What Lies Ahead for 2006
January 04, 2006
It doesn't take great foresight or a crystal ball to recognize that law firms will face some serious challenges in 2006. Coming events have already cast their shadows. Some of the challenges have existed for several years. Others are new. What they add up to are two basic questions most law firms must answer: "Do we recognize the challenges facing us?" and "How are we going to address them?" This article discusses several of these challenges and, where possible, suggests some alternatives for meeting them.
COURT WATCH
January 04, 2006
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
Enforcing System Standards When Franchisees Have Long-Term Contracts
January 04, 2006
A franchisor's ability to enforce system standards and sustain the positive image of the brand is critical to the long-term success of a franchising system. To some degree, a franchisor's threat of termination or non-renewal contributes to that enforcement effect. But what can a franchisor do when a contract has a long duration and/or a franchisee has a strong legal presumption of renewal?
NEWS BRIEFS
January 04, 2006
Highlights of the latest franchising news from around the country.
Federal Preemption and Tort Claims
January 04, 2006
For medical device manufacturers, federal preemption can be a powerful defense to state tort claims. Although there is some split of authority, most federal courts of appeals that have addressed the issue have held that when a medical device reaches the market via the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) rigorous "premarket approval" (PMA) process, many state common law claims are expressly preempted by the Medical Device Amendments (MDA) of 1976.
Lights, Camera, Preparation!
January 03, 2006
Television interviews are a great media opportunity for attorneys to take part in. Before heading to the studio though, there are many points to remember to ensure successful exposure for you and your firm. Preparation is the key factor and includes ex-pressions, clothing, attitude, and presentation, all of which has a large impact on the interview. If these items are not properly thought out in advance, the interview could quickly become a small disaster. There are certain steps to take prior to an on-air appearance to prepare for an in-terview that enhances your firm's awareness and your expertise.
<b>The Place to Network:</b> Mentors
January 03, 2006
Mentors are people who can guide you, advise you, and share their experiences and their mistakes so you won't make the same ones. By visibly endorsing you, they can give you credibility; by bringing you to events with them, you'll gain visibility; and by introducing you to their contacts, they'll give you access. Visibility, credibility, and access ' mentors are important indeed.
Redefining Case Management Technology Within the Legal Market
January 03, 2006
Today, the legal industry, including the landscape of law firms, corporate law departments, and government legal agencies, is in the midst of establishing a common definition for legal case management technology. While this is still a far cry from the existence of a case management "standard," it does signify a progression that is rapidly advancing the way we utilize technology in the practice of law.
