Establishing the best course of action for clients is an invaluable skill, requiring analysis of multiple routes and options – which may sometimes prove challenging! Being able to work under pressure is another essential skill. Decisions that require critical judgment calls will frequently arise; as such, being able to remain calm and reason are both …
No doubt the bar exam can be challenging, but your study efforts and choice of law school can enormously affect your chances of passing. Follow these tips to increase your odds of passing the bar exam on the first attempt: 1. When writing essay answers, utilize IRAC (state the issue, present the rule, apply the …
District attorneys are legal professionals responsible for prosecuting criminal offenders within their respective jurisdictions. Typically, they employ assistant district attorneys and support staff as part of their legal staff team. Most new lawyers begin their legal careers as prosecutors or public defenders, which provides invaluable trial experience that cannot be gained in private practice. Prosecute …
Managing partners have substantial decision-making powers at law firms. Associates and recent law school graduates often aim to become partners. Attorneys may receive salary payments or contingency fees for their legal services. New York courts have struck down contractual provisions that prevent or financially disincentivize lawyers from leaving an old firm to compete directly against …
Firms benefit from having attorneys who act as of counsel for multiple reasons. One such benefit is allowing experienced lawyers who still need more business to become partners to continue practicing in their areas of expertise without worrying about conflicts of interest or vicarious liability issues. However, not all arrangements qualify as of counsel relationships; …
Real estate attorneys specialize in various transactions for their clients, from drafting contracts and conducting closings to charging an hourly rate or having variable fees that depend on several different variables. Sources report that reputable real estate attorneys in NYC reportedly charge over $1,000 an hour. This includes attorneys from firms like Allen & Overy, …
Paralegals assist attorneys by performing legal research and document preparation, such as drafting legal documents, contracts, pleadings, and agreements. In addition, paralegals also prepare and review legal paperwork as well as rewrite existing documentation. However, they cannot represent their clients in court – doing so would constitute the unlicensed practice of law and have serious …
Witnesses may be classified as hostile when their oath testimony differs significantly from what was presented in their pre-trial statement, enabling the lawyer or barrister who called them to use leading questions against them during cross-examination. These questions would usually be prohibited during direct examination; this technique puts hostile witnesses at their most exposed. What …
The managing partner is the face of a law firm and must act as its primary representative in business matters. Working in this capacity often necessitates forgoing billable hours in favor of late nights to early mornings – something many attorneys find difficult. A managing partner acts in the same manner as a chief executive …
As you consider pursuing a legal career, you must be aware that your salary will depend heavily on where you work – private practice graduates tend to enjoy higher pay than those working for governments or serving judicial clerkships. Biglaw firms typically utilize the Cravath scale when setting starting salaries for lawyers in each state. …