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2Apr

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Can You Be Fired for Talking Politics at Work? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

Can you talk politics at work without being fired? The short answer is yes – and also no. It all depends on where you work and the context in which you’re talking politics.Contrary to popular belief, the First Amendment only protects you, as an employee, from government actions against you, says Florida-based employment attorney David Miklas. But it’s actually a little more complicated than that. “So, if a police officer wanted to arrest you for wearing a 'MAGA' hat or a Biden hat, that would be violative of the First Amendment," Miklas says. "But your boss could fire you for the same reason.” MAGA is short for the 2016 Donald Trump campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again."“In general, there are extremely limited situations where there’s any kind of free speech rights in a private work...

How to Sue Someone | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

2Apr

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How to Sue Someone | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

Whether it’s due to an accident, genuine misunderstanding or misconduct, at some point many people may find themselves wondering whether they should sue a wrongdoer, and if so, how they might go about it. The particulars will depend on the case and the laws in the state where a lawsuit would be filed, but there are basic steps to understand the overall process.Consult an AttorneyPotential plaintiffs should consider hiring an attorney to represent them. Litigation is a very technical field, with procedural rules on top of the substantive issues to be addressed.It can be worth it to consult an attorney, even if a plaintiff decides not to hire a lawyer for whatever reason – perhaps because they decide to file a suit in small claims court, says W. Andrew Arnold, a South Carolina litigator who...

Understanding Law Firm Hierarchies | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

28Dec

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Understanding Law Firm Hierarchies | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

In most law firms, the hierarchy is conceptually set up like a pyramid with the partners – the senior most attorneys – at its apex, more junior attorneys ranking below them and so on. But dig deeper and you'll find the structure a bit more complicated than it appears at first glance.For example, at Big Law firms, individual practice groups may have their own departmental hierarchies, effectively operating as mini-law firms within the larger organization. At the same time, smaller firms have flatter hierarchies that allow for more flexibility and collaboration, says Jamy Sullivan, executive director of Robert Half International’s legal practice.While there are more subtle aspects to law firm structure, and individual firms do differ by size and firm culture, understanding the prototypical ...

What to Do If You’re Suffering From Lawyer Burnout | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

21Dec

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What to Do If You’re Suffering From Lawyer Burnout | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

When attorneys suffer from burnout, they may not know what to do. On the contrary, they may look around at overworked colleagues and conclude that no one has time for well-being. That was the consensus of 4,450 Massachusetts attorneys surveyed for a 2023 study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, a nonprofit promoting attorney well-being. Of the attorneys surveyed, 77% admitted having experience with burnout.These don’t seem to be fleeting experiences, either. According to Bloomberg Law survey data, lawyers feel burned out about half of the time. And it becomes more serious the longer it persists.Workplace environments impact burnout, and law firms should do more to improve firm culture. But there are steps individuals can take on their paths ...

What Is the Future of Big Law? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

13Dec

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What Is the Future of Big Law? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

For years, analysts have predicted the imminent death of “Big Law,” the powerhouse law firms staffed by hundreds of attorneys that sit atop the legal food chain. But Big Law has turned into Big Business, with record growth and record profits, and Big Law firms will likely continue to grow.While no one can know the future of Big Law, trendlines suggest what’s in store for the next five to 10 years and beyond. Here is how experts expect Big Law to change in the near future. Big Growth, Big Money and Big VolatilityWith Big Law’s skyrocketing revenue and record profits for partners, there’s never been a better time to be an equity partner in a Big Law firm, says Eli Wald, Charles W. Delaney Jr. professor of law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.Although the last two years have ...

How Law Firms Can Create Positive Workplace Culture | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

6Dec

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How Law Firms Can Create Positive Workplace Culture | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

When law firm leaders make changes to create a more positive, productive culture, those upgrades can improve employee sentiment and the company's bottom line. Company culture is an issue every firm leader should be addressing as law firms are known to be unforgiving environments, and many attorneys buckle under the strain. The good news is that firms that have taken steps to improve the workplace culture have learned lessons that can benefit the larger legal community.The Catalysts for Cultural ChangeThere’s usually a reason why a law firm decides this is the time for change in workplace culture. That inflection point will guide the process in enacting change.For example, Clark Hill, one of the nation’s 200 largest firms, acquired several smaller firms around the country. Following that, ...

How to Get a Divorce | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

1Dec

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How to Get a Divorce | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

While marriage is often considered a personal and romantic union, it is important to note that it is a legal institution. That means that the process of ending a marriage is not dissimilar to the dissolution of a business partnership.A divorce takes place when a court declares that a marriage no longer exists, according to the American Bar Association. The ABA recommends getting a lawyer as the first step in the process because divorce does require a court process, which a lawyer can guide you through. If an individual elects to represent himself or herself, it will require more time and attention, though some states offer self-help guides, such as this guide for divorces in Los Angeles County.Whether or not you hire an attorney, the next step is typically the same: make sure your decisio...

What Is Litigation? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

23Nov

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What Is Litigation? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

When a person or company has wronged you, the court system can provide an official forum for finding a resolution. Litigation is the term for the process of using the court system to resolve disputes. It is used across legal fields such as personal injury, real estate, civil rights and more.“Litigation is a way to use the power of the courts to make somebody pay attention to your rights and to remedy the problem if they haven't been paying attention to your rights,” says Louis Tompros, partner at WilmerHale and lecturer at Harvard Law School.There are two main types of litigation: criminal litigation and civil litigation.In criminal litigation, the government will prosecute someone for a crime. Usually, a district attorney for the state will ask the court to impose some sort of penalty fo...

Marketing Tips for Estate Lawyers | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

22Nov

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Marketing Tips for Estate Lawyers | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

“The biggest challenge is that the entire world is a prospective client if you’re an estate planning lawyer,” says Sally Schmidt, president of Schmidt Marketing Inc. and one of the founders of the Legal Marketing Association.Although nearly everyone needs a will, few have them. According to one 2023 survey of more than 2,400 people, about 66% of American adults don’t have a will. However, the sheer size of the potential client base – i.e., the majority of Americans – may overwhelm wills and trust attorneys, which is why marketing experts’ insights can be crucial in helping wills and trust attorneys thrive.Marketing Starts by Having a Business Development Plan Begin each year by making a business development plan, then create a marketing plan customized to meet the new business development...

What Is Family Law? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

20Nov

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What Is Family Law? | Explore Law Firms and Legal Advice

When facing marital strife involving divorce or disputes over children, legal issues can quickly become complex. In these cases, it can be helpful to turn to a family lawyer who can help navigate the court system and represent your interests.Generally, "family law" refers to the laws that govern issues related to family relationships, primarily those between spouses or parents and children. But family law is not just limited to issues such as marriage, divorce and child custody. It is an industry – estimated to be $12.6 billion in 2022 – that encompasses a wide realm of topics and issues.According to the American Bar Association, family law extends to other categories such as military law and assisted reproductive technologies. Domestic violence will also often fall under family law. It c...