Business of Law

Law firms hiring CEOs without law degrees reignites debate about turning over the reins to business professionals

Nonlawyers in charge of law firms may lack experience building a book of legal business, and law firms in the United States can’t generally offer equity as a matter of ethics. Yet their business management and leadership training are skills that help law firms succeed.

Mar 1, 2019 1:05 AM CST

Jackson Lewis quietly reverts to billable hours totals as a tool for evaluating associates

Labor and employment firm Jackson Lewis reversed a policy that had eliminated the billable hour as a metric for gauging associates’ performance and awarding bonuses. Clients wanted lean, economical lawyering, but needed a key performance indicator.

Mar 1, 2019 1:00 AM CST

How are law schools using virtual reality tools in classrooms?

Before virtual reality can take a place in core legal curriculum, VR must clear legal, ethical and financial hurdles. These law school experiments show the way.

Jan 1, 2019 2:00 AM CST

University of California at Irvine School of Law leaders reflect on first decade

While other law schools have experienced significant drops in both class size and median LSAT scores, the University of California at Irvine School of Law has bucked both of those trends.

Jan 1, 2019 1:55 AM CST

California’s new data privacy law could change how companies do business in the Golden State

Tracking parts of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 gives consumers access to their data, the right to have their personal data deleted and the ability to opt out of having their data sold.

Jan 1, 2019 1:50 AM CST

What do AI, blockchain and GDPR mean for cybersecurity?

Emerging technologies will affect cybersecurity in the coming years. Artificial intelligence and blockchain will play pivotal roles in data protection, creating new solutions, risks and regulatory headaches.

Dec 1, 2018 1:25 AM CST

Proving consent: Tech companies are creating apps to combat sexual assault

Software developers believe they can leverage technology to bolster and prove consent: uConsent is Gunner Technology’s app designed to enshrine consent between two people. Empowering Victims created consent app We-Consent and it is developing an assault reporting tool. The Callisto app helps victims document assault incidents.

Dec 1, 2018 1:20 AM CST

Survivor mentality: Law firms are seeking out professionals to hold active shooter drills

It’s becoming more common for law firms to bring active shooter defense instructors on-site to teach their lawyers and staff about how to survive a shooting situation.

Dec 1, 2018 1:15 AM CST

As state actors continue to wage cyberwar on the United States, they have a powerful ally

As state actors continue to wage cyberwar on the United States, they have a powerful ally—gaps and ambiguities in the law

Nov 1, 2018 1:15 AM CDT

Any piece of technology that stores information could be compromised—even obsolete devices

Affinity Health Plan failed to consider copy machines as a potential security risk, costing the company over $1.2 million in a civil penalty. The settlement also required the company to expend resources to retrieve the machines, conduct a risk assessment and implement a new security plan.

Nov 1, 2018 1:10 AM CDT

Next generation: Cryptocurrency and estate lawyers

A full immersion into cryptocurrency is a good first step for other estate-planning lawyers wishing to break into the space.

Nov 1, 2018 1:05 AM CDT

Cat-and-mouse game: Customers demand cybersecurity, law enforcement wants easier access to evidence

Modern technology has created a honeypot of data for cyberthieves and law enforcement. Police and prosecutors are adopting novel technology and raising new constitutional arguments in court, which brings up privacy concerns.

Oct 1, 2018 1:15 AM CDT

Alternatives to email give law clients secure communication options

Security professionals have long known about issues with PGP and S/MIME encryption. Secure online portals such as MyCase, Rocket Matter and Clio and end-to-end encrypted messaging apps provide client communication alternatives.

Oct 1, 2018 1:10 AM CDT

Law firms embrace blind recruiting to promote diversity—but does it work?

Could the resume become an anachronism? At some law firms, particularly in Canada and the United Kingdom, hiring partners have embraced blind recruiting, removing identification details from candidates’ resumes and applications to eliminate potential bias and promote diversity.

Oct 1, 2018 1:05 AM CDT

Law firms can learn from other industries’ missteps on cybersecurity awareness and prevention

The cybersecurity needs of a small law firm will be different than the needs of an international firm. However, all law firms must pay close attention to privacy laws.

Sep 1, 2018 1:50 AM CDT