Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.

International franchising carries numerous complications that must be addressed by a franchisor's business and legal strategy, said several experts at the 2011 International Franchise Expo.

Whether operated by a franchisor or a franchisee, contests involving skill or games of chance aimed at consumers are often an integral part of a promotional and brand-building effort. This article sets forth some key legal and practical issues you should consider when operating a promotion.

Is your firm allowing your clients to take control of your brand by awarding you the cases they send your way?

Much of the pressure for law firms to utilize alternative billing approaches comes from companies of all sizes that increasingly want to control their legal costs by appealing to the individuality of lawyers. That requires rewarding lawyers for having "skin in the game" ' a personal financial stake in the outcome of a matter through compensation that goes up when the results justify it.

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While the volume of available information about managing law offices is expanding, information is not readily available about what, specifically, should be the "hands-on approaches" that managing partners and members of management committees should embrace to coalesce their partners, associates and staff into a well-managed and informed organization, with all of the professional and administrative personnel working together to achieve both the firm's immediate and longer-term objectives.

A look at the most important recent cases.

The latest rulings.