Analysis

International | Analysis

Seoul and Tokyo: A Tale of 2 Legal Markets

John Kang | October 11, 2018

South Korea has no plans to further open up its legal market to foreign law firms but liberalization continues in Japan.

Legaltech News | Analysis

3 Ways NYC Is Looking to Change US Privacy and Cybersecurity

Frank Ready | October 09, 2018

New York City is stepping to the forefront of municipalities who are actively taking the issue of cybersecurity into their own hands.

Law.com | Analysis

Opioid Makers Demand an 'Untenable Level of Specificity' in Dismissal Motions, Says Judge's Report

Amanda Bronstad | October 09, 2018

U.S. Magistrate Judge David Ruiz on Oct. 5 allowed most of the claims in a key case in a massive MDL against opioid companies to go forward, concluding that the complaint was far from a “fishing expedition.”

Legaltech News | Analysis

The Cost of Free Wi-Fi Could Be Private Company Data

Caroline Spiezio | October 09, 2018

Lawyers seeking internet outside of company walls should steer clear of public Wi-Fi, highlighted by the Department of Justice's indictment of Russian hackers last week.

Law.com | Analysis

The Blockchain and GDPR

Michael Smolenski | October 04, 2018

It’s clear that the onset of GDPR regulations and a quickly changing consumer sentiment about the sensitivity and value of their personal data will reorient a company’s interactions with their customers and their information. There will be some pain points in this transition, as Facebook investors recently demonstrated, but it doesn’t have to be a unilateral downturn for the tech industry.

Legaltech News | Analysis | Live Coverage

The 3 Phases of a Successful Legal Website Redesign

Zach Warren | October 04, 2018

At LMA Tech Midwest, three firm and law school marketers ran through their processes for undertaking a redesign from genesis through continual improvement.

International | Analysis

China's Grand Plans Fuel King & Wood Mallesons' Global Growth

John Kang | October 03, 2018

The global legal giant includes among its top priorities the Greater Bay Area project and the Belt and Road Initiative, both ambitious economic plans created by the Chinese government.

Legaltech News | Analysis

How Vulnerable Are Law Firms to a Facebook-Style Breach?

Frank Ready | October 03, 2018

Stolen access tokens left up to 50 million Facebook accounts susceptible to hackers. Do law firms have the same vulnerabilities?

The American Lawyer | Analysis | News

How Law Firms Are Capitalizing on the Private Equity Boom

Roy Strom | October 02, 2018

The biggest private equity shops are predicted to double in size over the next seven years. Catching a piece of their deals is a recipe for Big Law success.

Law.com | Analysis

Big Law Leaders Say Stress Is Main Cause of Addiction and Mental Health Problems

Patrick Krill | October 01, 2018

Stress is a common experience for lawyers, and if the go-to solution for coping with it is drinking or using drugs, they are setting themselves up for trouble.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

King & Spalding's Long Battle to Overcome the Odds

Meredith Hobbs | Dan Packel | September 30, 2018

Ten years ago, the Atlanta-based firm set out to scale the Am Law 50 and become an ultra-profitable, international law firm. So far, it’s working.

Law.com | Analysis

For Midsize Firms, a Real Estate Riddle: How Do You Shrink While Growing?

Lizzy McLellan | September 28, 2018

Midsize firms know it best—bigger isn't always better, including when it comes to office space. But the tricky thing about real estate for midsize firms is accounting for future growth.

The Recorder | Analysis

Apple to Take Its First Shots at Narrowing Suits Over Throttled iPhones

Ross Todd | September 27, 2018

Apple's lawyers will ask a federal judge on Friday to toss claims involving software changes that caused certain iPhone models to slow performance, and to "reject plaintiffs’ counsel’s attempt to make this the first worldwide consumer MDL in history."

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Summer Associates Are Happier Than Ever

Lizzy McLellan | September 27, 2018

Aspiring lawyers know what they want, and they’re getting it, for the most part, according to our annual survey.

The Legal Intelligencer | Analysis

Cosby Defense Dilemma: Vowed Appeal Could Lengthen Prison Time

Lizzy McLellan | September 26, 2018

Bill Cosby's lawyers may grapple with competing strategies when it comes to limiting his sentence on the one hand, and his promised appeal on the other.

The Recorder | Analysis

This Judge in Deadlocked Talc Trial Tried Everything to Get a Verdict, Transcripts Show

Amanda Bronstad | September 26, 2018

At times against the objections of the lawyers, particularly for the defense, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Margaret Oldendorf interviewed jurors, reiterated jury instructions, ordered more oral arguments and replaced a juror with an alternate.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

The 2018 China 45: Firms Find Order Amid Chaos

Anna Zhang | September 25, 2018

Despite fraught international relations, Chinese firms are breaking through globally.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Trans-Atlantic Mergers Are on the Rise. What Do They Really Achieve?

Nicholas Bruch | September 24, 2018

It's time to take stock of a move that has suddenly become en vogue again in the past couple years.

Legaltech News | Analysis

Why Are So Many In-House Professionals Joining AI Contract Startups?

Rhys Dipshan | September 21, 2018

They helped transform the legal departments at Microsoft, Google and Hewlett-Packard. But now they’re looking to make a bigger impact on corporate law by joining legal tech disruptors.

The Legal Intelligencer | Analysis

How Holland & Knight Built a Philadelphia Office on Reed Smith Talent

Lizzy McLellan | September 19, 2018

The firm capitalized on Reed Smith's shifting priorities to grow from zero to more than 30 lawyers in Philadelphia in a flash.

Law.com | Analysis

Will This Crypto Case Push Federal Regulators to Tackle More ICO Fraud?

Ian Lopez | September 18, 2018

A U.S. district court of New York ruling allowing a jury to apply securities laws in an ICO fraud case may set the stage for regulators to heighten actions in the nascent marketplace.

The American Lawyer | Analysis | News

Amid Sanctions, Global Law Firms Face Russian Reckoning

Dan Packel | September 17, 2018

International firms are finding themselves cut off from key Russian clients, and they're coping with increasing homegrown competition. But some are equipped to ride out the storm.

The Legal Intelligencer | Analysis

Blank Rome Case Raises Sticky Questions on Law Firm Mergers

Lizzy McLellan | September 14, 2018

When is a law firm merger not a merger? In demanding millions of dollars from Blank Rome, former Dickstein Shapiro partners may help drum up answers.

National Law Journal | Analysis

There's Been a Rise in Securities Lawsuits Over Cryptocurrencies, and SEC Cases Are Behind It

Amanda Bronstad | September 11, 2018

A Lex Machina report found that securities lawsuits filed over cryptocurrencies or bitcoin have tripled so far this year as SEC chairman Jay Clayton announced a crackdown on that industry.

Law.com | Analysis

The Price to Pay for De Novo Review of PTO Decisions

Jonathan Moskin | September 11, 2018

NantKwest v Iancu

The Federal Circuit sitting en banc reversed its own prior ruling and held that “all expenses of the proceeding” does not include attorneys’ fees.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Out-of-Town Firms Hire For Industry Expertise in Boston Push

Lizzy McLellan | September 10, 2018

As Boston booms, out-of-town Am Law 200 firms are making niche hires targeted at certain industry expertise.

International | Analysis

Global Law Firms in Myanmar Get a Reality Check

John Kang | September 06, 2018

Since 2013, more than a dozen international and regional law firms have opened offices in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city. But now, as the country faces international condemnation over the Rohingya crisis and the jailing of journalists, momentum is moving in the other direction.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Online Search Disputes Mark New Front in Consumer-Focused Firm Rivalries

Scott Flaherty | September 06, 2018

Two recent cases pitting law firms against one another indicate fierce competition among certain types of firms that invest heavily in marketing efforts—and they illustrate how that competition is playing out in a modern, digital age.

Law.com | Analysis

Skilled in the Art: Fed Circuit Chews on Trademark Beef | Tensegrity Expands, Desmarais Dishes | Plus, Who Got the Work

Scott Graham | September 04, 2018

Is Omaha Steaks famous enough to merit trademark protection? During arguments Tuesday, a Federal Circuit panel seemed to be persuaded.

Corporate Counsel | Analysis

Does Investor Litigation Over #MeToo Stand a Chance?

Kristen Rasmussen | September 04, 2018

A recently filed securities class action against CBS is the latest attempt by investors to hold company directors and officers responsible for an executive's alleged sexual misconduct. But will the courts buy it?

Legaltech News | Analysis

Law Firms at a Crossroads: The New Paths to Safeguarding Data as Attacks Ramp Up

Brian Lapidus and Keith Wojcieszek, Kroll | September 04, 2018

How do you protect your firm? The vast majority of cyber-related vulnerabilities can be traced to staff and third parties who accidentally or deliberately don’t follow security protocols or are tricked into downloading malicious code.

Law.com | Analysis

Higher Law: Where Are the Cannabis Insurers? | California Crackdown | Who Got the Work, In the Weeds & More

Cheryl Miller | August 30, 2018

This week we look at the insurance industry and why it continues to be a wallflower at the big state-legal marijuana dance. Also, California regulators want you to know they're cracking down on unlicensed operators. Welcome to Higher Law.

Law.com | Analysis

Big Law's Courting Potential Midsize Merger Partners, but Some Are Wary

Lizzy McLellan | August 30, 2018

Large firms are jumping on the M&A bandwagon, taking big chomps out of the legal mid-market in pursuit of marketshare.

Law.com | Analysis

Skilled in the Art: Google’s Non-Banc at the Federal Circuit + A Dive into the FRANDly Patent Pool

Scott Graham | August 28, 2018

The Federal Circuit unanimously turned down Google's request for an en banc hearing in it's ongoing feud with Oracle.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Awkward or Worse: When Partners Sue Their Firms and Stay on Board

Scott Flaherty | August 28, 2018

Attorneys bringing suit face personal and professional repercussions—not to mention an uncomfortable workplace—but nonetheless feel litigation has a purpose.

Law.com | Analysis

What Microsoft, Starbucks, Rackspace Expect From Their Outside Counsel

Rhys Dipshan | August 27, 2018

In-house legal professionals at three large organizations agree that hiring the right outside counsel is as much a matter of culture than it is of expertise and ability.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Midlevel Associates Are Content but Curious About Their Futures

Lizzy McLellan | August 26, 2018

Our annual Midlevel Associates Survey shows most are pleased with their firms, but they're eager for a peek behind the curtain.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

How Schulte Roth Gave Associate Life an Extreme Makeover

Lizzy McLellan | August 26, 2018

In two years, the firm went from 78th to first in our Midlevel Associates Survey.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Women and Minority Associates Are Less Satisfied Than Their Peers

Ben Seal | August 26, 2018

Despite law firms' efforts, our Midlevel Associates Survey shows the gap persists.

Law.com | Analysis

Skilled in the Art: Will Trump Join Patent Debate? Plus, More Than a Feeling, but Less Than Liability

Scott Graham | August 24, 2018

Welcome to Skilled in the Art. I'm Law.com IP reporter Scott Graham. This week I'm going Roger Ebert on you and offering a few reflections on "Invalidated,"…

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Despite Salary Hikes, Inflation Leaves Associate Pay Below Pre-Recession Level

Scott Flaherty | August 22, 2018

How have associate salary increases kept up with inflation over time, and where does that analysis place the high point for first-year associate pay? Hint: It’s not 2018, even with many firms now offering $190,000.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

Big Law Stays 'Bullish' on Small and Midsize Mergers

Lizzy McLellan | August 22, 2018

With three Am Law 200 firms announcing mergers this week, large firms are showing their appetites for acquiring smaller shops.

The American Lawyer | Analysis | News

With Its Consultants' Help, Manatt Seeks to Upend Health Care Services

Roy Strom | August 22, 2018

Manatt Health, which employs 70 consultants and 90 lawyers, has been undergoing a similar change as its health care clients: Moving from a fee-for-services model to a value-based billing system.

Law.com | Analysis

What's Next: Are Touch Screens the Next Big Thing for Biometrics Litigation?

Ian Lopez | August 22, 2018

Also up this week, an attempt to use Bitcoin for bail, and Facebook has its "Apple Moment" in Court.

Law.com | Analysis

Skilled in the Art: Good Luck, Bad Luck in Copyrights + IP Fee Lit Practice Tip

Scott Graham | August 21, 2018

A look at events leading to Irell & Manella's defeat in an appeal over the rights to pre-1972 sound recordings and more big lateral news in the IP space.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

It's 2018. Do You Know Who Your Law Firm Settled With Today?

Meghan Tribe | August 21, 2018

When it comes to bias or even sexual harassment allegations, partners may not always know which of their colleagues has been accused—or how those claims are resolved.

National Law Journal | Analysis

6 More Trump Court Picks, Including Wilmer Partner and LGBT Judge, Head to Senate

Mike Scarcella | August 21, 2018

Two Big Law litigation partners and an out lesbian U.S. magistrate judge are among the judicial nominees who will appear Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington. The U.S. Senate has confirmed 26 Trump nominees picked for federal appeals courts.

The American Lawyer | Analysis

A Crack in the Wall: Elite Wall Street Firms Are Being Put to the Test

Christine Simmons and Gina Passarella | August 19, 2018

The once-impenetrable facade of some of the country's sturdiest law firms is showing signs of wear in the face of shifting financial markets. Now they are forced to confront a once-foreign concept: competition.

Law.com | Analysis

Midsize Firms, Stop Stressing Out Your Lawyers

Lizzy McLellan | David Gialanella | August 16, 2018

"Most of the time, people get excited when they're dealing with professional challenges," said Joseph Guiliano of Haley Guiliano. "The types of stress that people have a harder time dealing with are institutionally induced."

Law.com | Analysis

Critical Mass: Will PA Priest Abuse Report Trigger Lawsuits? Plus, Roundup Lawyers Ready for Post-Trial Drama

Amanda Bronstad | August 15, 2018

Pennsylvania's statute of limitations would drastically limit suits stemming from the priest abuse scandal unless the legislature acts. In other class action and mass tort news, Monsanto reels from a giant verdict and Johnson & Johnson has new ammo in its talc defense.