‘Biglaw Idol’ — Or, How In-House Lawyers Actually Select Outside Counsel
Picking a law firm for a seven-figure engagement can take under five minutes.
3 Client Pitches I’ve Seen Fail
In-house columnist Mark Herrmann talks about what doesn't work when trying to pitch him.
Why Better Billing Statements Can Improve Your Firm’s Finances—And Your Client Relationships
Outdated billing is costing law firms money. Discover how clear, modern billing practices boost profits, trust, and cash flow in 2025.
The Road Not Taken: Sell Me A Story (Part 2)
In-house columnist Celeste Harrison Forst gives tips on how to pitch your services to clients.
The Road Not Taken: Sell Me A Story (Part 1)
What's the best way to pitch your firm to an in-house client?
The Law Dean Who Became An Undercover Beauty Queen
A surprising tale of deceit and swimsuits.
Law Student Turned Pageant Queen With A Purpose
For her efforts this law student won a shiny new saddle and an LLM.
Skills That Set Firms Apart
Legal expertise alone isn’t enough. Today’s most successful firms invest in developing the skills that drive collaboration, leadership, and business growth. Our on-demand, customizable training modules deliver practical, high-impact learning for attorneys and staff—when and where they need it.
Giving It Away (Or, Case Studies Of Business Development That Worked)
In-house columnist Mark Herrmann shares actual, real-world examples of how giving away ideas and work product to prospective clients can help you land business.
Beyond Biglaw: Sales Training (Part 2)
An interesting and innovative idea for helping lawyers at law firms improve their sales skills.
How Corporations Actually Choose Outside Counsel
What questions should clients ask during beauty contests to choose counsel wisely?
The Key To Writing, Speaking, Succeeding — Everything!
What should partners at law firms say when they're pitching business at beauty contests? Thoughts from in-house columnist Mark Herrmann.
Your Definitive Resource On Decrypting Crypto, Digital Assets, And Web3
"Decrypting Crypto" is a go-to guide for understanding the technology and tools underlying Web3 and issues raised in the context of specific legal practice areas.
The Supreme Court ‘Beauty Contest’: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
How did the Obamacare litigants select their Supreme Court lawyers? Josh Blackman, author of Unprecedented: The Constitutional Challenge to Obamacare, reveals all.
Morning Docket: 07.05.13
Ed. note: We hope that you had a great July 4th — and that you’re enjoying a four-day weekend. But if you’re at work today and looking for diversion, check us early and often — we will be posting today (although on a reduced publication schedule). * Lawyer of the Day Long Weekend: Christopher Kirby, who reportedly launched a profanity-laced tirade at the mother of a special-education student during a school board meeting. Stay classy, Chris. [New York Daily News] * Speaking of classy, if you make Donald Trump look good, you’re doing it wrong. The $5 million arbitration award against former beauty queen Sheena Monnin just got upheld by Judge J. Paul Oetken (S.D.N.Y.). [New York Law Journal] * Have you been injured in an accident? Call a New York State legislator, who might be earning a six-figure income by moonlighting at a personal-injury firm. [New York Times] * Who doesn’t love rule by lawyers? Adli Mansour, chief justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, takes over as the nation’s interim leader. [New York Times] * Nationwide layoff watch: Dickstein dismisses seven partners in New York. [WestlawNext Practitioner Insights (sub. req.)] * If you’re feeling the heat in D.C. these days, lawyer turned ice cream entrepreneur Victoria Lai can help. [Washington Post]
Donald Trump Teaches a Disgruntled Beauty Queen an ‘Expensive Lesson’ in Arbitration
This beauty queen is no Miss Congeniality, and now she owes Donald Trump $5 million...
Inside Straight: Writing For The Trash Or Writing To Be Read
Are you writing to have written, or writing to be read? In-house columnist Mark Herrmann explains the difference.
Inside Straight: Showing, Not Telling, That You’re Competent
When we write briefs, we show — we don’t tell — the reader that we win. Thus, we do not tell the reader: “This case is barred by the statute of limitations,” which is mere assertion. Instead, we show the reader why we win: “The accident in which plaintiff was hurt occurred on June 1, […]