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Federal Judge Critical of Firm's Fee Petition in Custody Case
In the current economic crisis, requests for attorney fees are being examined even more closely. A federal judge recently sharply rebuked a team of lawyers for filing an "excessive" fee petition after winning an international custody case, saying their bill of more than $163,000 in fees and expenses was simply too large for a "garden variety" custody battle.
Matrimonial Planning Through Economic Turmoil
The markets are in turmoil. Tax, business, economic and, investment matters are increasingly uncertain. These developments affect every aspect of matrimonial planning and may continue to do so for years. Practitioners need to reevaluate all aspects of their planning. This article provides an overview of some of the points practitioners should consider.
Debt Forgiveness: Watch Out for the Tax Consequences
When drafting a property settlement agreement that involves debt forgiveness (<i>i.e.</i>, foreclosure, short sale, reduction in credit card debt), it is critical that matrimonial attorneys be aware of the tax consequences because the financial impact on a client can be enormous.
Resolving Matrimonial Cases in a Negative Economy
An in-depth look at assets, alimony and more in an uncertain economy.
Professional Development: Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch: An Art Form As Well As A Client Development Essential
2009 may prove to be a challenge for lawyers faced with the responsibility of bringing in new business. Despite the uncertainty, now is the perfect time to develop your elevator pitch. This article provides attorneys with the necessary tools to develop themselves.
Movers & Shakers
Who's doing what; who's moving where.
News Briefs
The latest news from the franchising world.
The Place to Network: Advanced Online Strategies for Lawyers
Creating a LinkedIn account, a Facebook page, responding to a blog post, or joining relevant legal listservs are all valuable steps toward harnessing the power of this exciting new wave of Internet-based communication. But here's how to go "beyond the basics."
Court Watch
Quiznos' Termination Of Franchise Agreement Declared Unlawful <br>Competing Restaurants Each Incur Partial Loss of Trademark Rights
How to Fix the U.S. Auto Industry: A Dealership Perspective
It is widely acknowledged that the financial bailout of the U.S. automobile industry will not be sufficient to return the industry to solid financial condition. Estimates are that manufacturing and distribution capacity is about 30% above likely demand for the foreseeable future, so a broad restructuring and downsizing is probably needed. FBLA asked legal experts what they would do to change laws affecting the relationships of auto manufacturers and auto dealers to accommodate the necessary restructuring.

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    A majority of courts consider the <i>contra proferentem</i> doctrine to be a pillar of insurance law. The doctrine requires ambiguous terms in an insurance policy to be construed against the insurer and in favor of coverage for the insured. A prominent rationale behind the doctrine is that insurance policies are usually standard-form contracts drafted entirely by insurers.
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  • Abandoned and Unused Cables: A Hidden Liability Under the 2002 National Electric Code
    In an effort to minimize the release of toxic gasses from cables in the event of fire, the 2002 version of the National Electric Code ("NEC"), promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, sets forth new guidelines requiring that abandoned cables must be removed from buildings unless they are located in metal raceways or tagged "For Future Use." While the NEC is not, in itself, binding law, most jurisdictions in the United States adopt the NEC by reference in their state or local building and fire codes. Thus, noncompliance with the recent NEC guidelines will likely mean that a building is in violation of a building or fire code. If so, the building owner may also be in breach of agreements with tenants and lenders and may be jeopardizing its fire insurance coverage. Even in jurisdictions where the 2002 NEC has not been adopted, it may be argued that the guidelines represent the standard of reasonable care and could result in tort liability for the landlord if toxic gasses from abandoned cables are emitted in a fire. With these potential liabilities in mind, this article discusses: 1) how to address the abandoned wires and cables currently located within the risers, ceilings and other areas of properties, and 2) additional considerations in the placement and removal of telecommunications cables going forward.
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