December 2011

Blogging

Non-Sequiturs: 12.19.11

* Someone figured out exactly what’s on every nerdy lawyer’s holiday wish list: an iPhone app for PACER. Get it while it’s hot — it’s free! [iTunes App Store] * The First Amendment will always reign supreme, even if people are harassing religious old ladies on the Twitter. [Underdog] * Legalizing same-sex marriage is like […]

Crime

Don’t Call Her ‘Reema’: Say Hello to ‘Nicki Bajaj’

Is Reema Bajaj, the attractive solo practitioner accused of practicing more than law, trying to capitalize on the fame of Nicki Minaj, the rapper-singer-songwriter behind such hits as Super Bass? It seems that Bajaj, the comely young Illinois lawyer who's going to trial in March 2012 on prostitution charges, has rebranded herself as "Nicki Bajaj." Let's hear from a tipster, and check out the exciting new website of Reema -- er, Nicki -- Bajaj....

Cars

Is Going To UVA Law School Like Using Cocaine?

Between the alleged criminal activity of current students, alleged tall tales told by former students, and all the popped collars, you gotta ask if a little humility might do UVA Law some good? The latest story of alleged misbehavior from UVA Law involves road rage. But what makes this story funny is that it involves a UVA Law student in a car allegedly menacing a UVA history professor on a bike....

Practice Pointers

The Practice: Goal Setting – Non-Billable Hour Edition

If you’re a lawyer, and some of you that read this are, you know it’s time to start trying to convince yourself that you’re going to do wonderful things “next year.” Advice is readily available on the internet about the proper way to set goals, but as usual, Brian Tannebaum is here to help you ignore all of that. Here is his surefire way to have a great 2012 as a lawyer....

Admin

ATL’s 2011 Lawyer of the Year: Nominations Needed

With just two weeks left in the year 2011, we thought that now would be a good time to ask you, our loyal readers, to submit your nominations for Above the Law’s fifth annual LAWYER OF THE YEAR competition. We’ll be running the show just like we’ve done it in the past: you submit your […]

Biglaw

Inside Straight: A Partner’s Lament

In-house columnist Mark Herrmann considers the plight of the big firm partner. You succeeded at law school, succeeded at your law firm, have hot and cold running associates at your disposal, are being paid the riches of Croesus every year, and are perceived by the world as being wonderfully successful. What the heck are you complaining about?

American Bar Association / ABA

Morning Docket: 12.19.11

* It’s about freakin’ time. Guess who’s jumped on board the ever popular “blame the ABA” bandwagon? None other than David Segal, the New York Times equivalent of the law school scam blogger. [New York Times] * Newt says that as president, he’d ignore SCOTUS decisions. Raise your hand if you want to elect someone […]

Non-Sequiturs

Non-Sequiturs: 12.16.11

* Christopher Hitchens, author and journalist, RIP. For without him, Kash wouldn’t have an asslobster. [Vanity Fair] * An interesting and idiotic twist in the UVA burglar case. [Daily Progress] * I cannot visualize 10 kilos of cocaine, but it sounds like a hell of a party. [CNN] * IRS tips for your desperate tax […]

Small Law Firms

From Biglaw to Boutique: Come On Along, or Go Alone

Tom Wallerstein was talking to a friend who is a junior partner in a large firm, and who is thinking of starting her own firm. She knew what practice area she would focus on, and she had at least one client who she felt sure would go with her. But she still had two critical questions to resolve. Open a solo practice, or form a partnership? Form a “virtual” office, or start a traditional “brick and mortar” shop?

Crime

Law School: A Den of Thieves

It's exam time. Kids are living in the library and generally oblivious. This is high season for thieves! But we've got an email from a law student who is determined to take action. He had his textbooks stolen, and he's mad as hell. He wants to do away with his law school's honor code and go with more medieval punishments should they apprehend the thief....

Football

Quote of the Day: That’s Against the Bro Code

I don’t know. I don’t look and stare down there. — Mike McQueary, an assistant football coach at Penn State, responding to a question about Jerry Sandusky’s erection (or lack thereof) during his alleged sexual assault of a child in 2002. (McQueary testified today in a preliminary hearing on charges against Penn State’s former athletic […]