Media & Communications Corner: Upgrade Your Communications Tools for Free
February 25, 2009
A host of free Web applications are surprisingly effective in helping law firms from solo practitioners to large firm in-house PR and marketing staff, stay on top of the game. The trick is knowing which tools out there are worth your time. Here are the applications that made our top 24 list.
Op Ed
February 25, 2009
Ms. Tursi: "It's time for you to seat your CMOs at the management table ' if they are not there already. It's time for partners to understand that these individuals are not just employees."
Corporate Criminal Liability
February 23, 2009
In January, the Second Circuit affirmed the conviction of Ionia Management S.A. (Ionia) for criminal acts of its non-management employees. While the affirmance of a conviction is commonplace, what set this appeal apart is that the Association of Corporate Counsel, the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, and other prestigious amici supported Ionia's argument that the Second Circuit should revisit its long-standing rule that a company can be held criminally liable for acts of even low-level employees.
Communicating Effectively with Colleagues and Clients
February 20, 2009
Are you a successful partner? Are you thriving at your firm and with your clients by raising your communication bar and keeping it high? The following four principles will enable you to improve your effectiveness when communicating orally or in writing with colleagues and clients.
The Treasury Department's Guidelines on Executive Pay
February 20, 2009
President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner stood together on Feb. 4, 2009, to announce the Treasury Department's new set of guidelines restricting executive compensation at financial institutions that receive governmental money. Here's what this entails.
Giving 'Til It Hurts
February 20, 2009
Even with firm cuts and layoffs, no firm can afford to give up a community-related giving practice. It can, though, and should be, controlled.
New ABA Ruling on Lateral Hiring
February 20, 2009
The American Bar Association's House of Delegates voted on Feb. 16 to amend its Model Rule of Professional Conduct governing conflicts of interest stemming from lateral hiring. Here's a brief discussion of the amendment and what it means.
Issues Facing Law Firm Ethics Counsel
February 20, 2009
Many law firms, particularly larger ones, designate attorneys or committees to address and resolve a variety of issues, from hiring, legal and insurance concerns to ethics issues. This article focuses upon the ethics function, and the unique ethics issues that are faced today by law firm ethics counsel.
How to Safeguard Employee Data
February 19, 2009
Employers should be aware of the rapid growth of data privacy and security laws, which may affect their methods of conducting business and handling personal employee information. The new laws carry with them a private right of action in some cases, civil penalties as much as $500,000 and in some states, administrative investigations.
A 'Not So' Full Defense
January 30, 2009
Insurers take deductions from defense bills or delay payment of these bills far too frequently. Insurers engage in these tactics with many policyholders, but few actually challenge the insurer's conduct. There are, however, ways to challenge these tactics.