Gradual Rollout Gains Increased Acceptance
October 27, 2010
Technology can be a very good thing ' especially if people actually use it! After several years in the legal industry, I have learned that the best technology in the world can have virtually no benefit if it is not marketed properly. However, if presented to users in a strategic way, a piece of software can be successful and have a revolutionary impact.
The Start of the Microsoft Office Synchronous XML Epoch
October 27, 2010
In Jan. 30, 2007, the Microsoft Office Asynchronous Binary era, with its shrouded commands, cascading menus and copious toolbars, ended with Office 2003 giving way to Office 2007. With trepidation, those of us who had a personal 18-year business relationship with it knew what was coming. We had a choice; we needed to either acclimatize to this new environment or fall behind technically like those who clung to Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect 5.1.
Recruiting and Developing Associates
October 26, 2010
Ensuring longer-term and continuous improvements in providing greater value, and therefore sustaining higher levels of client satisfaction, requires addressing areas that have received little attention in the whole value discussion — the recruiting and development of associates.
Employer Accounting for Post-Retiree Health Care
October 26, 2010
The regulatory frenzy swirling about health care and employer plan accounting, coupled with our aging population and demographic shifts has created a perfect storm. We are besieged with commentary that Medicare is bankrupt, and the new accounting standards for employers require transparency to market and present value calculations of long-term liabilities, which creates havoc for employers for tax-planning and compliance purposes.
Rare Move By the U.S. Supreme Court
October 26, 2010
In a rare ruling, the Supreme Court unanimously held that a franchisee that stays in business cannot sue for constructive termination under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act.
Developments in Distressed Lending
October 26, 2010
Recently, in two separate cases, secured lenders have received, as part of their adequate protection package, the right to obtain principal paydowns during a bankruptcy case.
ELFA Survey
October 26, 2010
Salaries in the equipment finance sector remained largely unchanged in 2009, while total compensation declined across functions within the industry, according to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's 2010 Equipment Finance Compensation Survey.
Civil Liability of Rating Agencies
October 26, 2010
The Dodd-Frank Act greatly increases rating agencies' potential liability under the securities laws. One impact is almost certain: In the future, rating agencies are unlikely to fare as well in the courts as they have in the past.
Developments in Distressed Lending
October 26, 2010
Recently, in <i>In re TOUSA Inc.</i> and <i>In re Capmark Fin. Group Inc.</i>, secured lenders have received, as part of their adequate protection package, the right to obtain principal paydowns during a bankruptcy case.
