Inside Straight: Must You Specialize To Market Yourself?
Specialization isn't an absolute requirement for business development, according to in-house columnist Mark Herrmann. But in certain situations, it can help -- a lot.
The Practice: The Danger and Pleasure of a Niche Practice
There’s been a lot written about niche practices, but Brian Tannebaum will tell you the truth about the danger and pleasure of having one.
Humans in the Loop: The People Powering Trusted Legal AI
As the use of artificial intelligence permeates legal practice, a critical question confronts every legal professional who uses these tools: Can I trust this?
Size Matters: Are Associates at Small Law Firms Screwed?
The future looks bright for small law firms and their partners. But what about small-firm associates?
Inside Straight: When Is ‘Expensive’ Cheap?
One lawyer offers to represent you for $1000 an hour. Another lawyer offers to represent you for $400 an hour. Who’s more expensive? The correct answer is: You don’t know....
From Biglaw to Boutique: ‘There’s a Practice Guide for That’
Tom Wallerstein's firm, like most firms in California, has a series of Rutter guides on its shelves. And even though he runs a virtually paperless office, he still loves his printed Rutter guides. Wallerstein even has a joke about Rutter. Whenever a colleague questions his ability to solve a particular issue, he jokes, “I’m sure there’s a Rutter Guide for that.” The joke has a serious point, namely, that the basics of most practice areas can always be learned. And if it’s easy enough to learn a practice area, why shouldn’t a lawyer forming a small firm become a true generalist; handling everything from family law, wills and trusts, civil, criminal, and essentially whatever walks in the door?