Michael P. Maslanka

February 27, 2012 | Texas Lawyer

Most law students and new lawyers know it's critical to have a mentor, but how can they find one? Lawyers are busy, the economy is bad, and it's easy to feel adrift. Michael P. Maslanka, who says he spends a fair amount of time with 3Ls and new lawyers seeking counsel on their careers, shares what new and aspiring lawyers need to know, without a bunch of fluff that doesn't add value.

By Michael P. Maslanka

6 minute read

May 02, 2003 | Law.com

Firms often are oblivious to the law when it applies to them. And that's not surprising given its intricacies, especially laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, which determines who is eligible for overtime pay. Hopefully, the new regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in a simpler set of rules for employers -- especially law firms.

By Michael P. Maslanka and Candice Evalenko

8 minute read

October 01, 2012 | Texas Lawyer

The stars are coming into alignment for a cert grant at the U.S. Supreme Court on a statute of interest to all employers: the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), which contains civil and criminal penalties when someone accesses a person's computer "without authorization or exceeds authorized access. . . ."

By Michael P. Maslanka

5 minute read

May 21, 2013 | Texas Lawyer

A business is not a charity. But if someone wants to leave early, let him, and pay him for the day, even if he does not work the full day. He always will remember.

By Michael P. Maslanka

4 minute read

May 12, 2008 | National Law Journal

General counsel are tagged as custodians of their companies' most crucial, yet most sensitive and volatile asset: its employees. It's a person you get, and if you believe people are of value, then the question becomes how to go about managing, motivating, and inspiring them—and, just as important, learning how to unlock their embedded value. Here's a guide on the do's and don'ts to reach that goal.

By Michael P. Maslanka

8 minute read

March 08, 2012 | Texas Lawyer

Michael P. Maslanka celebrated his 30th anniversary as a lawyer in 2011. He offers 10 insights he has learned over the years. He starts with "get the facts" and concludes with "recognize the limits of control." He illustrates the point that "hierarchy kills" with a discussion about how counsel should eliminate hierarchy and embrace open expression.

By Michael P. Maslanka

7 minute read

February 29, 2012 | Law.com

How can law students and new lawyers find mentors? In the first of a series of columns, managing partner Michael P. Maslanka, who has counseled up-and-coming lawyers on their careers, presents five things one should do when approaching a prospective mentor for guidance.

By Michael P. Maslanka

6 minute read

February 06, 2012 | Texas Lawyer

Lawyers know the big speeches in American history: Franklin Delano Roosevelt declaring a "date that will live in infamy," Abraham Lincoln consecrating the ground at Gettysburg and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. urging racial equality at the Lincoln Memorial. But Michael P. Maslanka writes that there are lesser-known speeches that teach legal-department leaders valuable lessons, in the workplace and in life.

By Michael P. Maslanka

7 minute read

December 09, 2002 | Law.com

Well, we've fought our way through yet another year -- the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, the pretty and the not so pretty. So what did the year bring general counsel when it comes to work matters? And what might 2003 hold? Commentary from Michael P. Maslanka and Burton D. Brillhart.

By Michael P. Maslanka and Burton D. Brillhart

10 minute read

March 15, 2002 | Law.com

In-house counsel are increasingly being asked to guide and even be arbiters of workplace ethics. This responsibility is especially nettlesome because in-house counsel must address the needs of several constituencies -- employees, owners, shareholders, executives, the public and the press. Here's a framework to help you balance these often competing needs.

By Michael P. Maslanka and Theresa M. Gegen

10 minute read