Defining Legal Staff Jobs Wondering if there is a law firm position that is right for you? We'll take you through what it means to work in various capacities at a law firm. Whether you want to be a receptionist or a chief financial officer, we have the law firm-specific definition of the tasks required of the position right here (and likely the job for you, as well). (273 views)
The Extranet Trend: More Firms Sharing with More Clients The literature on law firm extranets doesn't reach into the distant past. In fact, it was only five or six years ago when commentators first began lauding the benefits of this latest Web-technology tool. Recent surveys show a marked increase in the use of extranets. Some analysts believe the increase is a direct result of law firm clients making increased communication... (482 views)
Women Key Asset at Legal Firms Why should your firm care that Vault recently announced its ''Top-25 Law Firms for Women''? Because companies that are not emphasizing recruiting and retaining women attorneys are going to find themselves out of the game. ''It is an absolute business imperative in the modern age,'' explains Mary B. Cranston, the firm chair at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP. She... (15 views)
Magnum is more than an edgy face, and the Hemi helps Depending on one's sense of style, the Dodge Magnum wagon is either one of the best-looking new cars or among the worst. (152 views)
Judgement of police in car theft case and opinion of Judge Roberts in Dissent ''Sentiments do not decide cases,'' said the judge. ''Facts and the law do.'' That was Judge John Roberts speaking a month ago in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. He was dissenting in the insignificant case of United States v. Jackson , and though the case scarcely amounted to a small hill of beans, his opinion provided a useful glimpse into the... (41 views)
Personal Safety and ensuring safety of prized possessions during calamities Occasionally, I play a grim game I call ''Grab and Run'' — a mental exercise where I plan what I would do the moment I heard of a pending disaster, such as a tornado, hurricane, or sudden ozone failure. It goes something like this: dog, leash, sneakers (the cute ones), saline solution, favorite painting by my grandfather, a few CDs. (Everyone does this, right?) (83 views)
Ruling spells end of contracts waiving future jury trials Jim Edwards, senior vice president and general counsel for California-based Wireless Facilities knows all about big awards by juries in civil business trials. (122 views)
The Life and Career of Kathryn Schmeltzer, partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman's communications group As a partner with Shaw Pittman's communications group, Kathryn Schmeltzer represents a variety of media companies, from television giant Sinclair Broadcast Group to high school radio stations in Indiana. LawCrossing speaks with Schmeltzer about her career and how she navigates the ever-changing and complex world of the Federal Communications Commission. (133 views)
Profile: Karen Ray, Senior Paralegal, GTx, Inc., Memphis, TN Paralegal Karen Ray was hired by GTx, Inc., to help take the company public. LawCrossing speaks with Ray about her legal career and the intensity of launching an IPO. (127 views)
Consumers for legal matters can avail help through legal materials and books Nothing beats the expert advice of an attorney, but those with relatively simple cases now have other options. Today, do-it-yourself legal materials and services are widely available to consumers. (28 views)
BAR/BRI And Kaplan Class Action A complaint filed against BAR/BRI bar review and the West Publishing Corporation and Kaplan, Inc., in Los Angeles, claims more than 300,000 lawyers and law students were each charged an estimated $1,000 extra for bar review courses. (2620 views)
Rome's influence still lingers in southern France BEZIERS, France - ''Beziers is an up-and-coming place, with loads and loads of history,'' exclaimed Marielle Durand from the tourism office as we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Les Deux Lombard. (537 views)
The Next Doorman When the Senate confirms John Roberts' nomination to the Supreme Court - as it surely will confirm him next month - the high court will have acquired a handsome, literate and well-mannered, ah, doorkeeper. Welcome to the club! (32 views)
Adopting ADR for speedier justice system Payal Popat is an attorney in India with a keen insight into international law. This week, she offers a column detailing her thoughts on ways for parties to mend their differences in a timely manner. (60 views)
Don't Get Crushed by Your Home As a math teacher, my wife runs into teenagers who are, to put it mildly, completely clueless when it comes to matters of money and personal finance. But while recently instructing a class for fellow teachers, she came across some sad evidence that perfectly intelligent adults have a lot to learn about money, especially when it comes to the emotional process of buying a... (8 views)
Advice to Attorneys by Thomas A. Mesereau. Jr. Since the Michael Jackson trial ended in June, Thomas Mesereau's phone has been ringing off the hook. His successful defense of Jackson made Mesereau one of the most famous attorneys in the world. LawCrossing speaks to Mesereau about his practice and his commitment to fighting injustices-for both celebrity clients and impoverished men on death row. (809 views)
Profile: Lee Davis, Owner and Manager, Lee Davis & Associates, Inc. Lee Davis had been working as a paralegal for almost 10 years when she decided to open her own business in pursuit of more money and more flexibility. LawCrossing speaks with Ms. Davis about Lee Davis & Associates, Inc., and her role as a leader in the paralegal community. (193 views)
Education Law Paralegals Help Clients, Community Alike Coming from a domestic and family law background, Joanna Perkins was at a loss when she first entered the field of education law. ''I thought, 'What could it be?''' says Perkins, a five-year veteran paralegal at Doster, Mickes, James, Ullom, Benson & Guest, LLC, in Missouri. Allured by this unique area of the law and the potential to grow as a paralegal in an already... (356 views)
Revisiting The Solomon Amendment The U.S. Supreme Court will consider a case that will decide whether universities can bar military recruiters from their campuses, without giving up federal funding. (210 views)
Thailand's best health resort for body, mind and spirit ''There's much more to Chiva-Som than people know,'' said my consultant Nicole Davies at Chiva-Som International Health Resort. ''Four or five life-changing things happen here each week. See what happens for you.'' (79 views)
The pending case of America's Flag Amendment Act ''When it is not necessary to change,'' said Lord Falkland, ''it is necessary not to change.'' (31 views)
The Life and change of Career in Law by Mike Gille Employment Law Specialist With a Ph.D. in Literature and a J.D. under his belt, Mike Gilles is equally at home discussing Shakespeare or employment law. But it's the latter field that has inspired him as much as, if not more than, any sonnet. (43 views)
Psychoanalyze Your Wallet How you drive (cautiously, aggressively, or anxiously), your dream occupation (poet, stuntman, Supreme Court justice), what you look for in a mate (stability, spontaneity, a hot car), and even how well you tip at restaurants reveal a lot about your money personality. (9 views)
The Life and Caareer of Gregory Jordan, Managing Partner, Reed Smith Gregory Jordan, 46, is one of the youngest managing partners at a top-25 law firm. LawCrossing speaks with Jordan about his career with Reed Smith and his thoughts on the hot mergers and acquisitions climate among big law firms. (317 views)
The Art of Drafting a Proper Legal Memo There was a time when the law firm memo was the bedrock of the American legal system. In those days, a private lawyer was contacted and asked to opine on the legal ramifications of a personal or business issue. The lawyer withdrew to a library alcove or office, where almost all of the legal research he/she performed was done in books. At the end of that process, the lawyer... (16405 views)
Profile: Theresa Prater, RP, Treasurer, American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., and Senior Paralegal, Rural/Metro Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ A paralegal for 25 years, Theresa Prater is a founding member of the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI). LawCrossing speaks with Ms. Prater about the association and her switch from law firm life into the corporate world. (120 views)
Working in Chambers: Judicial Clerkships Provide a Unique Career Experience For law students and new attorneys, judicial clerkships are exciting and highly coveted positions with plenty of responsibilities and rewards alike. ''A judicial clerk is someone who acts as the judge's assistant at every stage of the proceeding,'' explained Debra Strauss, attorney and former federal clerk for the Southern District of New York. She is also the author of... (1340 views)
Law students should make the best use of study aids and guides Emanuel's. Gilbert's. Each is a name law students will become very familiar with during the course of studying to become a lawyer. Just how useful and necessary these study aids and class outlines are to get you through law school depends on whom you talk to. (462 views)
Tours of plantations, historical sites bring area's colorful past to life The Old South took on new significance with the Mississippi Queen's daily shore tours offering glimpses into the history, folklore, politics and traditions of ports along the river. Passengers choose from antebellum plantations, Civil War battlefields, formal gardens, Cajun communities and museums in bustling cities. (333 views)
The Life and Career of William J. Pascrell: A career in public service, politics, and government At the age of eight, William J. Pascrell III was already actively involved in political campaigns, thanks to a public service-oriented family. He recalls helping his father and others work on various campaigns in his home state of New Jersey. In fact, his father, a former high school teacher and mayor, would go on to become a New Jersey Assemblyman and U.S. Representative. (56 views)