Above the Law

* Alex Kozinski, formerly of the Ninth Circuit, disappeared into the shadows after retiring in the wake of sexual harassment allegations. Less than seven months later, he's back in the public eye, and three of his accussers, all lawyers, are none too pleased. [New York Times]

* In news that should shock absolutely no one, an attorney who was caught on tape insulting his paralegal on more than 30 occasions -- where he was seen referring to her a "dirtbag" and a "ho" -- has been suspended from practice for one year with six months stayed. [New York Post]

* Nelson Mullins recently finalized its merger with Broad and Cassel to create a “super-regional” firm. The new firm will have 25 offices, more than 750 attorneys, and a combined revenue of over $500 million. [American Lawyer]

* In other law firm merger news, Fox Rothschild has confirmed that it's in talks with North Carolina firm Smith Moore Leatherwood. Mark Silow, the firm's chairman, cautioned that nothing has been finalized yet. [Philadelphia Business Journal]

* Remember Dana Tapper, the UVA Law grad who won money to repay her law school debt on the Ellen DeGeneres Show? She was just sentenced to 20 years in prison (with all but three months suspended) after smuggling drugs and a cellphone in to an inmate serving time for murder. [Richmond Times-Dispatch]

This Judge Is Channeling Every Parent Of Teenagers Ever: Don't you roll your eyes!

Fourth Circuit Doesn't Do The Bare Minimum: Even with Judge Posner filing a brief.

Biglaw Hiring Is Making A Rebound: Not so fast...

Which GC Makes The Most: They took home nearly $7 million last year.

Yay -- First-Year Associates Get Raises: Boo -- not so much for senior associates.