Resolving Disputes in The Digital Age
March 01, 2006
When German banking behemoth WestLB needed its people to agree on a strategic plan for developing human resources, it turned to mediator Alex Yaroslavsky and his New York City-based Yaro Group for guidance. Using an innovative system that combines brainstorming software from GroupSystems with traditional arbitration, Yaroslavsky facilitated a collaboration involving about 20 participants. The group, ranging from an analyst to a managing director, achieved in 2 hours what might've taken 2 weeks of discussion and review using only traditional arbitration techniques. <br>Traditional and e-businesses should take note.
Two Paths To Solid Online Research
March 01, 2006
In the world of e-commerce advising, the Internet is a powerful research tool for lawyers, and there's more than one route to conducting on-point, effective online research.
Cherry-Picking Talent
March 01, 2006
A new, more proactive ' if tedious ' hiring strategy has emerged that mid-market firms are adopting. Rather than target highly sought-after rainmakers or hope for a ready-made practice group to shake loose from a large firm, these practices are building their offices piecemeal by cherry-picking young guns from the biggest and best firms, enticing them with flexible billing rates, shorter partnership tracks, oodles of support and a free rein.
Competing For Talent: Recruiting In A Competitive World
March 01, 2006
It seems that one price we pay for a sound economy is a growing shortage of talent. Finding and keeping good talent in a strong economy, for many firms, is becoming a major intrusion in firm management, consuming large blocks of valuable time. <br>If you're a major international law firm, recruiting is relatively easy. But if you're not, you face a vast array of problems. You may be competing against larger or more prestigious firms. You may be in a small town that nobody ambitious wants to work or live in, or a town with expensive housing. You may find yourself in an area with a large number of competing firms. And recruiting, remember, is a competitive business.
A Quagmire Of Uncertainty
March 01, 2006
most lawyers considering their ethical obligations under applicable rules of professional conduct typically aren't employees or partners of the client itself. Likewise, ethics rules and authorities, virtually invariably, address the traditional attorney-client relationship. The role of in-house corporate and law firm counsel, from an ethical perspective, has received very little reported attention. But that doesn't mean that these issues aren't there, or that a law firm or corporation does not need to pay attention to these issues. Failure to plan ahead on ethics strategies, with the help of experienced ethics practitioners, could subject the entity to increased risk of liability. The lawyers involved likewise could be exposed both to liability risks and to potential bar counsel grievances or unauthorized practice of law (ULP) complaints. The three most troubling aspects of these issues are discussed below.
Why Private Equity May Be the Preferred Vehicle for Franchise Expansion
March 01, 2006
Why is private equity funding the hottest thing in franchising today? In the past 12 months, private equity buyouts have included well-known brands such as Cinnabon, Church's Chicken, Taco Bueno (a regional taco maker), and regional frozen dessert operator Rita's Italian Ice.
Court Watch
March 01, 2006
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
