Since the initial accusations against Harvey Weinstein in fall 2017, the media has chronicled the fall of network superstars, celebrity chefs, patrons of the arts, sports figures and corporate leaders—with sexual harassment victims sharing their stories in horrifying detail. In their descriptions of being sexually harassed and assaulted, the survivors…
From a sociological perspective, law firms are very different from many other businesses. On the one hand, law firms have the clear distinction between fee earners and staff (the non-fee earners). Although both categories are part of the same organization, they form two distinct separate classes: an upper class (fee earners) and a middle class (staff). These two classes do not mix well. Even a nonlawyer CEO or COO will be seen in the end as part of the middle class.
Are you sometimes overstressed practicing law? Are taking yourself too seriously? Is your sense of humour dusty, dormant or, even worse, muzzled? May I offer some suggestions?
Last month, we learned of the death of Paul Rawlinson, global chairman of Baker McKenzie. At 56, Rawlinson took a medical leave six months ago, citing health concerns related to exhaustion. This news comes on the heels of several high-profile suicides and a growing body of empirical evidence linking the…
Earlier this year, the venerable law firm long known as Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy announced that it had slimmed down its title to the breezy “Milbank.” Tweed, Hadley and McCloy, perhaps, mourned the change, but it is unlikely that many people shed a tear for another victim that fell…
In March, I was presented with the ABA Health Law Section’s Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award. I was incredibly honored to receive this particular award. I am, indeed, a champion for diversity and inclusion, and serving as a voice for diversity is very important to me, both personally and…
The digital age has transformed the way lawyers do business and market themselves in a job search. Having graduated law school in 2003, the pre-LinkedIn era, the requirements for a job search consisted of faxing a hard copy of my resumé over to a law firm or sending an email…
During the process of writing my new book, value has been one of the center points. Clients are always looking for better value. In-house departments are trying to deliver value to the companies that employ them, and lawyers are under increasing pressure to deliver value to their clients. After a…
Nearly a thousand years ago in small Anglo-Saxon villages, trial by jury arose as part of the Magna Carta. When a villager was accused of a crime, a group of local men of similar status to the accused was assembled to hear the charges and reach a verdict. There were…
Ever get a song stuck in your head? Have you ever felt inspired by exceptional composition, powerful lyrics or the virtuosity of a vocalist or musician? Personally, I check all three boxes when it comes to the soundtrack from the smash hit Hamilton. Rarely a day goes by without some…
The ABA Journal wants to host and facilitate conversations among lawyers about their profession. We are now accepting thoughtful, non-promotional articles and commentary by unpaid contributors.