Law Firm Leadership: Leading in Challenging Times
May 28, 2009
Times of uncertainty and layoffs often lead to negative emotions, a lack of trust in management, and a decrease in productivity. So, what is a CMO or Marketing Director to do in the midst of such chaos? Here are some leadership tactics that will not only help your team survive the crisis, but strengthen it through the process.
Professional Development for the Senior Associate
May 28, 2009
Senior associates ' who, by definition, are reaching higher levels of profitability for the firm and have developed practice expertise ' are often left behind when it comes to targeted professional development. But ignoring this population creates problems for a firm, particularly as people move into partnership and as responsibilities shift from "doing" to "leading.
Gay Marriage: A Changing Legal Landscape
May 26, 2009
The state of legal affairs for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) issues across the county provides for a rapidly changing legal landscape. Getting personal and political about same-sex marriage is now becoming a recurrent experience ' all well-timed in light of the pending arguments and recent decisions coming from courts and legislatures across the states.
Capturing the Current Mood
May 26, 2009
Implicit in all the stories about layoffs or hourly versus value billing, the fundamental question is whether the severity of the economic downturn will permanently change what law firms look like and how they operate. Can they ever again support the notorious salary structures and leverage strategies of the past?
Business Plans: A New Reality
May 26, 2009
Now that the legal industry is reeling from losses, layoffs and downsizings, lateral hires are being run through an even more stringent gauntlet. Many firms now want to see business plans from all lateral partner candidates.
Professional Development for the Senior Associate
May 26, 2009
Senior associates ' who, by definition, are reaching higher levels of profitability for the firm and have developed practice expertise ' are often left behind when it comes to targeted professional development. But ignoring this population creates problems for a firm ...
From Partnership to Personal Liability
May 26, 2009
When drafting a contract for a client, a lawyer knows to anticipate and address many issues that may arise under the binding agreement. Such attention avoids problems that may result from a breach or termination of the contract. However, in many cases, lawyers do not anticipate or address these concerns in their own agreements.
Will Your New Tenant Bail Out?
May 26, 2009
With so many vacancies popping up in shopping centers around the country, landlords are willing to entertain creative solutions to placing tenants in these empty spaces. However, before signing the leases and dropping off the keys, landlords should make certain they follow some very simple procedures and perform routine due diligence.
In the Spotlight: Lease Audits: Adding Value in Troubled Times
May 26, 2009
If you are a tenant that is leasing properties at numerous locations, it would be an especially prudent business practice to take a careful look at all of your leases and operating expense invoices to determine if there are any opportunities to generate savings.
Knock, Knock: Surprise, Opportunity's Here
April 30, 2009
Opportunity knocks when you least expect it ' but will it knock when the economy is in freefall and the legal profession is seeing some of its worst layoffs ever? Whether you're an e-commerce attorney, or engage in general practice, the economy can visit your firm ' whether a large partnership or a one-person shop ' and deal a blow. The answer: maybe, if you network!
