Asked and Answered

Prudent or Plentiful? How Law Firms Decide Year-End Associate Bonuses

Higher associate bonuses came from Cravath Swain & Moore in 2012. Naturally other firms that see themselves–or want to see themselves–as competitors with the Wall Street firm followed suit. For the most part partners and associates are happy with the numbers, guests tell ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward, but there could be big changes in the future.

Dec 3, 2012 2:30 PM CST

Scared to Expand? Experts Offer Hiring Advice in Troubled Times

Podcast transcript: This ABA Journal podcast is brought to you by WestlawNext, the legal research platform chosen by over 40,000 legal organizations for their tradition of editorial excellence combined with the most advanced technology. Learn more at WestlawNext.com. Stephanie Francis Ward: It’s often hard enough to support yourself in a…

Nov 5, 2012 2:30 PM CST

Lucky 36: What It Takes to Land a Supreme Court Clerkship

About a thousand candidates–most if not all of whom have top grades, fascinating backgrounds and served as law review editors–apply for U.S. Supreme Court clerkship slots each year. How do the 36 who get tapped make the cut? Reputation, coupled with a bit of luck, goes a long way, guests tell ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

Oct 1, 2012 1:29 PM CDT

Keeping the Peace: How Associates and Partners Can Work Together Without a Battle

Podcast Transcript: This ABA Journal podcast is brought to you by WestlawNext, the legal research platform chosen by over 40,000 legal organizations for their tradition of editorial excellence combined with the most advanced technology. Learn more at WestlawNext.com. Stephanie Francis Ward: Associates, you think the partners drive you nuts, but…

Sep 10, 2012 1:30 PM CDT

On Stage: How to Use Theater Techniques to Reach Juries

Podcast Transcript: This ABA Journal podcast is brought to you by WestlawNext, the legal research platform chosen by over 40,000 legal organizations for their tradition of editorial excellence combined with the most advanced technology. Learn more at WestlawNext.com. Stephanie Francis Ward: We’ve heard the expression, you don’t have to get…

Aug 6, 2012 1:30 PM CDT

Picking a Winner: How to Identify Great Contingency Cases

Podcast Transcript: This ABA Journal podcast is brought to you by WestlawNext, the most advanced technology combined with market-leading content and West’s history of trusted editorial excellence. Helping legal professionals save time is what they’ve been doing for over 125 years. Learn more at WestlawNext.com. Stephanie Francis Ward: If you…

Jul 2, 2012 1:30 PM CDT

Diversify or Die: How Adding Ancillary Businesses Can Get Your Firm Through Tough Times

Podcast Transcript: This ABA Journal podcast is brought to you by WestlawNext, the most advanced technology combined with market-leading content and West’s history of trusted editorial excellence. Helping legal professionals save time is what they’ve been doing for over 125 years. Learn more at WestlawNext.com. Stephanie Francis Ward: Economists often…

Jun 4, 2012 1:29 PM CDT

Stand and Deliver: Tips on Trying Your First Case

Thinking on your feet means being on your feet and doing your prep work, say seasoned litigators on this month’s podcast. Standing to address the courtroom may feel awkward, but juries feel it shows respect. Hear more trial tips and tricks they shared with ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

May 7, 2012 2:14 PM CDT

Jerks at Work: How to Deal with Difficult Colleagues

If you work with bullies, backstabbers and queen (or king) bees, work can make you crazy. But it doesn’t have to, and employees might find the best solutions by first looking at themselves, say employment experts. Here them share their thoughts with ABA Journal podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

Apr 2, 2012 1:30 PM CDT

How to Craft a Resume That Recruiters Will Love

Never include your head shot or hobbies in a resume, but do mention your GPA, providing it's a good one. What else should you include? Hear veteran legal recruiters discuss their likes and dislikes with ABA Journal podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward in this month's podcast.

Mar 5, 2012 2:40 PM CST

Show Me the Money: Helping Clients Find and Protect Assets in a Divorce

A client can try to preserve his or her assets during a divorce, but if the judge sees actions more along the lines of hiding money, the court will likely take more. Matrimonial lawyers Ira Friedman and Randall M. Kessler discuss this and other battle stories with ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

Feb 6, 2012 2:59 PM CST

Hanging a Shingle: How to Start Your Own Law Practice

Podcast Transcript: This ABA Journal Podcast is brought to you by WestlawNext, building on the strengths of Westlaw to bring you the next evolution of legal research. Their most significant innovation in 30 years, it’s a complete research system that gives you confidence you’ve found the most relevant information. And,…

Jan 3, 2012 2:39 PM CST

Santa or Scrooge: How Do BigLaw Firms Determine Associate Bonuses?

Podcast Transcript: This podcast is produced by the ABA Journal. We bring you the latest legal news every day from around the Web. Visit us online at ABAJournal.com. Stephanie Francis Ward: 2011 has been a crazy year, money-wise. Many big firms made substantial profits in the past 12 months, but…

Dec 5, 2011 2:30 PM CST

McElhaney Reveals the Real-Life Influences Behind Character of ‘Angus’

Jim McElhaney’s 25-year run as Litigation columnist for the ABA Journal will come to a close next fall. During those years, McElhaney’s straightforward advice on trial practice became one of the most popular features in the magazine. In this podcast, ABA Journal editor James Podgers talks with McElhaney about his popular column, and how he developed the character of Angus.

Dec 1, 2011 4:44 PM CST

Sealing the Deal: How to Negotiate Fee Agreements

You’ve identified a target client, made a good connection, and they say they want to hire you. But no fee agreement has been signed yet. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward discusses ways to ethically seal the deal, with lawyers from a variety of practice areas.

Nov 7, 2011 9:44 PM CST