2018
Words of Wisdom for Young Lawyers from . . . Patrick Swayze?
By Jon Blumenthal – November 14, 2018
There is no greater movie to teach life lessons, including in the practice of law, than Road House.
Four Tips for Making the Most of Your Business-Development Time
By Larry Bodine – November 14, 2018
Many attorneys don’t know the best way to use business-development time or how to scale their efforts.
How Mentorships Can Improve Mental Health for Young Lawyers
By Ryan McKenney – November 14, 2018
Vanderbilt Law School is ensuring that students graduate not only with a JD but also with a support system.
Rainmaker Spotlight: Don Gregory
By Jane Gleaves – November 14, 2018
If you don’t get discouraged and you continue to work at business development, you will be rewarded in the end.
Four Ways Lawyers Can Build Their Personal Brand in Today’s Digital World
By Jay Harrington – September 19, 2018
Advice to demystify the process of marketing yourself.
The Top Five Characteristics of the Best Salespeople Are Not What You Think
By Allison Wolf – September 19, 2018
You may have all the makings of a successful rainmaker and not even know it yet.
Four Expert Tips for Dealing with Expert Witnesses
By Roula Allouch – September 19, 2018
Dealing with an expert can seem intimidating to young lawyers, but it doesn’t need to be!
Rainmaker Spotlight on Commercial Litigator Elizabeth Weldon
By Carmen Gilbert and Theresa Guerra – September 19, 2018
A 17-year litigator shares her keys to business development.
Setting Yourself Up for Success in Business Development
By Scott Baena – May 17, 2018
Business development is merely a by-product of relationship building, professional development, and knowledge management.
Privileged and Protected Information: Tips and Lessons
By David Atallah and Jessica Zilberberg – May 17, 2018
The attorney-client privilege and work-product doctrine are vital protections for your client’s interests.
Healthy Habits While Maintaining a Law Practice
By Demetrius Pyburn – May 17, 2018
Small changes can help busy attorneys eat right and incorporate exercise into a hectic schedule.
Business-Development Thinking Traps
By Allison Wolf – May 17, 2018
The toughest challenges faced in growing legal practices can be thinking traps that prevent solid business-development choices and actions.
Practicing Safe Text: Drafting Tips from the Stormy Daniels NDA
By Karl E. Gustafson, Ryan J. Black, and Katherine Reilly – May 17, 2018
Drafting tips and lessons abound in the year's most newsworthy nondisclosure agreement.
Business Development 101: Be True to Yourself for Success
By Cashida Okeke – February 13, 2018
Find a business development strategy that works for you, and remember to be authentic.
Business Development Happens in Small Steps
By Allison Wolf – February 13, 2018
How to make the most of those little pockets of time—even on the busiest of days.
Love It and Ace It: Your Guide to a Great Summer
By Stephanie L. Carman and Victoria DeBayle – February 13, 2018
Remember that your "interview" starts the second you walk in the door.
Five Tips for Opening a Solo Litigation Practice
By Damian Thomas – February 13, 2018
So, you want to open your own solo/small firm? Hear the advice of someone who’s been there.
2017
Where to Start? Tips for Solid Business Development Habits
By Allison Wolf – December 13, 2017
Follow these simple and effective tips and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful, rewarding career.
What to Do (and What Not to Do) as You Build Your Practice
By Katherine Reilly – December 13, 2017
A female litigator and rainmaker dishes on the secrets to her success, including how she landed her biggest client, and how to recover from a business development blunder.
Explaining the Attorney-Client Privilege to Corporate Clients
By Craig Watrous – December 13, 2017
Need to explain the attorney-client privilege to your corporate client? Need a refresher yourself? Look no further than this practical primer and sample client memo.
Tips on Building a Healthy Culture Within Your Firm
By Cheryl Sept – December 13, 2017
Some simple tips and options for incorporating healthy habits and promoting a team-oriented atmosphere in your workplace.
How to Succeed in Negotiation
By Stewart Edelstein – July 31, 2017
Because the vast majority of cases settle before trial, it is important to know how to negotiate effectively.
Work-Life Balance: What It Is and How to Achieve It
By Adam Prom – July 31, 2017
Work-life balance should be defined by each of us individually, depending on our personal passions and goals.
Six Research Pitfalls to Avoid
By Bethany Rabe – July 31, 2017
The perils of cutting and pasting, issue drift, citing good law from bad cases, and more.
Lawyer Spotlight: Stewart Edelstein
By Jamie L. Lanphear – July 31, 2017
An interview with the author of How to Succeed as a Trial Lawyer (ABA 2017).
Young Lawyers Spotlight: Magda C. Rodriguez
By Adrian K. Felix – July 31, 2017
A discussion of her law practice, healthcare trends, and volunteer activities outside of the office.
10 Tips: Best Email Practices
By Stewart Edelstein – March 28, 2017
How to manage emails, how to avoid an inadvertent waiver of privilege, how to draft emails, and when not to send emails.
Just Say Yes: Community Involvement and You
By Stephanie L. Carman – March 28, 2017
There are many great programs with varying needs and flexible time commitments that are available to young lawyers.
Seven Questions to Ask Yourself Before Handing in Your Research Project
By Bethany Rabe – March 28, 2017
A simple checklist to assist you in handing in thorough research assignments that the partner will find helpful.
Young Lawyer Spotlight: Linda Yang
By Jamie L. Lanphear – March 28, 2017
An interview with an associate whose practice focuses in part on immigration law.
10 Tips: How to Draft Federal Court Complaints
By Stewart Edelstein – January 11, 2017
Drafting properly is the sine qua non for achieving your client’s objectives in litigation.
Communications with In-House Counsel: Protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege?
By Tyler Tarney and Zach Pyers – January 11, 2017
Communications between attorneys and in-house counsel may be discoverable in certain jurisdictions.
Reputation: Professional or Unprincipled?
By Jason Brenner – January 11, 2017
It is crucial to never lose sight of the fact that every interaction plays a role in solidifying your professional reputation.
Six Questions to Ask the Partner Before Starting Your Research Assignment
By Bethany Rabe – January 11, 2017
Asking these six questions should help make your partner happy and bring you that much closer to the trial in your daydream.
Young Lawyer Spotlight: Judge Lance Timbreza
By Christina Liu – January 11, 2017
An interview with a current Colorado district court judge who recently made the jump.
2016
The Truth I Never Knew about Direct and Cross-Examinations
By Jason Brenner – July 25, 2016
Keep the principles of preparation, controlling your case, and working every case as if it is going to trial at the forefront of your mind.
Be Prepared: Application of Work-Product Privilege to Deposition Preparation Materials
By Amy Frenzen – July 25, 2016
Precautionary steps to take ahead of a deposition.
Young Lawyer Spotlight: Karen Munoz
By Jamie L. Lanphear – July 25, 2016
An interview covering direct and cross-examination.
Using Section 337 to Reduce Unfair Competition Once and for All
By Steven E. Adkins – July 20, 2016
No more whack-a-mole.
Data Breach Litigation Across the Atlantic
By Steven Rubin and Stephen Milne – July 20, 2016
Requirements and guidelines on either side of the ocean create competing rules and policies.
Creating an Inclusive Workplace for LGBT Employees
By Elizabeth Joiner and Angelique Lyons – July 20, 2016
The courts and the EEOC have provided examples of scenarios that may be considered gender identity or sexual orientation discrimination.
How Amended Civil Rule 1 Changes the Landscape of Lawyers' Ethical Obligations
By Christopher Skinner and Stephanie McCoy Loquvam – March 31, 2016
A lawyer's duty of competence under Model Rule 1.1 is necessarily implicated by the lawyer's duties under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 1.
Crafting Cease-and-Desist Letters Without Violating the ABA Model Rules
By Joshua A. Kurtzman – March 31, 2016
Cautionary tales for attorneys.
Interview with Jason Beehler of Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter
By Jamie L. Lanphear – March 31, 2016
A regular contributor to the Ohio Legal Ethics Blog offers advice to associates who want to avoid ethical pitfalls.
Overcoming the Exhaustion Requirement of the Prisoner Litigation Reform Act
By Josh Kurtzman – January 7, 2016
How pro bono counsel can help prisoners in litigating their grievances.
Interview with Elizabeth "Beth" Palmer of Rosen Hagood
By Michelle Molinaro Burke – January 7, 2016
One of South Carolina's Young Lawyers of the Year discusses public service work.
Protecting Chimpanzees Through Pro Bono Work
By Katelyn E. Keegan – January 7, 2016
This important work allows lawyers to solve complex legal problems while protecting and rescuing chimpanzees from a lifetime of exploitation and imprisonment.
Of Eggs and Hens: Pro Bono Opportunities in the Area of Animal Law
By Molly L. Wiltshire – January 7, 2016
Pro bono opportunities for associates in animal law are as wide-ranging and diverse as the opportunities in other legal practice areas.
2015
Investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
By John S. Durrant, Adam M. Reich, and Neil J. Schumacher – March 12, 2015
E-Discovery in Government Investigations: An Introduction
By Adam M. Reich – March 12, 2015
Basic guidance for attorneys new to counseling clients regarding production of ESI.
The Nuts and Bolts of Your First Investigation
By Justin L. Heather – March 12, 2015
An overview for young lawyers of the differences between litigation and investigations.
Young Lawyers Must Create a Career Plan
By Justin L. Heather – March 12, 2015
Helpful tips for young lawyers for taking charge of their career, whether it be by promotion or obtaining a new position.
2014
Three Strategies to Becoming a Legal Rainmaker
By Steve Fretzin – November 17, 2014
Advice from a seasoned lawyer.
Deposing Nonparties in States Other Than Where Your Case Is Pending
By Adam Reich – November 17, 2014
Taking depositions of out-of-state witnesses in jurisdictions adopting the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.
Looking to Senior Lawyers and Local Counsel for Guidance
By Justin Heather – November 17, 2014
Lawyers should consult with more experienced lawyers and local counsel on both in-state and out-of-state matters to comply with local practice and custom.
Location Awareness for New Litigators
By David Dobin – November 17, 2014
Lawyers must be aware of where they fit within the engagement and the team.
The Future Is Now: Using Interactive Technology for Today's Courtroom
By Chris Broyles – August 19, 2014
A modern jury will benefit from incorporating the latest devices into your presentation.
What Kind of E-Discovery?
By James Berriman – August 19, 2014
You must be able to spot the circumstances in which either an active-file or a forensic approach is needed.
Ethics Resources for Your Virtual Office
By David Dobin – August 19, 2014
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it can provide a good starting point.
The Supreme Court's Summer Decisions on Modern Technology
By David Dobin – August 19, 2014
Technology questions can be resolved with existing precedent and principles, but the law must also adapt.
Focus on Success: Focus on You
By Christina Liu and Mor Wetzler – April 16, 2014
Tips that we have gleaned from amazing young and young-at-heart litigators.
Interview: Business Development Advice for Lawyers
By Steve Fretzin – April 16, 2014
The best fishers know where to fish.
#Ethics #Good Idea? NYSBA Issues Social-Media Ethics Guidelines
By Adam Reich – April 16, 2014
The New York State Bar Association has created guidelines "to assist lawyers in understanding the ethical challenges of social media."
Invalidating Patents after the America Invents Act
By Donika P. Pentcheva, Nathan K. Shrewsbury, and Debora Plehn-Dujowich – April 16, 2014
The AIA created several new administrative trial procedures to review the patentability of an issued patent.
Petitioning the Court for a Competent Expert
By Adam J. Sheppard – April 16, 2014
Failure to do so may constitute ineffective assistance of counsel.
Succeeding in the Firm
By Justin L. Heather – January 13, 2014
Focusing on the day-to-day activities will help ensure success.
Making the Transition to In-House Counsel: Pointers for Success
By Dan Cotter – January 13, 2014
Advice from someone who has made the move.
Transitioning to Partner
By Amy Drushal – January 13, 2014
Making partner is just the beginning.
Advice from a Young Lawyer: Going Solo
By Wingsze W. Sun – January 13, 2014
Take ownership in something you love to do.
Preparing for Your First Trial
By David Dobin – January 13, 2014
Two comprehensive checklists to make the experience less daunting.
2013
Opening Statements: Tips for Effectiveness in 15 Minutes or Less
By William F. Sullivan and Adam M. Reich – September 18, 2013
Movies may be more instructive than you realize.
Mastering Voir Dire
By Robert Bates – September 18, 2013
Think of it not as a process to select jurors you want, but to eliminate those you do not want.
Observing Jurors During Trial
By Cynthia R. Cohen – September 18, 2013
Once the case is rolling, observation is telling.
Direct Examination: How to Lead Your Witness in a Non-Leading Manner
By Eric S. Wolfish and David R. Singh – September 18, 2013
Five tips to lead without leading.
Preparing and Conducting Effective Cross-Examinations
By Matthew A. Passen – September 18, 2013
The success of your cross-examinations at trial depends on the work that you do beforehand.
Basics in Preserving the Record on Unfavorable Evidentiary Rulings
By Adam J. Sheppard – September 18, 2013
To properly preserve adverse rulings for review, follow these five steps.
Closing Arguments: 10 Keys to a Powerful Summation
By Dennis S. Ellis and Adam M. Reich – September 18, 2013
An effective closing argument may turn a closely contested trial in your favor.
Just the Facts on White-Collar Litigation
By Young Advocates Committee – August 12, 2013
A practitioner of criminal litigation discusses interviewing witnesses, the FCPA, and where the SEC and DOJ are headed.
Just the Facts on Securities Litigation
By Young Advocates Committee – August 12, 2013
Our interview with a securities lawyer details one of the more cutting-edge areas of law.
Just the Facts on Intellectual-Property Litigation
By Young Advocates Committee – August 12, 2013
An IP attorney talks about recent trends and what changes can be expected in the field.
Just the Facts on Antitrust Litigation
By Young Advocates Committee – August 12, 2013
A lawyer with a zeal for antitrust law describes a practice that can change on a daily basis.
Just the Facts on Franchise Litigation
By Young Advocates Commitee – August 12, 2013
Our conversation covers an area of law that intersects with many other types of litigation.
Demystifying the Advance Health Care Directive
By Carrie L. Anderson – April 16, 2013
Be prepared in the event you cannot make decisions on your own.
Advice for Young Lawyers: Becoming an Expert on Experts
By George Abele and Adam Reich – April 16, 2013
Everything you need to know about handling expert witnesses.
Gender Identity: Breaking Ground in Employment Law
By Evan Schlack – April 16, 2013
Claims based on gender-identity discrimination are gaining traction.
The Switchboard Attorney: A Career You Knew Existed but Never Realized
By Matt Gipple – April 16, 2013
Your path may lead you to a nontraditional but highly respected role.
You've Got Our Attention; Now Give Us Your Ideas
By William R. Bay – January 17, 2013
Today's young lawyers are tomorrow's leaders, and we need to hear more of their great ideas.
Lessons in Leadership from the Civil Rights Movement
By Rachel J. DuFault – January 17, 2013
Paulette Brown offers leadership lessons for young lawyers inspired by civil rights issues.
The Fusion of Litigation and Leadership
By Tiffany Colbert – January 17, 2013
Don Bivens, chair-elect of the Section of Litigation, offers advice for young lawyers in becoming leaders.
Success and Business Development Tips for Young Attorneys
By Christina Liu – January 27, 2013
A recent panel offers insight into how young lawyers can strategically enhance their profiles, both internally and externally.
Advice to Outside Counsel on Generating Business
By Thomas A. Loquvam – January 17, 2013
Attracting clients takes concerted effort over a long period of time. One young attorney attempts to dispel the mystery of generating new business.
Business School Lessons for Lawyers: SWOT Analysis in Law Practice
By John A. Nasr and Stephanie McCoy Loquvam – January 17, 2013
A SWOT analysis can be used to assess the potential costs and benefits of a legal course of action and ultimately helps serve the clients' best interests.
What They Didn't Teach in Law School: Working with a Paralegal
By Paul D. Edger – January 17, 2013
Paralegals know just as much as attorneys and, in some regards, even more.
New ABA Rule on Practice Pending Admission
By Mary J. Bortscheller – January 17, 2013
This is good news for lawyers on the move.
Guidance for Working with Associates, Contract Attorneys, and Paralegals in Document Reviews
By Lindsey Nelson – January 15, 2013
A well-run and well-organized document review will lead to a better understanding of the case for everyone.
2012
Economic Damages and Financial Experts: What You Need to Know
By David Majors and John Tira – December 3, 2012
A financial expert well-versed in assisting counsel with building a logical damages case can be the difference between a successful judgment and a disappointing result.
Supreme Court Weighs In on Voting Rights Litigation
By Lindsey Nelson – November 6, 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court recently cast its own votes in two election-related cases.
How to Deal with Difficult and More Senior Opposing Counsel
By Stephanie McCoy Loquvam – September 12, 2012
Attorneys offer valuable tips for managing difficult personalities, handling stereotyping, and maintaining credibility in your litigation practice.
Pregnancy Discrimination Is on the Rise
By Renee Elise Coover – September 12, 2012
Discriminatory attitudes about pregnant women are prevalent and can affect women's wages in the workplace.
Professional Development Through Bar Association Involvement
By Christina Plum – September 12, 2012
Involvement in a local or national bar can help you develop leadership skills and grow a network of professional contacts and friends.
Uncovering Potentially Hidden Product-Defect Claims
By Christopher J. Roberts – September 12, 2012
It is important to consider potential product-defect issues in serious automotive accident cases.
How to Become a Law Firm Partner
By Matt Shinners – June 7, 2012
A decade in, you don't want to end up in the legal equivalent of the "friend zone."
Mentoring for Today: The Basics
By Louise A. LaMothe – June 7, 2012
Connections with people inside and outside the firm will ensure you truly learn the ropes.
A Young Lawyer's Guide to Ethically Confronting Substance Abuse
By Rachel G. Packer – June 7, 2012
What happens when someone whose job is to help people is the one who needs help?
YAC Hosts Free Rainmaking Teleconference for Section Members
By Dave Scriven-Young – June 7, 2012
Topics included networking, speaking engagements, advertising strategies, the media, and business coaches.
The Supreme Court Takes on the Widely Challenged PPACA
By Tanya Falleiro – January 18, 2012
Since it was signed into law, the act has been extensivley contested. Many states, organizations, and even individuals have filed a variety of actions challenging the constitutionality of PPACA.
Mentoring: The Rules of Engagement
By Patricia K. Gillette and Katherine M. Larkin-Wong – January 18, 2012
The authors, who were matched in a mentoring program, offer their "rules of engagement" for forming a successful mentoring relationship.
Employment-Law Tips for Young Lawyers in Supervisory Roles
By Lynlee Wells Palmer – January 18, 2012
As young or new lawyers, many of us are faced with being a "boss" for the first time. Even if your practice does not involve employment law, it is important for you to know some basics to avoid liability.
Breaking into International Arbitration: A Primer
By Harout Jack Samra – January 18, 2012
At times, learning about and working in international arbitration can seem like too much to absorb at once. Taking a long-term view of development is important.
2011
An Introduction to International Arbitration
By Justin L. Heather – August 3, 2011
International arbitration is a growing field and is becoming more prevalent in a broader range of subject-matter areas.
Writing Your First Appellate Brief
By Haley Maple – August 3, 2011
Tackling an appellate brief is much different from your familiar ground at the trial level. You need to be ready to handle this new animal called an appeal.
E-Discovery: Getting to the Starting Gate
By James Worthington and Mor Wetzler – August 3, 2011
So much information is electronically stored that it is only a matter of time before e-discovery swallows all of discovery. How do you handle e-discovery at the start of a case?
High Court to Shed Light on Employment Discrimination Class Actions
By J.A. Curia III – April 4, 2011
While not as prolific as wage/hour claims, discrimination class actions can be much more high profile and may present more serious financial risks to the company being sued.
Why Diversity?
By Kelly-Ann Clarke – April 4, 2011
Lately, the word "diversity" is met with mixed emotions; however, when used in the workplace, it is often misunderstood.
How to Take a Deposition
By Dan Goldman and Mor Wetzler – April 4, 2011
For lawyers learning how to take depositions, there are a few guiding principles to keep in mind and a number of traps to avoid.
Book Review: Chasing Paper
By Justin L. Heather – April 4, 2011
Even the more experienced litigator has much to learn or relearn from this book. Packed with helpful hints, checklists, and anecdotes, Chasing Paper is a must-read.