The Practice: Who’s the Idiot That Invented Three Name Referrals?
Brian Tannebaum want to know when lawyers will stop using opportunities to give referrals as a panicked strategy of covering their asses. You know what he’s talking about — the “three names” idiocy? He...
View ArticleHouse Rules: Risk / Reward
I’m writing this wearing my new bifocals. They take some getting used to after years of regular glasses and contacts. But, after watching me examine small print like I was Mr. Magoo, my wife convinced...
View ArticleMoonlighting: Why You Should Be a Big Softie at Work
Everyone talks about how soft skills are important for success. Soft skills, also referred to as people skills, EQ, et cetera, are key to influence, persuasion, karaoke smack-talk, and many other...
View ArticleThe Practice: How Much Money Can You Make at a Small Law Firm?
Brian Tannebaum knows when you call him, when you come to his office to discuss the “possibility of leaving,” that it’s the only thing on your mind. Sure, you want your name on the door, more freedom,...
View ArticleMoonlighting: Soft Skill Strategies That Aren’t Too Hard
Last week, we looked at why lawyers need soft skills and noted that there’s a general lack of this kind of training for them. Today, we’ll consider some strategies for learning to play nice in the...
View ArticleInside Straight: You Are Not A Potted Plant!
First, a shameless plug. Then, back to business. I’ll be giving my “book talk” about The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law at The University of Michigan Law School on Monday, March 5, and again at...
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Benchslap of the Day: Judge Easterbrook Benchslaps Biglaw
Lately the Seventh Circuit has been laying down its pimp hand. Biglaw just got a big benchslap — from none other than Chief Judge Easterbrook. Which firm incurred His Honor’s wrath, and for what...
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Inside Straight: On Being ‘Light’
How do you keep a client (or a boss) happy? Be “light.” What does it mean to be light? Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: Advice, Biglaw, Career Advice,...
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Benchslap of the Day: You Can’t Fight City Hall (or Adverse Precedent)
How should you handle adverse precedent when litigating an appeal? The Tenth Circuit has some thoughts on what you should NOT do…. Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on...
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Inside Straight: Breakfast With Easterbrook
Litigators, how should you NOT open a brief? Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: 7th Circuit, Advice, Appellate Advocacy, Appellate Law, Brief Writing,...
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Inside Straight: Did We Win?
Some advice on communicating with your client, from in-house columnist Mark Herrmann. Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: Advice, Biglaw, Career Advice,...
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Inside Straight: What Drives Partners Nuts?
Things that associates do that drive law firm partners nuts — plus the in-house analogues to those things…. Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: Advice,...
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Inside Straight: How To Drive Associates Nuts!
In a follow-up to his highly popular “what drives partners nuts” post, in-house columnist (and former Biglaw partner) Mark Herrmann describes what drives associates crazy. If you’re a masochistic...
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Moonlighting: I Need This ASAP!
What’s the best way to handle “ASAP” requests as a lawyer? Thoughts from in-house columnist Susan Moon… Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: ASAP...
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House Rules: Nothing Less Forgivable
As an in-house attorney, you must always be on both sides of the field — offense as well as defense. David Mowry explains why… Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on...
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The Practice: Other Things Essential to Your Law Practice — People
Here’s a list of people that have been important in small-firm columnist Brian Tannebaum’s practice. Perhaps it will be helpful to you… Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan...
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House Rules: Spinning
How can you avoid “spinning” in your daily life as a lawyer? Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: David Mowry, House Rules, In-house, In-House Counsel,...
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Moonlighting: How Do You Know If You’re A Bad Lawyer?
What are some signs that you may be a below average lawyer? Insights from in-house columnist Susan Moon… Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: Astonishing...
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The Practice: Client Control, Before It’s Out Of Control
As lawyers, we often look past obvious signals when we’re about to get a new client. Here’s some advice from small-firm columnist Brian Tannebaum on how to control client behavior before it gets out of...
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Moonlighting: Executive Presence
What is executive presence and how can you acquire it? Insights from in-house columnist Susan Moon. Continue reading »Follow Above the Law on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.Tags: Body Language,...
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