The National Law Review is pleased to bring you today’s edition of the Sunday Funnies, submitted to us by Kendall M. Gray of Andrews Kurth LLP:
Hat tip to Grammarics.
Category: Law Office Management
Women In-House Counsel Achieve Success
Beth L. Kaufman of the National Association of Women Lawyers recently had an article, Women In-House Counsel Achieve Success, published in The National Law Review:
The National Association of Women Lawyers (“NAWL”) is 114 years old this year. It is not only the oldest women’s bar association, it is also the only national bar association for women, dedicated to advancing women lawyers and the interests and rights of women under the law. NAWL truly is the voice of women in the law™.
In the last few years, NAWL has seen women lawyers working within in-house corporate legal departments begin to make great strides in their advancement into leadership positions and break through into the higher echelons of the General Counsel’s Office. In 2006, NAWL challenged corporations and law firms to double their number of women general counsel and equity partners from 15% to 30% by 2015. Recent statistics indicate that the “NAWL Challenge” for corporate legal departments in the Fortune 500 corporations already has been met. Women today comprise 30% of General Counsels, when only a few years ago they comprised only 15% of the General Counsels in the same companies. This achievement is in sharp contrast to the fate of women lawyers in the 200 largest U.S. law firms (“AmLaw 200”), where women have stagnated at 17% of equity partners since NAWL’s annual survey of advancement of women lawyers within the AmLaw 200 began.
How have women in corporate legal departments been able to achieve their climb up the corporate ladder — at least compared to the glacial movement of women in large private law firms? Certainly the advancement is due, in part, to the women who have come before them, the trailblazers who always reached back and brought other women along with them, who always were available for consultation and advice and shared their insights and perspectives. It is also due to top-down management and implementation of diversity and inclusion objectives instilled in the corporations by their business leaders and boards of directors. And, I am proud to say that in part the achievements of corporate in-house counsel are due to programs, like the General Counsel Institute (“GCI”), that help to define best practices for women in-house lawyers to achieve their personal and professional aspirations and facilitate their advancement.
This year’s 8th Annual GCI promises to make its own significant contribution to that effort. SUCCESS STRATEGIES—Defining Success and Adding Value as In-House Counsel in the 21st Century will be held at the Intercontinental Times Square in New York City on November 8 and 9, 2012. Highlighting the event will be the plenary sessions, including:
•“Success”—Going Beyond Webster’s Definition, an interactive session focused
on personal definitions of success;
•The Road to Chief Legal Officer, presented by a panel of successful General
Counsels;
•The Myth of the Ideal Worker: Does Doing the Right Thing Really Help Women
Get Ahead?, a panel discussion of practical advice based on research conducted
by Catalyst; and
•Speak Your Truth, Colette Carlson’s presentation on the art of effective self-
promotion).
Breakout sessions will offer three tracks to expand the knowledge of in-house counsel on topics critical to their role in the 21st century: Hot Topics; Turning Crisis into Triumph; and Successful Legal Departments, Successful Companies. Participants will be inspired by remarkable luncheon keynote speakers Sheila Davidson, Executive Vice President, Chief legal Officer and General Counsel of New York Life; and Diana Nyad, one of the world’s greatest long-distance swimmers, author and sports announcer.
The timeliness of the educational programs, the wisdom imparted by the keynote speakers and the unparalleled networking opportunities will offer significant guidance and assistance to in-house counsel as they strive to achieve continued success for themselves and their companies. For more information on GCI8, go to www.nawl.org.
Copyright ®, 2012 National Association of Women Lawyers
The Best Laid Plans: What To Do If You Go To Trial Unexpectedly
Kathryn S. Wood of Dickinson Wright PLLC recently had an article, The Best Laid Plans: What To Do If You Go To Trial Unexpectedly, published in The National Law Review:
There is nothing like appearing for a settlement conference only to learn that not only is the case not going to settle, but that the trial that you thought would start in three months is actually starting in less than three weeks. That is precisely what happened to me last week. As I walked back from court to my office, the realities of the time crunch set in. What if my witnesses were unavailable? Would my demonstrative exhibits be able to be prepared in time? Motions in limine and a Daubert motion needed to be considered. Having thought less than an hour before I had three months to prepare my case for trial, how was I going to get ready in such a short time?
Two hours later, I had a plan. But before I launch into explaining the plan, I will state that in my view, the two hours spent crafting the trial plan was the most important part of the plan itself. A trial plan, much like a project management plan, is important for any trial. Listing out the tasks to be completed, the deadlines (both for client review and court submission), and the person or team responsible for the particular task makes for your best hope for an orderly trial preparation (if such a thing exists). But when your time is tight either because the court surprised you by moving the trial date forward or because the press of other business made it impossible to turn your full attention to trial preparation, the trial plan is essential.
For my trial plan, the first order of business was making sure that my witnesses were available and scheduling time for their trial preparations so that they would not be unavailable to me in the days before trial. Next, I outlined the remaining issues I wanted researched and made decisions about what motions I wanted to file. Because of the late notice of the trial, the third task was one I wouldn’t have had to address if the trial had gone in three months, as previously planned; I worked with my partners to completely free my second-chair associate so that he would not have to worry about other work. My legal assistant’s call to folks who create the demonstrative exhibits assured me that I would indeed have the demonstrative exhibits I envisioned. Finally, I made a realistic schedule with respect to preparing my examinations, cross examinations and opening and closing arguments.
That statement, naturally, begs the question as to what “realistic” means. The “realistic” schedule I crafted built in time for the time it would take to get meetings and depositions adjourned that I needed to be at and to reaching out to my partners to cover hearings that were not essential that I argue. The schedule also contemplated the inevitable daily calls that turn one’s attention from the task at hand and for honoring my promise to participate in this blog. Sure, I could have asked that my turn to participate in this blog be moved to a different date, but having some time to step back from the trial preparation and put my mind to something else will allow me to return to my briefs, examinations and exhibits with a cleared mind, which is all part of the plan.
© Copyright 2012 Dickinson Wright PLLC
The Sunday Funnies
The National Law Review is pleased to bring you today’s edition of the Sunday Funnies, submitted to us by Kendall M. Gray of Andrews Kurth LLP:
This is why patent lawyers need an appellate lawyer who was an arts and crafts major.
Hat tip to Legally Drawn.
Rainmaker Institutes’s Top Ten Marketing Mistakes
The National Law Review is pleased to bring you information regarding The Rainmaker Institute’s Top Ten Marketing Marketing Mistakes:
Here’s What You’ll Discover When You Read This Free E-book:
♦ How to avoid the top 10 marketing mistakes before they destroy your practice
♦ 3 tools top Rainmakers useto automatically attract more and better clients
♦ Specific keys for building a powerful online presence
♦ How to market and position yourself as a recognized specialist
♦ The 1 thing you must never do when marketing your law firm
♦ The top 2 online resources for small and solo law firm marketing
♦ The advertising secrets they don’t want you to know
♦ …And much, much more!
Chief Litigation Officer Summit Fall 2011 15-17 September 2011, Red Rock Casino, Resort, Spa, Las Vegas, NV
The National Law Review is pleased to announce the Chief Litigation Officer Summit Fall 2011 is taking place on the 15 through 17 of September 2011, Red Rock Casino, Las Vegas, NV.
A Unique Event
The future of litigation will bring new matters, increased competition and a strong need for budget maximization. Employment, IP, product liability, commercial and securities litigation continue to become more complex and therefore more costly. As a Chief Litigation Officer, one of the main challenges is to stay within budget, and tactics such as eDiscovery and specialized outside counsel certainly compound this challenge.
Executives that can find solutions and best practices to work through these challenges will stand out amid a mounting sea of litigation counsel. By employing alternative billing structures, one can allow for fair and accurate budgeting in hopes of maximizing resources, which will help contribute to a successful trial. Skillful planning, organizing and managing of cases is absolutely necessary to stay on top of your game during the trial or deciding on alternative dispute resolution. Enhancing outside counsel relationships through effective communication can greatly increase your odds and assist in dealing with a building case load.
The Chief Litigation Officer Summit provides a unique forum for service providers to gain access to the leading in-house counsel across the nation. Over three days, service providers will meet and interact with the heads of litigation from the country’s leading organizations through a number of one-on-one business meetings and many networking activities. In addition, service providers will attend strategic conference sessions and keynote presentations delivered by these heads of litigation. Within the luxurious settings of The Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, this networking event presents a unique opportunity to develop meaningful and valuable business relations.
marcus evans will seek CLE accreditation in those states requested by registrants which have continuing education requirements. CLE credit hour information will be displayed on the certificate of attendance, which is provided to the attendees after the event has run and once each State has confirmed approval. marcus evans certifies that this activity has been approved for CLE credits by the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Pennsylvania.
Our executive delegation is selected according to the following criteria:
- Scope of Responsibility
- Budget
- Sign-off Authority
- Company Revenue
- Interest in Purchasing Products and Services
Delegates will include decision makers with the job titles of General Counsel Litigation, Assistant General Counsel Litigation, Associate General Counsel, Litigation, Chief Litigation Officer, Vice President, Litigation and Senior Litigation Counsel with ultimate responsibility for litigation within their corporations.
Six Reasons Why You Should Attend the Summit:
-
Attend innovative summit sessions that outline tools to maximize the profitability of your company or organization
-
Network with an executive, focused group of your peers to discuss and debate differentiated strategies and develop future business contacts
-
Meet with leading Solution Providers to gain solutions to your most pressing business challenges
-
Maximize your time spent at the event by pre-selecting Keynote presentations, summit sessions, one-on-one meetings and networking activities through the Secured Summit Web site and scheduling software
-
Extensive opportunities for informal peer networking throughout the weekend through day and evening leisure activities
-
Documentation of presentations and information presented at the Summit via the interactive Web site
Delegate Package
-
Pre-event Secured Web site access for scheduling
-
Executive Summit Program
-
8-10 one-on-one business meetings with Solution Provider executives
-
Post-event Web site access for documentation and information on next event
-
Two nights accommodation at the Resort
-
All meals, receptions & special events
-
Participation in the Summit networking activities
For information on attending as a Delegate, please contact:
Marketing Manager
E: webenquiries@marcusevansbb.com
T: 246 627 3761
Rainmaker Institutes’s Top Ten Marketing Mistakes
The National Law Review is pleased to bring you information regarding The Rainmaker Institute’s Top Ten Marketing Marketing Mistakes:
Here’s What You’ll Discover When You Read This Free E-book:
♦ How to avoid the top 10 marketing mistakes before they destroy your practice
♦ 3 tools top Rainmakers useto automatically attract more and better clients
♦ Specific keys for building a powerful online presence
♦ How to market and position yourself as a recognized specialist
♦ The 1 thing you must never do when marketing your law firm
♦ The top 2 online resources for small and solo law firm marketing
♦ The advertising secrets they don’t want you to know
♦ …And much, much more!
Chief Litigation Officer Summit Fall 2011 15-17 September 2011, Red Rock Casino, Resort, Spa, Las Vegas, NV
The National Law Review is pleased to announce the Chief Litigation Officer Summit Fall 2011 is taking place on the 15 through 17 of September 2011, Red Rock Casino, Las Vegas, NV.
A Unique Event
The future of litigation will bring new matters, increased competition and a strong need for budget maximization. Employment, IP, product liability, commercial and securities litigation continue to become more complex and therefore more costly. As a Chief Litigation Officer, one of the main challenges is to stay within budget, and tactics such as eDiscovery and specialized outside counsel certainly compound this challenge.
Executives that can find solutions and best practices to work through these challenges will stand out amid a mounting sea of litigation counsel. By employing alternative billing structures, one can allow for fair and accurate budgeting in hopes of maximizing resources, which will help contribute to a successful trial. Skillful planning, organizing and managing of cases is absolutely necessary to stay on top of your game during the trial or deciding on alternative dispute resolution. Enhancing outside counsel relationships through effective communication can greatly increase your odds and assist in dealing with a building case load.
The Chief Litigation Officer Summit provides a unique forum for service providers to gain access to the leading in-house counsel across the nation. Over three days, service providers will meet and interact with the heads of litigation from the country’s leading organizations through a number of one-on-one business meetings and many networking activities. In addition, service providers will attend strategic conference sessions and keynote presentations delivered by these heads of litigation. Within the luxurious settings of The Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, this networking event presents a unique opportunity to develop meaningful and valuable business relations.
marcus evans will seek CLE accreditation in those states requested by registrants which have continuing education requirements. CLE credit hour information will be displayed on the certificate of attendance, which is provided to the attendees after the event has run and once each State has confirmed approval. marcus evans certifies that this activity has been approved for CLE credits by the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Pennsylvania.
Our executive delegation is selected according to the following criteria:
- Scope of Responsibility
- Budget
- Sign-off Authority
- Company Revenue
- Interest in Purchasing Products and Services
Delegates will include decision makers with the job titles of General Counsel Litigation, Assistant General Counsel Litigation, Associate General Counsel, Litigation, Chief Litigation Officer, Vice President, Litigation and Senior Litigation Counsel with ultimate responsibility for litigation within their corporations.
Six Reasons Why You Should Attend the Summit:
-
Attend innovative summit sessions that outline tools to maximize the profitability of your company or organization
-
Network with an executive, focused group of your peers to discuss and debate differentiated strategies and develop future business contacts
-
Meet with leading Solution Providers to gain solutions to your most pressing business challenges
-
Maximize your time spent at the event by pre-selecting Keynote presentations, summit sessions, one-on-one meetings and networking activities through the Secured Summit Web site and scheduling software
-
Extensive opportunities for informal peer networking throughout the weekend through day and evening leisure activities
-
Documentation of presentations and information presented at the Summit via the interactive Web site
Delegate Package
-
Pre-event Secured Web site access for scheduling
-
Executive Summit Program
-
8-10 one-on-one business meetings with Solution Provider executives
-
Post-event Web site access for documentation and information on next event
-
Two nights accommodation at the Resort
-
All meals, receptions & special events
-
Participation in the Summit networking activities
For information on attending as a Delegate, please contact:
Marketing Manager
E: webenquiries@marcusevansbb.com
T: 246 627 3761
ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards Luncheon – August 5, 2012
The National Law Review is pleased to bring you information about the upcoming ABA event:
The Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, established by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession in 1991, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women lawyers who have excelled in their field and have paved the way to success for other women lawyers.
2012 Luncheon
Sunday, August 5th – Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
(ABA Annual Meeting)
Honorees
- The Honorable Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of California, Supreme Court of California, San Francisco, CA
- Marcia Devins Greenberger, Co-President, National Women’s Law Center, Washington, DC
- Joan M. Hall, Retired Partner, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago, IL
- Arlinda Locklear, Attorney, Arlinda Locklear Law Office, Washington, DC
- Amy W. Schulman, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Pfizer, President of Pfizer Nutrition, New York, NY
ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards Luncheon – August 5, 2012
The National Law Review is pleased to bring you information about the upcoming ABA event:
The Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, established by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession in 1991, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women lawyers who have excelled in their field and have paved the way to success for other women lawyers.
2012 Luncheon
Sunday, August 5th – Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
(ABA Annual Meeting)
Honorees
- The Honorable Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of California, Supreme Court of California, San Francisco, CA
- Marcia Devins Greenberger, Co-President, National Women’s Law Center, Washington, DC
- Joan M. Hall, Retired Partner, Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago, IL
- Arlinda Locklear, Attorney, Arlinda Locklear Law Office, Washington, DC
- Amy W. Schulman, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Pfizer, President of Pfizer Nutrition, New York, NY