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Calif. justices to decide if undocumented alien can practice law 

Published: May 23, 2012

Tags: practice of law, undocumented immigrants, undocumented workers

The California Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether a law graduate’s status as an undocumented alien disqualifies him from being admitted to the state bar.

Party may depose opposing counsel 

Published: May 21, 2012

Tags: attorney-client privilege, deposition, work product

State law did not absolutely prohibit a party in a business dispute from deposing the opposing party’s former trial lawyer, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled.

Exercises to set goals for your law firm and see them through 

Published: May 15, 2012

Tags: business development

If you have lots of ideas for your law firm but they remain in the realm of the abstract year after year, here are some 10-minute exercises that can help you set specific goals and turn them into reality.

Could your solo or small firm practice be a virtual success? 

By: Ed Poll
Published: May 14, 2012

Tags: internet, virtual law practice

The Internet has created a revolution in the way that lawyers and clients interact.
It’s just a small step to the next transformation: the virtual law practice, in which lawyer, staff and clients conduct legal practice primarily through the Internet.

A book of tips for conducting the business of law 

Published: May 8, 2012

Tags: book review, practice management

Pssst … want to hear a secret?

Coach and management consultant Ed Poll wants to share a few in his new book, “Secrets of The Business of Law: Successful Practices for Increasing Your Profits.”

Compiled from Poll’s LawBiz blog as well as other publications, each chapter functions as a stand-alone piece of advice on a given topic. Chapters are grouped by subject matter, such as “Client Relations,” “Financial Management” and “Law Office Technology.”

Putting client testimonials to work for your practice 

Published: May 7, 2012

Tags: client, marketing, testimonial

The matter’s resolved, your work is done and the client is happy. But don’t flip to the last page before you consider asking your client for a testimonial about your service.

With a testimonial, your client’s enthusiasm can benefit more than your morale.

Rethinking the roles of your law firm’s support staff 

By: Jim Calloway
Published: May 4, 2012

Tags: support staff

The old school model for staffing in a small law firm was often one secretary or legal assistant per lawyer, but it’s becoming increasingly incompatible with business reality. Lawyers USA columnist Jim Calloway explains why training staff to become experts with more focused assignments better reflects the needs of the contemporary workplace, and how to transition your firm to the new model.

Law firm can be sued for threatening foreclosure 

Published: May 3, 2012

Tags: debt collection, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A law firm may have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act when it sent a letter demanding that homeowners make their past due mortgage payments or face foreclosure, the 11th Circuit has ruled in reversing a dismissal.

Baltimore law firm grows along with mesh suits 

By: Ben Mook
Published: May 2, 2012

Tags: product liability, vaginal mesh

So far this year, 69 product liability cases have been filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland.

All but eight of them have been filed by one Baltimore law firm – Discepolo LLP.

And all but nine have been filed against makers of vaginal mesh products, currently one of the hottest areas of national mass tort litigation.

Court reporters’ suit against lawyers not barred by anti-SLAPP statute 

Published: May 1, 2012

Tags: anti-SLAPP statute, breach of contract

A suit brought by court reporters against lawyers who protested court reporting fees on behalf of their clients is not barred under the state anti-SLAPP statute, the California Court of Appeal has ruled.