In today’s competitive legal market, attorneys face the dual challenge of excelling in both law and business development. This is particularly crucial as most law school curricula lack comprehensive business training. One effective strategy is simplifying networking, an essential component of successful business development. By honing networking skills, legal professionals can expand their reach and…
In the competitive world of law, where the path to partnership is often shrouded in intense competition and stringent prerequisites, an authentic commitment to truth can serve as a guiding beacon. Robert McFarlane, a partner at Moses & Singer, underscores this principle as an essential element in his journey to partnership. Emphasizing not only the…
A recent decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals has resulted in a setback for a former associate at Cooley LLP, who sought ongoing disability benefits following a series of health issues. The court ruled against Jennifer Connelly’s claim for sustained payments, marking a significant moment in disability litigation within the legal industry. The case,…
Reed Smith LLP recently defended its approach to document production in a gender discrimination lawsuit filed by one of its former attorneys. The legal team for Reed Smith argued before a New Jersey court to dismiss what they described as a hasty motion from the plaintiff, who is seeking to strike Reed Smith’s answer and…
Troutman Pepper has announced its decision to align with the associate pay scale recently set by Milbank LLP, taking effect in 2027. This move situates Troutman Pepper alongside a series of prominent BigLaw firms that have opted to match this market rate, which offers compensation packages ranging from $235,000 to $455,000. Such standardization is indicative…
The legal community is watching closely as an ex-Wisconsin judge, recently convicted of obstructing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest, continues to practice law while appealing her conviction. This decision comes after the Supreme Court of Wisconsin opted not to suspend her license amidst the ongoing legal proceedings. The implications of this decision resonate…
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award, which aims to recognize individuals who have made considerable strides early in their legal careers to improve the American legal system. Named in memory of Alli Gerkman, the award honors her legacy as a zealous advocate for legal system reform. Gerkman, who passed…
In the competitive world of law, the path to partnership is often seen as a measure of success. Sean Farrell of Smith Currie provides a noteworthy perspective on this journey. His advice centers on finding the “best fit” rather than chasing the highest salary or the most glamorous practice area. Farrell suggests prioritizing environments where…
The 2026 Women, Influence and Power in Law (WIPL) Conference in Nashville serves as a vital platform for addressing the evolving role of women in legal leadership. This year, the spotlight fell on Nana Boyer, whose insights were captured live in a session of Legal Speak, a prominent legal podcast. Boyer, a formidable presence in…
Clio, a prominent player in artificial intelligence, has appointed a distinguished leader from the legal community as its new general manager of judiciary. The company has recruited the former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, who also served as president and CEO of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). This strategic move highlights Clio’s commitment…
A notable Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, widely recognized for defending Lindsay Clancy, is currently at the center of a legal malpractice allegation. The attorney is accused of neglecting the legal needs of a client who is serving life sentences for second-degree murder and home invasion, a charge which the lawyer vehemently denies. Details of the…
Polsinelli, a law firm recognized for its comprehensive legal services, has announced an addition to its Capital Markets and Commercial Lending Practice. Andrea Raby has joined the firm’s Chicago office, enhancing its capacity to provide strategic legal solutions to clients in the capital markets space. Her expertise is expected to strengthen the firm’s presence and…
The 2026 Women, Influence and Power in Law Conference (WIPL), held in Nashville, provided a platform for significant discussions on the evolving landscape of the legal profession, especially concerning gender dynamics. During this pivotal event, Legal Speak recorded a live session with Law.com’s Vanessa Blum and Alaina Lancaster, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities…
The current anxiety surrounding a potential hiring slump in major law firms brings to mind the challenges faced by the Class of 2011, whose entry into a recovering job market offers valuable lessons. During that period, the legal industry was reeling from the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, which had forced firms to downsize…
In the intricate world of legal practices, Big Law partners contemplating a career transition are increasingly turning to the expertise of dealmaker Bonnie Jonas, famously known as Wall Street’s ‘Lioness’. Known for her niche in guiding high-ranking legal professionals through complex career shifts, Jonas offers a nuanced approach to bridging the gap between law and…
In a legal complaint filed recently in Massachusetts state court, event software company JRNI Inc. alleges that two former executives orchestrated a plan that undermined a significant deal with their major client, Nike, only to join a direct competitor shortly after. This development has sent ripples through the legal and business communities, highlighting yet another…
Two distinguished former litigators from Boeing have rejoined the ranks of private practice, marking a significant career transition as they associate with McGuireWoods LLP. The legal community is closely observing this development, which was confirmed by the firm on Wednesday. These legal professionals, known for their expertise in product liability litigation, bring with them substantial…
The Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) has unveiled a new certification program designed to professionalize and standardize the role of legal operations professionals. This initiative, launched this week, aims to equip individuals in the field with standardized skills and knowledge, paving the way for greater recognition of their crucial role within corporate legal departments. The…
In the competitive world of corporate law, making partner at a prestigious firm like Freshfields is an achievement that involves more than just legal acumen. Jeff Jay, a partner at Freshfields, emphasizes the significance of personal integrity and collegiality in this journey, as highlighted in a recent insight about his path to partnership. He underscores…
In a detailed interview with SCOTUSblog, Senator Ted Cruz elaborated on the motivations and insights behind his newly published biography on Justice Clarence Thomas, titled “Going Further.” Debuting at the top of The New York Times’ non-fiction list, the book is a product of extensive access to the Supreme Court Justice, with more than nine…
The 2026 Women, Influence and Power in Law Conference in Nashville served as a dynamic platform for discussions about the evolving role of women in the legal profession. One of the highlights from this event was captured in the live recording of Legal Speak, featuring Crystal Wright. This session provided rich insights into the challenges…
President Trump’s nomination for Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is proceeding with minimal resistance from Democratic lawmakers. Michael J. Desmond, an attorney with a deep background in tax law, was nominated for the top legal position within the IRS. His career includes roles both in government and private practice, showcasing a broad…
The summer associate experience at prestigious law firms often serves as a critical stepping stone for law students aspiring to secure full-time positions in the legal industry. As the most recent cohort wraps up their experiences, several key insights have emerged about what these future legal professionals learned during their tenure. One of the primary…
First-generation law students are facing fresh hurdles as BigLaw firms move to recruit talent earlier in their academic journeys. The accelerated recruitment processes place a unique strain on those who are the first in their families to attend law school and often lack the same resources and connections as their peers. This shift can lead…
The legal landscape continues to evolve, with top-tier law firms outpacing their competitors in size and revenue. According to a recent discussion among industry leaders, a select group of firms is increasingly pulling away from the pack. These firms, as reported by Law.com, are becoming not only larger but also more profitable, presenting a challenge…