You have got to read The DuPont Legal Model, an article published in the November/December issue of Legal Assistant Today. It describes one of the best ways to utilize paralegal skills inside a corporate department (& with outside law firms), that I've ever heard of. Really! “From the attorney’s perspective, ‘The utilization model impacts the legal work favorably,’ said Ross...
I am talking about Pat Costello, whose profile page on Mediate.com I just happened to run across. Talk about smart career options! Ms. Costello has combined a strong educational background with remarkable experience & apparently branched out when key opportunities arose: “She has experience as a professional mediator, counselor, university administrator/faculty, research director, trainer,...
Yes, on eBay, where unusual gifts for lawyers are just a click away! Search for "lawyers" to find fun, out-of-the-ordinary gifts like these: * Antique BREACH OF PROMISE Print * Clarence Darrow Lawyer Quote & Framed Photo * Lew L. Callaway: Montana Frontier Lawyer, A Memoir * Jackson Browne signed "Lawyers In Love" LP (I know someone who would kill for this!) *...
Outsourcing legal work is now a reality. Yes, hourly rates for legal work overseas are quite a bit lower than in the U.S. And several law firms report excellent results. But not all firms or corporate legal departments have taken the leap, despite the cost savings. This article, A Smaller Legal World, explains some of the reasons why. To what extent are paralegals being impacted by outsourcing?...
Do higher billing rates for lawyers -- partners & associates -- mean paralegal rates will be climbing too? Perhaps, but it's definitely "a good time to be a lawyer." "Billing rates for law firm attorneys jumped last year, with partners and associates raking in more dollars per hour than ever before. And at least one partner now charges $1,000, the first four-figure hourly rate...
Hey, blogging involves researching, writing, & keeping an eye out for interesting information. Perhaps a new niche for paralegals whose firms publish blogs? Associates are already billing time for their blogging activity: "To generate more content across the board, the firm has turned to its associates. Each Sheppard Mullin associate can count up to 50 hours a year for writing articles...