Size Matters
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Biglaw, Mergers and Acquisitions, Small Law Firms, Wall Street Journal
Size Matters: Should I Get a 'Merge or Die' T-Shirt?
According to the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.), small law firms have adopted the mantra: merge or die. Indeed, the number of law firm mergers is staggering. Yet, small firm to large firm mergers are not the answer for all small firms. Valerie Katz notes that the article featured several potential problems.... -
Small Law Firms
Size Matters: How to Maintain A Loving Small-Firm Partnership
In her practice, Valerie Katz has represented many small law firms going through the same fate as Heidi Klum (who decided to divorce her husband). At some point, loving partners decide they hate each other. One splits off into his own firm and the group goes through a messy "custody" battle for clients, partners, associates, and staff. Are small-firms and Hollywood it-couples all destined for messy break-ups? Is there something that can be done during the formation of the partnership, or at some point during its healthy existence, to prevent such endings? - Sponsored
Profit Powerhouse: Elevating Law Firm Financial Performance
In this CLE-eligible webinar on April 10th, we’ll explore the most common accounting pitfalls and how to avoid them for your firm. -
Small Law Firms
Size Matters: I'll Have What She's Having
Valerie Katz wondered why she in career purgatory and her colleague from law school is a partner. She found the answer in a very well-crafted article on Corporette. Is it possible to fake it until you make it at a law firm? She'll be doing an experiment to find out....
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Billable Hours, Boutique Law Firms, Money, Small Law Firms
Size Matters: Crisis of Faith
Valerie Katz thought she could do some missionary work and convert her friends in to small-firm lawyers. Something unexpected happened, though. One of her friends asked her why she believed small-firm life was so different from Biglaw. She went through my standard list of reasons: quality of life, money, autonomy, mentoring, etc. But that was where things took an unexpected turn: her friend did not buy it. Does size really matter, she thought? -
Boutique Law Firms, Disability Law, Hotties, Small Law Firms
Size Matters: Plot Idea For Miss Congeniality 3
Like most of you, Valerie Katz spends her free time trying to come up with a plot idea for Miss Congeniality 3. It is hard, however, to mess with perfection. Having reached the limits of her creativity, she decided to look to actual events (and, of course, small law firm news) to serve as the inspiration for her movie plot. And she found just what I was looking for, thanks to a real-life Miss Congeniality and Mr. Social Security. Intrigued? Check out photos of a certified hottie, after the break.... -
Small Law Firms, Women's Issues
Size Matters: Let's Implement Five-Day Weekends at Small Firms (Or at Least Respect the Two)
For 2012, Valerie Katz has resolved to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Luckily, she is not making this decision based on her concerns over hypothetical family obligations. No, she is just lazy and does not like to work. And she is not alone.... -
Books, Small Law Firms, Solo Practitioners
Size Matters: Carolyn Elefant Teaches Us How to Go Solo
Valerie Katz would bet that at least half of you resolved to find a new job in 2012. And, for many, that new job means going out on your own. As with most New Year's resolutions, however, such a measure may seem overwhelming. Lucky for you, Carolyn Elefant has updated her book, Solo by Choice, and it provides a thorough road map for lawyers looking to make the leap to solo practice.... -
Biglaw, Boutique Law Firms, Family Law, Jeffrey Toobin, Litigatrix, Small Law Firms
Size Matters: From Tragedy to Triumph Isn't Just a Theme in Lifetime Movies (Just Ask Casey Greenfield)
Earlier this month, Casey Greenfield, known for her personal battle with child support issues, and Scott Labby, a fellow graduate of Yale Law School, formed the firm Greenfield Labby LLP. The firm's mission is to serve individual clients "with a focus on family and matrimonial practice, strategic planning and crisis management." Valerie Katz had the opportunity to interview them both.... - Sponsored
Early Adopters Of Legal AI Gaining Competitive Edge In Marketplace
How to best leverage generative AI as an early adopter with ethical use. -
Drinking, Fashion, Food, Holidays and Seasons, Parties, Sexual Harassment, Small Law Firms
Size Matters: Ho Ho Ho
As much Valerie Katz loves her a holiday party, she does believe there are certain rules one must follow. She cannot promise that she observes these rules herself, but as the saying goes, those who cannot do, teach. And with that, here is a guide for how to behave at the office party.... -
Attorney Misconduct, Biglaw, Courtship Connection, Romance and Dating, Sex, Sex Scandals, Sexual Harassment, Small Law Firms, STDs, Sweet Hot Justice
Size Matters: Small-Firm Love in the Afternoon
There are only two weeks remaining before New Year's Eve. That means that small-firm singles only have a short window to secure their New Year's Eve date. According to our survey, none of you will be working on the holiday, so you better get your act together. Luckily for you, Valerie Katz is an expert at finding love. Let’s get on with her tips for a successful small-firm seduction.... -
Small Law Firms
Size Matters: When Bad Clients Jump Out of a Box
Beware the bad client. Not running her own small firm, Valerie Katz can only conjecture that bad clients may not reveal themselves in a way as obvious as a stripper in a box. So how do you spot the right (and wrong client), short of him jumping out of a box? -
LSAT, Minority Issues, Small Law Firms
Size Matters: Diversity in Small Firms
There are a lot of unhappy lawyers. We all know that. Part of their discontent is due to the fact that many young people go to law school who may not want to be lawyers, or do not take the time during law school to figure out what type of practice best fits their personality and goals. But what about those individuals who actually want to be lawyers, but due to certain biases are not able to pursue their dreams? -
Holidays and Seasons, Job Survey, Small Law Firms, Travel / Vacation
Size Matters: Small Firms Rule
Valerie Katz would like to thank everyone who participated in her Thanksgiving survey about taking a break for the holidays. She is happy to report that an overwhelming 93.2% of small-firm respondents are able to take time off for holidays. So, is it easier to take time off at Biglaw?
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Early Adopters Of Legal AI Gaining Competitive Edge In Marketplace
How to best leverage generative AI as an early adopter with ethical use.
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How Generative AI Will Improve Legal Service Delivery
Learn how emerging tools will likely change and enhance the work of lawyers for years to come in this new report.
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Profit Powerhouse: Elevating Law Firm Financial Performance
In this CLE-eligible webinar on April 10th, we’ll explore the most common accounting pitfalls and how to avoid them for your firm.
Sponsored
Legal AI: 3 Steps Law Firms Should Take Now
If 2023 introduced legal professionals to generative AI, then 2024 will be when law firms start adapting to utilize it. Things are moving fast, so…
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Holidays and Seasons, Small Law Firms, Travel / Vacation
Size Matters: Gobble Gobble
Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving? What is not to love about a holiday that involves eating obscene amounts of food, lounging around, battling people at Black Friday sales, and working a short week? Unless, of course, you are Ted the Turkey. As holiday season comes into full swing, I am reminded of my lawyer friends who […] -
Small Law Firms
Size Matters: What Do You Get When You Combine a Drug Dealer With a Career Coach?
Valerie Katz found someone who does small-firm career coaching (other than herself). His name is RJon Robins. His website guarantees that clients will learn how to successfully start, manage, and expand their own small and solo practices. She was intrigued and decided to check out the website to see if RJon was going to get his own reality show and force her to get out of the advice-giving business.... -
Litigators, Pro Bono, Small Law Firms, Trusts and Estates
Size Matters: Get Attention for the Right Reasons
When doing research for her columns, Valerie Katz spends a lot of time thinking about how small-firm attorneys can get the right kind of attention. Here is a case study about a small-firm attorney who did just that.... -
Feminism, Gender, Small Law Firms, Women's Issues
Size Matters: Them Lazy Broads?
Are women working in small law firms lazy bums? Survey results say that they might be, but columnist Valerie Katz doesn't agree with that assessment.... -
Bankruptcy, Facebook, Lawyer Advertising, Small Law Firms, Texas
Size Matters: Should I Friend a Small Firm?
Like many of her other uber-productive legal brethren, Valerie Katz spends an obscene amount of time on Facebook, so she decided to look for some small firms there. Much to her delight, she found a great Facebook page, and will now share some observations on the firm's highly effective use of the site.... -
Small Law Firms, Solo Practitioners
Size Matters: I Ain’t A Lawyer, I Just Charge A Lot
Last week, Clifford Winston, drew up some controversy when he suggested that we do away with law school and bar exams and let anyone practice law. Valerie Katz cannot help but wonder if we were to do away with law school and license requirements, would that mean an end to small law firms? How could a small group of trained and experienced attorneys compete with a superstore of the Winston variety of attorney? -
Holidays and Seasons, Small Law Firms
Size Matters: Trick or Treat
Halloween holds a special place for small-firm attorneys. Why? Because small firms permit, even encourage, their attorneys to dress up for All Hallows Eve. So, with only a few days left before the big day, Valerie Katz offers you her tips on how to dress up at your small firm....