The Changing Face of Legal Research
May 02, 2015
Executing a powerful business development plan is a challenge every attorney faces. For attorneys at small firms and with solo practices, doing it without breaking the bank is one of the biggest hurdles to a thriving practice.
Content Marketing
May 02, 2015
Last month, noted that 80% of law firm CMOs believe content marketing is an important marketing and business development strategy, and 84% expect to increase the amount of content they are producing over the prior year. With that in mind, we discussed the first four and a half of seven best practices. We conclude this discussion herein with a continuation of Point 5, Repurposing Content.
<i>Media and Communications:</i> Media Relations:Your Brand's Best Friend
May 02, 2015
Standing out in a competitive marketplace in a way that resonates with prospective clients and colleagues requires that law firms communicate honestly and distinctly, showcasing the qualities that make them different. This difference can be summed up as a firm's brand ' and studies show it is a crucial factor in being hired.
Brokerage Windows in Retirement Plans
May 02, 2015
On Aug. 21, 2014, the DOL published a request for information (RFI) regarding the use of so-called "brokerage windows" under retirement plans. The RFI is one of the more recent developments surrounding what has become an increasingly controversial topic regarding the investment of Section 401(k) and other participant-direct retirement plans.
Avoid Drowning in Data
May 02, 2015
In the era of almost daily news accounts of data security breaches, the legal and business imperative for data and data system protection needs no explanation. What is less apparent, however, is exactly how to properly manage information and its privacy and security. This article suggests an approach for how to design and run a program that is right for your company.
Connecting the Legal and Tax Departments
May 02, 2015
Now that the personal tax return deadline has passed, it might be a good time to consider your company's tax needs. Counsel at a Fortune 500 company recently told a colleague of ours that all of their tax matters are handled entirely outside of the legal department. This arrangement is not good. Corporate counsel and accountants must work together to bring the full measure of the company's resources to bear on tax-related issues.
The Billion-Dollar Divorce
May 02, 2015
A wealthy wife's award of approximately $1 billion of $16 billion in potential assets has been the focal point of stories and discussions about the case. But the details of the decision, as well as the manner in which the case was handled, serve as important reminders of how large-asset divorce cases are litigated across the country and in Pennsylvania in particular.
Battling Grey Goods? Advantages of ITC Now Writ in Black and White
May 02, 2015
Customers in the United States often pay more for valued branded goods than buyers of the same goods in less well-developed economies. Higher prices here in the U.S. in turn support profits and shareholder value for manufacturers of branded goods, and strengthen domestic industry.Yet this pricing disparity for the same products in different markets creates an incentive for the so-called grey market.
Long-Awaited Guidance on L-1B Visa Category Released
May 02, 2015
The highly anticipated draft Policy Memorandum (L-1B Memo) addressing the qualifying criteria for the L-1B visa category was released by USCIS on March 24, giving clear guidance on the definition of "specialized knowledge" and the standard of review USCIS adjudicators should apply when evaluating L-1B petitions. Corporate counsel should be prepared to address the qualifying criteria.