Features

Results may vary in legal research databases

In a comparison of six legal databases—Casetext, Fastcase, Google Scholar, Lexis Advance, Ravel and Westlaw—when researchers entered the identical search in the same jurisdictional database of reported cases, there was hardly any overlap in the top 10 cases returned in the results.

Mar 1, 2018 12:15 AM CST

Blockchain-based initial coin offerings chart uncertain legal terrain

An initial coin offering allows accredited investors to bankroll the creation of a blockchain that will repay them in “coin” or “token” credits that can be traded. Unlike an initial public offering, an ICO does not confer equity in the company.

Mar 1, 2018 12:10 AM CST

The dangers of digital things: Self-driving cars steer proposed laws on robotics and automation

Increased reliance on robotics, artificial intelligence and automation tests whether laws and regulations designed to protect those humans are sufficient or whether new laws are necessary.

Mar 1, 2018 12:01 AM CST

Lawyer fashion evolves to reflect personality and tradition

Traditionally, lawyers have been among the most conservative dressers around. Although there hasn’t exactly been a sea change in the underlying dress principles, there has been a growing trend toward comfort and style that many are embracing.

Feb 1, 2018 12:30 AM CST

Winning short story: ‘The Attorney Helped Clean Up The Blood’

Read the winning entry on our fourth annual Ross Writing Contest for Short Legal Fiction. Writer Linda Oatman High won the contest and received a $3,000 cash prize. The annual contest, supported by the Erskine M. Ross Trust, recognizes outstanding fiction emphasizing the role of the law and lawyers in society.

Feb 1, 2018 12:25 AM CST

About this year’s Ross Writing Contest winning story

Linda Oatman High’s “The Attorney Helped Clean Up the Blood” won the ABA Journal/Ross Writing Contest for Short Legal Fiction and received a $3,000 cash prize.

Feb 1, 2018 12:20 AM CST

Lessons from Katrina

Hurricane Katrina taught first-responding lawyers how to handle natural disasters.

Feb 1, 2018 12:15 AM CST

Dale Felton: Texas Lawyers’ Facebook friend

After Hurricane Harvey, Dale Felton shared tips, insights and advice about flood insurance claims on the Texas Lawyers Facebook page.

Feb 1, 2018 12:10 AM CST

Social media unites lawyers to help those in need

Hurricane Harvey, and then Hurricane Irma, proved to be the coming of age for social media as tools for court systems and the legal profession to deal with such emergencies.

Feb 1, 2018 12:05 AM CST

Legal community meets relief challenges after hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Attorneys affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma have risen to the occasion in ways personal, professional and altruistic, even when dealing with storm damage of their own. And four months after two hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, the situation for lawyers there is still hard to assess.

Feb 1, 2018 12:00 AM CST

Protecting digital accessibility ensures equal rights for disabled people

Disability community activists use social media to spread the message of equality, opportunity, justice and inclusion. Disabled people and their lawyers use the law to guarantee websites, mobile applications, kiosks and other technologies are available and accessible to everyone.

Jan 1, 2018 12:35 AM CST

Disability rights movement’s legislative impact sprang from on-campus activism

Throughout many years, disability rights activism has flourished through programs that advocate independence and provide young people opportunities to discuss with peers how laws could improve their lives.

Jan 1, 2018 12:30 AM CST

Millennial lawyers are forging their own paths—and it’s wrong to call them lazy

As younger attorneys flood the workforce and begin replacing the retiring baby boomer ranks, even the most conservative law firms are realizing the need to reshape corporate culture and embrace millennials’ tech-savvy, self-confident and flexible point of view.

Jan 1, 2018 12:00 AM CST

Chicago special prosecutor’s career nearly came to a premature end

Patricia Brown Holmes had become the youngest African-American woman to serve as a Cook County associate judge. Then she was told she might have only six months to live.

Dec 1, 2017 12:25 AM CST

Campus sex assault investigations have become polarized and political

The problem of campus sexual assault has been under scrutiny for a long time, with very little consensus on the best way for schools to discipline and protect all parties.

Dec 1, 2017 12:20 AM CST