August 2011
-
American Bar Association / ABA, Benchslaps, Department of Justice, Free Speech, Movies, Non-Sequiturs, Pro Bono, Romance and Dating, Sam Sparks
Non-Sequiturs: 08.31.11
* Some thoughts from our colleague Matt Levine on the Justice Department’s opposition to the AT&T/T-Mobile merger. [Dealbreaker] * Judge Sam Sparks (W.D. Tex.), king of the benchslap — yes, we already covered his latest handiwork, so no need to email the “kindergarten party” order to us again — has blocked key parts of the […] -
Advertising, Shameless Plugs, This Is an Ad
Thanks to This Week's Advertisers
Having just celebrated our fifth anniversary, we would like to extend our thanks to this week’s advertisers on Above the Law. We couldn’t have made it this far without them, so please show them your support: American Express Autonomy Datacert Ernst & Young JD Match Kinney Recruiting (sponsor of the Asia Chronicles) Lateral Link (sponsor […] - Sponsored
How AI Is The Catalyst For Reshaping Every Aspect Of Legal Work
Findings from the "Future of Professionals Report," based on a survey of 1,200 professionals from North and South America and the UK. -
Crime, Law School Deans, Law Schools, Libraries / Librarians, Masturbation, Nude Dancing, Rudeness
Watch Out: There's a Wanker in the Library!
There's a wanker in the library. And no, we're not talking about the guy who sits in the front row of Federal Jurisdiction and always has his hand in the air. We're speaking more literally -- about a man with his hand not up in the air, but down in his pants....
-
Biglaw, Layoffs, Musical Chairs, Outsourcing, Partner Issues, Staff Layoffs
Two Partners Leave Paul Hastings for Nixon Peabody(Plus Paul Hastings staff layoffs.)
During 2011, Paul Hastings has been picking up partners. Like any large firm, however, Paul Hastings loses partners, too. We've just learned of two partners who are ankling PH for Nixon Peabody. Let's find out who they are, get the backstory on their departures, and also obtain the 411 on some PH staff layoffs.... -
Biglaw, Labor / Employment, Litigators, Small Law Firms, Trials
Small Firms, Big Lawyers: Real Lawyers Settle Cases
Many litigators have a bias against settlement. It's understandable. There's no glamor in settling cases. There is a machismo (irrespective of gender) that goes along with trying cases. And it's ridiculous. Are you a "real" lawyer if you settle cases? -
American Bar Association / ABA, New York Times, Pro Bono, Public Interest, Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day: Leave the Law to the Lawyers
[A] rush to open the practice of law to unschooled, unregulated nonlawyers is not the solution [to the justice gap]. This would cause grave harm to clients. Even matters that appear simple, such as uncontested divorces, involve myriad legal rights and responsibilities. If the case is not handled by a professional with appropriate legal training, […] -
Fabulosity, Facebook, Lawyer Advertising, Parties, Small Law Firms, Social Networking Websites, Solo Practitioners
There's No Such Thing as Bad Publicity When You've Got Swag
Most attorneys take themselves way too seriously. As a result, we see some pretty ridiculous attorney advertising that ends up being unintentionally funny. And while we’re happy to poke gentle fun at these websites and ads, our commentary isn’t always well received. Because another thing that lawyers aren’t known for is the ability to accept criticism. Knoxville attorney Stephen A. Burroughs is an exception to these rules.... -
Crime, Jury Duty, Loyola Law School, Prostitution, Robert Gettleman, Screw-Ups, Sex, Small Law Firms, Solo Practitioners, Trials
Mistrial in Massage Parlor Prosecution After Masseuse Recognizes Defense Lawyer -- as a Client....
We have the makings of a trend: inappropriate contacts between participants in jury trials. These contacts can be problematic because a jury trial constitutes a delicate ecosystem, in which contacts and communications between actors are regulated strictly to ensure the fairness of the proceedings. Now we bring you news of, er, more intimate contact between a witness and a lawyer -- which culminated in a mistrial.... - Sponsored
Are Small Firms Going Big On Legal Tech?
Please help us benchmark your firm against your peers through this (always) brief and anonymous survey and enter for a chance to win a $250… -
Breasts, Constitutional Law, Drinking, Facebook, Job Searches, Money, Morning Docket, Pets
Morning Docket: 08.31.11
* You don’t have the right to get half naked in an airport to protest the TSA’s policies. Aaron Tobey’s lawsuit has been stripped of its Fourth Amendment claims following a dismissal. [Washington Post] * Paul Ceglia has to give Facebook every email he’s exchanged since 2003. If Ceglia’s like most men, lawyers at Gibson […]
-
Admin, Announcements, Birthdays, Fabulosity, Shameless Plugs
A Happy Fifth Birthday to Above the Law -- and Our Thanks
Above the Law launched five years ago today, on August 30, 2006. If you like, you can take a trip down memory lane and read my letter from the editor, introducing ATL to the world. Reaching this milestone is no small feat. If you think of Above the Law as a blog, this is a […] -
Biglaw, Department of Justice, In-House Counsel, Law Professors, Musical Chairs, Non-Sequiturs, Pets, Solicitor General's Office, State Judges, State Judges Are Clowns, Tax Law
Non-Sequiturs: 08.30.11
* “Ten Worst Things for a Law Prof To Put on a CV.” [The Faculty Lounge] * Think of this as another warning against taking sexually explicit photos of yourself. Or buying suspiciously cheap used computers. [Not-So Private Parts / Forbes] * Musical Chairs: Sri Srinivasan, chair of the appellate and Supreme Court practice at […] -
Admin, Announcements, Health Care / Medicine
Where in the World Is Elie Mystal?
Some of you have been wondering about the whereabouts of our colleague, Elie Mystal. As several of you have noticed, he hasn’t written for these pages since last Tuesday. No, Elie’s not still on vacation. Unfortunately, he’s on sick leave: he has been bedridden since Tuesday with tonsillitis and an acute sinus infection. Either he’ll […] -
Cars, Divorce Train Wrecks, Family Law, Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day: He's Buying a Stairway to Heaven?
You take my … money you better get a federal law agency like the F.B.I. on the case. You will hear about me and read about me. I promise that. — Roy Lee Conger Jr., complaining about a lien placed on one of his bank accounts after his divorce train wreck. Conger had been involved […]
Sponsored
Profit Powerhouse: Elevating Law Firm Financial Performance
Early Adopters Of Legal AI Gaining Competitive Edge In Marketplace
How AI Is The Catalyst For Reshaping Every Aspect Of Legal Work
Sponsored
Are Small Firms Going Big On Legal Tech?
Document Automation For Law Firms: The Definitive Guide
-
Craigslist, Fashion, Job Searches
'Cause Every Law Firm's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp-Dressed Man
Back in June, we notified our readers about a fabulous job opportunity for attorneys in Philadelphia. There was one catch: the applicant had to be a "sharp dresser." In fact, "no casuals" need apply for this lucrative position. Lo and behold, the job listing has reappeared. And this time, if you're thinking of applying, you had better get your headshots ready.... -
Akin Gump, Antonin Scalia, Brett Kavanaugh, D.C. Circuit, Drugs, New York Times, Supreme Court Clerks, Weddings
Legal Eagle Wedding Watch: Hero and Heroin
Everyone loves a wedding, but everyone loves a lawyer wedding even more -- especially when Columbia Law has apparently taken over.This is a summer mega-LEWW, with five finalists and a loooooong list of also-rans at the end. Read on for a virtual nuptial feast.... -
Crime, Deaths, Education / Schools, Law Schools, Movies, Murder, Police, Prisons, Violence, Weirdness
Stephen McDaniel's Ex-Roommate Speaks: Say Hello to Thad Money
Thad Money, a former roommate of Stephen McDaniel, came to public attention last week when his name was mentioned at McDaniel's magistrate court hearing. In building their case against McDaniel, Macon police are relying in part on Money's recollections of the defendant. After the hearing, Thaddeus Money gave an interview to the Macon Telegraph. Let's learn more about this young man, and hear what he has to say about his ex-roomie.... -
Advertising, Biglaw, Career Center, Interview Stories, Job Searches, Shameless Plugs, Summer Associates, This Is an Ad
Career Center: To Be, or Not To Be (An Associate) – Interview Questions You Should Ask
There are no magic questions to take through the interview process. There are only areas to be examined. Life is one long extemporaneous speech. It is not canned dialogue. The student who prepares and understands the areas that are significant to her decision will know where to focus her questions. Some questions should be directed […] -
Attorney Misconduct, Kids, Lawsuit of the Day, Legal Ethics, Ridiculousness, State Judges
Lawsuit of the Day: Next Time Mom Ticks You Off, Just Sue Her
Two adult children in Illinois have sued their own mother on the grounds of "bad mothering." You must be wondering how one qualifies to be a bad enough mother to warrant such a lawsuit. Well, apparently, failing to completely spoil your children will do the trick -- especially if your ex-husband, an attorney, has it out for you and is representing the kids. Read on to find out what these snotty little brats alleged against their mother.... -
Biglaw, Bonuses, Clerkships, Fabulosity, Money, SCOTUS, Supreme Court, Supreme Court Clerks
Supreme Court Clerk Bonuses Are Heading Higher
As in past years, many of the October Term 2010 Supreme Court law clerks are joining private law firms -- which welcome them with six-figure signing bonuses. These bonuses are paid on top of base salaries reflecting their seniority, as well as the usual year-end bonuses. For the past few years, law firm signing bonuses for members of The Elect have hovered around $250,000. But this year, at least a few firms are offering even more. So how much are we talking about? -
Facebook, Football, Immigration, Kids, Morning Docket, Nauseating Things, Real Estate, Trademarks, Women's Issues
Morning Docket: 08.30.11
* Alabama “welcomes visitors,” but reserves the right to question their papers. The state won’t get the chance to show visitors this kind of southern hospitality any time soon thanks to an injunction. [CNN] * Someone in the Facebook marketing department must have realized that there’s no publicity like free publicity, because the company’s trademark […]