Advance Conflict Waivers
An advance conflict waiver is an agreement, given by your client, to a potential future representation by your law firm that would otherwise be precluded because of a conflict of interest. Law firms increasingly include such waivers in their standard form engagement letters. Here's what you need to know.
Best Practices in Client Relationship Skills
There are key activities that lawyers can engage in to promote the health of existing client interactions. All of these activities can be categorized into one of three stages: 1) establishing the relationship; 2) building the relationship; and 3) proliferating the relationship.
Let the Hirer Beware
With so many lawyers up for grabs these days, firms have enticing opportunities to bring aboard top talent, sometimes at bargain prices. But let the hirer beware. Lateral hiring isn't without risk, and more lateral hiring means more exposure to claims alleging malpractice and other failings.
Deciphering SEC Enforcement and Its Impact on e-Discovery
In October 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first time made public its Enforcement Manual, the agency's internal reference guide for Enforcement Division staff in the investigation of potential violations of the federal securities laws. Law firms and corporations involved in matters before the SEC will find it a valuable resource to aid their understanding of SEC operations.
Insurance for Data Security Breaches And Consumer Privacy Claims
Every other day we read about some new data security breach or proposal to regulate the use of consumer's private data. However, there is good news too: Most courts are intolerant of privacy claims brought by plaintiffs who have suffered no actual damage, and most companies have insurance for privacy claims without knowing it.
IP's Impact on M&A and Corporate Values
In this far-ranging interview, Susan Perng Pan, Washington, DC-based patent attorney and partner of the intellectual property firm SUGHRUE MION, PLLC, discusses best practices and strategies for in-house counsel to assess, protect, and evaluate the worth of their portfolios, both domestically and globally.
Quarterly State Compliance Review
This edition of the Quarterly State Compliance Review looks at legislation of interest to corporate lawyers that went into effect from May 1 through July 1. It also examines recent decisions of interest from the courts of Delaware, Texas, and Washington.
Verdicts
Recent rulings of interest to you and your practice.
Ex-Heller Employees Sue Former Partners
Former employees of Heller Ehrman sued at least 179 former partners in April, demanding they fork over $32 million for the largest group of creditors in the defunct firm's bankruptcy. This article discusses the suit.
