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Ben Seal

Ben Seal

Ben Seal is managing editor of The American Lawyer. He joined the magazine in February 2018, and previously spent five years working for The Legal Intelligencer, editing the paper's magazines and supplements and reporting on Pennsylvania's state courts, legislature and Attorney General's Office. Contact him at [email protected] or @BSealTAL.

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December 03, 2018 | The American Lawyer

In Contentious International Climate, Trade Law Isn't Just for the Specialists

President Donald Trump's actions have sown uncertainty into the world of trade law, opening up opportunities for more lawyers to get involved.

By Milos Barutciski

7 minute read

December 03, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Will Climate Change Litigation Cross the Border Into Canada?

Claims against fossil fuel producers that have spread across the United States could find a foothold up north.

By Colin Feasby

6 minute read

November 27, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Specialization Presents a Difficult Decision for Young Lawyers

Is a narrow focus the right move for your career?

By The Young Lawyer Editorial Board

8 minute read

November 27, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Five Predictions for Litigation Finance in 2019

As litigation funding takes on a bigger role in the legal industry, the next year could bring with it a series of important changes.

By Ralph Sutton

7 minute read

November 27, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Investing in Marketing Professionals Can Deliver Valuable Return for Firms

Understanding a few basic concepts can help maximize the return on investment with marketing and business development staff.

By Jennifer Manton

6 minute read

November 20, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Assessing an Action-Packed Year in Class Action Law

Court decisions this year will affect the viability and settlement of nationwide class actions, TCPA cases, statutory damages class actions, removal of securities class actions and more

By Neal Marder

8 minute read

November 16, 2018 | Law.com

Leadership Exhaustion Is Not Just a Big Law Problem

For many law firm leaders, the news that Paul Rawlinson, the head of global megafirm Baker McKenzie, would be stepping away to address health problems caused by exhaustion presented a moment to take stock of the heavy toll the position can take on a person. Running a midsize firm may not require tending to 78 offices and nearly 5,000 lawyers, as Rawlinson's role did, but it is a challenging task all its own. In managing attorneys and staff, charting a successful course for a multimillion-dollar business and maintaining a busy practice all at the same time, managing partners at midsize firms are susceptible to overwork and exhaustion.

By Ben Seal

6 minute read

November 16, 2018 | Pro Mid Market

For Midsize Firm Leaders, Exhaustion Is a Tangible Threat

For many law firm leaders, the news that Paul Rawlinson, the head of global megafirm Baker McKenzie, would be stepping away to address health problems caused by exhaustion presented a moment to take stock of the heavy toll the position can take on a person. Running a midsize firm may not require tending to 78 offices and nearly 5,000 lawyers, as Rawlinson's role did, but it is a challenging task all its own. In managing attorneys and staff, charting a successful course for a multimillion-dollar business and maintaining a busy practice all at the same time, managing partners at midsize firms are susceptible to overwork and exhaustion.

By Ben Seal

6 minute read

November 15, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Big Law Should Raise Partner Billing Rates 10+ Percent Now

It's critical to the long-term viability of Big Law that partners delegate more and that firms re-balance where margin is generated; raising partner rates aggressively will help with both.

By Hugh A. Simons

5 minute read

November 15, 2018 | The American Lawyer

Thank You, Joanna Litt: A Response From a Lawyer Assistance Program

Litt's open letter about her husband's death was a service to the legal community and a call to arms to address mental health and the culture of perfectionism.

By Eileen Travis

5 minute read