Commentary

The American Lawyer | Commentary

Reed Smith Is Ballsy. Plus: Ex-Big Law Associate Is Candidate for 'Her Wickedness'

By Vivia Chen | June 20, 2018

You have to hand it to the firm for openly admitting that it won't be joining the Big Law flock in upping associate salary. Also, UVA law grad makes Trump proud.

Law.com | Commentary

Prospering in the 'New Normal'

By J. Mark Santiago | June 15, 2018

Raising Costs and Declining Demand are Sapping Profits

The “New Normal” of today is one in which raising operating costs, associate salary increases, and reduced realization rates coupled with AFAs and demands from corporate counsel for reduced rates are sapping firm profits and there is no relief on the horizon. Law firm leaders, seeing current conditions, should be asking if there is a better way.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

The Keys to Putting Together a Decent Proposal

By Kevin L. Sullivan and Maxine Wilson | June 14, 2018

When responding to a request for proposal, ask yourself some tough questions before taking action.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

Yes, White Men Can Apply Too

By Vivia Chen | June 13, 2018

Boston-based Brown Rudnick just debuted a diversity fellowship open to all 1Ls who are the first in their family to go to college.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

Law and Lemmings: Associate Salary Increases Are a Mass Act of Self-Harm

By Hugh A. Simons | June 12, 2018

By matching Milbank's pay raise, firms in the middle of the Am Law 200 are paving a path to ruin.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

This Firm Has Gender, Diversity Problems. But It Isn't Hiding Them.

By Vivia Chen | June 8, 2018

Dickinson Wright says it's determined to make progress following a report by the University of Michigan that shed light on its numbers.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

This is an Awesome Time to be a Big Law Associate—Not!

By Vivia Chen | June 5, 2018

Too much upbeat news makes The Careerist skittish. And there's plenty out there right now for young lawyers.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

We Need an Open Dialogue on Mental Health in the Law

By The Young Lawyer Editorial Board | June 1, 2018

The numbers are striking, and the concern is real. The legal industry needs to address lawyers' mental well-being.

The American Lawyer | Commentary

If We Want Gender Equity, It's Time for Quotas

By Vivia Chen | May 31, 2018

Clients don't seem eager to help break the chain. More forceful measures are needed.

Law.com | Commentary

What Clients Really Want From Outside Counsel

By Lean Adviser Legal | May 31, 2018

It doesn't take a magic formula or a lengthy pitch to impress clients, just master these five fundamentals.