-afternoon Flight Simulator spins (admit it, you know you do!) The best part - two HDMI inputs so you can connect a digital cable box, Blue-Ray or DVD player, Tivo HD, etc. for video And of course, if one of these would be... Posted on August 17, 2009 at 07:44 am by Ross
Aug 14
$50 Discount Code for 8/20 WebCLE: “Minimize Risk with Legal Case, Matter and Practice Management Systems”

For my online CLE with Andy Adkins next week on August 20th at noon CDT (12-130PM CDT), I've just been told there is a $50 discount code available - the CLE info is here including online registration. The discount code to use when checking out is Z7745121. Every little bit helps, right?? Hope you can join Andy and me next week - we've got a ton of materials included! Everything about practice management systems including our thoughts on SaaS / Cloud Computing products. Related posts: Mac... Posted on August 14, 2009 at 08:51 am by Ross

Rank This Week: 1073

Lawyer Hatton

Covers cases and topics of interest to solo or small firm practices. From Tennessee attorney Tim Hatton.

http://lawyerhatton.blogspot.com/

Jul 21
Arbitration in Consumer Contracts

I have had a long interest in the issue of whether arbitration should be compelled when the arbitration agreement is simply a part of the boilerplate in a contract for consumer goods or services. The Ohio Supreme Court has recently held that such contracts must be enforced, even when a specific statute grants the right to proceed in a class action or as a private attorney general. The case was Hayes v. Oakridge Home, Slip Opinion No. 2009-Ohio-2054. Ohio is one of the few states that have gone... Posted on July 21, 2009 at 04:57 am by Tim Hatton
Jun 17
Publicity

My client in the so-called "murder for hire" case that was featured on Nancy Grace a year or so ago entered a no contest plea this week. She will serve 15 days in the county jail and can serve the time on weekends. Pretty good outcome considering that she could have received 25 years in prison if found guilty as charged. There must have been a reporter in the courtroom since the entire plea exchange with the judge was printed up in the paper this morning. They got it correct for the most part,... Posted on June 17, 2009 at 02:25 pm by Tim Hatton
Jun 14
Traffic Cameras

Callers to my radio show continue to be intrigued by the issue of cameras installed at traffic lights and intersections so that you can be mailed a ticket for any infraction. A local city. Mt. Juliet, is considering installing them. I happened to wonder, just the other day, exactly how the photo could be admitted. After all, in order to admit a photograph, you have to elicit testimony that it accurately depicts the conditions at the time it was taken. In the case of an automated traffic camera,... Posted on June 14, 2009 at 02:22 pm by Tim Hatton

Rank This Week: 1082

Covers building the law firm of the future, enabling lawyers to meet in person or in cyberspace, accessing resources and information over the Internet, and leveraging systems and tools. By Roger P. Glovsky.

http://thevirtuallawyer.blogspot.com/index.html

Jun 7
Working out of your pocket!

Okay, I admit it. I fell in love with another PDA/cell phone. My last love was a Motorola MPx200, which I bought from AT&T wireless back in 2005. It had everything I wanted: email, calendar and contacts that sync with outlook, voice recorder, MP3 player, high quality display screen, and a small clam shell design. The only problem was that the cell phone range was limited and calls were often dropped or could not connect, or there was no signal. Not being able to use the phone was a problem!... Posted on June 7, 2009 at 01:37 am by V-lawyer
Oct 26
Guest Blog: Cost Effective Ways to Resolve Legal Matters

Although I have been noticeably absent from the blogging world this year, I did manage to write an article as a guest blogger for the LemonJustice Blog. When disputes are not cost effective for lawyers to handle, there often DIY alternatives. For years, clients have heard me refer to this as waging the "fax/email campaign." If you want to know more, read my post on Cost Effective Ways to Resolve Legal Matters. Posted on October 26, 2008 at 10:29 pm by V-lawyer
Oct 8
Using Technology to Boost a Law Practice

Attorney Sergei Lemberg, who specializes in consumer lemon law and writes the LemonJustice Blog, is sitting in the guest blogger's chair today. Thanks Sergei! After I graduated from law school, I went the typical route and spent five years working for a series of major law firms. Eventually, though, I reallzed that I wanted to run my own shop, be my own boss, and handle my own cases. After deciding that lemon law would be my niche, I went about the process of building my practice, a process... Posted on October 8, 2008 at 11:18 pm by V-lawyer

Rank This Week: 1099

Home Office Lawyer

Covers home offices, law office management, Macs in the law office and more. By Grant D. Griffiths.

http://gdgrifflaw.typepad.com/home_office_lawyer/

May 26
Going Solo in a New Economy

Two of the top advocates of the solo attorney, Susan Cartier LIebel and Carolyn Elefant are offering a Teleseminar on Tuesday, June 9th Noon EST called, 'Going Solo in a New Economy' The Topics They Will Cover: Why starting a law firm doesn't have to be your first career choice; but it may be your only career choice Why you don't need a years worth of savings to start a law firm; nor may you have the luxury of a years worth of savings Why you don't need a 'sales-y' personality to succeed as a... Posted on May 26, 2009 at 10:07 am by Grant Griffiths
May 22
Building a Successful Blog

I have been writing an ongoing series over at Blog For Profit called Building a Successful Blog. If you are struggling with getting a blog up and going. Or you are thinking about blogging, I would encourage you to read the series. And don't be afraid to ask questions in the comments of the post in the series. I always read them and answer them too. Posted on May 22, 2009 at 06:29 am by Grant Griffiths
Apr 8
Practice Pro Monthly - Jay Fleischman

You more likely than not, have heard of Jay Fleischman. Jay is my friend and a consumer bankruptcy attorney who helps other lawyers market, manage and grow their practices. What I like about how Jay does what he does is that he is really cutting edge and unusual, but totally ethical and honest. Jay just shot this video and I know you are going to be interested in seeing it. You can view the video here. I have seen what Jay has been working on first hand, and I can say what he's got behind the... Posted on April 8, 2009 at 08:36 am by Grant Griffiths

Rank This Week: 1103

1234Tips - The First Time Matters...

1234Tips - The First Time Matters Blog

Offers step-by-step instructions showing how to get more out of Time Matters software.

http://www.activepractice.com

Mar 11
How to Attend Our Webinars

Our free Time Matters Webinars are offered on the second Friday of each month. Sign up on our Home page. After you sign up, you will receive an e-mail with the link you need and instructions. Posted on March 11, 2009 at 06:24 pm by wells
Jan 13
Automatic Dates with Chains

Chain Templates in Time Matters and Practice Advantage can create predictable series of important Events and ToDo's each time you open a new Matter. This tip explains how you can automatically adjust dated records when you change the date of one record in a chain. Posted on January 13, 2009 at 04:04 pm by wells
Jan 8
Receive 1234Tips by E-mail

Receive illustrated tips every few weeks showing you how to be more productive using Time Matters, Practice Advantage and related technologies. Please click below to subscribe. Posted on January 8, 2009 at 06:51 am by wells

Rank This Week: 1112

Elusive Justice

Covers the practice of law with advice and insights. By Gregory Adam Napier

http://elusivejustice.wordpress.com

Jan 17
Personal Soap Box: Insight Communications, Inc & the “bundling” trap

First of all, Insight is engaging in poor business practices in that they effectively punish people who become loyal customers. The second lesson then is that our reluctance to change is our enemy. The third lesson is that when a company gets large enough, they no longer have to reckon with the individual customer. Posted on January 17, 2009 at 11:06 am by elusivejustice
Jan 2
Best Practice in Dependency, Abuse & Neglect Matters

I am writing this to correct any idea that I inadvertently promoted that being adversarial with the Cabinet is the way to win your case (I mean adversarial in the sense of ones attitude rather than in the sense that the court process is an adversarial process). Those criticisms are designed mainly for a global change in the system through political action; they are not meant to fuel a personal vendetta in an individual case. Posted on January 2, 2009 at 06:00 pm by elusivejustice
Sep 3
Stall Tactic - Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights

Kentucky sets forth the grounds for a court involuntarily terminating parental rights in KRS 625.090. The statute basically gives the essential elements, all of which much be proved by the heightened standard of "clear and convincing" evidence: the child has been abused or neglected (and there are three wasy to show this) and that [...] Posted on September 3, 2008 at 07:06 pm by elusivejustice

Rank This Week: 1128

Becoming a Lawyer

Information about taking and passing the California Bar exam from a recent law school graduate.

http://calbar07.blogspot.com/index.html

Apr 26
An Ending

I haven't had much of a chance to write lately. Then all of a sudden, I find myself at home this weekend. When you're the junior lawyer on a case, you never really know when you're going to be busy and when you're not. I received this in the mail a while back (I painted over my information): I carry it in my wallet, even though there's not point to having it all the time. The other day, my cousin, who is going to college next fall, told me (over IM) that she was thinking about going to law... Posted on April 26, 2008 at 12:58 pm by biff
Feb 23
Positive Thinking

Good luck folks! Posted on February 23, 2008 at 03:52 pm by biff
Jan 25
Document Review Video

- I heard New York got 20k.- I heard that too.- It's not fair. We work just as hard.- I do. You always get the good leaf.- You're retarded.- Of course we get more money. It costs more to live here... Real estate prices alone... And having to take cabs everywhere.- I keep thinking there is more than this. Bigger things... These leaves seem endless...- But one day these leaves will end.- I can't wait to make partner. Laying back... Phat crib. Making the big decisions. Life a big party... These... Posted on January 25, 2008 at 03:10 pm by biff

Rank This Week: 1155

LAWpportunities

Covers the latest trends and topics in the legal profession. By Brett Trout and Rush Nigut.

http://www.lawpportunities.com/

Nov 5
Visit Blawg IT and Rush on Business

The demands of maintaining our own law blogs and busy law practices has caused us to end our Lawpportunities' projects. We won't be posting on this blog any longer but there are still opportunities to catch our other blogs. Please be sure to visit Brett Trout's patent and intellectual property blog - Blawg IT. For the latest on Iowa business, employment and franchise law issues please visit Rush on Business. Brett and I both blog twice a month for IowaBiz.com. Finally, Sullivan & Ward has... Posted on November 5, 2007 at 08:02 pm by Rush Nigut
Jun 22
SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS REVEALED SEMINAR POSTPONED

We are disappointed to report that the Secrets of Successful Professionals Revealed Seminar scheduled for July 20th at the Professional Solutions Insurance Services Building is postponed until later in the year. If you have signed up for the seminar we will provide you with a full refund within the next week. Unfortunately we were not getting the numbers of people we expected due to competition against vacations, golf, etc. We still believe it is a wonderful panel of speakers and hope to revive... Posted on June 22, 2007 at 04:57 am by Rush Nigut
Jun 16
Blogging Expert and Successful Entrepreneur to Speak at Iowa Business Conference

We are incredibly excited and honored to have Kevin O'Keefe of Seattle, Washington as the featured speaker at the upcoming Secrets of Successful Professionals Revealed seminar on July 20th in Clive. Kevin is the President of LexBlog, the leading company building marketing blogs for lawyers and other professional service firms. Prior to forming LexBlog, O&#xef&#xbf&#xbd??Keefe founded PrairieLaw.com, an online law community for consumers and small business people, sold to LexisNexis in 2001 and now... Posted on June 16, 2007 at 01:24 pm by Rush Nigut

Rank This Week: 1165

Life at the Bar

Covers law practice and life balance issues facing lawyers. Published by Julie Fleming Brown, a professional and personal coach for lawyers.

http://lifeatthebar.wordpress.com

Oct 31
Moving day!

It's moving day for the Life at the Bar blog! It's been a busy couple of weeks behind the scenes getting the new space ready to go. Almost everything has been moved over (except for a few recent comments, and I'll be working on that) and the new space is open for visitors. Please come on over [...] Posted on October 31, 2007 at 06:30 am by Julie Fleming-Brown
Oct 29
Working breakfasts, lunches, and dinners

When I sat down to write today's post, I intended to write about how excellent client service blends into client development. I'd planned to suggest some tactics for extending the relationship so you become a "trusted advisor" (to borrow David Maister's phrase). One of the tactics I'd planned to suggest was, not surprisingly, [...] Posted on October 29, 2007 at 09:24 am by Julie Fleming-Brown
Oct 23
Make it memorable.

One of the best books that I've started reading&#xc2&#xb9 this year is Made to Stick, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. The thrust of the book is that ideas that are memorable share certain common features. By learning those features, you can make your own ideas more "sticky." The six principles that [...] Posted on October 23, 2007 at 04:50 am by Julie Fleming-Brown

Rank This Week: 1166

LLRX.com

Covers legal research and tech issues. By Sabrina Pacifici.

http://www.llrx.com/

Nov 18
Bridging the DiGital Divide: A New Vendor in Town? Google Scholar Now Includes Case Law

The November 17, 2009 Google launch of free caselaw searching via Google Scholar is the focus of John J. DiGilio's timely content and resource review. Posted on November 18, 2009 at 02:55 am
Nov 17
Support for the Research Process - An Academic Library Manifesto

This document by Chris Bourg, Ross Coleman, and Ricky Erway can serve as a pathfinder for those professionals seeking to focuses on roles that academic, law and special librarians could undertake in order to better support the research process. Posted on November 17, 2009 at 01:02 pm
Nov 14
Free Tools and Applications For More Efficient Online Interaction

Many lawyers understand the importance of networking, but running a law practice takes time and no one ever seems to have enough of it. This factor is one of the main reasons lawyers offer as an excuse to avoid online networking, but Nicole Black proposes how choosing even a few efficient applications from the range of free tools available can streamline and accelerate this marketing process. Posted on November 14, 2009 at 05:58 pm

Rank This Week: 1217

Leadership for Lawyers

Covers client service, creativity, leadership, marketing, operations and research. By Mark Beese.

http://leadershipforlawyers.typepad.com/leadership_for_lawyers/

Nov 11
Eight Ways Staff Can Participate in Business Development

/**/ While the burden of business development falls primarily on attorneys, staff members such as secretaries, administrative assistants, paralegals, technologists, librarians and directors can and should make significant contributions to the firm's business development efforts. Here are eight ways staff can make a difference. Provide remarkable client service: For many clients, an attorney's secretary or assistant is their lifeline to the firm. Attorneys rely on staff to help them be... Posted on November 11, 2009 at 08:18 pm by mark beese
Nov 1
Visioncasting in Turbulent Times

These are tough times for law firm leaders. Many firms have had one or more rounds of layoffs. Attorneys are pressured to bill more hours and bring in more work. Staff are being asked to do more work with fewer resources. Attorneys and staff alike wonder if they'll still have a job next week, month or year. Anxiety is high, even in the best of firms. While there is a light at the end of the tunnel, some wonder if it is a freight train. Managing partners and firm leaders have a lot to think... Posted on November 1, 2009 at 05:42 pm by mark beese
Nov 1
Legal Marketing Conference Announces Speakers for Denver 2010

I am pleased that the 2010 Legal Marketing Conference will be held in Denver, Colorado from March 10-12, 2010. This year the program will be a bit different from previous conferences. American Conference Institute (ACI) has been hired to develop and manage the conference. Recently they announced (on LinkedIn.com) a very interesting faculty, including: Sarah Andeen, Legal Business Analyst, Greenberg Traurig Jeff Baron, Director, National Pursuit Team for New Business Development,... Posted on November 1, 2009 at 04:30 pm by mark beese

Rank This Week: 1243

the (new) legal writer

A collection of resources for lawyers, who write. By Raymond Ward.

http://raymondpward.typepad.com/newlegalwriter/

Nov 20
Prevision

Writing guru Roy Peter Clark has come up with a great word for the mental work done before putting fingers to keyboard: prevision. It's the first of three stages in the writing process: prevision, vision, revision. Prevision is "[w]hat to call that period of mental and physical rehearsal that precedes coming to a full understanding of what your story is really about-before you truly 'see' the story." Me, I spend a majority of my briefwriting time in the prevision stage: digesting the record,... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 05:33 pm by Ray
Nov 19
Of headnotes and issue statements

Ernie the Attorney had an interesting post yesterday asking how the headnotes in West digests encourage lawyers to write long-winded sentences. The answer: the headnote authors follow the senseless convention of trying to cram all the pertinent information into one sentence. Unfortunately, lawyers who read these headnotes often imitate their style. In my world of appellate practice, this pernicious influence most often manifests itself in the issue statements in briefs. You briefwriters out... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 05:50 pm by Ray
Oct 29
Sure, you can split an infinitive, but this is ridiculous.

This blog's official position on split infinitives is that they're okay. The Star Trek catch phrase - "to boldly go" - is A-okay with us. But please, please don't use your freedom from the no-split-infinitives superstition to write a sentence like this: Is it kosher for a law enforcement agency to, pursuant to a lawfully granted search warrant, search your Gmail account without telling you? I found this on, of all places, the Wall Street Journal Law Blog. As my high-school Spanish and Latin... Posted on October 29, 2009 at 06:00 pm by Ray

Rank This Week: 1268

Compujurist.com

Covers legal technology, practice management and items of interest to lawyers. By Nerino Petro.

http://compujurist.com

Nov 20
Not so fast Mr. Employeer – You may not have a right to read my personal email.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, some courts are backing away from the blanket concept that all emails sent using company equipment and networks are company property. Posted on November 20, 2009 at 04:09 am by Nerino Petro
Nov 19
Great tip – using Google Local Business Center to attract new clients

Lawyerist.com has a great tip in its post here on taking advantage of Google's free Local Business Center to attract new clients. Using the Google Local Business Center, you can customize how your business listing appears in Google and Google maps. Posted on November 19, 2009 at 08:26 am by Nerino Petro
Nov 17
LexisNexis Sells HotDocs Software Business to UK Company

LexisNexis announced today that Capsoft of Scotland has purchased the HotDocs software business from LexisNexis. LexisNexis retains its Automated Forms group and will continue to provide HotDocs enabled forms including those found on its LexisONE website. Read the full press release after the break Posted on November 17, 2009 at 12:54 pm by Nerino Petro

Rank This Week: 1271

Next Generation, Next Destination

Covers partner transition planning at professional firms. By Development Counsel.

http://www.NEXTGENERATION-NEXTDESTINATION.COM/

Nov 11
HOW ATTITUDES TOWARD ECONOMIC RECOVERY INFLUENCE BUSINESS TRANSITIONING

A new MetLife survey says the severe economic downturn has revised the retirement mindset for all generations. Better late than never (?) all generations regret their financial behavior pre-crisis. Amassing too much credit card or other debt was most prevalent among Gen Xers (54%); and Boomers more than others (22% to 17% for all Americans) regret insufficient diversification of assets. Gen Yers expect the economic recovery to come sooner than other generations do. As a group, they expect the... Posted on November 11, 2009 at 07:14 pm by Phyllis Weiss Haserot
Nov 9
GETTING BUY-IN AND LOYALTY FOR THE INSTITUTION

Drew Gilpin Faust, Harvard's president was the interview subject of the New York Times "Corner Office" column (Nov. 1, 2009) discussing her approach to leadership. What I took from her remarks, though coming from her experience in academia, was some advice for generating buy-in to an organization's overall success by practice group and business unit leaders. Gilpin pointed out that one of the key reasons for leader communication frequently and repeatedly is so people will not feel a sense of... Posted on November 9, 2009 at 08:52 pm by Phyllis Weiss Haserot
Nov 1
MORE ON GEN X LEADERSHIP GAP AND RETENTION DISCONNECTS

I have written frequently before about a looming Generation X leadership gap. Still another survey indicates that employers and employees are not on the same page about talent management and retention. Research by Deloitte Consulting in a survey report released in August 2009, "Keeping Your Team Intact: A Special Report of Talent Retention" finds that Gen X employees have the highest intention to leave their current jobs of the three most prevalent generations in the workplace after the... Posted on November 1, 2009 at 10:52 am by Phyllis Weiss Haserot

Rank This Week: 1287

Litigation Support Industry News...

Litigation Support Industry News and Information

Provides business information about the litigation support and electronic discovery industry.

http://litsupport.blogspot.com/index.html

Nov 10
RELM Holdings Inc. Executes a Letter of Intent for Acquisition of a South East Electronic Document Management Company

RELM Holdings Inc. (PINKSHEETS: RELM) announced today that it executed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire 100% of the equity interests in a well established Electronic Document Management company with facilities in the South East and Midwest. Management noted that the target company will remain undisclosed pending the execution of definitive agreements per customary non-disclosure terms agreed on by the parties. The Company, founded in 1990, provides high-quality document management services... Posted on November 10, 2009 at 11:34 am
Nov 6
Dolan Media Acquires Majority Interest in DiscoverReady

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2009-- Dolan Media Company (NYSE: DM), a leading provider of professional services and business information to the legal, financial and real estate sectors in the United States, said today that it acquired an 85% equity interest in DiscoverReady, LLC, a leading provider of outsourced discovery management and fixed-fee document review services to major companies and their counsel. With headquarters in New York City and an office in Charlotte, N.C.,... Posted on November 6, 2009 at 06:37 am
Nov 4
Avalon Document Services Acquires Exacta Legal

Buffalo NY based Exacta Legal was acquired by Avalon Document Services. Avalon Document Services announced the acquisition of one of its local competitors, Exacta Legal, in a move that formalized a long-standing relationship between the two litigation support services firms. The companies are part of a growing local presence in the electronic document management and discovery business that includes IKON, D-4 LLC and Toshiba Business Solutions, all with offices serving Buffalo. Though Avalon... Posted on November 4, 2009 at 05:13 am

Rank This Week: 1288

KM Space

Covers knowledge management, technology and the practice of law. By Doug Cornelius.

http://kmspace.blogspot.com/

Nov 4
Social Media: Policy Formation & Risk Management

Today, I am in San Francisco at the Enterprise 2.0 Conference at the Moscone Center, speaking on a panel about social media policies. I gave a presentation on Cloud Computing at the 2009 version of the Conference in Boston: Evening in the Cloud and Compliance and a presentation on blogging at the 2008 version of the Enterprise 2.0 Conference in Boston: What Blogging Brings to Business. I was happy to hear that the conference was still interested in having me, even though I have been moving away... Posted on November 4, 2009 at 06:05 am
Nov 1
FINRA and Social Networking

Wall Street bankers and analysts increasingly want to use social networking to connect and interact with customers. But financial services companies have a hard time trying to comply with the compliance and regulatory requirements. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn provide new ways for financial service firms to connect, inform and interact with their customers. They also raise new compliance challenges. As currently designed these sites may not allow you to archive... Posted on November 1, 2009 at 04:00 am
Oct 31
Happy Halloween!

Image is by 3268zauber: K&#xc3&#xbcrbis Fratze.jpg licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Posted on October 31, 2009 at 04:00 am

Rank This Week: 1294

Alextronic Discovery

An Electronic Discovery Blog covering News, Articles and Thoughts for the Legal and Corporate Community By Alexander H. Lubarsky.

http://discoveryresources.blogspot.com

Sep 14
Alextronic's State Bar Presentation mentioned in a Blawg

Here is an exciting blawg entry from TotalAttorney that references Alextronic's presentation yesterday (at the 82nd Annual California State Bar Meeting in San Diego) entitled New Strategies for Winning the Document Production War. Enjoy blawgerheads: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 4 of the California State Bar Meeting The morning began with us pondering an interesting question. What would Lincoln do? As a lawyer first and then a... Posted on September 14, 2009 at 02:12 am by Alexander
Sep 8
Alextronic and Friends Speak This Month and Next

Alextronic (Alex Lubarsky) and friends have a jam-packed E-discovery/ESI speaking agenda this month and next. I hope our dedicated legion of Blawgerheads can join us at the following events (I will be speaking at all but the last event listed below): Litigation Skills for Legal Professionals - Friday, September 26th in Saramento at the Sheraton Grand Hotel - 1230 J. St. from 9am to 4 pm. Register at www.lorman.com Preserve Find and Retrieve a Client's ESI - State Bar of California Annual... Posted on September 8, 2008 at 11:47 pm by Alexander
Jun 3
Metadata and Retetention Policies 'Down Under''? You got that right, Mate!

Metadata and Retention Policies 'Down Under''? You got that right, Mate! OK, now we can safely say that the little niche cottage industry called e-discovery has gone global. This year marks the first substantial changes tot he Australian civil code concerning (gulp) data retention policy best practices and metadata handling. And you thought them Aussie's only handled boomerangs, Fosters and Vegemite. This month in Sydney a smattering of attorneys, government officials, corporate counsel types... Posted on June 3, 2008 at 09:06 pm by Alexander

Rank This Week: 1303

practice management blog

From the law practice management (lpm) committee of the DuPage County Bar Association.

http://dcbalpm.wordpress.com

Jul 14
Remember – we’re now at www.practicehac…

Remember - we're now at www.practicehacker.com Posted in Uncategorized Posted on July 14, 2009 at 08:15 pm by mhedayat
Jun 7
Law Clerk Connection – Legal Work Marketplace

Recently I ran accross Law Clerk Connection - a marketplace in which "clerks" (and presumably paralegals and maybe lawyers) can connect with "lawyers" (and perhaps small law firms or small companies) that need work done. In other words, those who need work connect with those who need work done. Readers will remember that I've documented attempts [...] Posted on June 7, 2009 at 10:30 am by mhedayat
Jun 5
matrix of e-discovery software

Greg Buckles of the EDRM Project has created an easy to use, expandable matrix of e-discovery specific applications. This is not the only legal software list (litigation support firm lexbe has one here, and Findlawhas long had some level of software listings) this one should make it easy to sort through the veritable forest [...] Posted on June 5, 2009 at 07:42 am by mhedayat

Rank This Week: 1309

The Dreams of a Solo

Follows the path of a big firm attorney planning and making the transition to solo practice.

http://thedreamsofasolo.blogspot.com/

Oct 23
Taking the Dreams to Typepad

Well the time has come for this blog to leave the Blogger platform. I had a feeling from the outset that I would eventually make the move over to Typepad. But I wanted to get a better sense for blogging in general before I decided to make the plunge. Now that I have the custom domain name I will have the ability to pick up and take most everything with me when I turn the lights out on Blogger. Obviously there will be some dead link issues from the older links to... Posted on October 23, 2007 at 03:41 pm by Nathan Dosch
Oct 22
What do you want to be when you grow up?

A friend and colleague of mine asked me that as his way of saying "What do you want your law firm to look like in the future?" It is a funny way of asking the question, but it is appropriate when you consider the context. When you start of solo law practice it is not just about what you hope to achieve in the next year or two. A part of you has to think like a chess master in that you plan three or four moves ahead. I started my firm because I want the autonomy that comes with being my own... Posted on October 22, 2007 at 03:13 pm by Nathan Dosch
Oct 22
Chuck Newton: Move Your TV to Another Room? Move Yourself

Link: Chuck Newton: Move Your TV to Another Room? Move Yourself. This is another great post from Third Wave Lawyer, Chuck Newton, regarding his home office. I am not a full fledged home office lawyer but I do work at home a day or two a week. My reason for working at home is in line with Chuck's opinion that we all desire a little change of scenery from time to time. There are days when I work or blog from my couch, dining room table or home office. There are other days when I work from my... Posted on October 22, 2007 at 10:52 am by Nathan Dosch

Rank This Week: 1318

ABA-CLE Podcasts

Monthly ABA CLE Podcast has a complimentary ABA-CLE program each month.

http://www.abanet.org/cle/podcast/

Nov 22
Current Developments in Tax Law (PDF Written Materials)

The written materials in PDF accompany the audio program "Current Developments in Tax Law" Posted on November 22, 2009 at 03:42 am by ABA-CLE
Nov 22
Current Developments in Tax Law (Audio Download)

Turmoil in the economy has led to a rise of indebtedness among both individuals and businesses. In the face of these hardships, lenders have been focusing more on cooperating with borrowers to reduce debts, including modifying mortgages and other obligations and, in some cases, canceling indebtedness. In focusing on relief, debtors too often fail to make note of the tax consequences of restructured debt. Reduction and cancellation of indebtedness can have significant repercussions under federal... Posted on November 22, 2009 at 03:42 am by ABA-CLE
Oct 24
Supreme Court Roundup (Audio Download)

Every year the October ABA-CLE Connection focuses on the Supreme Court with the opening of the high court's fall session. This year, the program will examine the confirmation process for justices, including how the U.S. came to have the system it currently has for choosing life-term justices to the highest court and various proposals that experts have made to improve the process. Currently, the confirmation process for Supreme Court justices is one that seems to have lost sight of its purpose:... Posted on October 24, 2009 at 05:13 am by ABA-CLE

Rank This Week: 1326

LawTech Guru Blog

Covers electronic discovery, law practice management, legal technology, gadgets and privacy and security. By Jeff Beard.

http://www.lawtechguru.com/

Nov 4
Bring eDiscovery In-house While Avoiding Pitfalls

InsideCounsel offers some tips for those interested in bringing eDiscovery in-house while avoiding pitfalls, including some comments from yours truly. Check out "Inside Job" in InsideCounsel's November issue, published in the monthly Technology section. It's truly a challenging time for companies, but it's doable with the appropriate vision and approach. Many GC's and AGC's are under significant pressure to reduce their litigation and eDiscovery spend. Along with other approaches, more and more... Posted on November 4, 2009 at 12:00 am
Oct 27
10 Tips for Safe Social Networking for Attorneys & Experts

LinkedIn. Facebook. Twitter. Blogs. Bob Ambrogi, always on the forefront of web technologies and their impact, recently published two helpful "Top 10" articles - one each for attorneys and experts, with some great tips for those navigating online communities for networking and socializing. One such tip is to separate professional and personal contacts into different networks. However, don't fall prey to the myth of anonymity or that restricted social networks will necessarily protect you. It... Posted on October 27, 2009 at 12:00 am
Aug 18
Legal EHR Summit: Thoughts & Impressions, Part 1

From the many presentations and discussions at the AHIMA sponsored Legal EHR Summit in Chicago, it's clear that healthcare records and records management in the U.S. are changing. (In case you were wondering, "EHR" = Electronic Health Record). In George Paul's (Lewis & Roca) keynote, he shared how the U.S. government is pouring money into healthcare records via incentives in the ARRA and HITECH acts. Several presenters referred to these changes as the biggest change to healthcare privacy... Posted on August 18, 2009 at 12:00 am

Rank This Week: 1489

Inside the Firm of the Future

Covers the future of the legal profession. By Christopher Marston.

http://chrismarston.blogspot.com/

Mar 16
Will the Legal Entrepreneurs Please Stand Up?

Who is growing now? It's payback time for traditional firms -- they played the game for decades of outplacing attorneys into in-house roles to get business and treating them like second class citizens while running up enormous bills as an ode to Karl Marx's Labor Theory of Value. Finally, the balance of power has shifted and the need to preserve shareholder value has caused in-house counsel demand respect and pressure their firms to stop over-lawyering everything! In turn, the AmLaw 100 firms... Posted on March 16, 2009 at 07:02 pm
Aug 6
Power and Accountability: Take Two of These and Call Me In The Morning!

Is your firm suffering from a lack of innovation? Is your firm slow to change? Do you labor over the simplest decisions in your partnership meetings and sometimes feel you are dealing more with politics and personalities than important matters that drive your business forward? If so, then your firm clearly lacks a PA system! What the hell is a PA system? No, not a speaker system, a Power and Accountability System. Without BOTH of these in place at the same time, you will have problems... Posted on August 6, 2008 at 09:44 pm
Jul 15
The Numbers that Really Matter: Leading Versus Lagging Indicators

As someone who knows finance, I cannot tell you how widespread it is for businesses to look at the wrong data to determine how to make critical business decisions. For instance, if you look at the efficient market hypothesis you can see that past results are not indicative of future performance. After all, if that were true we would all be rich because we would bet on the future based on the past. I think we all understand this concept intuitively, but so few law firms actually put this into... Posted on July 15, 2008 at 09:51 pm

Rank This Week: 1541

Making The Jump

Discusses career alternatives and career changes for lawyers. By Karen Eaton.

http://makingthejump.net

May 13
Making The Jump Plans Tentative Recovery

Sometimes, life can throw some unexpected twists at us that change our plans. For me, it's a year (well, over a year now) of big changes in my life that have caused me to rethink my life's goals and direction. Actually, if I really think about it, its been four years of big changes in [...] Posted on May 13, 2008 at 05:31 pm by Karen Eaton
Jan 7
Online Career Tools: Career Values Activity for Lawyers Considering Career Change

The corporate placement firm, Stewart, Cooper & Coon has an online version of Richard Knowdell's Career Values Card Sort. The Career Values Card Sort involves sorting a set of cards with 54 defined values into five categories ranging from "always valued" to "never valued." Once you prioritize your values, you may use the values you ranked the highest to help you evaluate career decisions that are under consideration. This online version includes a worksheet where you list a single career... Posted on January 7, 2008 at 08:22 am by Karen Eaton
Dec 26
Lawyer Depression: Part 2 - How Depression Can Affect Our Career Choices

Unfortunately, the pessimism which makes some lawyers miserable in their careers can impact attempts to change careers as well. In 2001, career counselor Robert C. Chope wrote an article (abstract, full article pdf) identifying several pessimistic messages that career changers sometimes tell themselves, and his advice for overcoming them. While his advice is geared toward how career counselors can help clients overcomes these messages, much of the advice is directly applicable to career... Posted on December 26, 2007 at 05:31 pm by Karen Eaton

Rank This Week: 1582

Tablet PC Lawyer Blog

Offers news about the Tablet PC and the experiences of a Georgia family law attorney using one. By Stephen Worrall.

http://www.tabletpclawyer.com/

Feb 15
Microsoft Invents a Reason to Buy a Tablet

Why would anyone want to buy a Tablet PC? Tablet devices are perceived as little more than heavy and slow laptops with small screens and large price tags. The payoff? You get to write on them with a stylus and take notes as if you're writing on paper. Wake me when you're done. Poor sales prove that the costs exceed the benefits in the minds of most potential buyers. All that may start to change tomorrow, when a prototype application called InkSeine -- which is, essentially, a digital notebook... Posted on February 15, 2008 at 05:12 am by Stephen Worrall
Dec 31
Series of Videos on Using Tablet PC's

Here is a series of video tutorials on using a tablet pc: Tutorial Part 1: This is the first video from ICON Pareto showing you how to use the basic functions of your tablet PC. Tutorial Part 2: In this video Starla shows you how to use Ink Pen Notation Tool for Windows Tablet Edition PCs. Tutorial Part 3: In this tutorial Starla teaches us how to use tablet specific programs such as Journal Note Writer, Microsoft Office OneNote and Sticky Notes. Tutorial Part 4: In this video Starla shows us... Posted on December 31, 2007 at 10:19 am by Stephen Worrall
Dec 31
Series of Microsoft Videos on OneNote

Here is a series of funny commercials by Microsoft about OneNote 2003, found now on YouTube: Let's face it. Stationery isn't very good. And when it comes to note taking, it just isn't up to the job. That's why we created Microsoft&#xc2&#xae Office OneNote&#xc2&#xae 2003 - the note taking application that combines the freedom and flexibility of pen and paper with the power and efficiency of digital tools. With OneNote you can take, organize and share your notes easily and intuitively on your laptop, desktop or... Posted on December 31, 2007 at 09:55 am by Stephen Worrall

Rank This Week: 1594

The Trial Technologist's View

Covers software and hardware tips for the legal industry.

http://www.litigationdynamics.net/blog

Sep 14
What to Pack for Trial - Video [2 of 5]

ATTENTION: Please Update your links! URL: www.TrialTechView.com The first group that I'm going to review in detail is the "Video". This group consists of: (2) projector (2) projector stand screen VGA splitter (5) 15&#xe2€&#xb3 LCD monitor Projector (2) - Sanyo PLC-XP57L Earlier this month I did a detailed review which you can find here. For the backup projector we normally include a projector from Toshiba's TLP line, they have built in document cameras, so it's like getting an ELMO and projector built... Posted on September 14, 2007 at 12:54 pm by admin
Sep 14
ATTENTION: Moving to TrialTechView.com please update

After a month of being in the blogging world I've decided I'm hooked and got a domain for the blog. Also changed the layout a tad bit. Could everyone please update their feeds and blogrolls? [www.TrialTechView.com] RSS: http://trialtechview.com/?feed=rss2 Thanks! Blake Posted on September 14, 2007 at 06:46 am by admin
Sep 11
What To Pack For Trial [1 of 5]

Last weekend I helped pack the equipment needed to run a week long trial presentation we started monday morning. Here's what I send our trial tech's out with if the courthouse has no built in technology. This list does vary depending on the size, duration and requirements of different trials. Below is our basic setup. Video (2) projectors (2) projector stands screen VGA splitter (5) 15&#xe2€&#xb3 LCD monitors Audio speakers 25&#xe2€&#xb2 audio extension cable earphones Cables projector power cable power cables... Posted on September 11, 2007 at 12:02 pm by admin

Rank This Week: 1616

LawBiz Blog - Audio Podcasts

Law practice information and interviews with experts. Published by Ed Poll, principal of LawBiz Management.

http://www.lawbizblog.com/

Jun 21
Ed Interviews Mimi Donaldson, Co-author of Bless Your Stress: It Means You're Still Alive!

Bless Your Stress: It Means You're Still Alive! Written by Ed's guest, Mimi Donaldson, and Leslie Charles. Most of us are concerned by the high stress of our lives, but Mimi suggests that our stress comes from within. While an outside events may be provocation, it is our attitudes toward the outside events that create our stress. She points out that the same event can cause severe reactions from one person with none or little reaction from another. And, it's the "pause" button in our brain that... Posted on June 21, 2007 at 08:15 am
May 8
Recycling Electronic Equipment

Ed Interviews Russ Ruffolo, Asset Recovery and Recycling Coordinator of MRK Group LTD in Elgin, Illinois. Though based in Elgin, his company's focus is national. Russ will talk about recycling electronic equipment. In California alone, 6,000 computers become obsolete daily! And 680 million computers will become obsolete within the next few years! What happens to them? Russ will discuss the importance of recycling, the methods of recycling and what to look for. 14 minutes, 21 seconds 3.4MB Click... Posted on May 8, 2007 at 02:13 pm
Apr 30
Microsoft Office 2007 for Lawyers

Donna Payne is president and founder of Payne Consulting Group, a training and development company headquartered in Seattle, WA. She and the company have authored 12 books on Microsoft Office including the best-selling series: Word for Law Firms and Excel for Law Firms. She was an original member of the Microsoft Legal Advisory Counsel and is a frequent speaker at legal and technical conferences. Donna discusses with Ed the new Microsoft Office 2007 and the dramatic differences between this... Posted on April 30, 2007 at 02:43 pm

Rank This Week: 1628

PDA Lawyer

Reports on the PDA revolution in the practice of law. By Grant D. Griffiths.

http://gdgrifflaw.typepad.com/pda_lawyer/

Dec 12
Palm & PalmOS Together Again

What does it mean. Does it mean that the PalmOS will not face the imminent demise so many said would take place? Does it mean that Palm will continue to use the OS that every competing smartphone manufacturer envies? Or does it mean that Apple is going to finally do what everyone has suspected for a number of years, buy Palm and the PalmOS. We will have to watch and see what all of this means over the next few weeks and months. Posted on December 12, 2006 at 05:15 am by Grant Griffiths
Dec 8
Blackberry caused traffic pile-up

In Seattle, a 53-year-old was looking down at his Blackberry and caused a five car pile-up. Ooops!!! Statistics on 57,000 vehicle collision during the first six months of 2006 show that drunken driving, drug use and excessive speeds contributed to 92.5 percent of collisions in the state. But state officials also have started tracking accidents caused by any of 12 driver distractions, such as using handheld computers and cell phones, that account for the remaining 7.5 percent. I would like to... Posted on December 8, 2006 at 02:21 pm by Grant Griffiths
Dec 6
YourCall for Palm OS version 1.51 has been released

YourCall for Palm OS version 1.51 has been released. Improvements and Functionality Refinements include: &#xe2€&#xa2 Treo 680: added support for the native Phone Application &#xe2€&#xa2 Implemented various improvements to the TakePhone dialer support &#xe2€&#xa2 Optimized contact lookup logic to better deal with large addressbooks &#xe2€&#xa2 Addressed stability issue occurring on Treo 650 when attempting to add attendees to a Journal entries created from YourCall &#xe2€&#xa2 Treo 650 / 700p: addressed problem with YourCall dialog... Posted on December 6, 2006 at 04:46 am by Grant Griffiths

Rank This Week: 1651

Small Firm Life

Covers the practice of law in a solo or small firm. By Ray Dowd.

http://smallfirmlife.blogspot.com

Oct 8
RIP Audioblogger

Well, while killing off Small Firm Life, I found this notice which related to one of my first posts about putting audio on a blog. Goodbye again! Hello, As of November 1, 2006, Audioblogger will no longer accept phone calls. MP3s made with the service will continue to be hosted and served but you will no longer be able to use Audioblogger to post new audio. Audioblogger is an independent product, run by Odeo, Inc., a small startup company in San Francisco, CA. We are not affiliated with Google... Posted on October 8, 2006 at 01:52 pm by Ray Dowd
Oct 8
Goodbye Small Firm Life

If anyone's read this blog from the beginning, they'll remember that it was started to explore the possibilities of blogging and to support my column "Small Firm Life" for the New York Law Journal. Well, I've had a couple of life changes that have led me to conclude that I won't be continuing to blog under this title. Most significantly, I joined a firm. I am partner number 14 in Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP. My offices are now on the rather swanky Madison Avenue and feature plush... Posted on October 8, 2006 at 08:25 am by Ray Dowd
Oct 2
Copyright Litigation Handbook

Well, my first book is on its way to the printer. The process, from proposal to finish took 3.5 years. It was a full year of waiting for the proposal to be approved, then two years to write it, then six months of the editing and additional writing process. If you would like to order it, please use the OFFER NUMBER 523571. You can find it on West's website here If you use the offer Number, it helps West to track the sales and tell what strategies are working. Obviously people who live in the... Posted on October 2, 2006 at 02:33 pm by Ray Dowd

Rank This Week: 1658

Netlawblog

Internet Tools for Lawyers. By Jerry Lawson.

http://www.netlawblog.com/

Jul 31
Those Ignorant Bloggers, At It Again

Here's a great example of the phenomenon I wrote about recently--the blogger network being more knowledgeable about many subjects than the old media "experts." Juan Cole is a professor at the University of Michigan, an expert on the Middle East and is fluent in Persian, the language of Iran. He recently reported on an instructive encounter with a member of the "old media" in his Informed Comment blog: I had a very disturbing short email correspondence with a reporter of a major national... Posted on July 31, 2006 at 04:54 pm by Jerry Lawson
May 29
Blogging Leads to Trouble for Prosecutor

Law.com reports on a California case where a judge reprimanded a part time prosecutor for blogging about a misdemeanor prosecution. As noted in the article: Prosecutors carry extra duties when it comes to writing about an ongoing proceeding, said John Steele, who teaches legal ethics at Boalt Hall School of Law. "They have to 'do justice,'" he said. "Criminal defense attorneys are allowed to just win, as long as they don't break the rules. ... And virtually all the ethics rules acknowledge that... Posted on May 29, 2006 at 05:12 pm by Jerry Lawson
May 27
The Future of Lawyer Referral Services

In the course of delivering a well-deserved bashing to obstructionist bar associations that don't seem all that concerned about clients, My Shingle takes time to point out that a brighter future is on the way: In time, however, I'm guessing that referral services and state bar listings will be rendered obsolete by the Internet and the web. More and more generations of potential clients are growing up using search engines like Google and reading weblogs. When these future clients go to search... Posted on May 27, 2006 at 01:02 pm by Jerry Lawson

Rank This Week: 1667

Fedlawyerguy

Offers resources and networking for Federal agency lawyers.

http://www.fedlawyerguy.org/

Jul 31
New Alternative Dispute Resolution Guidance

The federal Interagency Alternative Dispute Resolution Working Group has published three news guides to assist agencies with ADR training: 1. A confidentiality guide. 2. A guide for federal employee mediators. 3. A guide for federal ombuds practice. Posted on July 31, 2006 at 04:22 pm
May 29
Contractor Releases Private Info

No comment is needed on this Farm Service Agency press release. A excerpt: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today that a firm under contract with its Kansas City Administrative Office inadvertently released the social security and tax identification numbers of approximately 350,000 participants in the tobacco buyout program as part of a response to a number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Posted on May 29, 2006 at 04:56 pm
May 27
Sexual Harassment: Motive Doesn't Matter

Is the following behavior "sexual harassment"? Screaming and yelling at them with little or no provocation, often using profanity and frequently berating [female employees] in public... . The women described Harvey as turning bright red with bulging neck veins as he screamed, coming so close they often felt his saliva spit on their faces. He also physically intimidated the women by sneaking up behind them and watching over their work for no apparent reason. Further, Harvey would shake his fists... Posted on May 27, 2006 at 12:56 pm

Rank This Week: 1668

In Search of Perfect Client...

In Search of Perfect Client Service

Covers client communications, client service, billing, and more. By Patrick Lamb.

http://www.patrickjlamb.com/

Nov 20
DejaVu all over: bad habits are hard to break

ACC's Susan Hackett just posted Are Firms Tone Deaf? Why Push For Rate Increases In 2010? Almost exactly one year ago, I asked the same question in my post The Economy And Rate Increases: Someone Is Not Listening. I had raised the issue in early October 2008. As Susan's post makes clear, law firms are not learning. Myopically focusing on one driver of revenue is only going to cause more pain as clients rail against those requests for "more." The driver needs to be increasing margins. Just as... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 01:35 pm
Nov 19
Are best practices really best?

Law firms frequently strive to identify and adapt "best practices" in whatever area is under examination. I used to think that this approach was laudable. Not anymore. The Harvard Business Review just posted Why Do We Ignore Best Practices?, which suggests some reasons why companies (firms) ignore best practices. I take issue with the fundamental assumption of the HBS piece, which is that "best practices" are something to which businesses should universally aspire. In some areas, like IT, best... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 03:10 am
Nov 17
Richard Susskind interviews Rio Tinto Managing Attorney: A Look Into The Future?

During today's panel discussion with Richard Susskind, he mentioned that he had recorded an interview with Leah Cooper, the Managing Attorney of Rio Tinto. Fantastic discussion of Rio Tinto's outsourcing of a significant amount of work. Well worth a listen. Posted on November 17, 2009 at 06:12 pm

Rank This Week: 1896

Michael Morse's Technology and...

Michael Morse's Technology and Management Blog

Covers cool sites, gadgets, and technology and management tips.

http://www.michaelmorsesblog.com

Nov 20
Google Search for Lawyers

Google came out with a cool and free application that I think will change the way some lawyers search. My law firm will not be giving up our Westlaw and Lexis accounts anytime soon, but with free search tools like this, I can see that happening in the near future. The Federal database includes US Supreme Court opinions from the beginning of time and State opinions back to 1950. You can hyperlink to other cases which are cited within a case. It is really easy to use. When you open it up, you can... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 10:37 am by Michael Morse
Oct 28
Why Google it if it ain’t broken? –Google now offers you more ways to search.

At first I was filled with dread at the thought of more ways to search on Google, don't we already get enough? So much information pops up and sifting through the search results are already time consuming and sometimes overwhelming. I've often resented those "advanced search options" offered on some websites. Enough search engine advancements have been made that one should already be able to search efficiently wherever you are, so "advanced search' seems redundant (not to mention more time... Posted on October 28, 2009 at 07:49 am by Michael Morse
Oct 20
Funny and Interesting Web Site

I stumbled upon www.dump.com this morning and loved it! This site contains cool, funny, bizarre images that are good for the whole family. Here are just a couple of my faves. Sorry I'm Late Guys Deadly Gumball Machine Worlds Steepest Stairs Governor Schwarzenegger's Breakfast Uploaded From His Twitter Account Let me know your favorites as well. More later. Posted on October 20, 2009 at 08:47 am by Michael Morse

Rank This Week: 1930

Law Practice Tips Blog

Covers law practice management, the Internet and technology. By Jim Calloway.

http://jimcalloway.typepad.com/lawpracticetips/

Nov 20
Home Sweet Office

I never blogged about my Home Sweet Office article due to some technical issues here. But it is clear more and more lawyers are considering an office-based practice. I find it interesting that many of the success stories involve an established lawyers leaving the firm and "moving home," taking his/her existing clients and charging them a lower billing rate. Certainly it is easier for some lawyers to operate out of a home-based practice, such as a lawyer who only does appellate briefs and can... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 08:42 am by Jim Calloway
Nov 20
Sites for Sore Eyes: Windows 7 Ready or Not?

In this month's edition of Sites for Sore Eyes, Windows 7 Ready or Not?, my co-author Courtney Kennaday and I explore a few sites to help you decide if Windows 7 is right for you, which version to buy and some tips for making the transition. Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:43 am by Jim Calloway
Nov 17
Google Scholar Adds Legal Journals and Opinions

In a move with possible profound implications, Google Scholar has added a dedicated search for legal journals and court opinions. Check it out here. Apparently they have the entire Heinonline database included as I located a couple of articles I wrote back in 2005 that I didn't know were available on the free web. My first guess is that this will not convince many lawyers to move from their current legal research tools, especially since so many now enjoy free legal research via their bar... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 06:27 am by Jim Calloway

Rank This Week: 1953

Lawyerist

Covers law practice management, marketing, technology and legal careers.

http://lawyerist.com

Nov 20
Reader Mailbag for November 20

Today we launch a new regular series on Lawyerist, the "Reader Mailbag." Each week, we will post a selection of questions, comments, and ideas submitted by our readers for response from the Lawyerist community. If you have law practice questions or suggestions for our readers, please send us an email. Otherwise, feel free to respond to this week's reader submissions in the comments below: "Is it a lawyer's personal choice to have malpractice insurance, is it a must-have before anybody can... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 08:35 am by Aaron Street
Nov 20
Locate Places to Work on the Go

Even if you have a mobile office, sometimes you need a place to work-use WorkSnug to solve that problem. WorkSnug is an app for the iPhone that provides both a 3D visualization and Google Maps view of suitable places to work that are within a close proximity. Granted, if you have an iPhone (and use the apps I have suggested before), you should be able to do everything while on the move. Sometimes, however, you need a quiet place to call a client, or get free WiFi for your laptop. Right now, the... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:13 am by Randall Ryder
Nov 20
Give Your Clients the Red Carpet Treatment to Succeed in This Economy

As we all know, the legal industry was hit particularly hard by the economy. Over 12,000 lawyers and legal staff members lost their jobs, entire firms have shut down and small and solo attorneys are working harder than ever to get new business in the door. You may be wondering, 'Is my practice next?" "How long will this last?" "Can I afford to ride out the storm?" Here's the good news about the economic shakedown: I don't want you to believe a word I'm saying here. I want you to test it out in... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 05:10 am by Alexis Martin Neely

Rank This Week: 1957

Virtual Law Practice

Discusses practicing law in a web-based virtual law office (vlo). By Stephanie Kimbro.

http://virtuallawpractice.org

Nov 20
Technology eReport: Setting Up a Web-Based Virtual Law Office

Check out my article in the November issue of the ABA GP/Solo & Small Firm Technology eReport: Setting Up a Web-based Virtual Law Office. From the article: Consumers are actively seeking more affordable and convenient access to legal services over the Internet. Due to the cost of traditional legal services, they are turning to cutting and [...] Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:56 am by slkimbro
Nov 17
Minimum Requirements for Delivering Legal Services Online

Co-chairs of the ABA eLawyering Task Force, Marc Lauritsen and Richard Granat, have submitted a draft set of minimum requirements for delivering legal services online which was published in this month's Law Practice Today. As a member of the Task Force, we have discussed these minimum requirements as a set of guidelines that attorneys will be able to [...] Posted on November 17, 2009 at 08:17 pm by slkimbro
Nov 16
Does Your Virtual Law Practice Need a Phone Number?

When I first opened my virtual law office almost four years ago, I wanted to handle every aspect of my practice online. With most of my client base, this worked fine and was what they preferred as well. I have an estate planning and small business setup practice and the majority of my clients are [...] Posted on November 16, 2009 at 09:27 am by slkimbro

Rank This Week: 1967

Stark County Law Library Weblog

Covers law practice and legal research news.

http://www.starklawlibrary.org/temp/blog/

Nov 20
"The Most Expensive Mistakes A Lawyer Can Make"

Posted by Chuck Newton: "I read an article on HuffPo Business recently in which they reviewed all of the most recently literature on the web and came up with the most expensive mistakes that a business could make starting out. That stated by HuffPo is ture, in my estimation, even if a little bit generic. As for lawyers starting out the advice applies as well and they represent many of the same mistakes. Avoid the mistakes, and new lawyers and new practices can improve their chance of financial... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:08 am by Nancy Stinson
Nov 20
"Holiday Parties: Keeping Expenses Low and Deductibility High"

In the news: "The economy isn't giving us a lot to cheer about this holiday season ... and it could get worse. This year, it appears more companies are saying no to an annual tradition: the office holiday party. But attorney Kelly Phillips Erb notes that not only are holiday office parties a good way to say thank you to employees -- they may also bring tax benefits to the firm as well as employees. Phillips Erb discusses some of the things to keep in mind if law firms want to take advantage of... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:06 am by Nancy Stinson
Nov 20
"Viral Video Marketing"

Posted by Randall Ryder: "Maybe you have not considered the power of "the internets" or "the Google," but even lawyers can use viral videos as a marketing tool. Ten years ago, few people would have thought potential clients would search for attorneys on the internet rather than the phone book. Trying something unique may not always succeed, but it does allow you to reach out in ways that most firms will not consider. [click to continue...] Read more from Lawyerist: Target (and Get) the Clients... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 07:04 am by Nancy Stinson

Rank This Week: 1984

Document Review, Texas Style

Discusses attorneys doing document review in Texas.

http://documentrelations.com

Nov 20
Stanford

Also, thinking about the Stanford criminal trial that will be tried in Houston, in Judge Hittner's court, the govt. collected a lot of info. For the receivership, FTI has billed for collection of "over 500 hard drives, dozens of flash drives, CD's, DVDs, dozens of portable hard drives, over 140 Email PST's with attachments, individual and group share drives, and 120 file shares and 38 servers." Sounds like there may be a lot of documents in there to be reviewed. That's good news. Unless you're... Posted on November 20, 2009 at 05:47 am by admin
Nov 9
It’s always something.

While it does seem like a happy thing that someone is looking around to fill a few seats in a review in Dallas, and even better that the review is slated to last through next March, the prospect is somewhat dimmed by the prospect of being locked into a pay rate of $26 until then. Posted on November 9, 2009 at 10:36 am by admin
Oct 28
More Good News

Just heard that Hudson wants 7 more people over in Austin for a rate that begins with the "3&#xe2€&#xb3 digit instead of the "2&#xe2€&#xb3 digit. That's good news. Found out about a small Special Counsel review I hadn't heard about before. That's good news. Heard about a small-medium sized project that is expanding soon (Providus). That's good news. Other stuff in the works. If you hear anything, let me know and I'll post it. Posted on October 28, 2009 at 11:53 am by admin

Rank This Week: 2002

Temporary Attorney: The Sweatshop...

Temporary Attorney: The Sweatshop Edition

Covers the life of temporary attorneys.

http://temporaryattorney.blogspot.com/

Nov 20
A Happy New Year's Surprise: Unemployment Benefit Extensions Set To Expire By End Of The Year

Readers of your blog should note that the recent unemployment extensions do not apply to everyone. This is especially important for those laid off after July 1, 2009, as we go into the holiday season when temp hiring may slow down. [www.nytimes.com] Posted on November 20, 2009 at 02:08 am by helpme123
Nov 17
Blacklisted By Lexolution

Wear it as a badge of honor. The arrogance and greed of those shysters is so great that they think they are immune from 19th century fire and labor code regulations. "I just walked off a LeClair Ryan document review gig. Although the fact that I was thankfully offered a better paying job at another firm and by another agency, the work conditions at LeClair were so ridiculous that I probably would have left anyway. Some of the random activities prohibited at this jokehouse: wearing earphones,... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 02:08 am by helpme123
Nov 16
An Open Letter To Dean Richard "The Slimeball" Matasar

"Tom: Attached is a copy of an email I sent to Richard Matasar at New York Law School. I'm forwarding it to you because I thought you might be interested in it, given your recent post on your blog about Access Group and Matasar. Thanks and keep up the good work with the blog." ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 11:21 AM Subject: Letter from an '02 almunus To: rmatasar@nyls.edu Dear Mr. Matasar: My name Is . I am a 2002 graduate of New York Law School, and I... Posted on November 16, 2009 at 01:59 am by helpme123

Rank This Week: 2045

eLawyering Blog

Covers online legal services, document automation, and virtual lawyering. By DirectLaw.

http://www.elawyeringredux.com/

Nov 19
DirectLaw Launches Montreuil & Associates- Its' Fourth Virtual Law Firm in Georgia

DirectLaw is pleased to announce the opening of a new virtual law practice by Montreuil & Associates in Macon, Georgia. The firm will provide services in the areas of business, family and divorce, estate planning, landlord/tenant, and name changes over the Internet throughout the state of Georgia. The firm provides both traditional legal services and an online legal solution platform to serve new and existing clients. The online service allows the firm to provide cost-effective legal... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 06:33 pm
Nov 19
Minimum Requirements for Virtual Law Firms

The eLawyering Task Force, which is part of the Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association has been developing a recommended set of minimum requirements for law firms delivering legal services online. The draft that has been published is a working draft and we are soliciting comments as we move towards a final document. The draft document can be downloaded here. The ABA does not have a comment facility on their web site, but comments can be contributed on this blog, well as... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Nov 18
DirectLaw Launches SlatterLaw - Its' Third Virtual Law Firm in Georgia

DirectLaw is pleased to announce the launching of SlatterLaw its third virtual law firm in the State of Georgia. SlatterLaw will provide online legal services to small businesses and individuals throughout Georgia. Kerry Slatter founded the law firm with the goal of providing convenient and cost-effective legal services to small business owners and individuals across the state of Georgia. In addition to small business legal services, the Slatter Law Firm also provides counsel in various other... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 11:37 am

Rank This Week: 2086

Trial Lawyer Resource Center

Trial attorneys and litigation experts lend their expertise on all areas of trial practice.

http://www.tlrcblog.com/

Nov 19
Synthes USA, Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) Lots Numbers

Lawyers Mark Zamora and Rob Bunch are investigating these claims, and you can reach them at 404-451-7781 and 888422-2882. Here is the information on the recalled Lots: Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) This recall involves part numbers 04.808.001-11, Synex II Central Body, Titanium (all lots). Part Numbers Descriptions 04.808.001 04.808.002 04.808.003 04.808.004 04.808.005 04.808.006 04.808.007 04.808.008 04.808.009 04.808.010 04.808.011 Ti Synex (TM) II Central Body 14 mm - 19 mm Ti... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 02:15 pm
Nov 17
Vertebral Body Replacement Recall

Attorneys Mark Zamora at 877-574-6454 and Rob Bunch at 888-422-2882 are investigating links between this recall and injuries FDA has notified healthcare professionals of a Class I Recall of all lots of the Synthes USA, Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement, a device used in the T1-L5 portion of the spine to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body. Reports of moderate to severe loss of vertebral body replacement height (caused by failure of the central body component) at six to... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 11:47 am
Oct 15
Blair Robes Recall

Blair Chenille Robes Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Blair LLC, of Warren, Pa., announced a voluntary recall by Blair of 162,000 women's full length Chenille Robes. Since the recall was originally announced in April 2009, Blair has received reports of six deaths due to the robes catching on fire. Five of the six victims were female, and all five were cooking at the time of the incidents. Three of the victims were in their 80s. CPSC and Blair... Posted on October 15, 2009 at 01:09 pm

Rank This Week: 2102

Legal Underground

Covers the politics of litigation. By Evan Schaeffer.

http://www.legalunderground.com/

Nov 19
THE ANTI-GRISHAM . . . I liked this...

THE ANTI-GRISHAM . . . I liked this from lawyer/writer David Erlewine in his interview with the Pank blog-- In 2002, when I took off a year from law to write fiction, I had business cards made up that referenced how I was the anti-Grisham. My wife still gives me shit about that. God, was I a fucking idiot, thinking that was funny. But, I still believe that I am the anti-Grisham. I practice the kind of law no one wants to read about. I write about aspects of the law that no other attorneys I... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 11:57 am by Evan Schaeffer
Nov 17
THE WEEKLY LAW SCHOOL ROUNDUP . . . The...

THE WEEKLY LAW SCHOOL ROUNDUP . . . The Weekly Law School Roundup alternates between The Legal Underground and Thanks, But No Thanks, where you can find this week's Weekly Law School Roundup #199. The next installment will appear here soon, so be sure to check back. Posted on November 17, 2009 at 12:04 am by Evan Schaeffer
Nov 16
YOU BETCHA! . . . In Slate's Culture...

YOU BETCHA! . . . In Slate's Culture Blog, Browbeat, Daniel Engber calls attention to a new scholarly article that analyzes Sarah Palin's manner of speaking-- [A] team of linguists from University of Wisconsin-Madison found that she uses the words heck and darn at least 20 times more often than her contemporary Americans. Using transcripts from the 2008 vice-presidential debate, they also found that she engaged in "g-dropping" (e.g. people are hurtin' or takin' personal responsibility) at an... Posted on November 16, 2009 at 07:24 pm by Evan Schaeffer

Rank This Week: 2125

Mass. LOMAP: Law Practice Advisor

Provides resources, tips, and substantive advice to attorneys, focused on those licensed in Massachusetts, to help establish and institutionalize professional office practices. By Director Rodney Dowell, and LPA Jared Correia, Esq.

http://masslomap.blogspot.com/

Nov 19
Guest Post: The Solo and Small Firm Advantage: Leverage Your Alternative Billing Advantage When Big Firms Can't, or Won't

We are fortunate to welcome Stephen E. Seckler, principal of Seckler Legal Consulting, as a guest blogger. Stephen is an attorney coach with twenty years experience in consulting with lawyers. (Stephen's full profile is available at his website.) Stephen maintains his own main blog, Counsel to Counsel (twice named to the ABA Journal's Blawg 100 List), as well as having established The Middle Office blog. Stephen will contribute his thoughts to the LOMAP Blog in the form of a series of posts... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 10:29 am
Nov 12
There’s Apps for Those, Too: The iPhone is Not the Only Well-App-Ointed Smart Phone

I'd like to thank Sudbay Motors of Gloucester for providing wireless internet in their waiting room, so that I could research and draft part of this blog while I waited for a small repair to be made on my gallant Jeep Commander (I love this car) this Valentine's Day, er, I mean . . . Veteran's Day. Jeeps being originally military vehicles, this seemed highly appropriate. Sudbay, I should say, has a really sweet waiting room, otherwise, as well, as it features leather couches and chairs and a... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 10:35 am
Nov 6
Time in a Bottleneck: Online Scheduling Tools Make Meetings Happen

Getting a large number of people together for a meeting is like herding cats into a bathtub. When you're talking busy cats . . . I mean, people . . . it's even worse. Grease those cats. Now, give those greased cats business suits and a knowledge of how to exploit loopholes. Lawyers are some of the busiest cats around. Grease 'em, but don't teach 'em how to drive. But, whether you're trying to organize colleagues, clients and/or related professionals, it's pretty clear, and pretty quickly, that... Posted on November 6, 2009 at 09:20 am

Rank This Week: 2142

South Carolina Trial Law Blog

Using technology to make a better lawyer: a blog on trial practice, law practice management, and technology. Published by David Swanner.

http://www.sctriallaw.com/

Nov 19
Adjuster Law: Not Enough Damage to the Car

I sent a demand package to an insurance company on a car wreck case with about $26,000 in bills for medical treatment and two herniated disks. The adjuster wanted us to get information on prior medical treatment because of the severity of the claim, they felt there had to be some pre-existing condition. We complied because that was information that we would need to gather if there was a lawsuit anyways. When that didn't turn up anything, the denied any payment. The reason? Not enough damage to... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 08:19 am by David
Aug 19
Funny Answer for Request on Information for an Expert

In a recent conversation: Question: Does anyone have any information on expert _______? Answer: You are in trouble. ______ is formidable. I have used the expert myself on several occasions. The expert is well qualified, very articulate, makes a very good witness, quick on his/her feet, and is married to a judge. Good luck. Ouch. Just goes to show that both sides can have good witnesses. Posted on August 19, 2009 at 01:21 pm by David
May 23
Don Keenan and David Ball Seminar on the Reptilian Brain

I went to their seminare in Atlanta 2 weeks ago. Great, great stuff. Unfortunately, the book was still at the printers and won't be out for another week or so. They conducted a lot of focus groups and studies based on Clotaire Rapaille's work. Here is Rapaille's home page. The basic concept is that we have the modern functioning brain that helps us with decision making and functioning in our current environment. Underneath that is our lizard brain. The reptilian brain. The reptilian brain works... Posted on May 23, 2009 at 05:55 am by David

Rank This Week: 2165

legalresearchandwritingpro.com

Covers legal research and writing, and building a contract lawyer practice . By Lisa Solomon.

http://legalresearchandwritingpro.com

Nov 19
New LRWP Memberships Give You More of What You Want

Since Legal Research & Writing Pro launched in May 2008, monthly live teleseminars and tele-webinars (like a webinar, but with audio over the phone and no software to install on your computer) have been an integral part of our educational offerings. Attendance at the live programs and copies of the program recordings have been included in the Gold, Platinum and Platinum + memberships. We've had fantastic programs from both legal writing and practice management experts. As our library of... Posted on November 19, 2009 at 07:36 am by Array
Oct 30
Independent US Contract Lawyer Takes On Foreign LPO

I've taken a fair amount of heat for pointing out that ABA Formal Op. 08-451, which states (with some important caveats) that foreign legal outsourcing is ethical, is actually good news for independent US-based contract lawyers because the same principles that allow firms to send legal work overseas also allow law students and graduates awaiting admission to do actual legal work when they're working at firms, and allow lawyers to work as contract attorneys in jurisdictions in which they are not... Posted on October 30, 2009 at 07:59 am by Array
Oct 6
October Tele-webinar: The Key to Every Lawyer’s Success

In this motivational program, presenter Stuart Teicher empowers lawyers to succeed by teaching them the secret to thriving as an attorney: Be Captisuading.TM In an inspiring and humorous way, Stuart explains that learning to be a captivating and persuasive professional improves lawyers' ability to win cases and attract clients. It also spills over to lawyers' personal lives. Stuart's mission is to make every lawyer believe that they have the ability to continue to grow. Stuart is a lawyer and a... Posted on October 6, 2009 at 09:02 am by Array

Rank This Week: 2173

DennisKennedy.blog

Legal Technology, Technology Law and Other Musings. Published by Dennis Kennedy, Esq.

http://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/

Nov 18
Making a List and Sharing It Too - New Podcast

Tom Mighell and I have recorded another episode of The Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast and it's now available on the Legal Talk Network and on iTunes, with an RSS feed here. The episode is called "Making a List and Sharing It Too" (show notes here), and it's sponsored by Bill4Time. Here's the episode description: We're at the time of year where everyone likes to make and share lists. Some new types of Internet tools let lawyers share useful lists of information in easier and more powerful ways.... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 05:59 pm by dmk
Nov 10
Recent Microblog Posts - November 10, 2009

Just noticed that I passed the 1,500 post mark on this blog. And I wanted to mention that The Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast has talked Tom and me into letting it have it's own Twitter account - @tkmreport. The podcast had been complaining (a lot) lately about how it was "totally unfair" that our book had its own Twitter account (@collabtools), while it did not have one yet. The situation is now rectified. But, I know, that's not the reason you're here. You're here because you want to get the... Posted on November 10, 2009 at 08:41 pm by dmk
Nov 4
Is Windows 7 Coming to Lawyers' Computers?

Tom Mighell and I have recorded another episode of The Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast and it's now available on the Legal Talk Network and on iTunes, with an RSS feed here. The episode is called "Is Windows 7 Coming to Your Computer?" (show notes website), and it's sponsored by Bill4Time. Here's the episode description: The recent release of Windows 7 hopefully ushers in a new era of peace and stability to the world of PC operating systems. But should lawyers rush out to upgrade now? In this... Posted on November 4, 2009 at 06:30 pm by dmk

Rank This Week: 2223

The Law Coach Blog

By Ron Burdge.

http://thelawcoach.blogspot.com/

Nov 18
Google Legal Research is Here and Now

Google the noun has become google the verb. That's old news. How about Googling your legal research? And it's here right now. Beta, yeah. But it works. Granted Westlaw and Lexis have no reason to lose sleep right now, but it's coming. After all, they offer a lot more than just court cases and their own methodology and search techniques have been honed to fit the lawyer's mind from decades of experimentation. But Google is free, and that's tempting to new young lawyers who don't have the... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 05:44 pm
Nov 13
Marketing Lessons from a PI Firm

Jim Reed, a personal injury attorney in Elmira, New York says his firm is thriving in this down economy and he has a few ideas posted to one of TechnoLawyer.com's listserves that are well worth passing on here (and if you don't subscribed to TechnoLawyer, you should; it's a great way to stay on top of the law office technology). I am very pleased to report that my firm is kicking butt in 2009. Our #'s for the year are up more than 25%. This follows several years of good results so our current... Posted on November 13, 2009 at 08:30 am
Oct 1
Is it identity theft or is it bank robbery --- and whose fault is it?

We've talked before about identity theft and its dangers and lots of people have. There's even a terrific British Youtube about it and the puzzling question of whether it is really identity theft at all (or is it just electronic bank robbery?). Well maybe we're about to find out. Patco Construction Company, Inc. v People's United Bank dba Ocean Bank, no pending in state court in Maine, may tell us just whose fault it really is, besides the cyber criminal of course. Patco was a long time... Posted on October 1, 2009 at 04:35 pm

Rank This Week: 2224

Freelance Law Firm

Covers social media/networking for lawyers, virtual law practice, and business and real estate law topics. By Donna Seyle.

http://www.freelancelawfirm.com

Nov 18
Twitter for Lawyers: A Primer on How and Why

As anyone paying attention to social media knows, there is a whirling vortex of on-going debate on the usefulness/uselessness of Twitter. I'm not real clear why the conversations can be so polarizing, but they are. There is a wonderful 2-month-old debate among a few high-profile social media lawyers where comments range from: "I love Twitter [...] Posted on November 18, 2009 at 11:52 am by Donna Seyle
Nov 12
Legal Dilemmas of Social Networking, Part 3: Deceptive Practices & Ethical Concerns

As I stated in Parts 1 and 2 of this series, these posts are based on the day-long conference entitled Social Networking: Friends or Foes? (now on MP3) hosted by the Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic, the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, the Berkeley Center for Criminal Justice and the UC Berkeley [...] Posted on November 12, 2009 at 01:07 pm by Donna Seyle
Nov 5
Legal Dilemmas of Social Networking, Part 2: Online Communications Protections

In my first post on the legal issues, I discussed the public's expectation that their social networking information is private. Here, I will move on to the challenges presented by the lack of legislative or judicial law pertaining to use of social networking information in civil and criminal proceedings. (See Social Networking - Legal and [...] Posted on November 5, 2009 at 01:12 pm by Donna Seyle

Rank This Week: 2257

Embodied Living Blog

Focused on mindful and conscious living and leading for lawyers. By Jane Faulkner.

http://embodiedliving.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Nov 18
Tune into Chez Laura: Jane talks about Second Season Careers

I will be talking about Second Season Careers with Laura Lavigne on her Blog Talk radio hour called Chez Laura. The show airs at noon PST next Tuesday, November 24, 2009 and will be archived on Laura's site. The second season or "third chapter" of life is a time to honor your deep purpose, what some call your soul's purpose. Find out why it is a time of bridging, integrating, enriching, and also a time to open to new ways of learning and being. How do you navigate the vulnerability and fear... Posted on November 18, 2009 at 08:11 am by Jane Faulkner
Nov 12
Upcoming CLE: The Resourceful Lawyer: Inner Tools for an Ethical Practice

Don't miss this upcoming CLE. If you live in another state and want to attend, we will work with you to get CLE credits in your state! Posted on November 12, 2009 at 05:33 pm by Jane Faulkner
Oct 22
Crying Geese

Pretty Soon These Canada Geese Will Fly South (flickr) I had never heard sounds quite like these before. I drag myself out of bed, in a house on the Washington Coast--just across the street from the ocean. Waves of sound, over and over. Not the ocean, for those waves take me into a dream state. These are waves of crying geese. They sound grief stricken, alerting all ears to some deadly warning. Although a deep memory in the recess of my brain knows that they are flying south, in my sleep... Posted on October 22, 2009 at 12:50 am by Jane Faulkner

Rank This Week: 2290

TechnoEsq

Covers the use of technology and computers in the legal profession. By Finis Price.

http://www.technoesq.com

Nov 17
Google Free Caselaw Research

You may have heard already, but Google has decided to enter into the legal research field with it's Google Scholar search (see official announcement here). The service features caselaw from: State Appellate and Supreme Courts since 1950 US Federal District, Appellate, Tax and Bankruptcy since 1923 US Supreme Court since 1791 The search can be limited to legal opinions, US Federal opinions and state court only searches. The results include the full text of the case, with original page numbering,... Posted on November 17, 2009 at 07:25 pm by Finis Price
Nov 6
ScanSnap Profiles – Scanning to Folder in Snow Leopard

UPDATE: Make sure you are running the latest version of ScanSnap Manager v. 22L11. You can download it from Fujitsu here. So a lot of Mac users who use a Fujitsu ScanSnap are having problems once upgrading to Snow Leopard. The main problem seems to be the upgrade breaks the ability to scan to a folder from the Quick Menu. While there is a workaround to the problem, we've found that not using the Quick Menu and using Profiles to scan to a folder is not only a fix to the problem, it's the most... Posted on November 6, 2009 at 11:55 am by Finis Price
Oct 23
Online Gambling Casinos Case Arguments Heard by Kentucky Supreme Court

Online gambling proponents say Gov. Steve Beshear is moving against a national tide with his effort to block Kentuckians from visiting Internet casinos. This case involves a Writ of Prohibition preventing seizure of 141 Internet domain names. We have decided to publish the video from these oral arguments. Appearances: For Appellant: David Eric Lycan, William Cecil Hurt, Jr., William Harvey May and Aaron Davis Reedy For Appellees: Jon L. Fleischaker, Robert Kenyon Meyer, James Lee Adams, Bruce... Posted on October 23, 2009 at 08:16 am by Finis Price

Rank This Week: 2336

Gerry Spence's Blog

Cover the legal profession, personal freedom and slavery to big corporations and big government.

http://gerryspence.wordpress.com

Nov 17
Housing for the dead

I am drawn to cemeteries, not because of some ghoulish, even sentimental reason, but because I want to reinforce my already steadfast and final decision that I do not want to be buried in one of those places along with people I do not know, and who if I knew, I would not likely [...] Posted on November 17, 2009 at 01:50 pm by gerryspence
Nov 4
Argus Joseph Thompson, Insane, on Love

In the fall in Jackson Hole the frost swipes the leaves from the trees like a mad painter stripping wet paint from his canvas. But this fall the frost had touched only lightly, and the aspens and the cottonwoods had turned translucent and yellow. The first light stroked the cornices of the Gable Peaks, and [...] Posted on November 4, 2009 at 08:02 am by gerryspence
Nov 3
Argus Joseph Thompson, Insane, on the Environment

Since in these days we have become more interested in the environment I thought it helpful to quote Argus Joseph Thomspon, Insane, on some of his scattered and irrelevant thoughts on the subject. He begins describing the early light in the mountains of Wyoming. Ah, the early light is the light! Nets [...] Posted on November 3, 2009 at 09:55 am by gerryspence

Rank This Week: 2344

Oregon Law Practice Management

Provides practice management tips for Oregon lawyers. By Beverly Michaelis.

http://oregonlawpracticemanagement.wordpress.com

Nov 16
Electronic Receipts: Legally Sufficient in Oregon?

Preparing return receipt certified mailings is a hassle. It's time consuming, costly, not exactly sustainable, and often guaranteed to make your staff tear their hair out. Enter the green alternative: the electronic return receipt. Earlier this year, Washington state paved the way for use of electronic return receipt delivery with HB 1426. The bill provides: "Whenever a [...] Posted on November 16, 2009 at 05:24 pm by beverlym
Nov 13
The Ethics of Social Media

In her column, A Word of Caution: Social Media for Lawyers, Oregon State Bar Deputy General Counsel Helen Hierschbiel shares six cardinal rules for lawyers using social media. The advice is spot-on. If you or your clients are using Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, or any other social networking site, be sure you understand the ethical implications [...] Posted on November 13, 2009 at 09:42 am by beverlym
Nov 9
Should You Be Charging Flat Fees?

A recent Business Journal post suggests that the number of clients requesting flat fee arrangements in Oregon has doubled in the past year. Why would clients prefer a flat fee? Certainty - the client knows up front exactly what your services will cost. Budgeting - if the client knows what it's going to cost, he or she can [...] Posted on November 9, 2009 at 08:24 am by beverlym

Rank This Week: 2417

Reid My Blog!

Covers management, governance and ethics for lawyers. By Reid Trautz.

http://www.reidmyblog.com/reidmyblog/

Nov 16
The 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

The Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers is back for the fifth year with all new and unique gift ideas for lawyers and law firms. I've been gathering ideas from many sources, ripping pages from catalogs and magazines, talking to lawyers, combing through e-mails from PR types, bookmarking websites, and then whittling them down to the best, thoughtful, fun and practical gifts for even the hardest-to-please attorney. I still don't make a dime nor get free products, but I do get the satisfaction of... Posted on November 16, 2009 at 02:35 pm by Reid Trautz
Nov 15
The Busy Lawyer's Guide to Success Now Available on Amazon

I am pleased to announce that The Busy Lawyer's Guide to Success: Essential Tips to Power Your Practice is now available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters (in Canada) and other book e-tailers. Although the book has been available via the ABA Webstore, it is now available for less than the ABA price and qualifies for free shipping from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Dan Pinnington and I wrote The Busy Lawyer's Guide to Success to be a compact and practical idea book to help lawyers... Posted on November 15, 2009 at 09:46 am by Reid Trautz
Nov 12
My Fifth Annual Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers is coming this Monday . . .

I'm busier than a elf at the North Pole, but come rain, sleet, or snow, the 2009 edition of my holiday gift guide will be out on November 16th so look for it before you go shopping for the lawyers in your life! Posted on November 12, 2009 at 05:58 am by Reid Trautz

Rank This Week: 2423

Fastcase Legal Research Blog

Discusses legal news, law office technology, culture and legal research.

http://fastcase.blogspot.com/

Nov 16
Fastcase Tips: Constructing a Broad Keyword Search

/**/ Get your week started off right with a Fastcase Research Tip. Today, we have tips for creating a broad search query. When you are getting started on a new research project, it is usually a good idea to start with a broad search query and then narrow your query until you get an acceptable number of results. Use these tips to make sure you are not inadvertently excluding decisions that address your topic. Use synonyms. Try including common synonyms for the keywords in your query. For... Posted on November 16, 2009 at 01:49 pm
Nov 11
Facebook: The Perfect Alibi

In the past, we have blogged about how social-networking can get lawyers and defendants in to hot water. Well, there are two-sides to every coin, and today The New York Times reports how 19 year-old Rodney Bradford's Facebook status updates kept him out of jail. Bradford's defense lawyer persuaded a prosecutor to drop robbery charges against his client for a robbery in Brooklyn by demonstrating that Bradford had an alibi -- he had updated his status in Manhattan at the time of the incident... Posted on November 11, 2009 at 06:16 pm
Nov 10
Free Wi-Fi for the Holidays Courtesy of Google!

Traveling during the holidays is always a harrowing, but Google is taking the edge off this year by providing free wi-fi at 47 participating airports (and on Virgin America flights). The program (which honestly sounds a little too good to be true) starts next Monday November 16, 2009 and runs through January 15, 2010. Check out whether your local airport is participating: here. Posted on November 10, 2009 at 01:50 pm

Rank This Week: 2428

Practicing Law in the 21st Century...

Practicing Law in the 21st Century

Covers technology and the legal profession. By Nicole Black, Matthew Lerner and Gregory Bell.

http://21stcenturylaw.wordpress.com

Nov 16
Is cloud computing really less secure than the status quo?

This week's Daily Record column is entitled "Is cloud computing really less secure than the status quo?" A pdf of the article can be found here and my past Daily Record articles can be accessed here. ***** Is cloud computing really less secure than the status quo?Cloud computing, defined at Webopedia.com as the "sharing [of] computing resources rather [...] Posted on November 16, 2009 at 07:36 am by Nicole Black
Nov 9
Does cloud computing compromise clients?

This week's Daily Record column is entitled "Does cloud computing compromise clients?" A pdf of the article can be found here and my past Daily Record articles can be accessed here. ****** Does cloud computing compromise clients? I predict that within about two to three years, lawyers in most jurisdictions will communicate and collaborate with clients using some type [...] Posted on November 9, 2009 at 08:54 am by Nicole Black
Nov 2
Tricks for efficient online interaction

This week's Daily Record column is entitled "Tricks for efficient online interaction" A pdf of the article can be found here and my past Daily Record articles can be accessed here. ****** Tricks for efficient online interaction Many lawyers understand the importance of networking, but let's face it - running a law practice takes time and no one ever [...] Posted on November 2, 2009 at 01:31 pm by Nicole Black

Rank This Week: 2450

Yet Another Solo Lawyer Site

Covers the transition from a legal aid staff attorney to a solo practitioner. By Nanina Takla.

http://legalaidtosolo.lontpdx.com

Nov 14
Client selection

As I launch into solo private practice, I'm finding client selection to be the issue that I'm really struggling with. I'm certainly not complaining - I know I'm extremely lucky to be having to worry about which potential clients to accept rather than worry about having any potential clients to vet. But one of the pieces of advice I've encountered over and over about going out on your own is be very, very careful about the clients you take. I never struggled with this issue much when I was at... Posted on November 14, 2009 at 09:42 am by nt2002
Nov 7
Turning prospective clients into paying clients

As I've progressed down the road in opening my practice, my attitude towards getting clients has fluctuated. Before I hung out my virtual shingle, I figured that I would focus on getting pro bono clients for the first couple of months and build through word of mouth. Once I put up the website, I think I subconsciously expected it to magically draw in people, so naturally I was hurt when the emails and phone calls didn't immediately start flowing in. Now, a couple of weeks in, my internet... Posted on November 7, 2009 at 06:40 am by nt2002
Oct 30
First client cold call!

So this is very exciting. I actually had a potential client call me out of the blue. I was so astonished I totally flubbed the call. But then again, it was a foster parent looking to intervene in the dependency proceedings - not an issue close to my heart. Needless to say, the call went no where, but it's exciting that someone found me through the internet! Posted on October 30, 2009 at 03:31 pm by nt2002

Rank This Week: 2492

The Nutmeg Lawyer

Discusses the Trials & Tribulations of Law Practice. By Adrian Baron.

http://thenutmeglawyer.blogspot.com/

Nov 14
50 Resources for Lawyers to Create Their Own Websites

Guest Post by noted Houston Attorney Adrienne Calson.With more and more potential clients going online to utilize search engines and third party review sites such as Yelp in order to find well-respected, reliable, and honest legal council, an online presence is an absolute necessity for attorneys. A competently designed, informative, and regularly updated website can grant those in the legal Posted on November 14, 2009 at 01:36 am by Adrian M. Baron
Nov 5
Representing Family Members and Other Horrible Life Decisions

The Family GuyRecently, I was asked by a newly minted attorney if he should represent his uncle in a divorce against his aunt. I pondered his thoughtful question for a moment and then proceeded to pummel him with my briefcase. After being pulled off by several court marshals, I composed myself and proceeded to continue the assault.In actuality, representing friends and family can prove to be an Posted on November 5, 2009 at 01:06 pm by Adrian M. Baron
Sep 29
Search Engine Optimization Basics for Small Firms

By Guest Contributor Brett Owens, CEO of ChrometaSo what exactly is search engine optimization? And more importantly - should your firm care about it? Search engine optimization, or SEO, is the art of dressing up your webpage so that Google will like it better. As a business owner, it could be a source of free leads - potentially a lot of free leads. And who would argue with that?Let's walk Posted on September 29, 2009 at 08:24 am by Adrian M. Baron

Rank This Week: 2504

Lawdable

Discusses cost-effective and flexible legal solutions for corporate legal departments and law firm. By Counsel on Call.

http://www.lawdable.com/

Nov 12
Don't Hit The Snooze Button On ESI Management

There's almost nothing like the words 'record retention policy' to quickly put a group of grown adults asleep. If you're lucky enough to be placed on the team to formulate said policy, you probably wonder who you ticked off and should remove from your holiday card list. Reminds me of the Dilbert where the boss starts a meeting and falls asleep while talking, slams his head on the desk only to wake up and ask what the meeting was about. They all said 'the records retention policy.' But hey, some... Posted on November 12, 2009 at 06:28 am
Nov 4
Cost Predictions Rely Equally on Technology and People

I'm a little late on this one, but this article outlines the use of technology to budget and control the cost of a document review project and could be helpful to some folks. It's sometimes an overwhelming topic, but there's no question that law-related technology tools have advanced in recent years and, when used properly, can drastically reduce the overall data set that is needed to review, code and produce. De-duplication, near dupes, key words, clustering of some type or another and... Posted on November 4, 2009 at 06:44 am
Nov 2
Legal Savings Needed - STAT!

In early January, I read an interesting piece by Susan Hackett of ACC wherein she laid out a few tips for GC's on weathering the economic storm. Although things are beginning to look up (for some), lots of questions remain about 2010. Many of our in-house comrades have weathered or are currently going through the budgeting process; the open questions about the upcoming year have made that process almost like shooting at a target in a dark room. Despite this cloud of uncertainty, it seems there... Posted on November 2, 2009 at 10:26 am

Rank This Week: 2567

Criminal Defense Law With An Apple...

Criminal Defense Law With An Apple

Looks at Macintosh software and hardware in the law office.

http://lawwithanapple.com

Nov 10
What’s New

Well things have been quiet at Law With an Apple. We have been clicking along without much to say but I thought I would give a quick update on what's new (or the same). I have been very happy with Dropbox and have nothing to report except smooth sailing. We still love our Scan Snap and Adobe tools. I was also given a nice workaround for my gripes with the Scan Snap courtesy of Finis Price. Thanks Finis. Check out his blog, Techno Esquire. I ordered the new Magic Mouse. I love it. But mostly... Posted on November 10, 2009 at 06:09 pm by admin
Oct 14
New Blog: Law On My Phone

Came across the blog Law On My Phone. The blog covers a iPhone hardware/software and shows a lot of promise. Most recent post was on Google Wave. Although I think Google Wave's applications to Criminal Defense Lawyers is far more limited, I am still looking forward to checking out this new product from Google and seeing what tools can be integrated into our firm. Posted on October 14, 2009 at 12:29 pm by admin
Oct 13
Fix the ScanSnap

Today I was going to upgrade my OS to Snow Leopard. Literally minutes before I was going to shove the Snow Leopard disk into my iMac, I got an email from my friend Jonathan, a Lynnwood DUI Lawyer. Jonathan asked whether ScanSnap was compatible with Snow Leopard. I thought to myself, why wouldn't it be? I typed in ScanSnap and Snow Leopard into Google and&#xe2€&#xa6boo. I have posted numerous times on my love affair with the Fujitsu ScanSnap. But this is really sad. The fact that it has still not been... Posted on October 13, 2009 at 02:21 pm by admin

Rank This Week: 2607

On Being A Black Lawyer

By Yolanda Young.

http://www.onbeingablacklawyer.com

Nov 5
Legal Practice Seminars For Law Students, Recent Grads

Law students are no doubt discovering that it's going to take more than an appointment with Career Services to secure a legal job in this economy. It's going to take some hustle, moxie and probably a bit of entrepreneurial spirit. To help you along, Bizunesh Scott, Esq. has founded Advice & Counsel PLLC. From the company's press release: Advice & Counsel PLLC is excited to present the 2009 Diversity Roundtable Legal Practice Seminar Series, a program that gives back to the legal... Posted on November 5, 2009 at 03:04 am by Sam
Oct 26
Who Would You Add To The Root 100?

Last week TheRoot.com published it's first ever The Root 100. According to its editors: The Root 100 is a newly minted honor intended to celebrate the leadership, service and excellence of African-American men and women whose passion, dedication and innovative work have set them apart. The Root 100 is the manifestation of a core component of The Root's mission-to bring to light people and ideas who are quietly having an impact on our lives and our communities. Interestingly, a quarter of those... Posted on October 26, 2009 at 05:48 am by Sam
Oct 26
Law Firm Recruiter, Ron Jordan Offers OBABL Readers Career Advice

OBABL has heard from many attorneys and law students seeking career advice, so we've decided to partner with Ron Jordan, the founding Principal of Carter-White & Shaw. With more than thirteen years of experience in attorney placement and law firm mergers and acquisitions, Ron has successfully placed many law firm partners and facilitated mergers with major law firms. Whether you're just beginning your legal career, looking to transition to government, or reposition yourself after a firm... Posted on October 26, 2009 at 05:13 am by Sam

Rank This Week: 2709

Amazing Firms, Amazing Practices

Provides ideas and information for senior law firm management. By Gerry Riskin.

http://www.gerryriskin.com/

Nov 1
Gerry Riskin Luncheon Social Media Keynote to LPM section of ABA October 19, 2009 in St Maarten

This is a private password protected copy of my Social Media slides for the Social Media Presentation to the LPM (Law Practice Management) Section of the American Bar Association in St. Maarten on Oct 19, 2009. Those in attendance can obtain the password from Tom Grella. Many thanks Download Here Posted on November 1, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Oct 1
THANK YOU Patrick Lamb for your "WOW" post

Patrick Lamb is synonymous with Valorem Law Group which is a driving force in changing how legal services are valued and acquired. After learning that Jordan Furlong was joining us, here's (an excerpt from) what he posted: It's like adding Wayne Gretzky in his prime to the team that already was the best team in the league, or adding an all-star to a team of all-stars. Great move, my friends. Read the complete post here: WOW! Jordan Furlong joins Edge International! If you lead a law firm and do... Posted on October 1, 2009 at 09:02 pm
Sep 30
Edge International proudly annouces Jordan Furlong

It is a proud day for all of us at Edge to add such a distinguished partner. After law school, Jordan articled with one of Canada's leading law firms and then opted for a career in legal journalism culminating with more than 10 years as editor-in-chief of the Canadian Bar Associations distinguished well respected National magazine and executive editor of CCCA Magazine Now Jordan joins us to offer both strategic and tactical advice to lawyers, law firms and legal organizations, centered around... Posted on September 30, 2009 at 01:04 pm

Rank This Week: 2773

Women Lawyers--Back on Track

For women attorneys seeking success and happiness in the legal profession.

http://nylawblog.typepad.com/women_lawyers/

Oct 26
BREAKING NEWS! Women lawyers are underrepresented in law firms!

This just in from the National Association of Women Lawyers (who took it upon themselves to conduct yet another study doomed to have depressing results from the very start)--they've reached the "astounding" conclusion that women lawyers are "terribly underrepresented" in the upper ranks of large law firms. Via the ABA Journal one of the findings of the study was that: Women play "a surprisingly small role" in the highest levels of firm leadership. The highest governing committee at the average... Posted on October 26, 2009 at 06:14 am by NBlack
Oct 12
Sometimes they're just clueless-you can't blame 'em for that.

When I was in New York City last week, I attended a preview of the Broadway show Oleanna. I was offered two free tickets to attend because of my blogging on this blog. It's described at the website as follows: OLEANNA has electrifying dialogue, blazing emotion and an ending that will leave you talking for weeks. In this riveting drama, a college professor and his female student become embroiled in a war of words that takes a dangerous turn. As their serene campus transforms into a battleground... Posted on October 12, 2009 at 08:18 am by NBlack
Oct 1
It's not the law firm's fault-the clients keep stealing all the women!

It's the blame game. Women and minority numbers in law firms are low, but it must be someone else's the fault: the women, their uteri, the economy, or--the clients! Yep. Now it's the client's fault. From this article: Charlotte law firms challenged to hire minorities, women, we learn that the percentages of women and minority lawyers is ridiculously low in Charlotte: According to a 2008 study of more than 1,500 law offices across the country by the Association for Legal Career Professionals,... Posted on October 1, 2009 at 05:54 am by NBlack

Rank This Week: 2838

Strategic Attorney

Covers professional development, rain making and practice management for estate planning attorneys.

http://blog.strategicattorney.com

Sep 27
Google Apps for Your Law Firm

Cover of Google Apps: The Missing Manual Recently, I wrote a blog on How to Create Your Law Firm Procedures Manual in One Week. In that article, I mentioned that an internal wiki - in paticular, one provided as part of the Google Apps suite would be pretty great for hosting your procedures manual. I invited responses if you'd like a blog on the topic of Google Apps and its wiki functionality, and you said "we would!" (well, some of you did). Before I begin, let me recommend that if you are a... Posted on September 27, 2009 at 06:17 pm by Diedre Braverman
Sep 18
ABA Endorses Mentoring For Growth

In it's online article, 15 Ways to Grow Your Legal Practice, the American Bar Association endorses mentoring: http://www.abanet.org/lpm/lpt/articles/mkt09091.shtml. Social Bookmarking Posted on September 18, 2009 at 08:47 am by Diedre Braverman
Sep 16
The Coming $1M Exemption

See our take on estate tax repeal at the Wachbrit Braverman PC Estate Planning & Asset Protection blog. Social Bookmarking Posted on September 16, 2009 at 09:48 am by Diedre Braverman

Rank This Week: 3010

Law and Legal Research

Covers lawyers, legal websites, legal news and legal resources.

http://law.onecle.com

Sep 24
Plaxico Burress

Even Second Amendment haters must be scratching their heads at this one. Two years in prison for second degree criminal possession of a weapon and second degree reckless endangerment. Wow! Is his offense of the same magnitude as that committed by Michael Vick? No. Regardless of the law, on a basic fairness level, how do you send a man to jail for two years for accidentally shooting himself with a concealed weapon, illegal or otherwise? Sure, if he shot someone else, I would understand. But he... Posted on September 24, 2009 at 02:37 am by Ken Chan
Aug 29
Phillip Garrido and the Plain View Secret Yard

SFGate: 18 Years of Missed Chances to Find Kidnap Victim. This guy was definitely very elusive, very stealthy in what he was doing," said Gordon Hinkle, spokesman for the state parole agency, which was charged with monitoring the 58-year-old sex offender for the last decade. "He had a fence, basically a false front where he had a secret yard." He had a "secret" yard, providing that you don't use the Satellite view on Google Maps. After this slip up, I think parole officers might be using Google... Posted on August 29, 2009 at 07:31 am by Ken Chan
Aug 28
Rex Rammell Threatens President Obama

Recently, Rex Rammell declared that he wanted to buy some Obama tags, presumably for hunting the President of the United States. Any gubernatorial candidate should be aware that threats against the President carry a fine and prison term of p to five years. (See 18 USC &#xc2&#xa7871). Posted on August 28, 2009 at 10:45 am by Ken Chan

Rank This Week: 3023

Smallfirmville

The New York State Bar Association's official blog for solo and small firm attorneys.

http://nysbar.com/blogs/smallfirmville/

Sep 8
Observe, Ask, Suggest

Observe, Ask Questions & Suggest Solutions - I am a litigation attorney and I had a unique legal education. While still in college one of my roommates brought me an application for what he said could be a great paying summer job. His father was a court clerk and the courts in New York City were hiring provisional court officers to help fill vacancies that were created as a result of the vast expansion of the courts. This expansion was due in part to the implementation of the "Rockefeller"... Posted on September 8, 2009 at 03:01 pm by Barbara Beauchamp
Aug 21
Innovation

By Lenny Sienko, guest blogger When I was a young lawyer thirty-one years ago, I showed up at "Motion Term" one Monday morning at the Delaware County Courthouse in Delhi, New York, the county seat some forty miles from my new office. While I waited, I was treated to an invaluable, free CLE session as I watched and listened to the senior lawyers appear on their matters and argue before the Judge. When the session ended, I was invited to join all of the other lawyers for lunch at the modest... Posted on August 21, 2009 at 02:37 pm by Barbara Beauchamp
Aug 21
The Upside of Solo/Small Firm Practice

By Elissa Hecker, guest blogger The beauty of being a solo practitioner or part of a small firm is that one has more freedom to work with clients on a personal basis, and foster relationships. Unfortunately when working in a large firm, many attorneys do work for clients who they never meet. An attorney's job is to zealously advocate for her client. However, in addition, it is the solo or small firm attorney who can add the personal touch, both as lawyer and counselor. It is important to know... Posted on August 21, 2009 at 12:46 pm by Barbara Beauchamp

Rank This Week: 3072

Out-of-the-Box Lawyering

Discusses the use of creative solutions by lawyers. By Adlph J. Levy.

http://www.outoftheboxlawyering.com/

Sep 1
Using Facebook, MySpace and Google to collect on judgments

How about this? The I.R.S. and state tax people are using Facebook and MySpace to collect on back taxes. There are a number of recent articles on the topic, including one from the Wall Street Journal entitled Is "Friending" in Your Future? Better Pay Your Taxes First. (For more articles, just search Google for: IRS Facebook.) The Journal article writes about how Minnesota authorities collected "several thousand dollars" by using one evader's MySpace announcement and how the IRS got $2,000 taxes... Posted on September 1, 2009 at 09:11 am by A.J. Levy
May 29
A creative way to use Google street views: Using it to find a cheaper hotel room

The ABA Techshow was recently held at the Chicago Hilton located at 720 South Michigan Avenue. Even though the ABA got a discount on the normal room rate, it still cost attendees $199 per night. While I was at the conference, I started speaking with someone who was attending who could not have afforded that rate. He told me how he found a hotel that was much cheaper and that was only a block away. How did he do it? Here's how: He went on Google's street views and just "walked" from the Hilton... Posted on May 29, 2009 at 01:05 pm by A.J. Levy
May 25
How to have the Post Office automatically update you on people’s new addresses

What happens when you send a letter to someone and that person has moved? Your letter will automatically get forwarded for the first 12 months after the service. But you won't get the person's new address. Here's how you can have the Post Office automatically send you the new address: Just place "Address Service Requested" on your envelope and you'll get the new address - at the grand cost of fifty cents. Think about adding the line to the return address on your envelopes. That is, unless you... Posted on May 25, 2009 at 01:34 pm by A.J. Levy

Rank This Week: 3101

LawyerKM

Covers knowledge management and technology for lawyers and law firms. By Patrick DiDomenico.

http://lawyerkm.com/

Aug 30
The New Communication - 11 tips to help

The New Communication is better communication. Why address communication in a KM blog? Because communication is part of the "how we do things" component of knowledge management. Here are 11 tips on how to better communicate: 1. Be Concise. Nobody wants to read though paragraphs of blather to reach your point. Enough said. 2. Choose the right tool for the job. Don't send an email if you need (1) immediate confirmation of receipt of your message or (2) an immediate response. While some people... Posted on August 30, 2009 at 12:09 pm by Patrick DiDomenico
Aug 25
Autonomy iManage Early Adopters (ILTA Presentation)

At the International Legal Technology Association conference in Washington D.C. I'm attending the Autonomy iManage Early Adopter session. Among others, my colleague at Gibbons P.C., the Chief Technology Officer, Michael Aginsky, is speaking. On a related note, Michael is starting his own personal blog, Law Firm CTO, soon. Check it out. And you can follow him on Twitter at @michaelaginsky. Another note, my friend David Hobbie is sitting next to me (and typing much faster), so he probably has... Posted on August 25, 2009 at 01:31 pm by Patrick DiDomenico
Aug 25
New Jersey Courts Embrace Web 2.0 / Social Media

New Jersey State courts have announced the adoption of several Web 2.o technologies to better serve the legal community. These include RSS feeds, a Twitter page, a YouTube channel, and a Facebook page. The text of the press release is below (and here's a link to it). Judiciary Uses Social Media to Keep Court Users Informed SMS text messages. RSS feeds. Facebook. YouTube. The Judiciary is taking advantage of the latest media developments to keep the public informed of the latest court... Posted on August 25, 2009 at 09:12 am by Patrick DiDomenico

Rank This Week: 3104

LAWTECH GURU BLOG by Jeff Beard

Covers law practice managment and related technology issues. Published by Jeff Beard.

http://www.lawtechguru.com/

Jul 8
Google to Offer Chrome OS – Cloud Computing Tie-in Seems Likely

Setting aside the Mac vs. PC debate for a minute, how about Chrome OS as your next OS choice? News.com reports that Google is moving beyond its Chrome web browser and Android smartphone operating system, and is actively developing a lightweight PC operating system based on Linux and Web standards for personal computers. It will also be based on Google's Chrome browser. More info is available on this earlier report at News.com - that "lower-end PCs called Netbooks from unnamed manufacturers will... Posted on July 8, 2009 at 09:41 pm by jjbeard
Jun 7
Free ILTA White Paper: Best Practices for the Legal Hold Process

I'm honored that ILTA asked me to contribute a white paper on best practices for legal holds. It's a topic near and dear to my heart, as I advise companies seeking to implement more effective hold policies and procedures. The legal hold process is a critical stage in eDiscovery. Implementing and executing a well-designed legal hold process can significantly reduce the risks and costs associated with eDiscovery and other compliance requirements. Crafting, adopting and implementing legal hold... Posted on June 7, 2009 at 11:44 am by jjbeard
Mar 31
Twittering Away a Job – Infamously

It's all over Twitter and the web - how a Twitterer made a negative Tweet about her new job offer from Cisco. Naturally, someone who identified himself from Cisco saw it and responded. It's now an urban wegend (web legend), dubbed the "Cisco Fatty" incident, in reference to the "fatty paycheck" comment in her Tweet. There are already YouTube videos parodying and discussing it. Covered in a DailyTech article, the Twitterer identified as Connor Riley explained her situation and intent in why she... Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:43 pm by jjbeard

Rank This Week: 3222

California Appeal

Covers appellate advocacy in California. By the Law Office of Amanda F. Benedict.

http://www.california-appeal.com/

Jun 29
Appointed Appellate Counsel To Receive IOUs

Despite long hours of negotiation over the weekend, it appears that California court-appointed appellate attorneys will start getting paid in IOUs starting on Thursday. When the state last issued IOUs, also known as registered warrants, in the early 1990's, many banks honored them and allowed recipients to exchange them for cash. But they're under no obligation to do so this time around. And this time the IOU recipients will include public agencies, not individual employees. So far, there is no... Posted on June 29, 2009 at 03:16 pm by Mandy
Jan 25
Why Hire An Appellate Attorney Pre-Trial?

Should you hire an appellate attorney before trial even begins? The short answer is - yes! An appellate attorney can provide litigators with valuable services pre-trial, during trial, and post-trial. Scott Smith,in his article "When An Appellate Lawyer Joins The Litigation Team," details the various benefits a litigator will receive by bringing an appellate attorney into the litigation team. Pre-trial, an appellate attorney can assist trial counsel by preparing the motions in limine. Well... Posted on January 25, 2009 at 12:11 pm by Mandy
Jan 19
Necessity Of Record Citations

Counsel works hard to perfect the record for the appeal. They ensure that the appellate court receives the reporter's transcripts from the proceedings where the legal error occurred as well as the necessary trial motions and trial court orders. Now, with the record before the Court, counsel endeavors to craft an appellate brief. So focused on the legal argument, counsel fails to provide citations to the record counsel so craftily prepared. Many attorneys believe, "What's the harm, the appellate... Posted on January 19, 2009 at 06:08 pm by Mandy

Rank This Week: 3233

End of ESQ.

Comments on challenges to the legal profession, such as layoffs and outsourcing.

http://endofesq.com

Jun 26
Another Career In The Shitter

[www.cnn.com] Don't know what to make of this other than the cops who took the photos should be fired and lose their pensions-and forced to lose a considerable amount of weight. Posted on June 26, 2009 at 01:43 pm by Caretaker
Jun 25
Jacko Dead: How Long Before His Lawyers Tell All

Yikes! Wait a few hours and your tv will be full of lawyers giving up the ghosts. Aren't you proud to be a scum bag lawyer? Posted on June 25, 2009 at 07:32 pm by Caretaker
Jun 25
Give Us Your Money

Look at this picture. These are members of the Serice Employees Union. This is where your hard earned money goes. This country is so so lost. Posted on June 25, 2009 at 11:51 am by Caretaker

Rank This Week: 3237

Legal Extranet Blog

Covers legal extranets, client workspace technology, litigation case management and litigation support. By the Xerdict Group.

http://legalextranet.blogspot.com

Jun 23
Extranet - Coding Strategies

If you are considering building your own legal extranet, here are some quick do's / don'ts. Do be sure to manage your source code with a source code management system. Do be sure you have a strategy to manage and control software versions. Do be sure you have strong technical specifications written. Do be sure you write reusable objects to perform common system functions. Don't allow a single person to code the system without adequate backup. Don't forget to put together a solid project plan.... Posted on June 23, 2009 at 01:27 am by Kenneth Jones
Aug 3
Technolawyer E-Book

The TechnoLawyer eBook Was Downloaded 5,000 Times in First 36 Hours of Release New York, NY (August 1, 2007) - Shortly after midnight on July 30, 2007 it started. Fittingly, Blawg Review, an anonymous legal blog (blawg) that hosts a weekly best of the legal blogosphere, made the new TechnoLawyer eBook, BlawgWorld 2007 with TechnoLawyer Problem/Solution Guide, available to its readers as a free download. In all, 60 blawgs and one email newsletter network offered the eBook to their respective... Posted on August 3, 2007 at 08:08 am
Feb 16
MVC (Model View Controller) Development Strategy

Here is a link to a development methodology which I would highly recommend as an appropriate software development methology for legal extranet systems. While this reading is not for the faint of heart, it does describe, quite well, the manner in which an additional metadata layer can be added on to a system this allowing the rapid development of new system entities and the subsequent easy reuse of application code to support a plethora of various business functions and vertical markets. One of... Posted on February 16, 2007 at 10:26 pm by Kenneth Jones

Rank This Week: 3244

LawyerOn! The Contract Attorney's...

LawyerOn! The Contract Attorney's Blog

Covers outsourcing legal work, solo and small firms, and law practice management. By Kimberley Alderman.

http://contractattorneys.wordpress.com/

Jun 1
Where have all the flowers gone?

I've been pretty actively busy in recent months so my posts have slowed to a near trickle. Please enjoy the old posts and information, and do still feel free to contact me directly, but FYI I am no longer updating the blog. Priorities and all that jazz. You know how it goes. Lawyer [...] Posted on June 1, 2009 at 12:41 pm by Kimberly Alderman
May 15
Growth in Contract Lawyering

A new article on NLJ features one of my favorite online lawyer-friends Lisa Solomon. Check out Downturn May Have an Upside for Contract Attorneys. Posted on May 15, 2009 at 12:31 pm by Kimberly Alderman
Mar 27
A Tribute to the Cold Call, and an Update on My New Gig

A few weeks ago I decided I need to get out from the home office and do some in-person lawyering. This was partly motivated by having been in DC for a three-week trial (which re-inflamed my courtroom itch) and partly because I found myself feel like a cooped up housewife descending into madness. [...] Posted on March 27, 2009 at 07:15 am by Kimberly Alderman

Rank This Week: 3264

Allocatur

News, thoughts and suggestions on lawyer /client relationships, legal costs, alternative billing, the 6 minute unit and meeting client expectations. By Liz Harris.

http://harcosts.typepad.com/allocatur/

May 22
Mini skirts, leggings and the judiciary

A colleague yesterday drew my attention to the female barrister striding past the Supreme Court, wigged and gowned, in her mini skirt, stilettos and leggings. We can both recall the days when another of our colleagues was asked to leave the court because she was wearing brightly coloured spotted tights and we both wondered whether now days leggings would cause any issue. The question of attire came up again last night when watching the wonderful "Boston Legal" with Alan appearing before the US... Posted on May 22, 2009 at 12:29 am by Liz Harris
May 18
Wilson’s Little Gift to the World - Law Blog - WSJ

In perhaps what is Richard Susskind's legal world of the future, now a reality, the Wall Street Journal reports in Wilson's Little Gift to the World about an on-line do-it-yourself Venture Financing Term Sheet being offered by a US law firm, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Having worked my way through the pages of on-line options, and admitting that I have no background in venture financing or the like, I come to the conclusion that it is probably a smart marketing tool to make any smart... Posted on May 18, 2009 at 04:08 am by Liz Harris
May 5
Third party payers

The Legal Profession Acts now enacted in the majority of Australian states, have the concept of "third party payers", of which there are two types, associated and non-associated. Associated third party payers are those who are not the client of the law practice, but have a direct responsibility to the law practice to pay the client's costs. Examples are insurers, companies paying the costs of an employee or director, a father paying the costs of a child. Non-associated third party payers, do... Posted on May 5, 2009 at 06:09 am by Liz Harris

Rank This Week: 3278

The Legist Law Blog

Covers legal writing and marketing.

http://www.legistlaw.com/blog

Apr 5
How to stop foreclosure and modify your mortgage

If you are behind on your mortgage payments, your interest rate is about to adjust, or your mortgage is simply becoming unaffordable, the first thing you need to do is take action. The worst thing a homeowner can do is nothing. The mortgage company won't seek you out to ask you if you want to lower your interest rate, reduce your payments, or do other things to prevent foreclosure and modify your mortgage loan. Sometimes, simply by calling your mortgage company and explaining the reason for... Posted on April 5, 2009 at 07:54 pm by josefculik
Dec 31
The New Cicero

An article from the Guardian last month looks at President-Elect Barack Obama's use of rhetorical devices in his speeches. Besides being entertaining, the article is a nice little review of a few oratorical tricks like the tricolon, anaphora, and epiphora. Here's an excerpt: Obama's oratory conforms to the tripartite ideal laid down by Aristotle, who stated that [...] Posted on December 31, 2008 at 02:55 am by Josef Culik
Dec 29
Source for legal-writing articles

I occasionally mention SSRN on this blog and link to an article posted there. You might be wondering what exactly SSRN is. SSRN is the Social Science Research Network, a website that allows submission of articles, abstracts, and scholarly papers on a variety of subjects. I like to browse through a sub-network they have, the Legal [...] Posted on December 29, 2008 at 03:00 am by Josef Culik

Rank This Week: 3320

Legal Extranet Blog

Covers legal extranets, client workspace technology, litigation case management, e-discovery portals and litigation support. By the Xerdict Group.

http://legalextranet.blogspot.com/

Feb 27
Lowering expenses with legal extranets

Corporate law departments who wish to lower their outside counsel expenses might consider implementing legal extranets. These systems help lower costs in the following ways. 1) Document distribution. There is no need to overnight or fax documents that can be placed on a legal extranet. 2) Status Report Preparation. There is no need to pay attorneys and previously to generate case or litigation status reports if clients can look information up in an on-line case management system. 3) Reduced... Posted on February 27, 2009 at 08:03 pm by Kenneth Jones
Dec 8
Expert Witness Areas

Legal extranets can serve as good areas for attorneys and expert witnesses to share information. There is no need to store documents electronically on the servers of the attorney reviewing the document, all they need to do is access the document which is stored on a server which is not managed by the attorney's law firm or company. This, potentially, may prove to be an advantageous configuration for all parties involved. These types of systems also allow one to track the status of one or... Posted on December 8, 2008 at 02:37 am by Kenneth Jones
Nov 23
Litigation task management

One useful application of internet-based legal technology is to deliver a tool allowing many law firms working on a case to manage the tasks associated with a case. If a complaint needs to be answered, depositions need to be taken, interview need to be conducted, analysis needs to be completed -- all related to tens or hundreds of cases -- tracking who is supposed to do what (and when it needs to be done and if it is done) can be a daunting task. However, that being said, it is an important... Posted on November 23, 2008 at 08:53 pm by Kenneth Jones

Rank This Week: 3346

Legal PR Blawg @ Bork.com

News and commentary about legal and litigation public relations. From Robert H. Bork, Jr.

http://www.legalprblawg.com/

Feb 23
Cheat sheet for litigation PR counselors

Message by LegalPRBlawg.com on 2/23/2009 EST Here's a cheat sheet for corporate communications types who have to manage their company's litigation PR. Walter Olson at Point of Law gives you a list this morning of where the trial lawyers are expandin ... Posted on February 23, 2009 at 06:24 am
Feb 8
Do I have to say it until I am blue in the face? Well, yes.

Message by LegalPRBlawg.com on 2/8/2009 EST You can never say it enough to your client: "Stay on message&#xc2&#x85 Remember to bridge back to the message&#xc2&#x85 Repeat the message... Say it again and again." Clients hate this. They get bored repeating t ... Posted on February 8, 2009 at 08:23 pm
Feb 5
What Ponzi Scheme?

Message by LegalPRBlawg.com on 2/5/2009 EST How do you explain being taken in the biggest Ponzi scheme in history? This is the quite real challenge confronting the many investment firms and money managers who invested their clients' wealth with Bern ... Posted on February 5, 2009 at 10:18 am

Rank This Week: 3352

Corner of Lex and Biz

Covers law, operations, finance and technology.

http://www.josephkershenbaum.com

Dec 5
Four Excellent Private Resources for Federal Government Information

As a follow up to my recent post about federal government resources, I wanted to discuss four useful private resources for accessing federal government information. GovTrack.us allows one to follow the status of federal legislation using RSS feeds or customized trackers. One also can research members of Congress, bills and resolutions, roll call votes, the Congressional Record and Congressional committees. OpenCongress summarizes bills in everyday language and monitors related news. The... Posted on December 5, 2008 at 03:22 pm by Joe
Nov 27
Real Estate Escrow Accounts

Real estate purchasers may place a deposit into an escrow account prior to purchasing a property. Once you purchase the property, however, you may have to pay amounts into escrow as part of your mortgage loan obligations. In that regard, an escrow account is a trust account established in your name to pay obligations such as property insurance and property taxes on real estate. It may be set up when you take out a mortgage. You may pay these amounts along with your mortgage payment each month.... Posted on November 27, 2008 at 05:08 am by Joe
Nov 20
Force Majeure Provisions in Outsourcing Contracts

Last week, I provided a general overview of some of the compelling reasons for outsourcing at E-Solutions Integrator. Outsourcing contracts need to be carefully negotiated as problems can have a huge impact on the company that outsources. Lawyers tend to use the same boilerplate provisions despite the type of contract. That can be a killer in an outsourcing transaction. For example, one provision that should be carefully reviewed is the force majeure provision. Force majeure literally means... Posted on November 20, 2008 at 06:38 pm by Joe

Rank This Week: 3396

Women In Law Daily

Reviews information, news, and discussion concerning women in the practice of law.

http://womeninlawdaily.wordpress.com

Dec 1
“Mommy penalty” and “Daddy bonus” in law firms

I haven't heard of those terms before, but apparently they exist. See http://www.lawyersweekly.ca/index.php?section=article&articleid=820&rssid=4 Posted on December 1, 2008 at 06:21 pm by womeninlawdaily
Nov 18
Glass ceiling?

Interesting discussion in the comments on the new NAPL study here: http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/11/17/women-in-biglaw-pounding-against-the-glass-ceiling/ I'm glad I'm not in Biglaw. Posted on November 18, 2008 at 05:46 pm by womeninlawdaily
Aug 28
Spend X amount on your law degree…then stay home

Between work, being pregnant and studying for my licence, I haven't had much time to post, but a new study caught my eye. This study showed, among other professions, that 21% of Harvard women who became lawyers chose to stay home with their children . The study is titled "Opt-Out Patterns Across Careers: Labor Force Participation Rates Among [...] Posted on August 28, 2008 at 09:02 pm by womeninlawdaily

Rank This Week: 3399

The Practice

Helping law students and lawyers learn everything they wanted to know about law practice management, but did not learn in law school.

http://www.thepracticeblog.com/

Aug 21
An Open Letter to the State Bar Board of Governors

Lawyer misconduct charges will go online because of your vote. You, who were voted in by the members of the State Bar to represent our interests, have completely ignored the interests of your members. As the California Bar Journal stated... Posted on August 21, 2008 at 03:14 am by steinlaw
Aug 7
Nickel and Dimed

This is simple. If you want to know how most of your clients live and work, read this book by Barbara Ehrenreich. Barbara spent months living in Key West, Maine and Minnesota working for just above minimum wage and living... Posted on August 7, 2008 at 11:48 pm by steinlaw
Jul 30
New Marketing Email List

I have a new product for you, but its free. Who can complain about free? For the last several years, I was running a marketing list with limited membership. That list will stay that way. But, due to popular demand,... Posted on July 30, 2008 at 03:52 am by steinlaw

Rank This Week: 3425

a mac lawyer's notebook

Chronicles the journey from Windows to Macs in a law practice.

http://mac-lawyer.com

Jul 5
Importing with Daylite-Part One

A quick recap of where we are. Some months ago, I settled on Daylite as the practice management program we'd use once we switched to Macs. While it lacked a number of features right out of the box that I needed, Marketcircle (MC) is really working hard to provide the performance and features a widely divergent group of users have asked for, including us lawyers. Happily, I discovered that it was possible to emulate some key parts of Timematters (TM), my current practice manager, by using HUD... Posted on July 5, 2008 at 09:50 pm by Kevin
Jun 25
OmniFocus GTD Review at AppleBriefs

Jeff Kabbe at AppleBriefs has just posted an in-depth review of OmniFocus, a program designed to implement the Getting Things Done paradigm of organizing all the stuff that needs doing in life. This is the second part of a projected four-part series where Jeff reviews different GTD applications for Mac OSX. I'm currently using Things. Jeff reviewed that program here. It's very intuitive to me, meaning that it handles commands the way I think they should be handled. When it does not, it's... Posted on June 25, 2008 at 06:20 pm by admin
Jun 23
Displaying Notes in Daylite

While setting up some merge templates in Pages, I got an email from Andy Warwick, a web designer/programmer in England, who developed a great widget for Daylite. His widget allows you to display a running list of notes in Contacts or Projects (and some other database objects). It only displays those notes which have the string "{HUD}" in the title. Apparently, a lot of people don't want to see every note they make on a particular contact or project. While Daylite allows you to create notes... Posted on June 23, 2008 at 06:36 pm by admin

Rank This Week: 3434

e-DiscoveryLA

Analyzes e-discovery decisions & trends in Los Angeles area federal and state courts. Published by Kevin McBride, Attorney at Law.

http://www.ediscoveryla.com/

Apr 30
California Judicial Council Unanimously Approves e-Discovery Rules

On April 25, 2008, the California Judicial Council unanimously approved the proposed electronic discovery rules governing state court proceedings. A press release from the Judicial Council can be found here. The proposed changes will now be presented to the California State Legislature for legislative action as part of Assembly Bill 926, currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Assembly Member Noreen Evans will author the legislation. AB 926 will be co-sponsored by the Judicial... Posted on April 30, 2008 at 04:10 pm
Apr 7
9th Circuit Allows Seizure of "Intermingled Files" in Balco Steroid Cases

In US v. Comprehensive Drug Testing, Inc. et al, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals addressed a Fourth Amendment issue arising from an IRS seizure of "intermingled computer files" in executing a subpoena related to the steroids investigation of the Bay Area Lab Cooperative ("Balco"). Fans of Major League Baseball will immediately recall that the Balco steroids investigation has implicated numerous MLB players and their trainers in distribution and use of illegal steroids. A Ninth Circuit panel... Posted on April 7, 2008 at 06:52 pm
Mar 30
California Supreme Court Spells Out "Inadvertent Production" Duty

In Rico v. Mitsubishi Motors Corp., (2007) 42 Cal.4th 807, the California Supreme Court recognized an affirmative duty of counsel who receive inadvertent productions that are obviously identifiable as confidential or privileged: When a lawyer who receives materials that obviously appear to be subject to an attorney-client privilege or otherwise clearly appear to be confidential and privileged and where it is reasonably apparent that the materials were provided or made available through... Posted on March 30, 2008 at 06:34 pm

Rank This Week: 3438

Law in Moldova

By Alexei Ghertescu.

http://lawinmoldova.blogspot.com/index.html

Dec 25
Newsletter. Issue 1.

On the web-site of our law office from now on you will be able to read a newsletter that will be issued monthly (I hope it will). It is likely to appear on the site in a day or two, but you can download it right now. The topics that have been touched in the first issue: - The Agency for the Protection of Competition: What Can Be Expected from the Newly Created State Authority? - The New Regulation of Limited Liability Companies Activity: What Should Existing Companies Take into Consideration? -... Posted on December 25, 2007 at 02:29 pm
Nov 29
The Website of the Law Office of Alexei Ghertescu

I can finally announce the launch of the website of the Law Office of Alexei Ghertescu. Here is the link: http://www.alg.md/ Here you will find a lot of information about our activity and the services provided. There is still a lot of work to do and ideas to realize. However, the site is functional. Any comments and suggestions are really welcome. Posted on November 29, 2007 at 01:35 pm
Nov 27
Fruitless Efforts

At the beginning of November the Parliament adopted in the 1st reading the draft law on modifications to be introduced into the Code of Civil Procedure. According to the draft art. 206-(4) of the Code has been proposed to be excluded from the Code. -This paragraph of art. 206 provides that in case both parties (claimant and respondent) have not appeared for judicial hearings without having presented any reasons for its failure to appear and neither party asked the court to hold the hearings his... Posted on November 27, 2007 at 04:05 am

Rank This Week: 3451

Transblawg

Weblog on German-English legal translation from Fürth. By Margaret Marks.

http://www.margaret-marks.com/Transblawg/

Oct 15
Blog move / Umzug

Transblawg has moved here (http://transblawg.eu). Sorry the link was missing! No comments are possible now - every comment here gets an error message. This is the result of me hastily adding to the blacklist a spammer and some text that had this effect. So any comments to new blog as above. Thanks. Posted on October 15, 2007 at 01:32 pm
Oct 11
Franglish: le poolish

I am not getting round to blogging a whole list of topics because I have too much else to do. Here is a sop: I was looking at a baking glossary (DE, EN, IT, FR, NL, ES) that Christiane recommended to see if it looked reliable - it does - and I was struck by the French word for sponge (Vorteig), le poolish. I was even more surprised to discover its origin, from the English word Polish. Yet it refers to the sort of sponge made with baker's yeast (sourdough is levain). Perhaps this 'via Vienna' is... Posted on October 11, 2007 at 07:20 am
Oct 11
Doris Lessing

Is it well known that she is Gregor Gysi's aunt? Posted on October 11, 2007 at 06:02 am

Rank This Week: 3452

FamilyCraft: The Private Practice...

FamilyCraft: The Private Practice of Family & Divorce Mediation

Covers the intrapersonal and the professional/technical world of being a family mediator. By Lawrence F. King.

http://coloradodivorcemediation.com/blog/mediation/index.htm

May 30
Divorce, Mediation and Fairness: A Potential Client's Inquiry

/**/ A potential client (we'll call her Ms. Smith) asked an important question this morning: "My husband has just told me that he is seeking a divorce. We plan to use mediation if possible. I have concerns about whether mediation addresses fairness?" My reply follows: Ms. Smith: Thank you for your very important question about the divorce process, mediation and fairness! In my view, divorce - no matter how you do it, or what process you use - poses many potential concerns and issues of fairness... Posted on May 30, 2007 at 07:40 am by Larry
Apr 23
Empathy, Anger & Sorrow (Erasing the Lines in the Sand)

In discussing disappointment's natural place in the landscape of life, psychotherapist Michael Miller, Ph.D., recently wrote in a popular magazine's feature article: Empathy helps turn anger into sorrow. When sorrow becomes mutual, it begins to erase the lines drawn in the sand. I recognize this as a common phenomenon in divorce and family mediation. A divorcing couple struggles mightily with their difference of views and their anger with each other in the mediation session is pervasive. At... Posted on April 23, 2006 at 09:01 am by Larry
Dec 4
Acclaim for Our Divorce Law & Mediation Blogs and Website

Fellow attorney-mediator Diane Levin of Boston has kindly reviewed our new blogs (this family mediation blog, and our companion Colorado DivorcePoint! divorce law blog). In noting our blogs' launch, Diane's visible and respected On-Line Guide to Mediation (an alternative dispute resolution blog) described our main Colorado divorce mediation website as one of the most comprehensive, easily accessible, and visually pleasing sites I have encountered. Divorce and family mediators in search of ideas... Posted on December 4, 2005 at 04:53 am by Larry

Rank This Week: 3461

Take the Fifth

Covers the trials and tribulations of a solo law practitioner. By Brandon Wilson.

http://takethefifth.blogspot.com

Mar 15
Where have I been?

You may wonder why I haven't posted in over six months...uh, make that nine months. The reason is this: despite my insane attempt to quit the company where I work and go solo, I was "saved" by an 11th hour job offer that has kept me on board with the bank. The new job uses my legal education and takes advantage of my 15-ish years experience with the company, plus I keep my paid vacation and Posted on March 15, 2007 at 01:59 am by Brandon Wilson
Jun 30
Friday, June 30, 2006

It's been about a month now since I decided to start a solo practice, and I'm currently in a holding pattern waiting for the house to sell. Just my luck to pick the first real estate slowdown in ten years to list and sell my property.I'm amazed at the work Jennifer and I were able to do to get the house ready. It looks great. Too bad it took selling the house to get us to finally do the paint Posted on June 30, 2006 at 06:52 am by Brandon Wilson
Jun 30
Thursday, June 29, 2006

Received a belated response to my nystagmus/disability email from SOLOSEZ:No. Sorry, but it needs to be said.Trial work is perception, to the judge, to the other side and to the jury. Anything that detracts from that perception is a risk you cannot force on your clients. It would be one thing if you had a more visible disability that would explain itself. But you risk looking like something Posted on June 30, 2006 at 06:44 am by Brandon Wilson