The Cost of Cooperation
September 30, 2004
Cooperation with government investigators has long been important for companies under the specter of an investigation. Under current agency policies and practices of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and relevant provisions of the Sentencing Guidelines for Organizational Offenders, a "cooperative" corporation can realize substantial reductions in penalties or even avoid an enforcement action altogether. Seaboard Corporation in 2001 and HomeStore, Inc. in 2002 are excellent examples -- both were able to avoid SEC enforcement actions because of the extent and nature of their cooperation with investigators. The multi-million dollar question is what will be defined as "cooperation."
Prosecutions for Violation of Export Controls on Dual-Use Items
September 30, 2004
Since 9/11, the government has stepped up the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the control of exports, especially so-called "dual-use" items that have both military and non-military applications. Department of Commerce policy "seeks to keep terrorists and other criminals from possessing sensitive technologies -- in essence, to prevent export violations before they occur," according to Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement.
Oogles Of Google
September 08, 2004
Stories abound as the popular search engine goes public.
Courthouse Steps
September 02, 2004
Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Legal Sales Conference Is First Of Its Kind
September 02, 2004
The inaugural "Raindance" conference of the Legal Sales and Service Organization took place in Boston in June. It marked the first time ever that there was a critical mass of people to hold a conference devoted sales and business development in law.
Clients: To Whom Do They Belong?
September 02, 2004
The answer is: nobody. <br>When a partner leaves a law firm, the parties have to allocate various partnership rights, assets and other interests. They may allocate most of these interests in any way that they choose. They may not, however, allocate clients - perhaps the most valuable of partnership "assets." The client alone decides whether to remain a client of the firm, to leave with the departing partner or to choose another attorney. Law firms and departing partners have an ethical obligation to handle these situations in a way that is consistent with the principle of client choice.
Around the Firms
September 02, 2004
Movement among major law firms and corporations.
Producing Benefits Through Firm Culture
September 02, 2004
What tools can be used by an executive committee to take a fresh look at its firm, sustain a successful culture and make strategic decisions? Remember: No decision is a decision! Let's ask some questions about your executive committee.
Cybersecurity Legal Strategies
September 02, 2004
For good reason, cybersecurity has become a vital risk-management concern, and legal-based strategies, procedures and controls are essential parts of today's all-encompassing cybersecurity risk-management programs. <br>It seems a given. <br>Unfortunately, although many companies have written preparedness and cyberattack-defense plans, many have overlooked crafting the shielding armor of a well constructed legal layer. <br>And that's a big mistake waiting to happen ' again and again.
