As Cravath Kicks off Bonus Season, Will Clients Disapprove? Nov 3, 2009
Legal observers said there is little surprise though that bonuses are down in the current economy, which has seen layoffs at law firms throughout the city and a drop in demand from clients for legal services. "Recognize that there's been a major shift based on the economic situation," said Sheri Michaels, leader of the associate practice at recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa. (Law.com)
Board may be headed back to N.C. Supreme Court Nov 3, 2009
The clinic, based at Duke University in Durham, provides free legal services to low-income families in cases that involve education and other issues affecting children. In the majority opinion, Judge Ann Marie Calabria wrote, (T)he legislature has decreed that each local board of education shall establish at least one alternative learning program and shall adopt guidelines for assigning students to alternative learning programs. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Legal services' merger completed Nov 3, 2009
for free extra services. Monday, November 2, 2009, 2:52pm EST. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Kennedy named to law network board Nov 3, 2009
The network provides a full range of legal services to clients all over the world. Martin Pringle has been a TAGLaw member since 2001. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Amid epidemic of foreclosures, a crying need for legal aid Nov 3, 2009
This is far and away the worst crisis we have ever faced, said Robert Sable, the executive director of Greater Boston Legal Services, which has cut its paralegal and attorney staff by 15 percent since January. Legal aid for the poor is not only a moral priority, but makes fiscal sense. (Boston Globe)
Help without objection Nov 1, 2009
A paralegal student at Casper College, Terpening must take four clients through the college's Legal Services program before she can graduate ... Students perform paralegal duties under the supervision of the attorney, Legal Services' attorney Craig Silva and instructor Mary Kubichek ... Legal Services matches the client with an attorney, who meets with the client and, if he or she accepts the case, assigns work to the paralegal student. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Editorial Those near foreclosure need law on their side Nov 1, 2009
But the state could also lobby Washington to lift the onerous federal funding restrictions on the Legal Services Corp. (The corporation is the major source of federal funding for civil counsel for the poor. These restrictions have tied many legal clinics' hands, and lifting them wouldn't cost taxpayers a dime. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Kids Found Working on Mich. Fruit Grower's Fields Oct 31, 2009
Thomas K. Thornburg, co-managing attorney of Farmworker Legal Services, said labor law violations are rampant among farms that use migrant workers. "This isn't one abusive employer," he said. (Fox News)
Get the latest on Gov. Crist Oct 31, 2009
4 million for consultants, $450,996 for legal services, $214,632 for lodging and $143,232 for meals over a nearly two-year period. Carter can t be blamed for wanting the FPL case, sidetracked by what he called shenanigans over allegations of conflicts of interest, to come to a halt. (The Palm Beach Post)
Getting to know all about you Oct 31, 2009
But it would be years before West and other alumni from the year of '99 - including the IT entrepreneur Jonathon Wolfe, a pioneer in internet development, and the Legal Services commissioner Steve Mark - found a way to "give back". That pursuit had occupied their conversations over many post-program dinners. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
At Risk of Mutilation Oct 31, 2009
"Claims based on gender oppression have not been recognized as a basis for asylum," says Nancy Kelly, directing attorney of the Women's Refugee Project, a joint program of Harvard Law School and Cambridge and Somerville (Massachusetts) Legal Services. "Harm that is done to women is seen as a personal, private or cultural matter. Genital mutilation has not been seen as a type of harm." The feminist mainstream has been particularly galvanized by the highly personalized documentary film and book on... (Time.com)
You and the Law: Having a lawyer on a monthly retainer Oct 31, 2009
Together, the client and attorney should agree upon the scope of the legal services the business will need. The retainer is based on the number of expected hours the attorney will devote to those services. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Lawyers 'exploit' legal aid cash Oct 30, 2009
The NAO wants the Legal Services Commission to tighten its payment procedures and punish guilty lawyers ... He said: "A significant sum of taxpayers' money is being paid to solicitors in error. "The Legal Services Commission needs to build on its existing efforts to tighten its controls on payments to solicitors and on how it monitors the eligibility of cases supported by legal aid. (BBC News -- UK)
Gates makes $4M in community grants Oct 30, 2009
The centers serve low-income households in the state, 80 percent of which require legal services but cannot afford them, according to the foundation. Traditional revenue streams for civil legal aid service have diminished in recent years, said Jorge Bar;n, executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle, which serves populations statewide. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Gates Foundation grants $3 million to legal aid offices Oct 30, 2009
The Seattle-based foundation has pledged to give 3 million during the next three years to 26 offices that provide legal services to low-income people ... All 50 states have some form of a law that earmarks such money for legal services for the poor. (Longview Daily News, WA)
New housing for grandparents Oct 30, 2009
The ground floor of the new structure would not have any residential units, rather it would contain a network of social support services, which will be operated by GEAR and include the following programs: parenting classes, respite care, counseling and support groups, a summer program for children, stress reduction and exercise classes, after-school tutoring and referral of medical and legal services. In addition, the building would feature handrails in hallways and bathrooms, full handicapped... (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Hearing delayed for woman accused of embezzlement Oct 30, 2009
She allegedly kept the money without providing further legal services to these clients. Among the list of alleged embezzlement charges, an investigative auditor contends that Wylie took about 47,000 from Sweeney in unauthorized pay, reimbursements to herself, cash refunds to clients and other transactions from December 2004 to April 2008, according to the affidavit. (Montana Standard, MT)
8 On Your Side Fair | Nov 3rd Oct 30, 2009
Nevada Legal Services. Nevada Office of Veterans Services. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
R.I. considers closing prostitution loophole Oct 30, 2009
It s difficult to support a law that lumps victims in essentially the same category as offenders, said Laura Pisaturo, director of advocacy and legal services for Day One, which helps victims of sexual abuse. Her organization would support a law that jailed customers but not prostitutes, she said. (Boston Globe)
Project Homeless Connect turns 5 in S.F. Oct 30, 2009
On Wednesday morning, the project's fifth anniversary, homeless people waited in a line that snaked down Grove Street for their chance to sign up for housing, medical and legal services as well as have their wheelchairs fixed, their hair cut, their shoulders massaged, their HIV status tested and their eyes examined. They could sit for a portrait session with a photographer, use construction paper and markers to craft a card to send to relatives, get their California identification card and talk... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Telkom charges stack up, firm says not guilty Oct 30, 2009
"We are going to challenge the commission's jurisdiction, as we believe the Independent Communications Authority of SA is our regulator and the appropriate authority on pricing issues in this industry" said Anthony Klopper, the group executive of legal services at Telkom. Klopper was responding to the commission's announcement that it had referred its findings of abuse of dominance against Telkom to the Competition Tribunal, and had asked the tribunal to levy an administrative penalty of 10... (Business Report, South Africa)
Before They Take Your Home Oct 29, 2009
Whats unusual about Ms. McCaslins story is not that she was the victim of abusive lending practicesthe targeting of poor minority communities for abusive and illegal lending practices has been well documentedbut that she was able to secure legal help, in this instance from a legal services organization providing free legal help for the poor ... For over a decade, the legal services bar has been severely compromised in its ability to assist the poor first because of the failures at... (Slate)
Former Toyota Attorney Complains the Automaker Hounded Him Oct 29, 2009
Biller, who was national managing counsel in the legal services group in charge of Toyota's rollover crash litigation between 2003 until his resignation in 2007, on July 24 against Toyota Motor Sales, its parent corporation, Toyota Motor Corp., and several in-house attorneys, claiming that Toyota hid or destroyed evidence that he felt he was "ethically and legally obligated to turn over.". The suit, which also asserts wrongful termination, threatens to reopen personal injury suits brought... (Law.com)
Dave Ramsey: Do I need pre-paid legal? Oct 29, 2009
They d be handing out more in legal services than they receive in fees ... That way, you ll have the money to pay for legal services should the need arise. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Wyo should help fund legal services for poor Oct 29, 2009
Yet it doesn't spend a dime to provide legal services to the poor in civil matters, instead relying solely on federal dollars ... For more than four decades, Wyoming Legal Services, a private, nonprofit organization, provided services to the poor through a grant from the federal Legal Services Corporation ... But in October 2008, after complaints from the agency about not adhering to LSC regulations and grant requirements, Wyoming Legal Services relinquished its $660,000 annual federal grant. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
United Way fundraiser at midpoint Oct 29, 2009
Another member agency, Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland Counties has seen a 28 percent increase in need for some of their services since last year; MidPenn Legal Services has seen a 23 percent increase in request for services; Carlisle CARES, the local emergency shelter, served 78 additional people; and the Salvation Army, which provides no-cost meals through My Brothers Table, served 60,000 meals, a 25 percent increase over last year. While some may find it hard to give this year, we... (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
People on the Move: Oct. 26 Oct 29, 2009
He will lead the firm s efforts to coordinate the e-discovery, digital forensics, bankruptcy/restructuring, forensic accounting, document review, and damages analysis services it provides to clients in the D.C. legal services market. Prior to joining UHY Advisors, McNamara was a consultant at eMag Solutions and was previously a government accounts manager at Superior Glacier. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Full Story » Oct 28, 2009
Cosner r has provided legal services in Central Jersey for over 30 years. We specialize in family law, divorce, elder law, bankruptcy, real estate and more. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
> Federal student loan program gives breaks to public service attorneys Oct 28, 2009
While a new associate at a major private firm can expect a salary as high as six figures, the median entry-level salary for an attorney from the class of 2008 at a civil legal services organization was $40,000, according to Equal Justice Works, and $41,000 for attorneys in public interest organizations dealing with immigrant or civil rights issues. The median entry-level salary was $47,400 for public defenders and $47,800 for state and local prosecuting attorneys. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Lawyers recognize pro bono week Oct 27, 2009
Our goal is to be available to offer free legal services to those with low income who qualify. State Bar President Thomas J. Methvin of Montgomery said the act of providing fee legal services can help improve the state of Alabama ... Lawyers in each of the state s 42 judicial circuits will participate in events like conducting free legal clinics offering advice and counsel in areas such as elder and family law; discussing with community and civic groups the critical need for the Legislature to... (Brewton Standard, AL)
Flextime Among the New Criteria for Clients' Evaluation of Law Firms Oct 27, 2009
The panelists and participants talked about how to share risks with outside firms in alternative billing arrangements, using flat fees for projects or categories of legal services and using lower-cost alternatives such as boutiques, solos and associates. Kenneth Grady, general counsel at shoe maker Wolverine World Wide Inc., said in-house lawyers need to figure out what's valuable to them and structure the relationship accordingly. (Law.com)
Lloyds Said to Gauge Investor Interest in $37 Billion Investment Package Oct 26, 2009
LDC is competing with Intermediate Capital Group Plc for the patent and legal services group and final bids are due next month, the FT said. Calls by Bloomberg News to the mobile telephones of Lloyds spokesmen and were not immediately returned. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Dok Harris runs for mayor as his own man Oct 26, 2009
He currently works for his father's food company, Super Bakery, and, while earning joint business and law degrees last year at Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, volunteered to give free legal services to startup business owners. Before returning to Pittsburgh in 2004, he worked for three years for Capital One Financial Corp. in Washington D.C., designing credit card plans that let card holders save money for college, or earn better credit through volunteering and other good... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Advocates push for free legal aid services Oct 26, 2009
The commission was established by order of Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Barton Voigt on Dec. 16, 2008, about two months after Wyoming Legal Services (WLS) shut down. A private non-profit organization, WLS had been the primary provider of legal services to Wyoming's low-income population for decades ... The decision to relinquish its federal grant came after the Government Accountability Office and the Legal Services Corporation's Office of Compliance and Enforcement said the Wyoming... (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Community leader wins award for helping other women Oct 26, 2009
But Edda Serrano, an attorney with Central Florida Legal Services, and Janet Martinez, a DeLand tax attorney, said the community leader earned the award. That is why they nominated her. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Legislators May Meet On Override Oct 25, 2009
Besides the closing of the courthouses, the cuts would force the judicial branch to substantially reduce the $750,000 that goes to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and eliminate a plan for a $500,000 program for legal services to the poor. Funding for domestic violence, legal, and children's services in the courts would be reduced by nearly $1 million. (FOX61, CT)
Lee homeowners facing foreclosure invited to community forum Oct 24, 2009
Participants include: Lee County Clerk of Court, Lee County Sheriffs Office, Florida Attorney Generals Office, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (division of real estate), Florida Department of Financial Services (division of insurance fraud), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Bar, Florida Rural Legal Services, State Attorney for the 20th Circuit and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Space is limited. (The News-Press -- Business)
Student stunned by Eugene police seeks legal aid Oct 24, 2009
Ilona Koleszar, ASUO's legal services director, confirmed her office is working with the students, but declined to say whether a lawsuit is in the works, The Register-Guard newspaper reported Friday. "We are assisting them," Koleszar said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Legislative forum discusses charter Oct 24, 2009
The move would streamline costs for several duplicative processes already being conducted in the county government, Miller said, including payroll and legal services. Then, the money for those would go back to roads. (Shelby Twp Advisor & Source, MI)
Why are the numbers up? Oct 24, 2009
The gradual rise in number of Indian nationals being held in jails abroad corresponds with growing criticism regarding the role of missions which are expected to liaise and arrange legal services for prisoners ... The gradual rise in number of Indian nationals being held in jails abroad corresponds with growing criticism regarding the role of missions which are expected to liaise and arrange legal services for prisoners. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Calif. Campaign Against Loan Modification Misconduct Claims 3 Attorneys' Licenses Oct 23, 2009
In recent months, Parsa has been advertising his legal services to help homeowners facing foreclosure modify their mortgage loans, the Bar said. An e-mail to the Parsa Law Group was not returned. (Law.com)
WilmerHale Lays Off 57 Staff Oct 23, 2009
In a statement, co-managing partners William Lee and William Perlstein said, "Following a careful review, we have decided to reduce the number of support staff in four of our offices. Our decision to realign overall staffing levels better positions us to respond to a changed business landscape and provide the highest quality legal services in a more cost-effective manner.". The layoffs at the 975-lawyer firm were first reported by Above the Law. (Law.com)
School board goes to school to explore the opportunities Oct 22, 2009
This can range from companies that supply busses, legal services, architectural firms, construction companies, learning software, or energy savings consultants. You can see almost every aspect of a school district represented on the exhibit hall floor in some manner. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Texas legal legend "Racehorse Haynes"accused of ethics violations Oct 22, 2009
The legal services contract also included compensation for retired District Judge John V. Singleton who brought the case to Haynes and served as a legal consultant. But the allegations of conflict of interest involve Haynes and a second attorney: Walter A. Boyd III.. (KHOU.com, TX)
Hiring a Trademark Lawyer Oct 22, 2009
To have the most effective and efficient experience with a trademark lawyer, it is important to have a basic understanding of trademark law, and a clear expectation of the attorney legal services offered ... To find a trademark lawyer, it is important to spend the time to research potential candidates, instead of simply answering an advertisement or picking a random intellectual property lawyer from an attorney legal services listing ... What Attorney Legal Services to Expect for Trademark... (Suite101.com)
Amnesty Internation sponsors talk on illegal detention Oct 22, 2009
Since 1989, its staff and pro bono attorneys have provided legal services to clients who have come to the United States from more than 90 countries. Also speaking will be Luis, who came to this country years ago to escape the violence in his native Nicaragua and immediately applied for asylum. (Concord Journal, MA)
US jury awards $14m to Drumgold Oct 22, 2009
Leslie Walker, executive director of Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services, said she defended Drumgold in a minor drug case in the mid-1980s when she was an assistant public defender and he was a teenager. He was a bit lost, Walker said yesterday, but he was not somebody who was going to wield a weapon and shoot a little girl off a mailbox. (Boston Globe)
Ludacris Is the Latest Rapper Sued Over Legal Bills Oct 22, 2009
Ludacris -- who has sold more than 24 million records worldwide and is a successful actor -- ignored invoices for his mounting expenses for legal services rendered between March 2008 and April 2009, according to a complaint filed in Fulton County, Ga. Superior Court. (Law.com)
City, county collaborate on homeless program Oct 21, 2009
Funds will be used to provide short-term and medium-term rental assistance, payment of security and utility deposits, moving costs, and motel vouchers, as well as financial counseling, credit repair and legal services ... In addition, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Call Center and Homeless Management Information Systems, Neighborhood Legal Services, Three Rivers Communities-Apartment Search Locator, and Three Rivers Communities-Housing Quality Inspections will assist the city... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
State will pay for poor plaintiffs' lawyers Oct 21, 2009
"Our Constitution guarantees people equal access to justice, but it is a completely false promise" without access to legal help, said Feuer, former director of Bet Tzedek Legal Services in Los Angeles. He said studies have consistently shown that "one with a lawyer almost always wins if the other is unrepresented.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Dont Accept Gifts. They Are Bribes. Oct 21, 2009
He was Director of Legal Services at the Ministry of Finance. Any loose end of the contract could be knotted or tied up on his advice. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NSCC holds forum on tolerance, hope Oct 21, 2009
Attendees can learn about services and resources available for jobs or unemployment, transitional assistance, physical and mental health management, debt relief and legal services. Info on NSCC enrollment and admissions services, disability information and more will also be available. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Milan “Mike’’ Miskovsky, 83; helped resolve hostage cases Oct 20, 2009
Mr. Miskovsky, who attended Mass every day, helped establish the Archdiocesan Legal Network, providing free legal services to the poor in the Washington Archdiocese. He was chairman of the boards of Gonzaga College High School and Georgetown University s Woodstock Theological Center and a member of the board of Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. (Boston Globe)
Editorial: UPUA primed to expand reach Oct 20, 2009
His ideas for the university -- including the medical amnesty program, legal services and the sexual assault awareness campaign -- have been progressive and sincere. We encourage the continuation of their planning and implementation. (Daily Collegian, PA)
At your service Oct 19, 2009
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: For those unable to afford adequate legal counsel in non-criminal matters. 386-258-5600 (Daytona Beach area); 800-363-2357 (West and Southeast Volusia); and 800-405-1417 (Flagler County). (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
An I told you so? Plus, TIF tiff grows Oct 19, 2009
District Attorney Phil Haney can say, I told you so, about accusations he had broken the law related to culverts installed on his private property, and that fees his office is charging local governmental bodies for legal services were somehow improper. Someone or some group sent anonymous e-mails and hosts a Web site alleging Haney has acted improperly. (New Iberia, LA)
'The beginning of the worst' Oct 19, 2009
Although Budenske, an attorney, quit working for Legal Services 10 years ago, many people still call the Poverty Resistance office seeking legal advice. The lack of any Legal Services in the state, she said, is a hindrance for people who lose their jobs and encounter barriers in getting help while also trying to cope with aggressive debt collectors ... Budenske said she always has believed that Legal Services is essential to getting people out of poverty. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
TEE center plan cries out for more scrutiny Oct 18, 2009
The public also may be interested in which board members provide services to these businesses, such as accounting and legal services. Clearly the public would be looking for assurances that these members of the board and members of the committee have avoided a conflict of interest by not participating in the TEE center discussions and/or voting on any of the matters directly related to the center, its proposed location, its financing, its management contract, etc. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Sack Ato Quarshie -K. Baako Oct 18, 2009
Dr. Yankey, who was the director of legal services at the Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Amadu Seidu, Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways at the time and his boss Dr. Quarshie received 15000, 10000 and 55000 respectively. Their shares of the booty were paid into their various foreign accounts in London. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Lawyer Charged With Lying About Knowledge of 'Pump and Dump' Scheme Oct 17, 2009
"This matter relates to Bob's personal activities and does not involve any legal services performed by any member or employee of our firm," Rosenblatt said. Criminal informations are generally filed when a defendant has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors. (Law.com)
Visclosky, Facing PMA Probe, Pays $100,000 in Legal Fees Oct 17, 2009
reported little or no payment for legal services in the current cycle. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Murtha, Moran and Visclosky, also a Defense appropriator, received about $4. (Roll Call)
School Committee seeks AGs help with Feoffees Oct 16, 2009
After a long debate on Article 5 on the Special Town Meeting Warrant the School Committee remained divided about the town appropriating $100,000 to pay for legal services associated with moving the Feoffee Land Trust to probate court to modify the agreement. Special Town Meeting voters will make a decision on this Monday, Oct. 19. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Alban Bagbin and NDC Swindling and Wasting Ghana's Time? Oct 16, 2009
A 9 Oct 09 report says that Mr. Bagbin is now an advocate of Legislative and Legal Services (in Parliament) to take care of minor legal and social issues confronting the House That is a most bizarre proposition. Our sense is, "adults" like Mr. Bagbin cannot handle issues even when they are at the head of the table. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Foley & Lardner Cuts 39 Lawyers Oct 16, 2009
Chairman Ralf-Reinhard Boer told the newspaper that a decreased demand from clients for legal services was the reason for the layoffs. Above the Law last week. (Law.com)
County approves Collins legal services contract Oct 16, 2009
County approves Collins legal services contract ... Collins legal services contract for the county was approved at the meeting ... At the meeting, the commission approved a legal services contract with Randolph Marshall Collins. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
