ABA Journal

Your Voice

The 6 most important qualities for an equity partner

From a sociological perspective, law firms are very different from many other businesses. On the one hand, law firms have the clear distinction between fee earners and staff (the non-fee earners). Although both categories are part of the same organization, they form two distinct separate classes: an upper class (fee earners) and a middle class (staff). These two classes do not mix well. Even a nonlawyer CEO or COO will be seen in the end as part of the middle class.


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However you spell it, 'humor' or 'humour' is admissible in law practice

Are you sometimes overstressed practicing law? Are taking yourself too seriously? Is your sense of humour dusty, dormant or, even worse, muzzled? May I offer some suggestions?


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How to shift from bad to good stress and protect innovation in law practice

Last month, we learned of the death of Paul Rawlinson, global chairman of Baker McKenzie. At 56, Rawlinson took a medical leave six months ago, citing health concerns related to exhaustion. This news comes on the heels of several high-profile suicides and a growing body of empirical evidence…



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For law firms, the ampersand is a character worth saving

Earlier this year, the venerable law firm long known as Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy announced that it had slimmed down its title to the breezy “Milbank.”

Tweed, Hadley and McCloy, perhaps, mourned the change, but it is unlikely that many people shed a tear for another victim that…



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‘Belongingness’ is important to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

In March, I was presented with the ABA Health Law Section’s Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award. I was incredibly honored to receive this particular award. I am, indeed, a champion for diversity and inclusion, and serving as a voice for diversity is very important to me, both personally and…



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How to build and leverage your legal brand on LinkedIn

The digital age has transformed the way lawyers do business and market themselves in a job search.

Having graduated law school in 2003, the pre-LinkedIn era, the requirements for a job search consisted of faxing a hard copy of my resumé over to a law firm or sending an email…



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The legal industry will need a new breed of lawyers

During the process of writing my new book, value has been one of the center points. Clients are always looking for better value. In-house departments are trying to deliver value to the companies that employ them, and lawyers are under increasing pressure to deliver value to their clients.

After a…



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When it comes to jury trials, should you tell a story or stick to the facts?

Nearly a thousand years ago in small Anglo-Saxon villages, trial by jury arose as part of the Magna Carta.

When a villager was accused of a crime, a group of local men of similar status to the accused was assembled to hear the charges and reach a verdict. There were…



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What 'Hamilton' can teach attorneys about business development

Ever get a song stuck in your head? Have you ever felt inspired by exceptional composition, powerful lyrics or the virtuosity of a vocalist or musician? Personally, I check all three boxes when it comes to the soundtrack from the smash hit Hamilton. Rarely a day goes by without some…



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What’s brewing: Legal services are changing from conference room to cafe

The past couple of decades have witnessed drastic changes in how legal services are provided. We now see law offices in traditional settings, such as tall buildings with elevators, and also in supermarkets, warehouse stores and even cafes—as seen in the recently established Toronto cafe Lawyers & Lattes Legal Café. It begs the question: Where are legal services heading?


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