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Features

Substance, Not Form, Dictates Characterization of Assignment of Lease Image

Substance, Not Form, Dictates Characterization of Assignment of Lease

Jeffrey N. Rich

In a recent decision, the Tenth Circuit held that an assignment of lease and certain lease-related equipment was a secured transaction, and not a true sale, despite the execution of a bill of sale from the assignor to the assignee. <i>Stillwater Nat'l Bank and Trust Co. v. CIT Group/ Equipment Financing, Inc.</i>, 383 F.3d 1148 (10th Cir. 2004).

Features

Malpractice in the Line of Duty: Who Catches the Bullet? Image

Malpractice in the Line of Duty: Who Catches the Bullet?

Robert L. Vitale & Sami Asad Mir

A traditional requirement in many sophisticated equipment leasing and financing transactions is the closing opinion, in which an attorney or law firm is requested to opine on a variety of relevant topics, ranging from proper corporate or partnership approval of the transaction in question, to the legality, validity and enforceability of one or more material agreements. Oftentimes, there may be multiple closing opinions issued in respect of the closing, with certain opinions being rendered by internal counsel for one or more of the transaction participants, and another set rendered by external counsel.

Features

'Insourcing' HR Gives Law Firms Extra Services Image

'Insourcing' HR Gives Law Firms Extra Services

Alan Dodd

Employee health benefits were the number one reason Louis Reisman, managing director of Los Angeles-based Weinstock, Manion, Reisman, Shore &amp; Neumann, began investigating the concept of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). That was back in 1987. Now almost 20 years later, the decision to utilize a PEO continues to be among the best he has made for his firm.

'Get The Coach On The Phone!' Image

'Get The Coach On The Phone!'

Paula C. Campbell

No part of a legal education teaches attorneys how to supervise support staff, or their fellow attorneys. The future of any law firm is highly dependent upon a firm's ability to attract, hire, train, and retain the best talent. One of the primary reasons that attorneys leave their places of employment is an unsatisfactory relationship between the lawyer and his or her supervisor. How many of us have watched senior attorneys hold on to aspects of their work that would offer a junior person a great opportunity for development? <br>Coaching can help attorney supervisors assess and evaluate their supervisory style, to determine how to fill voids in their employment management education, to encourage better results from their associates, and to create working teams that best meet clients' needs.

Your Future: Is There A Merger There? Are You Going To Follow The Lemmings Or Set Your Own Course? Image

Your Future: Is There A Merger There? Are You Going To Follow The Lemmings Or Set Your Own Course?

William Cobb

A recent article in the <i>National Law Journal</i> piqued my attention. It hit on a point that many middle market firms must consider too often. The article in the Jan. 10, 2005 issue is titled "Mergers? Not Here Thanks." Many firms not listed as mega-firms are asking the same questions ' should we take an offer to merge with a larger firm? Here are some questions every partner and firm should ask before considering combining with any other firm.

Features

Reducing Law Firm Overhead Costs Image

Reducing Law Firm Overhead Costs

Richard Stieglitz

A law firm management's primary focus, like most professional service firms, is new business, billing a high percentage of partners' and associates' time and, of course, collecting a high percentage of billings. Under pressure to increase revenues and grow the bottom line, executives often overlook smaller firm overheads such as office supplies and related items, printing, stationery, overnight delivery, telecom and copiers. <br>The truth is that management just does not have the time or resources to regularly review expenses and reduce these costs. Selecting a professional firm to perform the cost reduction work most often represents the best solution.

Features

Around the Firms Image

Around the Firms

Compiled from ALM News Service sources

Movement and news among major law firms and corporations.

Features

Bit Parts Image

Bit Parts

Stan Soocher

Recent developments in entertainment law.

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Cameo Clips

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Recent cases in entertainment law.

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Courthouse Steps

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

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

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