A Primer on Foreign Language e-Discovery
November 26, 2007
While e-discovery may be Greek to many, it is those documents written in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian that cause much of the trouble. These 'multi-byte' languages have exponentially more characters than the 26 letters and few other punctuation marks that Latin languages like English, Spanish, French and German need. In fact, the number of Chinese characters included in the Kangxi dictionary is over 47,000 (though only 3,000-4,000 are reportedly necessary for full literacy). The impact on e-discovery is significant considering the increased sophistication necessary for case evaluation.
Online Sweepstakes and Contests As Promotional Devices
November 26, 2007
Online sweepstakes and contests are frequent devices used to promote companies and their products and services. While these tools of the online promotions and marketing trade offer the promise of a cost-efficient way to target interested consumers and create a great deal of buzz, they are hardly trouble-free and myriad traps await the unwary. The Attorney Generals of several states closely regulate and monitor sweepstakes and contests and failure to conduct the campaign properly can result in regulatory enforcement actions and consumer lawsuits.
Media & Communications Corner
October 31, 2007
A profile of Claudia M. Freeman, Director of Marketing & Communications, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreements
October 30, 2007
When negotiating non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, there are many issues that should be taken into consideration, regardless of whether counsel is given to the employer or employee. For example, is the agreement or restrictive covenant necessary to protect the employer's legitimate business interests? Is the agreement supported by adequate consideration? Is the restrictive covenant reasonably limited as to time and geographical location in which the conduct is prohibited? What law will apply to the agreement?
Keeping Passion in the Law
October 30, 2007
This article explores what keeps lawyers committed to the practice of law, what law firms can do to keep attorneys passionate about the law, and what lawyers can do to retain the passion.
Available Upon Request? Qualified Immunity for Employer References
October 30, 2007
Given the protections from liability available in many jurisdictions, most legal employers have a good deal more flexibility than they currently exercise in handling requests for references. Yet, many cautious employers have been slow to liberalize their reference practices.
Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: What Lessons Lie Here for Your Firm?
October 30, 2007
This article reviews the <i>Charney</i> case and applicable federal cases that might apply in workplace discrimination and relatiation situations, and points out the hidden dangers of local ordinances that attempt to regulate human behavior, and (arguably) even thought, in the workplace.
Supplemental Bonuses
October 29, 2007
New York's Sullivan & Cromwell LLP plans to pay counsels and senior associates (fifth-year level and up) bonuses tied to the firm's financial performance.
An Upbeat View: Nonlawyer Ownership of Law Firms
October 29, 2007
This article examines the two main objections to outside ownership of law firms. The first is that it would permit nonlawyers to interfere with lawyers' exercise of professional judgment. The second is that the firm's duty to its shareholders would lead it to focus blindly on maximizing profits.
