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The Anonymous Lawyer Goes Pro Bloggo Publico

Samuel Fineman

A recent Harvard law graduate, first-time author and cause c'l'bre Jeremy Blachman is riding high, but not, as one might expect, as a highly sought U.S. Supreme Court clerk or caffeine-addled associate at a premiere New York law firm. Blachman eschewed the law in favor of a purely creative pursuit: writing an anonymous blog (eponymously known as the 'Anonymous Lawyer' at www.anonymouslawyer.blogspot.com) detailing the fictionalized travails of a narcissistic partner in a big firm who makes The Devil Wears Prada boss Miranda Priestly look like Mr. Bean. Following a feature article in The New York Times, Blachman's notoriety skyrocketed. Apropos of his blogging cynosure, Blachman participated in the following colloquy with IL&S Editor-in-Chief, Sam Fineman, strictly through e-mail so as not to curtail billable possibilities. Blachman reflects on his book, his life and blogdom.

Features

Seventh Circuit Finds 'Floating' Forum Selection Clauses Valid

Vincent T. Borst

The sale of individual equipment leases from one equipment lessor to another, or entire portfolios of equipment leases, is common practice in the United States. One component that parties interested in purchasing equipment leases or portfolios of equipment leases desire in the equipment lease contract is a choice of forum clause that provides the flexibility for the purchasing party to initiate litigation in its own home state. However, the enforceability of forum selection clauses providing for one or more appropriate forums has been the question of some debate both in the federal and state courts. Recently, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion coming down squarely in favor of the enforceability of such forum selection clauses.

Counsel Concerns

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Malpractice Claims and Estoppel.

Bit Parts

Stan Soocher

<i>By Stan Soocher</i>Estate Planning/Undue Influence ClaimTV-Series Sequels/<i>Forum NonConveniens</i>Upcoming Events

IP News

Compiled by Eric Agovino

Highlights of the latest intellectual property news from around the country.

Courthouse Steps

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Can a Workforce IP Training Program Limit Liability Under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act?

Tait Graves & Jason Williams

When a lower-level employee uses a former employer's trade secrets after taking a new job, the plaintiff often sues the new employer itself and demands exemplary damages under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act ('UTSA') &mdash; even if the new employer was unaware of, and disapproves of, the employee's conduct. Taking a page from the law of employment discrimination, we believe that companies that provide intellectual property training for their workforce can use the fact of such training during litigation to avoid exemplary damages for the solitary wrongdoing of non-executive-level employees and perhaps avoid vicarious liability altogether. Companies, especially technology startups, can reduce trade secret litigation and liability risks by implementing such programs &mdash; programs which today are very rare, even in Silicon Valley.

Internet-Downloading Copyright Rulings

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Default JudgmentPreponderance of EvidenceStatutory DamagesSufficiency of Pleading

Hedge Funds Target Film Productions

Kellie Schmitt

Hedge funds have gone Hollywood. Chasing high returns, money managers are plunking down hundreds of millions of dollars to finance films such as 'Superman Returns' and 'Nanny McPhee.' At the same time, the influx of money from hedge funds and private-equity firms is reshaping film-financing deals, leading entertainment lawyers toward lucrative transactions and new clients who might want a little glamour-by-association.

Features

Cameo Clips

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Copyright Infringement/Chain of Song OwnershipVideo-Game Laws/Constitutionality

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