The contemporary law practice has fundamentally changed. There has been a power shift from law firms to clients due to economic shifts, the impact of technology, and a leveling of information and metrics. Client focus, understanding, and service are more important than ever. It is clear that recent law graduates need to have an astute comprehension of business fundamentals and appreciation of the business drivers underpinning the practice of law. The Business of Contemporary Law Practices provides students—and practicing attorneys—a solid foundation for understanding, adapting to, and thriving in the world of private or in-house law practice. From business development to human resources to technological platforms, this book will simultaneously build a baseline business-world fluency and inform any reader of the various law firm and non-traditional legal environments many will find themselves in. Professors and students will benefit from: Historical backdrop and orientation to the modern context for the private practice of law Introductory business information including essential vocabulary and financial statement fundamentals An in-depth examination of private practice and in-house legal departments Discussion of emerging business models and technology Enough high-level information to gain an appreciation for unfamiliar subject matter with opportunities for more immersive experience in particular areas of professor expertise and student interest.

This engaging ethnography examines the gendered nature of today's large corporate law firms. Although increasing numbers of women have become lawyers in the past decade, Jennifer Pierce discovers that the double standards and sexist attitudes of legal bureaucracies are a continuing problem for women lawyers and paralegals. Working as a paralegal, Pierce did ethnographic research in two law offices, and her depiction of the legal world is quite unlike the glamorized version seen on television. Pierce tellingly portrays the dilemma that female attorneys face: a woman using tough, aggressive tactics—the ideal combative litigator—is often regarded as brash or even obnoxious by her male colleagues. Yet any lack of toughness would mark her as ineffective. Women paralegals also face a double bind in corporate law firms. While lawyers depend on paralegals for important work, they also expect these women—for most paralegals are women—to nurture them and affirm their superior status in the office hierarchy. Paralegals who mother their bosses experience increasing personal exploitation, while those who do not face criticism and professional sanction. Male paralegals, Pierce finds, do not encounter the same difficulties that female paralegals do. Pierce argues that this gendered division of labor benefits men politically, economically, and personally. However, she finds that women lawyers and paralegals develop creative strategies for resisting and disrupting the male-dominated status quo. Her lively narrative and well-argued analysis will be welcomed by anyone interested in today's gender politics and business culture.

The last ten years have been a period of extraordinary change for law firms. The rapid growth of corporate law firms and the emergence of global mega-firms have strained the traditional partnership model of management. Some managers of law firms are appalled at the creeping 'corporatism' that they fear may result. However a growing number believe that it is time to move on and adopt more contemporary forms of structure and management. In Managing the Modern Law Firm scholars and legal practitioners examine the latest insights from management research, to enable law firms successfully to meet the challenges of this new business environment.

The Great Recession intensified large law firms’ emphasis on financial performance, leading to claims that lawyers in these firms were now guided by business rather than professional values. Based on interviews with more than 250 partners in large firms, Mitt Regan and Lisa H. Rohrer suggest that the reality is much more complex. It is true that large firm hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination policies are more influenced by business considerations than ever before and that firms actively recruit profitable partners from other firms to replace those they regard as unproductive. At the same time, law firm partners continue to seek the non-financial rewards of being members of a distinct profession and are sensitive to whether their firms are committed to providing them. Regan and Rohrer argue that modern firms responding effectively to business demands while credibly affirming the importance of non-financial professional values can create strong cultures that enhance their ability to weather the storms of the modern legal market.

The purchase of this ebook edition does not entitle you to receive access to the Connected eBook with Study Center on CasebookConnect. You will need to purchase courseware to get access to the full experience, including: lifetime access to the online ebook with highlight, annotation, and search capabilities; practice questions; an outline tool and other helpful resources. Contemporary Business Law offers a focused, direct, and practical treatment of business topics written with today’s student in mind. Experienced authors C. Kerry Fields and Kevin Fields offer a readable overview of business law grounded in the day-to-day application of the topics in the real world. With a blend of legal theory and practical managerial applications, the book expertly covers all the key topics in an engaging and readable format. An accessible writing style combined with thoughtful pedagogy make this text ideal for undergraduate students. Each chapter includes well-edited cases that highlight key legal concepts and integrate ethical considerations. Plentiful examples show students the practical applications of the law. Managerial Applications and thoughtful exercises encourage critical thinking. In addition, students will benefit from features such as chapter outlines, learning objectives, key terms in bold and defined in the text, concept summaries, and chapter summaries. Professors and student will benefit from: Coverage of all the substantive areas required for both a one- and two-semester business law curriculum. The book complies with AACSB accreditation standards. Ethics questions included throughout the text to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Practical approach of the book, written with the student in mind, keeping legal theory to a minimum and introducing concepts in the context of actual business practice. Excellent pedagogy and well-edited cases. Ample exercises that offer opportunities for students to apply what they have learned.

Practical and engaging introduction to Law Office Management for paralegals. Features: Comprehensive overview of the basics of law office management in today's legal environment. Features real-world examples of law office management issues faced in the law office today. Includes helpful vocabulary, constructive discussion starters, and useful case excerpts underscoring core concepts. All of these help instructor's engage students with the material. Discussion questions and case studies are provided at the end of each chapter to reinforce the material. Each chapter includes review checklists and additional resources to help students master the concepts. Students are taught the ethical requirements of the legal business but are also challenged to understand their real-world underpinnings. New to the Second Edition: Updated to reflect changes in the legal profession as clients demand economically viable solutions and technology increasingly allows lawyers to provide them Coverage of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in Chapter 5. Coverage of sustainability in facility management in Chapter 6 More focus on developing demonstrable skills useful in law office management, in the legal field, and beyond Greater emphasis on client relationship management and legal project management by all members of the legal team Career preparation tips in every chapter Chapter outcomes added to the beginning of every chapter Coverage of texts and instant messaging in Chapter 7 New section on Marketing the Law Firm in Chapter 8 Enhanced discussion of social media and its usefulness in law firm marketing

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