The ABA includes a pdf paper from the last Tech Show on how to avoid the top ten causes of malpractice. The presenters were Mark C.S. Bassingthwaighte, Risk Management Coordinator, Attorneys Liability Protection Society, and Reba J. Nance, Director, Law…
CASA Jurist of the Year
Judge Patricia D. Gardner received the Michigan CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Jurist of the Year award, recognizing her for exemplifying the best attributes of a Family Court Judge. The press release quoted one CASA staff member as stating, “Judge…
Civility
The American Bar Association’s Section of Family Law has adopted Civility Standards. The Standards address the responsibility of the family lawyer to be civil to clients, opposing counsel, and the court. I. To Client 1. Treat the client with respect.…
From technology in the courtroom to the philosophies of sentencing to dealing with children
The Grand Rapids Press reports on the candidates forum sponsored by the Family Law Section. Elizabeth Piet includes comments from her interviews with two members of the audience (excerpt): Alan Bedell, 66, of Grand Rapids Township, came into the forum…
Congratulations Leslie!
The State Bar of Michigan is honoring Leslie C. Curry with an Unsung Hero Award for “[exhibiting] the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.” Leslie is the Litigation Director and a staff attorney for Western…
Ability to pay, reality of expectations
Law Practice Today focuses on the fit between an attorney and a client. Dee Crocker writes (excerpt): The most important rule in getting paid is selecting clients who are willing and able to pay for your time. Otherwise, you may…
Bad guys go mild, good people go wild?
The New York Times shows the mess that sometimes flows from the family to the court and out into the parking lots. Avi Salzman writes (excerpt): Mr. Spears said he used to work on criminal cases, but rarely did those…
Alberto Gonzales and divorce clients
Slate examines President George Bush’s relationship to his Attorney General, passing along some general comments on lawyering along the way. Dahlia Lithwick writes (excerpt): One of the most striking legacies of my brief foray into the wonderful world of divorce…
FTC inaction
FTC will not bring any enforcement actions or conduct any investigations against practicing lawyers
Hating justice
human desires for dignity, respect and for that simple opportunity to be heard
FTC privacy notice
court rejects FTC attempts to apply the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to lawyers
Meetings that matter
when you’re in charge, when you’re not
Big ideas for business development
making your business development efforts efficient, effective and enjoyable
Rainmakers and the rolodex
PRACTICAL TIPS ON PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
Carpe diem
While the focus of your preparations may be different, your client deserves your best effort.
On speaking for ADR
The 30-second message is the cornerstone for your presentation.
On writing for ADR
Your pre-hearing statement may vary depending on the nature of the proceeding
Home or away?
better to share the cost of renting conference space if necessary than conduct the proceedings at opposing counsel’s office
Finding the right person
Always select your mediator or arbitrator. If you cannot trust the person, you cannot trust the process.
Being perfectly clear
If you are relying on something happening or not happening as part of the ADR process, you should put it in writing.