Practice Management

R.I. Court to Webcast Key Lead Paint Arguments

In a first for Rhode Island, the state’s highest court will webcast hearings on the closely watched lead-paint case against three major manufacturers. While the state’s high court doesn’t typically televise its hearings, the court plans to place two cameras in the court so that anyone with Internet access can…

Apr 22, 2008 10:50 AM CDT

One Firm’s Paperless Law Office

As Kermit the Frog found out long ago, it’s not that easy being green. And now lawyers are finding that out, too, even though many strongly believe the benefits are well worth the occasional inconvenience. For the past two years, San Diego’s Sullivan Hill Lewin Rez & Engel has been…

Apr 21, 2008 6:32 PM CDT

Why Associates Leave is Clear, But What Would Lure Them to Stay?

Associates are leaving in ever-increasing numbers because of grueling hours, boring work and a poisonous law firm culture, experts say. But it isn’t as clear what can be done to lure many to stay on after their first four to five years in practice. In 2000, not quite 60 percent…

Apr 21, 2008 5:41 PM CDT

New Website Plays Matchmaker For Would-Be Plaintiffs

A new website that has been described as a “reverse Martindale Hubbell” directory is getting some attention as it tries to match would-be plaintiffs to trial lawyers. Prospective plaintiffs looking for a lawyer can visit SueEasy.com, select a category of lawsuit and create a profile. The idea is that lawyers…

Apr 21, 2008 4:48 PM CDT

Law Firm Layoffs Alternative: ‘Cut, Redeploy’

Although there have been well-publicized associate layoffs at a number of law firms recently, many are also thinking “cut, redeploy” and finding a way to shift junior attorneys in lagging practice areas to those where business is boosted by a bad economy. Thus, associates who specialized in private equity a…

Apr 21, 2008 4:20 PM CDT

Womble Partner: Suit-Wearing Lawyers Earn More?

As the big debate over appropriate office attire for a lawyer continues to rage, Womble Carlyle partner Pressly M. Millen decided to weigh in with his own observations of the evolution of attorney dress over the past 25 years and explains why, “My suit is my uniform.” On Wall Street,…

Apr 21, 2008 4:07 PM CDT

Lucky 13? Law Offices Seek Work-Life Balance via Survey

Thirteen London law offices including those of DLA Piper and Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis are participating in a survey by an outside consultant that is intended to help their attorneys achieve a better work-life balance. “Under the scheme, researchers will carry out one-on-one interviews with practice heads and…

Apr 18, 2008 5:28 PM CDT

In Diversity Effort, Utilities Beef Up Summer Associate Programs

Some energy companies are helping law students get critical experience with expanded summer associate programs. Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s legal department is expanding its summer program from four weeks to eight, the Recorder (sub. req.) reports. It targets students who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity. Four students will…

Apr 18, 2008 3:00 PM CDT

Coke Reviews Diversity at Outside Law Firms, Honors Shook Hardy

The Coca-Cola Co. sent a questionnaire to its 18 outside law firms asking about their diversity practices, then honored Shook, Hardy & Bacon for good results. The soft drink company awarded Shook Hardy its “Living the Values” award at a dinner in Atlanta last week, according to the Fulton County…

Apr 17, 2008 6:10 PM CDT

3rd-Party Investors Help Defend U.K. Corporate Cases

A small number of companies are now using third-party funding to help defend corporate litigation in the United Kingdom, and hedge funds are among the potential funding sources. “The pioneering move has major implications for corporates facing large claims since the process, in theory, allows a company to put a…

Apr 17, 2008 4:40 PM CDT

Major U.K. Law Firms are Becoming LGBT-Friendlier

A number of leading British law firms have become more supportive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender attorneys and employees in recent years, making the legal profession one of the “one of the most gay-friendly careers in the U.K.,” reports Legal Week. A recent survey by the British legal publication…

Apr 17, 2008 4:05 PM CDT

K&L Gates Wants to Give Associates More Say-So

The head of recruitment and development at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis says the firm wants to give associates a bigger say in firm initiatives. Susan Fried told The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times that the law firm asked associates to brainstorm ideas at an associates’ symposium last…

Apr 17, 2008 4:01 PM CDT

Would-Be Legal Secretary is Now Partner

Amy Walpole’s typing skills were not the greatest. But that’s no longer an issue for the would-be legal secretary. The United Kingdom law firm at which she initially sought a staff position after returning home to her native Norwich in 2002 has helped her to earn a law license and…

Apr 17, 2008 3:53 PM CDT

Law Firm Business Development Spending Up 20 Percent, Survey Says

Spending on business development among law firms surveyed by ALM Research went up by more than 20 percent last year. Meanwhile, the survey says, these law firms spent 1.2 percent of their gross revenue on business development and marketing, reports the Associated Press. “Hiring last year for business development was…

Apr 17, 2008 3:26 PM CDT

A Lawyer Finds Office Casual Is Still Rather Dressy

Office casual can be confusing enough. It can be even more difficult—and costly—for lawyers who change jobs and find themselves in a different fashion culture. One lawyer who noted the changing office environments is Neonu Jewell, now an export compliance counsel with Accenture in Chicago. She told the Wall Street…

Apr 17, 2008 1:28 PM CDT