"Professionalism can't be e-mailed"
The Boston Globe, among others, commented about a very nasty exchange between two lawyers that wound up being very public. I was not going to comment on this exchange between these two lawyers because the lack of civility among lawyers seems to be all too common in today's world.
But, Reid Trautz did comment on 2/16/06 and I particularly appreciate his observation, which bears further repeating:
Continue Reading...There's a reason for everything ...
Seth Godin says there's a reason for everything. What's your reason?
Put another way, without clients there is no reason to be a lawyer. Why do so many lawyers have complaints registered against them by their very own clients? Why is it that clients (otherwise known as customers) are not put on a pedestal, are not revered for their providing a livelihood, and are not cherished for providing us with an interesting and challenging way to spend our time?
What is your reason for practicing law? How does that reason enable you to be more effective for the benefit of your clients ... and therefore more profitable, enabling you to provide a good living for those you love?
Internet censorship
In case you didn't see this article, please read it.
The Congressional hearing members are asking the executives of major companies like Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, et al., why they are altering their business practices in China? Why are they censoring their practices and delivering otherwise confidential information to the government, practices they do not do in the United States, Europe or elsewhere ... just to get more business?
One representative raised the spectre of dealing with Hitler in the 1930s and 1940s.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Moral: Technology may be the "new guy on the block." But, it is still management that controls and uses the technology ... and the ethics and morals of management always must be reviewed.
Trends in the "The Business of Law"(r)
Tom Collins discusses Bob Denny's "trends alert" or comments about the future of the law. Bob is a leading thinker and, once again, helps put The Business of Law(r) into perspective.
Success Lessons from Life - Steve Fossett
Recently, I saw the news item about Steve Fossett flying around the world. The record-setting flight by this 61 year-old man was amazing.
But, it took Terry Brock, a friend of mind and techie guru, to put his flight into proper perspective for me.
Here are Terry's thoughts on the "Success Lessons" to be learned from Fossett's flight experiences:
Continue Reading...Typist reality still lives!
There actually is someone out there who still knows about typing!
Follow up note to my earlier posting and the Los Angeles Times article:
Mark D. Gershenson reports to me that the PaperPort software has a "typer" feature that lets you easily fill out a form on your computer. You get the form into your computer by scanning it in, by having it faxed to your computer, or by downloading it in .pdf format. You can also fill in forms that are in .pdf format using the free Foxit .pdf reader, even if those forms were not set up as "fillable."
Typewriters?
Do you still know what this word means? Does anyone still "type" on a typewriter? Some people don't even use word processors anymore, they are fixated with Blackberries, PDAs and "tablets." What a generational issue this may be!
So why is the Los Angeles Times writing about typewriters?
See the article to find out more ... and, in case you choose to only skim the article (see below), you may be interested to know that the owner/"typist" of the business in the article is a Lawyer. And, in point of fact, his business is just "down the street" from mine.
Continue Reading...You must first win! Then we'll talk about communication and budgeting
In this InHouse Counsel issue, the writer describes a Georgia program. Outside counsel took the "hot seat" and listened to the complaints of corporate general counsel.
Some of the issues raised are:
Continue Reading...The 5 C's
I wrote about the 5 C's that banks use to determine the creditworthiness of a loan applicant.
Here Tom Collins brings to light the 5 C's of selecting outside counsel by corporate general counsel, written by Robert S. Burns.
See the article for further explanation.
Law Firm of the Future
Ron Baker, a recently acquired columnist for the non-billable hour blog, writes about the law firm of the future. (Side note: Congratulations Matt on getting Ron to write for you; his contributions are outstanding!)
Continue Reading...Lawyers may quiver at this:
Only change is certain! And, of course, every change brings with it opportunity - for someone!
Here's a quote from a recent article in London that should have lawyers quivering who think that law is only a profession and not a business as well:
Continue Reading...Anti-affirmative action is having a toll
In a recent survey, it's been shown that fewer attorneys of color and other minorities are going to law school in California. This is because of the impact of Prop. 209 (anti-affirmative action proposition adopted by the voters), according to some.
Continue Reading..."Blogiversary"
Congratulations to Dennis Kennedy who celebrates his birthday on February 17th. He's taking a week to celebrate!
Dennis, your note hits home with me since my birthday is February 16th. And, this year, without knowing about what you're doing, I decided to celebrate for an entire week, as well. In fact, I'm going to celebrate by going to a pro cycling camp from 2/18 to 2/25!
This is my 65th! And I'm truly excited. Even the government is celebrating with me this year -- They sent me a special birthday present: My very own Medicare card!
Diversity increases revenues and profits
As quoted in the Mercury News, citing a recent study from the University of California, Davis:
"For every nine men holding executive posts or seats on the boards of California's largest public companies, there is only one woman, according to a study released Thursday by the University of California-Davis.
Continue Reading...New survey shows lawyers working less
Lawyers may be working less, but are they happier? Are they making a standard of living that can support their families?
Here are some draft conclusions from a recent survey:
Continue Reading...Job descriptions
Job descriptions will disappear, according to futurist Roger Herman. eplacing them will be role descriptions and individualized
In the land of the fee
Profit is an insidious word in New Zealand. According to a recent study, the setting of goals, driven by the desire for profit, is the reason for overbilling.
Continue Reading...Lawyer advertising - again
New York is considering creating a commission to review lawyer advertising.
The idea is to make sure that lawyers advertising enhances the image of lawyers.
But, with the right to advertise given to lawyers, who will draw the line on what can be said ... beyond truth and no false claims of success ... why should lawyers be treated differently than any other profession in regulating its advertising?
Why do bar associations continue to think that the legal profession is different than other service professions? This is where arrogance starts.
