Add RSS RSS

Biglaw Perk Watch: Will More Firms Go iPhone Phriendly?

iPhone small Apple.jpgWe recently reported on Winston & Strawn making iPhones available for its attorneys. Will other firms follow suit?

Some already have. This morning, Sheppard Mullin announced that it will be “adding the iPhone as a selection in our mobile device program,” as of mid-September. Full memo, after the jump.

One firm that’s not phalling for the iPhone: Latham & Watkins.”Latham isn’t going for the new version or the new software,” a tipster tells us, “because of a lack of ‘whole-device encryption.’ They posted [a message] on the Latham [intranet].” That message, also after the jump.

Earlier today, we noted that Debevoise & Plimpton just slipped from the top spot in the American Lawyer’s A-List rankings. One Debevoise associate has a solution, proposed in this open letter:

Dear Rick [Evans, Presiding Partner],

By now you have no doubt seen the AmLaw rankings. You will have been as horrified as I to see Debevoise drop from #1, a position it has held for four years now, to #5. More dramatic, though, is the drop in the Associate Satisfaction score — we shed 90 points out of 200. Luckily, I have an effective, easily implemented solution to offer: iPhones. That’s right - iPhones. For just $200/associate, you can infinitely increase our satisfaction, as well as get some great press on Abovethelaw.com.

Think about it, Rick. iPhones. Debevoise can be “that” firm — you know, the hip, modern, generous, lifestyle-caring-about firm that law students buzz about and want to work for.

Let’s reclaim our destiny. With iPhones.

Best,
[redacted]

In other iPhone news, John Carney asks over at our sister site, Dealbreaker: “Has Apple Sold So Many iPhones It Crashed Its System?”

The Sheppard Mullin and Latham iPhone announcements, after the jump.

LATHAM & WATKINS — MEMORANDUM — iPHONE POLICY

As many of you know, the launch of Apple’s new iPhone 3G is just days away. With the release of this new iPhone, Apple will now support secure corporate e-mail. Although this capability will protect the transmission of e-mail messages, it does not appear that the 3G will support encryption for all data on the phone itself — a feature known as whole device encryption. As a result, if an iPhone configured for Latham e-mail were to be lost, all data on the device (including client and firm confidential information) would be vulnerable, thus subjecting the firm to potential breach disclosure obligations under laws in multiple jurisdictions.

We hope that whole device encryption will become available for iPhones in the future but are not aware of any planned release date. While we see great potential for the iPhone 3G and will continue to actively work to find a security solution for it, for now we will not be able to support the iPhone at the firm.

SHEPPARD MULLIN — MEMORANDUM — iPHONE POLICY

Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 8:59 AM
To: ALL-ATTY; NETWORK SUPERS
Subject: iPhone

Many of you know, Apple is releasing the new 3G iPhone today. The IT Department will be adding the iPhone as a selection in our mobile device program starting mid September. The new 3G iPhone will allow us to wirelessly synchronize your Outlook email, calendar, and contacts to the device the same as the Blackberry or Goodlink software.

If you are eligible for a new hardware upgrade (replacement of hardware on a 2 year lifecycle) you will have the opportunity to chose the iPhone as your perferred device. Listed below are some reminders of the current policy:

* The firm will reimburse you up to $400 for a new PDA (every 2 years).
* The IT Department will provide support for Email, calendar and contacts. We will not be supporting personal music, videos, pictures and podcasts.
* AT&T has an exclusive contract arrangement with Apple for five years … being the only service provider. If you are considering moving to the iPhone, please ensure that AT&T has the appropriate coverage you require.
* The firm will continue to provide reimbursement for the monthly costs up to $60 per month for internet access and data plans.
* If you currently have a Blackberry and want to switch to an iPhone, the firm will reimburse you for the device if you are eligible for a hardware replacement. If you are not eligible for a hardware upgrade, you may purchase the device on your own. We will not reimburse for early termination fees from your current provider.

If you require additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Has Apple Sold So Many iPhones It Crashed Its System? [Dealbreaker]

Comments

Comments hidden for your protection. Show them anyway!

Post Your Comment