Giving 'Til It Hurts
February 25, 2009
There is no firm in business today that isn't inundated regularly by requests for contributions, whether for charitable, community, or political causes. For the community- minded firm, the requests can be overwhelming, as is the feeling that you do indeed want to help the organization requesting your help. But how can you serve your community ' and frequently, your firm ' without hurting your own firm's budget and community relations?
Client Speak: The Do-or-Die Business Development Moment
February 25, 2009
For that one little question, "Would you like to hire us?" there is no approved wording to use or tone with which to ask it. Are we supposed to deferentially lower our voices when we pop the fateful question? How much confidence should we exude?
Practice Building Skills: Eight Recession-Busting Tactics
February 25, 2009
According to the 2008 ACC/Serengeti Managing Outside Counsel Survey, median spending on outside counsel last year fell 9.1% ' to the lowest level in 8 years. A growing amount of work is being kept in-house, and 40%-plus of corporations have fired some of their outside counsel during the prior year. Here's how to thrive.
Media & Communications Corner: Upgrade Your Communications Tools for Free
February 25, 2009
A host of free Web applications are surprisingly effective in helping law firms from solo practitioners to large firm in-house PR and marketing staff, stay on top of the game. The trick is knowing which tools out there are worth your time. Here are the applications that made our top 24 list.
Op Ed
February 25, 2009
Ms. Tursi: "It's time for you to seat your CMOs at the management table ' if they are not there already. It's time for partners to understand that these individuals are not just employees."
Preventing Conflicts Between Secured Creditors and Franchisors
February 24, 2009
A franchisor has rights and remedies that a secured creditor is not granted under the UCC, but the franchisor, by becoming a competing secured creditor, does not necessarily advance its rights and remedies in a default situation. The inter-creditor agreement and remarketing agreement are alternatives to maximize recoveries and reduce conflicts by cooperation, rather than by litigation.
Compliance Now More Than Ever
February 23, 2009
In a profit- and loss-driven world, there is always a risk that companies facing an uncertain economic future may choose to cut compliance expenses," SEC Chairman Christopher Cox noted last November at the SEC's Compliance Officer Outreach National Seminar. Then he issued a stern warning: "When a company cuts compliance, violations will occur. And if violations occur, punitive actions should and will be taken."
Consumer Product Industry, Take Note
February 20, 2009
A new federal whistleblower law will likely result in consumer product manufacturers, distributors and retailers facing expensive and lengthy litigation from current or former employees who recast themselves as whistleblowers to challenge adverse employment actions. There are a number of steps employers should take to protect themselves from this expected wave of new litigation.
