Monday status conference: Still employed
The bad news? The economy is still in a pretty depressed state. The good news? If you are a lawyer who had a job at the beginning of February, chances are you still have that job!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the legal sector lost only 100 jobs in the month of February. That is one tenth of the job losses in the industry in January, and just three percent of the total legal sector jobs lost in December. Perhaps a sign of better things to come? We can only wait and see.
And while you count your Oscar pool winnings, here’s a look at the legal headlines:
When the going gets tough…: Bankruptcy filings in the federal courts rose 31.9 percent in calendar year 2009, according to data released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. (Lawyers USA)
Tough on prisoners? Is Justice Clarence Thomas too dismissive of prisoner abuse cases? (Los Angeles Times)
Anatomy of a (false) rumor: Folks are still trying to figure out just what the source was for last week’s false rumor that Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. was set to resign. (LA Times, Above the Law)
Boon for Levy case prosecutors? A recent Miranda ruling by the Supreme Court could make it easier for prosecutors in the murder case of former intern Chandra Levy. (McClatchy)
New credit card regs: The Federal Reserve Board has proposed a new rule that would protect credit card customers from unreasonable fees and penalties for late payments, and dissuade card companies from making drastic interest rate hikes. (Lawyers USA)
Food safety concerns: After another strain of salmonella was found in a plant that makes processed foods including soups, sauces, stews and hot dogs, lawmakers and a Food and Drug Administration official called for the passage of tougher food safety legislation. (Lawyers USA)
Church and state: If Justice John Paul Stevens steps own, will President Obama feel compelled to pick another Protestant to replace him? (Washington Post)
