Posts on ‘March 17th, 2009’

Like it or not, lawyers involved in e-discovery matters must become project managers. Steven C. Bennett and Marla S.K. Bergman of Jones Day outline 10 key steps in a typical e-discovery project, suggesting ways that lawyers can help ensure that such projects proceed successfully.

When economic crisis struck Asia in the late 1990s and early 2000s, international law firms with newly crippled clients in the region flew in their top restructuring specialists from the United States and Europe. This time around, though, those lawyers are much in demand at home, leaving Asian offices somewhat strapped for bankruptcy lawyers. While adding bankruptcy lawyers would be a no-brainer for a firm in New York right now, Asia presents firms with a more complicated choice.

Gene Vaughan started his new career as an attorney in August, and this November, he turned 40. At a time when we are hearing a lot about jobs ending, Vaughan provides us with a fresh perspective of someone starting out in the law, after having decided on his own to leave his old career as the controller of a family business. Vaughan also provides some tips, geared toward the first-time lawyer, but those, perhaps, could be helpful reminders for lawyers working in any stage of their career.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Monday upheld a Texas law that requires public school students to observe a daily minute of silence in order to pray, reflect or otherwise remain quiet. A three-judge panel affirmed a district court ruling, saying the law is constitutional because it allows any silent use of that minute. David and Shannon Croft, suing on behalf of their three children, contended including the word “pray” in the law was a way for lawmakers to advance religion in schools.

Partners at big law firms eager to hang on to cash-strapped clients and attract more amid this year’s corporate belt-tightening are jumping to smaller firms where they can lower their billing rates and bump into fewer conflicts of interest. Partners from DLA Piper, K&L Gates, Katten Muchin Rosenman, and Jenner & Block are among those who have made moves during the past four months to smaller firms that allowed them not only to protect their client bases but also to win new business on lower rates.

Many firms are hearing, loud and clear, from clients seeking a little billable-hour love during these harsh economic times. For two decades, substantial rate boosts were an annual rite. But no longer. Industry observers say clients are requesting — even demanding — a smaller tab. And the billable hour is facing an even more serious challenge than freezes or discounts, with some analysts predicting that the law industry will have to be hauled kicking and screaming into a new era of fee structure.