Archive for January 2007

Non-Sequiturs: 01.23.07

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* Whatever the state of the current voting systems for Oscar nominations, at least Ryan Gosling was nominated for Half Nelson. Bleeding-heart inner-city teachers-slash-junkies are hot. Perhaps also a little paternalistic. But still really hot. [Concurring Opinions]
* Joe Francis, scapegoat. No, a martyr even. [AP via Yahoo! News]
* Blogs are like PBS: they need private donations because they only feature pseudo-ads. [TalkLeft]
* E-retailer sales assistant decides to editorialize — and once again, thinking outside the box ends up very, very badly. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
* You can be plenty creepy without violating any child pornography laws… [Althouse; Sex Crimes]
* …and just be a Paris Hilton wannabe, and violate those same laws. [Internet Cases]

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Skaddenfreude: The Cleary Memo

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As the WSJ Law Blog previously reported, Cleary Gottlieb has joined the club of law firms raising salaries for their associates.
One correspondent of ours at Cleary was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the announcement arrived:

I’m amazed that Cleary has been so quick to react to the change. Cleary is typically more lagging in upping salary in response to market change, but this year pulled it off within 48 hours. Color me impressed.

With apologies for the delay, as well as for various technical difficulties (which have resulted in some comments being posted multiple times), here is the memo:
Cleary Gottlieb associate base salary pay increase memo.jpg
The Simpson Bump: Everybody’s Doin’ It! [WSJ Law Blog]
Earlier: Previous announcements of law firm associate salary increases (scroll down through “Skaddenfreude” archives)

Skaddenfreude: The Milbank Memo

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100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPGApologies for the delay — server problems. Trust us, they’re frustrating us ten times more than they’re frustrating you.
With thanks to the various tipsters who sent it to us (including “Goose”), here’s the memo from Milbank Tweed announcing pay raises for their associates:
MILBANK TWEED HADLEY & McCLOY LLP
From: Wagner, Christine
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 5:12 PM
To: #Asia Associates All; #DC Associates; #LA Associates; #NY Associates; #LN Associates
Subject: Sent On Behalf Of The Executive Committee
MEMORANDUM TO ASSOCIATES – CLASSES 2006-1999 AND SPECIALS
Re: 2007 Salaries
We are pleased to announce salary adjustments as listed below:
Class of 2006 – $160,000
Class of 2005 – $170,000
Class of 2004 – $185,000
Class of 2003 – $210,000
Class of 2002 – $230,000
Class of 2001 – $250,000
Class of 2000 – $265,000
Class of 1999 – $280,000
These increases are retroactive to January 1, 2007 and will be reflected in February 15 paychecks for those who are in good standing and with us on that date.
2007 salary increases for Specials will be determined on an individual basis this quarter as usual.
We appreciate all your contributions and look forward to another great year.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Milbank
Christine Wagner
Director of Legal Personnel
Earlier: Previous announcements of law firm associate salary increases (scroll down through “Skaddenfreude” archives)

Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: “Charney Who?”, Indeed

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Aaron Charney 2 headshot Aaron B Charney Aaron Brett CharneyFrom an source at Sullivan & Cromwell:

I thought you and your readers would find it interesting to know that H. Rodgin Cohen gave a speech to the Firm yesterday regarding Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell.

In his speech, Rodge denied every single allegation that “Andrew” made. That’s right, Andrew.

Apparently S&C investigation’s has been so robust that the Firm’s chairman still does not even know the plaintiff’s name.

This must be just another administrative oversight here at S&C.

Our take on this episode is a little different. We see it as compelling proof of the following:

As far as Biglaw partners are concerned, ALL ASSOCIATES ARE FUNGIBLE.

Even associates who sue your ass for discrimination and retaliation, giving rise to a public relations disaster.
Earlier: Skaddenfreude: S&C Says, “Charney Who?”
Prior ATL coverage of Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell (scroll down)

Skaddenfreude: S&C Says, “Charney Who?”

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100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPGSullivan & Cromwell has followed suit. It has tried to distract everyone from the train wreck called Charney v. S&C just announced raises in base salaries for its associates. And its 2007 summer associates will share in the loot, too.
Here’s the memo, from firm chairman H. Rodgin Cohen, which was just sent out by email:
SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP
From: Cohen, H. Rodgin
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 3:59 PM
To: *Associates.Worldwide
Cc: Shenker, Joseph
Subject:
We are pleased to announce that, in addition to the bonuses awarded to lawyers at the end of last year, which ranged from $30,000 for the class of 2005 to $70,000 for the class of 1998, the Firm will be increasing associate compensation retroactive to January 1, 2007.
The new salary range will start at $160,000 for the class of 2006 and move up to $310,000 for the class of 1998. In accordance with our usual practice, each associate will receive individual notification of her or his salary.
In addition, annual base compensation will be increased to $160,000 for new associates arriving with the 2007 incoming class. The weekly compensation for the 2007 summer associate class will also be increased to be based on the new starting annual salary of $160,000.
The Firm is committed to rewarding our lawyers for their contributions to our continued success by maintaining compensation levels, including year-end bonuses, at the forefront of peer firm compensation.
Rodge
Update: According to this comment, the compensation figures for S&C’s most senior classes are as follows: class of 2000, $270K; class of 1999, $290K; and class of 1998, $310K. These amounts are higher than Simpson Thacher’s: class of 2000, $265K; class of 1999, $280K; and class of 1998, $290K.
Earlier: Previous announcements of law firm associate salary increases (scroll down through “Skaddenfreude” archives)

Skaddenfreude: Here’s the Cadwalader Memo

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100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPGThanks to everyone who sent this to us — and sorry for the delay in posting it. Here’s the CWT memorandum announcing pay raises for its associates.
CADWALADER, WICKERSHAM & TAFT
From: Link, Robert
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 3:26 PM
To: MAIL-NY_ASSOCIATES; MAIL-DC_ASSOCIATES
Cc: MAIL-NY_PARTNERS; MAIL-NY_COUNSEL; MAIL-DC_PARTNERS; MAIL-DC_COUNSEL; Freeman, Claudia; Ellis, Patricia; Wallsh, Mitch; Sekler, Mitchel; Pinkerton, Dyana
Subject: 2007 Compensation
In keeping with our pledge to provide compensation that is competitive with the other leading law firms in our markets, we will increase associate base salaries in New York and Washington effective January 1, 2007 as follows:
Class of 2006 – $160,000
Class of 2005 – $170,000
Class of 2004 – $185,000
Class of 2003 – $210,000
Class of 2002 – $230,000
Class of 2001 – $250,000
Class of 2000 – $265,000
Class of 1999 – $280,000
We are also raising the base salary for the members of the Class of 2007, who will arrive in the fall, to $160,000. Thank you for your hard work and efforts on behalf of the firm.
Earlier: Previous announcements of law firm associate salary increases (scroll down through “Skaddenfreude” archives)

Skaddenfreude: Paul Weiss Has Matched Simpson Thacher

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100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPGThat’s what a number of you said in comments.
And then we were emailed this memo (which we have verified with multiple sources at Paul Weiss, so we vouch for it 100 percent):
PAUL WEISS RIFKIND WHARTON & GARRISON
We are pleased to announce that we have increased associate compensation effective January 1, 2007 as follows:
Class / 2007 Base Salary
2006: $160,000
2005: $170,000
2004: $185,000
2003: $210,000
2002: $230,000
2001: $250,000
2000: $265,000
1999: $280,000
1998 and senior: $290,000
We are very appreciative of your hard work and dedication. The increases will be reflected in your February 15, 2007 paycheck. We expect to determine the bonus portion of your 2007 compensation near year-end as usual.
*****************************
As you can see, these numbers are completely consistent with the new base salaries announced yesterday by Simpson Thacher. Any firm that wants to play in the same league as PW and STB will have to ante up.
Congratulations to the Paul Weiss and Simpson Thacher folks!
Earlier: Breaking: Simpson Thacher Raises Associate Base Salaries!!!
Skaddenfreude: Who Has Matched Simpson?

Movie Night With Justice Breyer (Part 1)

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Stephen Breyer 2 Stephen G Breyer Dan Froomkin Above the Law.JPG
Poor Justice Breyer — he’s totally trapped! (But nice necktie, Your Honor. Is it Hermes?)

Supreme Court justices: They’re just like us. They get cornered at cocktail parties by matronly women they don’t really know.

And no, that’s not Beverly D’Angelo, aka Barbara “Babs” Miller of Entourage. We wish.

But yes, that is the Washington Post’s Dan Froomkin — FROOMKIN!!! — over her shoulder, on the far right.
*****************************
Last week, we attended a movie night with Justice Stephen G. Breyer, sponsored by The Week magazine. It was held at the Phillips Collection, an amazing modern art museum here in Washington, DC. We were treated to cocktails and dinner, followed by a screening of The Third Man — Justice Breyer’s cinematic selection.
Photographs, plus brief commentary, after the jump.

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Skaddenfreude: Your Comments on the Simpson Raise (Part 1)

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100 dollar bill Above the Law Above the Law law firm salary legal blog legal tabloid Above the Law.JPGYesterday’s big story, which has carried over into today, is the associate pay raise by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. Right now everyone is wondering: Which firms will match?
A digression: We’re having one of those days. We woke up late, not feeling that great, and wondering if Shanetta Cutlar had hexed us. So we apologize in advance — we’re not firing on all cylinders today.
Since we’re feeling out of it today, we’re going to begin our pay raise coverage by simply highlighting the most interesting reader comments on this news. There have been over 150 comments so far, and we’re guessing that you haven’t had the time to read through all of them.
That’s what we’re here for. We have sifted through all of your comments. And we’ve collected the most interesting, thoughtful, or funny ones, after the jump.

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Shanetta Cutlar’s Ruler Is Actually A Magic Wand

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Shanetta Cutlar Above the Law Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Special Litigation Section Above the Law.jpgAmidst all of the hoopla over associate pay raises and Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell, some of you have requested updates about Shanetta Y. Cutlar. We’re happy to report that we have some new material for you.
(For those of you who are new to ATL, Shanetta Cutlar is the deliciously imperious, ruler-wielding diva who heads the Special Litigation Section, in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. To get a sense of Shanetta Cutlar, in case you haven’t read our prior coverage of her, see here, here, or here.)
We hope that Shanetta Cutlar has been pleased by our coverage of her — ’cause if she’s not, she might put a curse on us. Here’s the latest tip about her:

Those who worship together, work together. Principal Deputy Tammie Gregg, who was promoted by Shanetta, as well as the Supervisor of the Investigators, whom Shanetta refers to as her “spiritual advisor,” all attend the same Church. Both were promoted over others more experienced than they, and obviously for their personal connection to Shanetta.

Shanetta is very superstitious. She had her office “excised” of evil spirits and ill will toward her, as evidenced by the cross etched faintly, in some sort of oil, on the upper right hand corner of her door. Most recently, an escapee [from the Section] said she told them that she was “gathering her protections.”

“Gathering her protections”? Boy are we f***ed.
(But not as much as Ty Clevenger, the whistleblower who first brought Shanetta Cutlar to the public eye. We hear that Shanetta has a voodoo doll of him in her desk drawer, which she abuses regularly with a staple gun.)
Earlier: Prior coverage of the Special Litigation Section under Shanetta Cutlar (scroll down)

Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell: Morning Newswrap

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Aaron Charney 2 headshot Aaron B Charney Aaron Brett CharneyWe’ll get back to the subject of pay raises for law firm associates in a minute. For now, here’s a quick update on the other story that Biglaw is abuzz about: Charney v. Sullivan & Cromwell, the case filed against S&C by associate Aaron Charney, alleging anti-gay discrimination and retaliation.
We’re monitoring coverage of this lawsuit through a news feed. Here are links to, and excerpts from, the latest stories:
1. Maple Grief [TheLawyer.com]

[O]ne charge [in the Charney Complaint] strikes [us] as particularly heinous. And that is that partners at the firm said the prevailing attitude internally was that “S&C considers all Canadians to be irrelevant”.

Given that the firm’s M&A lawyers spent most of last year defending Canadian nickel producer Inco on a £9.3bn hostile bid, we would be keen to hear Sullivan’s arguments played out in a tribunal.

2. Fake-Lawyer Jokes Better Than Real-Lawyer Jokes [New York Magazine / Daily Intelligencer]
A very brief mention — but with a shout-out to ATL:

Aaron Charney, the gay associate suing his former firm for discrimination, hasn’t gotten the support he expected from New York’s Lesbian and Gay Law Association. [Above the Law]

3. The Tough Road Ahead in the Lawsuit against S&C for Anti-Gay Discrimination: The Plain Truth about Plaintiffs [FindLaw]
Those of you who have been hungering for a dissection of Aaron Charney’s case by an employment lawyer will appreciate this excellent article. It’s by Professor Scott Moss, who teaches employment discrimination law at Marquette. Before entering academia, he practiced plaintiff-side employment law for several years, at Outten & Golden LLP in New York City.
It’s quite interesting. Highlights and our commentary, after the jump.

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Morning Docket: 01.23.07

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* Probation is definitely not hot. If she opts for the community service, you think Fox can make a tv show out of it? [CNN]
* The Sixth Circuit has been playing fast and loose with the PLRA. [U.S. Supreme Court (PDF)]
* The Attorney General’s certification that a federal employee was acting within the scope of his duties is conclusive for the purposes of removal in Westfall Act cases. [U.S. Supreme Court (PDF)]
* California’s determinate sentencing law runs afoul of the Sixth Amendment under Apprendi and its progeny. [U.S. Supreme Court (PDF)]
* Libby jury seated. [Jurist]