12/15/08 Law Firm Fees Increase Economy in a Sinking Economy Despite the steady downward climb of the economy, this year's results of the National Law Journal's annual billing survey shows that attorney billing rates continue to rise. Nearly 71% of law firm increased client fees compared to 2007 fees. This year also saw record highs for partner billing rates, the highest reported hourly rate at $1,200. Pamela Woldow, general counsel and principal of Altman Weil Inc., commented on the trend and told law firms that, because of their increase in rates in a downward economy, they should expect clients to start hiring more in-house attorneys. Prominent Chicago Lawyer to become Obama's Public Liaison Tina Tchen, a law partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, one of Barack Obama's top fundraisers, is to be appointed to run the Office of Public Liaison for the new White House occupant. Her formal appointment will be announced in the near future. Tchen has vast litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Her experience includes work on cases dealing with breach of contract, intellectual property, shareholders, insurance, real estates, and constitutional matters. She has represented several large companies including Sprint Corporation, McDonald's, and Motorola. Her new responsibilities in the White House will include planning White House briefings, meetings, and large events with the president, vice president, and White House staff. Former Brobeck Leader Pursues Re-Entry into Legal Field Tower Snow Jr., former leader of now-dissolved law firm Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison, now wishes to return to practicing law. After Brobeck closed its doors, Snow transferred to Clifford Chance, which also had to close its doors. After three and a half years of not practicing, Snow says that he misses law practice and he would ideally like to work as a securities litigator. Snow has both critics and allies in the legal field and he has been described as ''controversial and charismatic.

Rate This Article 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Select    View top rated articles

Printable Version    Email to a Friend    Post A Comment    View Comment    Discuss Sign Up Now!

	Popular Tags
	Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom  real-estate  McDonald  fees  Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison  billing rates  Barack Obama  Clifford Chance  National Law Journal  customers

Featured Testimonials

LawCrossing is a great site offering so many convenient features. I like the quick e-mail response service the best. Jennifer

Facts

LawCrossing Fact #126: Maybe you aren’t satisfied with where you are. If you’ve got experience, we can help you find the best job in the best field for you!

"We want to hear your thoughts. Please comment on this article (below)!" Comments

Article ID: 4786     Article Title: Law Firm Fees Increase Economy in a Sinking Economy Comment not found for this article. Comment

Facebook comments:

Enjoyed reading this article? Click here to sign up for News Wire, our weekly newsletter, and you'll receive articles just like this right in your inbox.

Enter your email address and start getting breaking law firm and legal news right now! Every Alert Alert once a day