Court Holds That Deposits Would Be Hypothetical
August 01, 2017
In a recent ruling, the Ninth Circuit held that bankruptcy courts may permissibly engage in "hypotheticals within hypotheticals" so long as the inquiry is factually warranted and is supported by appropriate evidence, and provided further that the hypothetical action would not contravene any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code.
Bankruptcy Litigation Update: Determining Adequate Capital
August 01, 2017
This article focuses on the concept of "unreasonably small capital," which is not defined in the Bankruptcy Code or applicable state statutes. Consequently, the determination of adequate capital is fact-intensive and fertile grounds for litigation.
The Business Intelligence to Competitive Intelligence Continuum
August 01, 2017
Where law firm leaders' "gut judgement" was once sufficient, running the business well now requires solid intelligence (yes, Big Law is a business). Decisions must balance the demands of clients with those of the partnership. Law firms are awash in data, but harnessing it to support sound decision-making is a major challenge.
Forensic Accounting: When Do You Need It?
Most matrimonial attorneys have heard a client, typically the "out-spouse" in a marriage with a business interest, say, "The books are cooked," or "Personal expenses are being paid by the business," or "The accounting records are fiction." Failing to probe these issues may cost your client a lot of money when the asset division takes place, and may leave him or her dissatisfied with your representation.
The Am Law 100: Dark Clouds on the Horizon
While the year-on-year trends look appealing, a longer-term analysis reveals that many key metrics are showing signs of pressure, and firm performance is growing increasingly erratic. The Am Law data reveals that the past year has been good to Big Law but it also shows growing signs of problems on the horizon.
Third Circuit Sides With Creditors in EFIH Make-Whole Dispute
At the end of last year, the Third Circuit added to several recent decisions addressing whether a creditor was entitled to payment of a "make- whole" premium in connection with a Chapter 11 case. The court's opinion is the most creditor-friendly decision issued to date on this topic.
Motivating Attorneys To Accomplish Firm Objectives
Absent the willingness or inability of first tier partners to create an environment in which blossoming attorneys can achieve their personal, professional and economic objectives, the likelihood is that these very attractive partners may leave to join other law firms.
Law Firm Strategy Execs Wield Uneven Clout
The role of chief strategy officer (CSO) — increasingly common in corporate America — has been adopted by relatively few law firms. Consultants say perceptions of what the position entails and whether it's necessary vary widely throughout the legal industry.
Dispelling the Myths of Litigation Funding
July 01, 2017
Litigation finance, or the practice of providing capital using legal claims as the underlying asset, is a growing industry. Its use by law firms alone grew four-fold between 2013 and 2016. To optimize its use, the legal and corporate industries should first collect the facts.
Layered Federal and State Cybersecurity Regulation of Financial Services Firms
Cybercrime poses an ever-increasing threat to consumers of financial products and services. In 2016, the then- SEC Chair said that cybercrime ranks as “one of the greatest risks facing the financial services industry.” Federal law thus requires financial services firms to implement procedures designed to protect their customers' data. Now individual states are increasingly getting into the game.
