Financial & Practice Management Upgrades: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey Up Close
August 26, 2008
Since firm attorneys are placed strategically in key global markets, and support staff and firm leaders are spread out among the global office network, it has always been paramount to have not only reliable, but also current, technology to keep everyone connected, ensure seamless business operations and enable firm attorneys to focus on their clients.
Going Green
August 26, 2008
The increased use of electronic communications has in turn increased the need for storage and data backup, space for servers and electricity required for keeping those facilities cool and all that equipment powered. According to CNET.com, the daily power consumption of a typical data center is equivalent to the monthly power consumption of thousands of homes. The effect of law firms' current working environment means, in many cases, the organization is not operating in a "green" manner in terms of its use of IT. This article contains information that law firms should consider in order to use IT more efficiently and, ultimately, in a more environmentally friendly manner.
The Future of Search in e-Discovery
August 26, 2008
The practice of "search" as part of electronic discovery is evolving before our eyes. Suddenly, what was once deemed industry standard is insufficient. Keyword search, the legal profession's preferred method for sifting through large collections of electronically stored information ("ESI") in order to find relevant or privileged information, had been widely accepted by courts and the legal community because its effectiveness was assumed and unchallenged. Until now.
NJ & CT News
August 26, 2008
Important legal news from neighboring states.
An Update on Prenuptial and No-Fault Divorce Legislation
August 26, 2008
The issue of legislative action (or inaction as the case may be) in matrimonial matters is always of interest. At present, there are many issues that call for such action and others that are still kicking hopelessly around in this election year. Two such issues come to mind just now, one finally resolved, the other apparently destined to "wait 'till next year.
Economic Abuse May Be Recognized By New York Courts
August 26, 2008
In a little-noticed paragraph of the significant decision in <i>Wissink v. Wissink</i>, 301 AD2d 36 (2d Dept. 2002), the court held that evidence of certain economically abusive behavior was relevant in a custody case and should not be excluded. This is a very important holding that should be examined by judges and attorneys and applied in other cases.
Reconstructing Alimony and Spousal Maintenance
August 26, 2008
While there is no evidence of a groundswell of support for the idea that the alimony system should be reformed by using formulaic guidelines, there appears to be an escalating dialogue on this subject that matrimonial law practitioners, jurists and legislators in the State of New York and elsewhere cannot ignore.
Diagnostic Distractions
August 25, 2008
This article explores the question of whether diagnostic labels have a legitimate place in the custody evaluation context and related evidentiary considerations of reliability, validity, relevance, and prejudice.
Discharge of Family Law Obligations in Bankruptcy
August 25, 2008
BAPCPA made significant changes in the treatment of alimony, child support and other obligations arising out of the dissolution of the marital relationship. This article refers to these obligations collectively as "family law obligations." Although many articles appeared in 2005 regarding the changes made by BAPCPA, it is worth revisiting these changes as they apply to the family law practitioner because the current economic downturn will lead to many more consumer bankruptcy filings in the remainder of 2008 and in 2009.
