Features
Jailed Inmates Have Parental Rights Too
When a man is in jail, it may be very difficult for him to keep in meaningful contact with his child unless he has the aid of concerned family members or friends. Apart from the emotional problems that may ensue for all parties if visits and phone calls are nonexistent or sporadic, the issue of meaningful contact becomes even more urgent when someone ' the child's mother, another relative or a social services agency ' wants the child freed for adoption.
Features
Practical Tips for Negotiating Settlement in Matrimonial Cases
To negotiate a matrimonial case successfully, the practitioner must zigzag through a litany of impediments. These include the facts of the case, the relevant law, as well as the adversary and client, both of whom come with their own personalities, priorities and quirks. This two-part article (Part Two will appear in the April 2008 Issue) is offered as a guide to settling matrimonial cases.
Features
Lack of Informed Consent vs. Battery
A recent decision by the California Court of Appeal explores the relationship between the doctrine of informed consent and the intentional tort of battery. The case, <i>Saxena v. Goffney</i>, which was decided Jan. 24, illustrates the importance to both plaintiff and defense teams of keeping the two theories straight, not only in argument but in formulating the jury instructions. Failure to do so could result in reversal on appeal.
Features
Contingency Fees for 'Medico-Legal Services'
In light of the uncertain legal terrain, New York State practitioners and those in states with unsettled law on the issue should proceed with caution if considering advising a client to enter into a contingency fee agreement with a medico-legal service for, <i>inter alia</i>, locating expert witnesses.
Features
In the Spotlight: Considerations for Payment of a Construction Allowance
Several issues arise when contemplating the payment of a construction allowance to the tenant. In particular, issues such as the manner and timing for payment of the construction allowance, documentation required for the payment, and repayment in the event of a default by the tenant, should all be considered when addressing the issue of the construction allowance in the lease. This article discusses the foregoing issues and addresses various manners in which these issues can be dealt with in the lease.
Features
The Best Way to Resolve Real Estate and Construction Disputes
For parties to real estate transactions and those involved in construction projects, alternative dispute resolution methods, including binding arbitration and non-binding mediation, offer proven and successful alternatives to an often inefficient and expensive court system. As this article illustrates, alternative dispute resolution requires utilizing trained, experienced, and cost-conscious mediators or arbitrators who are much better at resolving real estate disputes than are the inefficient and often ineffective courts.
Features
Courageous Leadership
A 1999 Notre Dame study stated that 'lawyers suffer from depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoia, social alienation and isolation, obsessive-compulsiveness, and interpersonal sensitivity at alarming rates.' Lawyers topped the list (of 104 professions studied), suffering from (major depression disorders) at a rate 3.6 times higher than non-lawyers who shared their key socio-demographic traits. How can we change this?
Features
News Briefs
Highlights of the latest franchising news from around the country.
Features
Op Ed
Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Anne "Betiayn" Tursi poses a provocative and important question in this thought-provoking editorial.
Features
Court Watch
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
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