Legal Careers

More Minorities Hired by Law Firms, Study Shows

/in /by

Large law firms are hiring more minority associate attorneys, according to a recent national survey conducted by The American Bar Association (“ABA”). Specifically, large law firms hired more Asian, Black, and Hispanic associates in 2020 than they did the year prior. The ABA’s study further showed that, despite the number of equity partners that are…

Read more

Best Practice Tips for Solo Attorneys

/in /by

While finishing law school and passing the bar are no doubt significant achievements, many newly minted attorneys soon learn that it is hardly passing the finish line when it comes to their professional legal career. Specifically, the immediate next step after completing law school and the bar is to determine where to practice. For many,…

Read more

Houston Judge Scolded (Again) by 5th Circuit For Handling of Employment Case

/in /by

A Houston U.S. District Court Judge has now been reversed three different times by the 5th Circuit and admonished for his handling of those employment discrimination cases, according to a news article published by Reuters. The Reversals The 5th Circuit vacated a decision by U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes to grant summary judgment in favor…

Read more

How to Improve Your Virtual Litigation Skills

/in /by

Although we are two years out from when the COVID-19 outbreak shut down the world, it is not yet clear what our “new” normal will actually look like on the other side of the pandemic. That being said, the likelihood that the transition to virtual litigation that has occurred over the past two years is…

Read more

Best Practices for Lawyer Networking

/in /by

Many think that success in the legal profession happens by working hard, high billable hours, and serving clients. While it is true that these are all important things that will help launch a successful career, more and more attorneys are realizing that knowing how to generate business in a digital world through networking best practices.…

Read more

California Courts Determine Employers Need Not Provide ‘Suitable Seating’ to Workers

/in /by

A California appellate court earlier this year gave a significant victory to employers in the state in a decision that provided the latest guidance on the current state-wide litigation on “suitable seating” for employees under state law. Specifically, these cases examine a California employer’s obligations, if any, to its employees to provide them with suitable…

Read more

Time Management Tips for Attorneys

/in /by

Most of us, including busy lawyers, often feel like there are not enough hours in a work day to get all tasks done. To be sure, time management is a difficult task to master by all. When it comes to the legal profession, attorneys and staff alike are juggling multiple critical tasks at one time.…

Read more

Part II: Going to Trial? Tips for Young Lawyers

/in /by

In the second part of our trial tips series, we continue to provide guidance for young lawyers and more experienced ones who want to succeed at trial, or at least put their best case forward. Below are more tips from the American Bar Association (“ABA”) on preparing and conducting trials. ● Create Witness Outlines, Not…

Read more

Part I: Going to Trial? Tips for Young Lawyers

/in /by

If you are a young lawyer preparing for trial, or a more experienced lawyer who does not try cases often, there are some reading materials you should pick up. Specifically, Fundamentals of Trial Techniques by Thomas A. Mauet and Winning at Trial by D. Shane Read. Reading these two books should be part of your…

Read more

Telltale Signs of a Possibly Invalid Last Will and Testament

/in /by

If you practice in estate planning, you may have a potential client come to you seeking to contest a decedent’s Last Will and Testament. When considering whether to contest such a document on a client’s behalf, you should consider the telltale red flags that are present when a will is likely invalid. Doing so will…

Read more

Lawyer Suspended for Coaching Client During Virtual Trial Through Chat Function

/in /by

An Arizona lawyer agreed to a two-month long suspension of his license after he was accused of coaching his client during a virtual trial by using the chat function on GoToMeeting, according to an article published by the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Journal.   The Situation   According to Law.com, the attorney was accused of…

Read more

How Lawyers Can Avoid Ethical Pitfalls and Disciplinary Action

/in /by

Attorneys are stewards of personal and sensitive information provided to them by clients. Lawyers are also officers of the court and are in roles of public trust. The standards placed on attorneys are high, however, and lawyers must carefully mind ethics obligations to avoid running afoul of the rules. That being said, issues can arise.…

Read more