The concept of ‘Precruiting’ – an early recruitment process where law firms target students who are in their initial year at law school – has been a topic of hot debate in the legal fraternity over the past few years. Recent insights indicate that some top-tier law schools are starting to shift their stance on…
Being well-rounded in the field of legal practice requires not just specialization but also adaptability. Justin Murphy, a former federal prosecutor, embodies this kind of resilience. Now renowned for representing both corporate and individual clients embroiled in government enforcement cases, Murphy handles a broad range of legal matters including complex antitrust affairs, fraud allegations, and…
In early 2023, the legal profession was taken aback by the emergence of Generative AI (GAI) and its potential ramifications for job security. With news narratives dominated by projections of machines and bots possibly replacing human roles, anxiety flared among legal professionals. However, a closer examination of the issue reveals a more encouraging perspective worth…
The Virginia Supreme Court has approved an amended rule regarding the admission to legal practice within the state sans an examination. As per the amendment, individuals might be able to practice law in Virginia without having to undergo a traditional examination—a practice not uncommon in the legal field, but still significant in its potential impact…
On August 30, 2023, the legal community received news of a significant ruling stemming from the case of United States v. Avenatti. The Second Circuit ruled against prominent yet controversial lawyer, Michael Avenatti, best known for his 2018 representation of Stephanie Clifford, a well-known adult film actress who had a relationship with the 45th President…
Senior U.S. District Judge Edward F. Harrington, serving the federal court in Boston, will retire at the end of this week after a substantial career spanning over 35 years, as declared by the court in a recent statement they released. The accomplished Judge Harrington, now 90 years old, made the announcement of his impending retirement…
Recent years have seen a notable drop in the number of individuals seeking a career in legal academia. Fifteen years ago, nearly 1,000 individuals registered their interest in teaching law through the American Association of Law Schools’ Faculty Recruiting Register. This number has tumbled to a meagre 328 for the current year – begging the…
In an intriguing recent episode of the ‘Early Returns with Jan Baran’ podcast, guest Neil Volz shared his eventful political journey, from being involved in a high-profile scandal to working for reformed voting rights for felons in Florida. The podcast can be listened to here. Volz, a former lobbyist, was catapulted into the public eye…
In recent years, Twitter has emerged as an unlikely source of legal advice, often to the peril of those who choose to follow armchair advice. A deep dive into this and other legal issues reveals several important points to keep in mind for today’s legal professionals. In one striking statistic, a recent survey revealed that…
The study and practice of law are notoriously stressful, with a high prevalence of anxiety amongst lawyers. Anxiety, unfortunately, isn’t a topic that is openly discussed in the legal industry’s meeting rooms or courtrooms. The sweat, the heart palpitations, the imposter syndrome – they are held close, undercover. Notably, Olga V. Mack, the VP at…
Early recruitment or “precruiting” has garnered increasing popularity among Biglaw firms for entry-level recruitment. According to a survey, 66% of the largest law firms and 34% of all law firms try to fill their summer associate classes before formal On-Campus Interview (OCI) programs begin. Precruiting has proved to be effective, with 23.3% of all offers…
In an impressive act of philanthropy aimed at fostering the next generation of legal professionals, John K. Hoyns, who retired last year from the law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed, has committed $20 million to his alma mater, the University of Michigan Law School. Regarded as one of the largest donations in the school’s history,…
New York State is on the verge of implementing wage transparency laws that are aimed at benefitting employees across the state. Effective September 17, 2023, employers operating in the state, with a workforce of four or more, will be required to adhere to the new legislation. The law mandates that all job, promotion, or transfer…
In a recent edition of the National Law Journal’s Bench Report, Judge Guido Calabresi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit shared some personal insights from his time working as a clerk for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black. Besides reflecting on his own experiences and professional development gleaned from this…
The challenges faced by student-athletes juggling their sports obligations with academics are well known. The situation encountered by law student and college football player August Pitre provides a unique look into the rigors of balancing high-stakes academic and athletic pursuits. August Pitre, a wide receiver for Southern University Jaguars, is not just an average student-athlete….
Today’s legal professionals are all too acquainted with the complexities that accompany balancing personal and professional lives. In a candid contribution to the ongoing series on motherhood in the legal profession, in collaboration with MothersEsquire, attorney Claire E. Parsons recounts a deeply personal experience on solitude and belonging. Focusing on an unconventional, visible symbol –…
When you’re an in-house counsel at a bustling corporation, daily routine responsibilities might push personal and professional growth to the back-burner. However, regardless of how hectic the year has been, personal development remains an essential aspect of career growth, and it’s never too late to invest time in yourself. Here, we highlight ten ways in…
In a recent interview with Pattie Walsh, the Office Managing Partner at Bird & Bird, she attributed her climb up the corporate ladder to maintaining and nurturing relationships at all levels. Walsh noted that as one advances in their legal career, cultivating these relationships becomes even more crucial. Walsh emphasized during her discussion the critical…
Winston & Strawn is set for a leadership change for the first time in nearly two decades. The Am Law 50 firm is paving the path for its litigation leader, Steve D’Amore, currently the global co-leader of Winston & Strawn’s litigation department, to take over as the chair. This transition is scheduled to take place…
Recent alterations in the handling of affirmative action in the legal sector have been brought into stark focus by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher’s changes to their diversity scholarships’ eligibility criteria. This move, as reported by Bloomberg Law, signals their lowered barriers in the face of potential lawsuits aiming at similar programs. The revamp came in…
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, a prominent corporate immigration firm, has recently made a significant stride on the diversity front. In a move that breaks its 43-year tradition, the firm announced on Wednesday that attorney Frieda Garcia will occupy the role of a managing partner. This designation is noteworthy as Garcia is the first woman…
As legal professionals, we frequently engage in the practice of reflection, often contemplating choices made in our early careers. It can be a fruitful process, enabling us to identify areas of improvement and perhaps even guiding the advice we give to those setting out on their legal journey. A partner of the full-services New York…
In a recent piece featured on Law.com, Office Managing Partner Lisa Kathumbi of Littler Mendelson, a renowned labor and employment law firm, shared insights into her professional journey, underscoring the notion of trusting the process. The article highlights how each moment and opportunity offers learning potentials, a theme central to Kathumbi’s career evolution and ascendance…
The customary path towards a stable legal profession appears to be shifting. Traditionally, successful summer associateship was often viewed as a ticket to full-time employment in some of the world’s biggest law firms. However, new data suggest that this once reliable trajectory is no longer a certainty. Findings from a recent Law360’s Summer Associate Survey…
Accomplished Holland & Knight LLP partner, who boasts an impressive track record as a complex commercial litigator spanning over 30 years, has recently ascended to the role of President of the Hispanic National Bar Association. Details about the elevation, including any specific plans or initiatives the new president may have for his tenure, remain undisclosed….