Top 10 Leading Law Firms Across Practice Areas and Regions In the vast and intricate realm of law, the importance of top-tier law firms reverberates far and wide. Beyond mere legal entities, these firms stand as bastions of unparalleled expertise, offering a guiding light to clients navigating the labyrinthine corridors of legal intricacies. With their seasoned professionals and wealth of experience, they not only provide legal... (12 views)
Difference Between a Paralegal and Lawyer Embarking on a journey in the legal industry holds the promise of immense gratification, but the quest to discover the most fitting role or specialization within this complex profession is not always immediate. For those contemplating whether to tread the path of a paralegal or aspire to become a lawyer, discerning the distinctions between these two professions is crucial.... (32 views)
Legal Outsourcing: What It Means for Law Firms Legal outsourcing refers to the practice of delegating legal tasks and services to external providers, either domestically or internationally, rather than handling them in-house within a law firm. It involves the engagement of external legal service providers, such as legal process outsourcing (LPO) firms or freelance attorneys, to perform various legal functions on behalf... (23 views)
The Impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession Artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, is a branch of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In the context of the legal profession, AI refers to the application of advanced technologies, algorithms, and machine learning models to automate legal tasks, analyze vast... (66 views)
Fusing Forces: Exploring the Synergy of Law and Technology Integration In today's digital era, the integration of law and technology has become increasingly crucial. The legal industry, traditionally known for its reliance on manual processes and paper-based documentation, is experiencing a significant shift due to technological advancements. Law and technology integration plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and... (18 views)
Transforming Legal Services: Unleashing the Power of Technology The legal industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by advancements in technology. Technology has become a powerful tool that is reshaping how legal services are delivered, improving efficiency, enhancing client experiences, and driving innovation. The significance of technology in transforming legal services cannot be overstated. (22 views)
Empowering the Legal World: Unleashing the Potential of Digital Transformation Digital transformation has become increasingly important in the legal industry as technology continues to reshape the way legal services are delivered. The legal sector, traditionally known for its reliance on paper-based processes and manual workflows, is now recognizing the need to embrace digital transformation to stay competitive and meet evolving client expectations. (26 views)
The Role and Importance of Paralegals in Law Firms Paralegals hold a vital position within law firms and are indispensable to the smooth functioning of legal practices. Their contributions are invaluable, as they provide essential support and expertise to attorneys. Recognizing the importance of paralegals allows us to appreciate their role in enhancing the overall efficiency and success of law firms. (126 views)
The Future of Remote Work in the Legal Industry The legal industry is experiencing a remarkable shift as remote legal services reshape the way legal professionals operate and provide services to their clients. This transformative trend revolutionizes the legal landscape, enabling lawyers to work from anywhere and deliver legal solutions efficiently. With the rise of virtual law firms, online consultations, and digital... (439 views)
The Digital Revolution: Impacts on the Legal Profession In the age of the digital revolution, the legal profession has undergone profound changes and advancements fueled by technological innovation. These advancements, collectively known as legal technology or legal tech, have completely transformed the way lawyers carry out their practice and provide services to their clients. (164 views)
Addressing the Growing Need for Elder Law Attorneys In recent years, elder law has become an important issue related to access to justice. The U.S. has a growing number of elderly citizens who require legal assistance. Yet, very few lawyers have specialized training to cater to their needs, and only a few are willing to serve those who cannot afford to pay. Multiple organizations are working to address this problem, such as... (13 views)
Barber Ranen Spinoff Attracts 110 Lawyers from Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith According to one of the founders of a newly-formed spinoff firm, approximately 110 lawyers from U.S. law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith have signed agreements to leave the firm and join the spinoff. The new firm, Barber Ranen, may eventually see up to 140 lawyers join, with around 60 Lewis Brisbois lawyers becoming partners. The firm will be led by John Barber,... (1298 views)
Silicon Valley Law Firm Gunderson Dettmer Reduces Workforce by 10% Following the recent stealth layoffs at Kirkland, there were speculations about when the subsequent releases would occur. As it turns out, Gunderson Dettmer, a prominent Silicon Valley company, is reducing its workforce by about 10%. This will affect various employees, including lawyers, paralegals, and other staff members across its U.S. offices. The company has also... (20 views)
Historic $500,000 Donation Creates Full-Ride Scholarship for Public Interest Work at WVU College of Law A generous anonymous donor has made a historic $500,000 donation to the West Virginia Bar Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports the legal profession in West Virginia. The gift, the largest single donation in the Foundation's 34-year history, will fund a full-ride scholarship for a WVU College of Law student interested in pursuing public interest work. (2 views)
Reed Smith Appoints First Female Global Managing Partner Reed Smith, one of the world's most successful law firms, has appointed Casey Ryan as its new global managing partner, making her the first woman to hold the role in the firm's history. Ryan, who graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1996, began her career as a summer associate with Reed Smith almost 30 years ago. She has held several leadership positions,... (8 views)
Paul Hastings Outpaces Competitors Despite Economic Challenges Despite the economic slowdown and cost-cutting measures by major law firms, Paul Hastings saw an increase in profits last year. Chairman Frank Lopez, who took over in October, stated that the firm is poised to surpass its record-breaking 2021 financial results. Paul Hastings experienced a surge in demand for legal services in 2021, resulting in $1.57 billion in gross... (20 views)
Rising Demand for Legal Services in Suburban Communities The demand for legal services has been growing in suburban areas due to population growth, economic development, and the rise of technology. Suburban communities have become centers of commerce, leading to increased demand for legal services. Law firms are establishing offices in these areas to serve the communities better. The legal market in suburban areas is more... (29 views)
Things To Know Before Joining a Virtual Law Firm Virtual law firms have lately started growing in popularity. The traditional law firm model has become outdated, and with what is happening around us in the past years, virtual law firms seem like the perfect option. Moreover, a virtual law firm usually has much less oversight than a traditional one, which means lawyers can earn more money for their legal services. This is... (445 views)
Everything Law Firms Need To Know About Opening Branch Offices A law firm is a business like any other, which means that the only way to stay ahead is to grow as a company. An important part of a law firm's business growth is opening branch offices and expanding. While branch offices can bring additional success to law firms and become an important part of the company structure, many branches eventually fail. Some even tank their... (548 views)
Joshua S. Sohn Wins Pro Bono Awards: Rising Star in DLA Piper's Litigation Practice Group Joshua S. Sohn received two prestigious awards in April for his pro bono work. LawCrossing speaks with the rising star about managing his pro bono cases and his complex commercial and securities litigation practice. (1000 views)
Nicole Kreidler Paralegal: A Profile of the Gerlach Beaumier Law Firm in Duluth, MN Ever since a high school class in civil and criminal law, Nicole Kreidler wanted to enter the legal profession. LawCrossing speaks with the general practice paralegal about the advantages of a small firm and her volunteering spirit. (131 views)
How LRAPs Can Help You Pursue a Career in Public Interest Law More law school graduates are able to pursue careers in public service than ever before because of loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) at more than 50 law schools. The programs help students manage educational debts that can exceed $100,000 in exchange for pubic interest jobs. (136 views)
How to Manage Tough-Luck Situations as an Attorney - Tips for Lawyers Dealing with Difficult Cases In the summer of 2001, eight hungry beetles apparently escaped from their quarantine in a commercial nursery south of Seattle. Three of them were quickly captured. The other five never were heard from again, but at the time they added up to potential disaster. Now the case of those ravenous beetles is pending in the U.S. Supreme Court on a petition for review. (15 views)
George Washington Law School Clinic: Benefits for Clients and Students It is not unusual to hear that law students working in a law school clinic are aiding those in need, such as juvenile prisoners. It is rare, however, to hear that this assistance is coming from a small business clinic and that the aid is not legal, but literature. (30 views)
When to Draw the Line: Navigating Ethics in IT Law | LawCrossing Oral argument in the Supreme Court had barely begun on March 2 when Justice Sandra Day O'Connor interrupted with a question. The case was Van Orden v. Perry , No. 03-1500. At issue was the power of Texas to sanction a display of the Ten Commandments on the Capitol grounds in Austin. Erwin Chemerinsky, of Durham, N.C., spoke for the plaintiff, Thomas Van Orden. (743 views)
Pioneering Paralegal Shelley Widoff on Lower Standards for Paralegals | Founder of the Boston Paralegal Resource Center Fiercely independent and proud of the paralegal profession, Shelley Widoff is worried that it's too easy to become a paralegal these days and that the reputation of the profession is eroding as a result. (355 views)
Trope and Trope Founder Sorrell Trope: A Pioneer in the World of Family Law It was the movies—and their glamorous depiction of attorneys—that first inspired Sorrell Trope to become a lawyer. Perhaps it's not surprising then that he has represented dozens of Hollywood stars—from Cary Grant to Nicole Kidman. LawCrossing speaks with the divorce attorney about his practice over the last 55 years. (3436 views)
Nick De Dishman: Paralegal at Schroeder Law Offices and Director of Operations for Western Water Fight in Portland, OR While world attention focuses on various battles for oil, people have been fighting over water for decades, and fights for water rights are likely to increase as demand for the precious commodity increases. LawCrossing speaks to De Dishman, a paralegal who works on water rights and acts as Secretary and Director of Operations for the National Federation of Paralegal... (93 views)
How to Build an Enviable Home Office: Tips and Ideas for Professional, Efficient Work Spaces Overworked? Looking for a weekend distraction? Want something quick and different to take you away from the reality of emails, voicemails, and black and blueberries? Then these imaginative retreats fit the bill. Sit back and read about these unusual lodgings that feed your imagination. (20 views)
How To Reduce Billable Hours & Increase Profitability For Law Firms Back in the late 80s, Stephanie Morris graduated from law school, clerked for a federal judge, and then started practicing as an associate in a reasonably sized, big city law firm. ''It was mandatory that every associate bill 1,800 hours a year,'' she remembers. She labored in the firm, before a trip to the doctor confirmed her belief that her work environment ''was crazy... (611 views)