Opinion

Private Equity Owners Can Remedy Law Firms' Agency Issues

Nonlawyer, private-equity ownership of law firms can benefit shareholders and others vulnerable to governance issues such as disparate interests, and can in turn help resolve agency problems, says Michael Di Gennaro at The Law Practice Exchange.

Opinion

Companies Must Not Back Down On DEI Efforts

In the face of recent lawsuits filed to challenge schools' diversity efforts, and a U.S. Supreme Court potentially friendly to purely hypothetical arguments, companies must stand strong and not be intimidated into abandoning diversity and inclusion programs, says Licha Nyiendo at Human Rights First.

How To Protect Atty-Client Privilege While Using Generative AI

When using generative artificial intelligence tools, attorneys should consider several safeguards to avoid breaches or complications in attorney-client privilege, say Antonious Sadek and Christopher Campbell at DLA Piper.

Opinion

New York Must Guarantee Court Neutrals Fair Compensation

Neutrals that serve New York’s court-annexed alternative dispute resolution program are underappreciated and face injurious unjust enrichment because they are required to provide parties with a certain amount of free time, so the state must establish minimum guaranteed compensation floors with deliberate speed, say Elan Weinreb at Weinreb Law and Dorothy Kaldi at Petza & Kaldi Mediation.

How New Lawyers Can Leverage Feedback For Growth

Embracing constructive criticism as a tool for success can help new lawyers accelerate their professional growth and law firms build a culture of continuous improvement, says Katie Aldrich at Fringe Professional Development.

Twitter Legal Fees Suit Offers Crash Course In Billing Ethics

X Corp.'s suit alleging that Wachtell grossly inflated its fees in the final days of Elon Musk’s Twitter acquisition provides a case study in how firms should protect their reputations by hewing to ethical billing practices and the high standards for professional conduct that govern attorney-client relationships, says Lourdes Fuentes at Karta Legal.

ABA's Money-Laundering Resolution Is A Balancing Act

While the American Bar Association’s recently passed resolution recognizes a lawyer's duty to discontinue representation that could facilitate money laundering and other fraudulent activity, it preserves, at least for now, the delicate balance of judicial, state-based regulation of the legal profession and the sanctity of the attorney-client relationship, say attorneys at Ballard Spahr.

Law Firm Professional Development Steps To Thrive In AI Era

As generative artificial intelligence tools rapidly evolve, professional development leaders are instrumental in preparing law firms for the paradigm shifts ahead, and should consider three strategies to help empower legal talent with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly complex technological landscape, say Steve Gluckman and Anusia Gillespie at SkillBurst Interactive.

Covington Ruling Strengthens SEC's Enforcement Powers

A Washington, D.C., federal court’s recent order that Covington & Burling provide the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission with the identities of its clients in response to a subpoena reinforces the agency’s broad authority to investigate cybersecurity violations, and suggests law firms must take steps to strengthen data privacy, say Elisha Kobre and Ryan Dean at Bradley Arant.

The Basics Of Being A Knowledge Management Attorney

Excerpt from Practical Guidance

Michael Lehet at Ogletree Deakins discusses the role of knowledge management attorneys at law firms, the common tasks they perform and practical tips for lawyers who may be considering becoming one.

To Hire And Keep Top Talent, Think Beyond Compensation

Firms seeking to appeal to sophisticated clients and top-level partners should promote mentorship, ensure that attorneys from diverse backgrounds feel valued, and clarify policies about at-home work, says Patrick Moya at Quaero Group.

Perspectives

More States Should Join Effort To Close Legal Services Gap

Colorado is the most recent state to allow other types of legal providers, not just attorneys, to offer specific services in certain circumstances — and more states should rethink the century-old assumptions that shape our current regulatory rules, say Natalie Anne Knowlton and Janet Drobinske at the University of Denver.

Identifying Trends And Tips In Litigation Financing Disclosure

Growing interest and controversy in litigation financing raise several salient concerns, but exploring recent compelled disclosure trends from courts around the country can help practitioners further their clients' interests, say Sean Callagy and Samuel Sokolsky at Arnold & Porter.

Inside The Changing Logic Of In-House General Counsel Hires

Though the growing phenomenon of small businesses hiring their own general counsel defies traditional business sense, companies in highly regulated and risky new technology industries, where serious legal resources are vital for growth and liability management, can benefit from recruiting in-house expertise early, say Jake Knowlton-Parry and Marlo Donato at Larson Maddox.

Series

The Pop Culture Docket: Judge Elrod On 'Jury Duty'

Though the mockumentary series “Jury Duty” features purposely outrageous characters, it offers a solemn lesson about the simple but brilliant design of the right to trial by jury, with an unwitting protagonist who even John Adams may have welcomed as an impartial foreperson, says Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Elrod.