Peter Vaira

November 12, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

Members of the litigation bar are aware of the rising hourly rate for major law firm partners; however, even experienced trial partners in the bar are somewhat shocked at the new rates. So are the clients, who continue to pay them.

By Peter Vaira

4 minute read

September 17, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

Note taking by jurors is well accepted by most courts with some limited instructions by the trial judge. The practice of permitting jurors to question trial witnesses has received limited acceptance by the courts.

By Peter Vaira

6 minute read

July 09, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

A career in each of the services offers legal disciplines a lawyer would find in any major law firm in the country. The difference is that there is no emphasis on hours billed, but on the quality of work performed and leadership skills developed.

By Peter Vaira

7 minute read

May 07, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

What does it mean to operating a law firm. Law firms operate every day on the receipt of information from investigators, from commercial institutions, opinions by experts, and memos by partners and associates, and most importantly, briefs and memoranda from opposing counsel in active litigation. Given the growing use of AI, how do the firms deal with the information received on a practical basis?

By Peter Vaira

5 minute read

March 05, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

This column deals with advice to a civil practitioner whose client has received a federal or a Pennsylvania state grand jury subpoena. This is a complicated subject.

By Peter Vaira

8 minute read

January 09, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

Contributor Peter Vaira suggests three areas that the practicing bar, in conjunction with state and federal government leaders, should address in 2024.

By Peter Vaira

5 minute read

November 13, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

As with most major changes in industry or professional practices, there are many effects, some good, some troublesome. What is important to recognize is that with many mergers, the operation of the legal profession is different than 20 years ago.

By Peter Vaira

7 minute read

September 18, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

Lawyers, as a general rule, are not good interviewers. This important skill is vastly overlooked in law school training or in-house training at a law firm.

By Peter Vaira

7 minute read

July 10, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

News reports of decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court usually contain a discussion of the votes of the conservative and liberal members of the court, implying the court decision goes along political lines.

By Peter Vaira

8 minute read

May 08, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

A recent book by Thomas L. Dybdahl, "When Innocence is Not Enough," published by The New Press, N.Y. 2023, gives a critical evaluation of the process.

By Peter Vaira

7 minute read