Morning Docket: 02.21.25 - Above the LawLegal certification of AI tools by Linklaters signifies a major shift in the legal landscape.McDermott becomes the second firm to cross the $2B revenue mark, illustrating growth in the legal industry.
Exciting News: Biglaw Firm Showers Associates With Special Spring Bonuses - Above the LawKnobbe Martens announces special bonuses for attorneys, reflecting appreciation and growth in business.
Biglaw 2024: Still Billing, Still Thriving, Still Unapologetically Expensive - Above the LawDespite economic concerns, law firms experienced significant revenue growth primarily due to rising billing rates and improved productivity.
The Law Firms We Lost In 2024In 2024, the number of law firms with over 100 attorneys dissolving increased, signaling industry challenges.
How the world's 'most-feared' law firm uses flexible work policies to lure its attorneys to the officeQuinn Emanuel's redesign emphasizes a relaxed office vibe to enhance onsite work appeal amid a progressive 'work-from-anywhere' policy.
Biglaw, Big Changes: Partners With 'Different Leadership Skills' Take The Reins At Top FirmsLaw firms are seeking leaders who excel in management and adaptability in the face of rapid industry changes.
Firm Yet Again Hands Out Patently Huge Bonuses To Stay Ahead Of The MarketIrell & Manella utilizes competitive bonus structures to attract and retain top legal talent in high-stakes litigation.
Exciting News: Biglaw Firm Showers Associates With Special Spring Bonuses - Above the LawKnobbe Martens announces special bonuses for attorneys, reflecting appreciation and growth in business.
Biglaw 2024: Still Billing, Still Thriving, Still Unapologetically Expensive - Above the LawDespite economic concerns, law firms experienced significant revenue growth primarily due to rising billing rates and improved productivity.
The Law Firms We Lost In 2024In 2024, the number of law firms with over 100 attorneys dissolving increased, signaling industry challenges.
How the world's 'most-feared' law firm uses flexible work policies to lure its attorneys to the officeQuinn Emanuel's redesign emphasizes a relaxed office vibe to enhance onsite work appeal amid a progressive 'work-from-anywhere' policy.
Biglaw, Big Changes: Partners With 'Different Leadership Skills' Take The Reins At Top FirmsLaw firms are seeking leaders who excel in management and adaptability in the face of rapid industry changes.
Firm Yet Again Hands Out Patently Huge Bonuses To Stay Ahead Of The MarketIrell & Manella utilizes competitive bonus structures to attract and retain top legal talent in high-stakes litigation.
The Next Evolution Of AI In Legal Practice - Above the LawAI is transforming the legal industry, and lawyers must adopt it strategically to maintain competitiveness and avoid ethical issues.
Most lawyers aren't using AI to address growing workloads, new report saysMost legal professionals are not utilizing AI despite recognizing its future potential for the industry.Overwhelming work volume remains the primary challenge for lawyers today.
The Next Evolution Of AI In Legal Practice - Above the LawAI is transforming the legal industry, and lawyers must adopt it strategically to maintain competitiveness and avoid ethical issues.
Most lawyers aren't using AI to address growing workloads, new report saysMost legal professionals are not utilizing AI despite recognizing its future potential for the industry.Overwhelming work volume remains the primary challenge for lawyers today.
Data Privacy And Security With Gen AI ModelsThe primary privacy risk for companies today is the increasing use of artificial intelligence, particularly within the legal industry.
Generative AI At Work: Boosting e-Discovery Efficiency For Corporate Legal TeamsGenerative AI enhances efficiencies in legal processes, particularly e-discovery, enabling teams to achieve more with fewer resources.
Latest Future Ready Lawyer Survey from Wolters Kluwer Finds Broad Adoption of Gen AI By Legal ProfessionalsGenerative AI is increasingly adopted in legal professions, with significant weekly use reported by legal professionals.Challenges like integration issues, trust in AI outcomes, and data privacy concerns still exist despite AI's growing presence.
Law firm restricts AI after 'significant' staff useHill Dickinson's law firm restricted access to AI tools after staff usage breached company policy, enforcing a request process for compliance.
NetDocuments Moves To Bring Generative AI To Content... Not The Other Way AroundThe legal industry is shifting focus from generic AI applications to integrating AI within existing workflows for improved efficiency and user experience.
ChatGPT Exec Says AI Will Replace $2000/Hr Paralegals... Who Wants To Tell Her?Generative AI offers potential in legal tasks but won't replace lawyers or high-end paralegals due to the economic structure of law firms.
Data Privacy And Security With Gen AI ModelsThe primary privacy risk for companies today is the increasing use of artificial intelligence, particularly within the legal industry.
Generative AI At Work: Boosting e-Discovery Efficiency For Corporate Legal TeamsGenerative AI enhances efficiencies in legal processes, particularly e-discovery, enabling teams to achieve more with fewer resources.
Latest Future Ready Lawyer Survey from Wolters Kluwer Finds Broad Adoption of Gen AI By Legal ProfessionalsGenerative AI is increasingly adopted in legal professions, with significant weekly use reported by legal professionals.Challenges like integration issues, trust in AI outcomes, and data privacy concerns still exist despite AI's growing presence.
Law firm restricts AI after 'significant' staff useHill Dickinson's law firm restricted access to AI tools after staff usage breached company policy, enforcing a request process for compliance.
NetDocuments Moves To Bring Generative AI To Content... Not The Other Way AroundThe legal industry is shifting focus from generic AI applications to integrating AI within existing workflows for improved efficiency and user experience.
ChatGPT Exec Says AI Will Replace $2000/Hr Paralegals... Who Wants To Tell Her?Generative AI offers potential in legal tasks but won't replace lawyers or high-end paralegals due to the economic structure of law firms.
The Staggering Cost Of Law Firm Data Breaches: Protecting Your FirmLaw firms must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive information and avoid costly data breaches.The average data breach cost in 2024 was $4.88 million, emphasizing the need for reliable cybersecurity measures.
Microsoft's AI Security Warning: A Battle That Can't Be Won? - Above the LawAI adoption in the legal industry requires careful consideration of security risks.Understanding AI models is essential for effective cybersecurity measures.
Lawyers, Take Note: Microsoft Offers Current Advice On CybersecurityLawyers should adopt strong passwords and use password managers, as Microsoft advises against the traditional practice of password expiration.
The Staggering Cost Of Law Firm Data Breaches: Protecting Your FirmLaw firms must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive information and avoid costly data breaches.The average data breach cost in 2024 was $4.88 million, emphasizing the need for reliable cybersecurity measures.
Microsoft's AI Security Warning: A Battle That Can't Be Won? - Above the LawAI adoption in the legal industry requires careful consideration of security risks.Understanding AI models is essential for effective cybersecurity measures.
Lawyers, Take Note: Microsoft Offers Current Advice On CybersecurityLawyers should adopt strong passwords and use password managers, as Microsoft advises against the traditional practice of password expiration.
Paul Hastings Is The First Major Biglaw Firm To Match Milbank Bonus Scale After Cravath AnnouncesPaul Hastings matches Milbank's bonus scale for both year-end and special bonuses, reflecting a strong financial performance in Biglaw.
Milbank Spread The Wealth Through Special Bonuses Because 2024 Was Yet Another Record Financial Year For The Firm - Above the LawMilbank achieved record financial performance in 2024, showcasing significant revenue and profit increases across the board.
Top 10 Biglaw Firm Shows Thanks For Associates (By Giving Them Bonuses!)Gibson Dunn matches the market rate with year-end and special bonuses for associates.
Paul Hastings Is The First Major Biglaw Firm To Match Milbank Bonus Scale After Cravath AnnouncesPaul Hastings matches Milbank's bonus scale for both year-end and special bonuses, reflecting a strong financial performance in Biglaw.
Milbank Spread The Wealth Through Special Bonuses Because 2024 Was Yet Another Record Financial Year For The Firm - Above the LawMilbank achieved record financial performance in 2024, showcasing significant revenue and profit increases across the board.
Top 10 Biglaw Firm Shows Thanks For Associates (By Giving Them Bonuses!)Gibson Dunn matches the market rate with year-end and special bonuses for associates.
Helping Hands: The Value Proposition Of Remote Work For Law Firms - Above the LawLaw firm managers are increasingly adopting remote staffing solutions post-pandemic.Brett Trembly emphasizes the importance of making informed choices about remote staff.
Tracking Top Boutique Law FirmsBoutique law firms are redefining client service in the legal industry through specialization and personalized approaches.
Helping Hands: The Value Proposition Of Remote Work For Law Firms - Above the LawLaw firm managers are increasingly adopting remote staffing solutions post-pandemic.Brett Trembly emphasizes the importance of making informed choices about remote staff.
Tracking Top Boutique Law FirmsBoutique law firms are redefining client service in the legal industry through specialization and personalized approaches.
Biglaw Partners Are Entering Their 'Free Agency' EraThe rise of free agency among partners and clients is reshaping the legal industry's recruiting landscape.
Government Attorneys Want OUT - Above the LawGovernment attorneys are facing unprecedented job market chaos as both political appointees and career attorneys seek new opportunities.
Biglaw Partners Are Entering Their 'Free Agency' EraThe rise of free agency among partners and clients is reshaping the legal industry's recruiting landscape.
Government Attorneys Want OUT - Above the LawGovernment attorneys are facing unprecedented job market chaos as both political appointees and career attorneys seek new opportunities.
Morning Docket: 01.30.25 - Above the LawAI's potential threat to humanity contrasts with its inability to challenge copyright powerhouses.Illegal streaming may not drive meaningful copyright reform despite ongoing discussions.
Why Better Financial Acumen Is The Key To Law Firm Success In 2025Legal firms face profitability challenges despite rising rates and increased write-offs.Embedding financial awareness in teams is critical for sustained growth and success.
Why Better Financial Acumen Is The Key To Law Firm Success In 2025 - Above the LawThe legal sector must prioritize financial education to ensure long-term profitability amidst rising client pressures.
Why Better Financial Acumen Is The Key To Law Firm Success In 2025Legal firms face profitability challenges despite rising rates and increased write-offs.Embedding financial awareness in teams is critical for sustained growth and success.
Why Better Financial Acumen Is The Key To Law Firm Success In 2025 - Above the LawThe legal sector must prioritize financial education to ensure long-term profitability amidst rising client pressures.
Prominent Law Firm Now Offering $150K Signing Bonus For Federal ClerksFederal clerkships can lead to lucrative opportunities in Biglaw, with signing bonuses exceeding $150,000.
Good Luck Trying To Get A Remote Biglaw Job - See AlsoThe landscape of legal employment is shifting, with firms reconsidering remote work and recruitment strategies post-pandemic.
Biglaw Merger Alert: This Transatlantic Tie-Up Will Create A $2B MegafirmThe merger between Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel creates a significant transatlantic legal firm combining growth, strength, and international reach.
Biglaw Associates Are Billing Hours In Bulk, Hoping For Special Bonuses On Top Of Regular BonusesAssociates in Biglaw express optimism for higher year-end bonuses in 2024 compared to previous years, despite a challenging economic climate.
Top 10 Biglaw Firm Gets On Board With Year-End And Special BonusesSidley Austin announces top-of-market bonuses for associates following strong financial performance.Associates exceeding billable hour targets can earn significantly higher bonuses up to 50% more.Partial bonuses may be granted to associates who do not meet the 2,000 hour threshold.
2 BigLaw firms reject routine special bonuses as several boutiques match or surpass market rateBoutique law firms are offering bonuses that surpass traditional BigLaw standards, creating a competitive compensation environment.
Prominent Law Firm Now Offering $150K Signing Bonus For Federal ClerksFederal clerkships can lead to lucrative opportunities in Biglaw, with signing bonuses exceeding $150,000.
Good Luck Trying To Get A Remote Biglaw Job - See AlsoThe landscape of legal employment is shifting, with firms reconsidering remote work and recruitment strategies post-pandemic.
Biglaw Merger Alert: This Transatlantic Tie-Up Will Create A $2B MegafirmThe merger between Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel creates a significant transatlantic legal firm combining growth, strength, and international reach.
Biglaw Associates Are Billing Hours In Bulk, Hoping For Special Bonuses On Top Of Regular BonusesAssociates in Biglaw express optimism for higher year-end bonuses in 2024 compared to previous years, despite a challenging economic climate.
Top 10 Biglaw Firm Gets On Board With Year-End And Special BonusesSidley Austin announces top-of-market bonuses for associates following strong financial performance.Associates exceeding billable hour targets can earn significantly higher bonuses up to 50% more.Partial bonuses may be granted to associates who do not meet the 2,000 hour threshold.
2 BigLaw firms reject routine special bonuses as several boutiques match or surpass market rateBoutique law firms are offering bonuses that surpass traditional BigLaw standards, creating a competitive compensation environment.
Senior Biglaw Associates Are Billing HOW Much Per Hour?!Senior associate rates have significantly increased, making their earnings comparable to junior partners.
Biglaw's 2025 Outlook Is So Bright Partners Need To Wear ShadesThe legal industry anticipates a strong performance in 2025 due to declining interest rates and improving market conditions.
The Biglaw Lateral Market Is Hottest In This Practice AreaCorporate law was the leading practice area for lateral moves in 2024.
Biglaw's 2025 Outlook Is So Bright Partners Need To Wear ShadesThe legal industry anticipates a strong performance in 2025 due to declining interest rates and improving market conditions.
The Biglaw Lateral Market Is Hottest In This Practice AreaCorporate law was the leading practice area for lateral moves in 2024.
What Lawyers Can Learn From CES 2025: Trends That MatterCES showcases evolving consumer tech trends that affect industries, including the legal sector, through widespread adoption by professionals like lawyers.
What I Learned At CES About Law Practice ManagementDeloitte emphasizes the growing invisibility of AI, impacting expectations in legal practices and necessitating quicker adaptation by law firms.
What Lawyers Can Learn From CES 2025: Trends That MatterCES showcases evolving consumer tech trends that affect industries, including the legal sector, through widespread adoption by professionals like lawyers.
What I Learned At CES About Law Practice ManagementDeloitte emphasizes the growing invisibility of AI, impacting expectations in legal practices and necessitating quicker adaptation by law firms.
The Flexible Future Of Legal: Why ALSPs Are More Than 'Alternative'The rise of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) is reshaping corporate legal operations, making them indispensable collaborators.
Elite Boutique Getting Slammed By Associates Over Mandatory Arbitration AgreementMandatory arbitration agreements favor powerful entities and are increasingly opposed in progressive communities, particularly within the legal industry.
Law Firms Face Uncertain Economic Future In 2025Law firms may face declining demand in 2025 despite a strong 2024 due to economic uncertainties.Elevated expenses are expected to pressure profits even if demand rises post-election.
Ringing In The New Year With A Major Biglaw MergerThe Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord merger marks a significant shift in the legal landscape, bringing together top firms to create a powerhouse.
Our favorite Instagram posts from 2024The ABA Journal's Instagram captured significant and inspiring moments in the legal field throughout 2024.
Everything's Bigger In Texas, Including The Law Firm BonusesMcKool Smith matches Milbank's year-end bonuses and offers additional cash incentives for billable hours.Associates can earn even more than Milbank's scale, enhancing overall compensation.
Biglaw Firm Bakes Blessings In For Bigger BonusesBaker Botts announced bonuses, matching the Milbank scale, reflecting strong financial performance in 2023.
Biglaw Firm Announces Exciting Special Bonus Match, With Market Bonuses To Come In MarchBiglaw firms are enhancing winter bonuses for associates, with Choate Hall & Stewart announcing matching special bonuses and year-end incentives.
Everything's Bigger In Texas, Including The Law Firm BonusesMcKool Smith matches Milbank's year-end bonuses and offers additional cash incentives for billable hours.Associates can earn even more than Milbank's scale, enhancing overall compensation.
Biglaw Firm Bakes Blessings In For Bigger BonusesBaker Botts announced bonuses, matching the Milbank scale, reflecting strong financial performance in 2023.
Biglaw Firm Announces Exciting Special Bonus Match, With Market Bonuses To Come In MarchBiglaw firms are enhancing winter bonuses for associates, with Choate Hall & Stewart announcing matching special bonuses and year-end incentives.
More Than Market Matters! - See AlsoJudicial conduct is under scrutiny due to serious allegations against a judge.Boutique law firms are offering significantly higher bonuses than traditional firms.Rising bonuses may indicate increasing workloads in the legal profession.
Associates At This Biglaw Firm Don't Have To Fish For Bonuses AnymoreFish & Richardson offers significant bonuses to associates, matching market standards to reward high billable hours.
D.C.-Based Biglaw Firm Gets In On Associate BonusesCovington & Burling announced bonuses that conform to Milbank scale but require associates to meet hours benchmarks, unlike Milbank's no-requirements model.
Associates Miffed Over Special Bonuses That Aren't Very SpecialPillsbury Winthrop's announcement of year-end bonuses has led to discontent among associates feeling overlooked and unappreciated compared to rival firms' offerings.
More Than Market Matters! - See AlsoJudicial conduct is under scrutiny due to serious allegations against a judge.Boutique law firms are offering significantly higher bonuses than traditional firms.Rising bonuses may indicate increasing workloads in the legal profession.
Associates At This Biglaw Firm Don't Have To Fish For Bonuses AnymoreFish & Richardson offers significant bonuses to associates, matching market standards to reward high billable hours.
D.C.-Based Biglaw Firm Gets In On Associate BonusesCovington & Burling announced bonuses that conform to Milbank scale but require associates to meet hours benchmarks, unlike Milbank's no-requirements model.
Associates Miffed Over Special Bonuses That Aren't Very SpecialPillsbury Winthrop's announcement of year-end bonuses has led to discontent among associates feeling overlooked and unappreciated compared to rival firms' offerings.
Morning Docket: 12.13.24Many law firms below a billion in revenue are attractive targets for potential mergers.Truth as a defense has been successfully upheld in a recent misconduct case against a lawyer.
Million Dollar Bonuses To Associates?! - See AlsoBoies Schiller's compensation model challenges traditional legal payment structures.
Law firms had 'very strong performance' financially at 9-month point, new report saysLaw firm revenue grew 12.8% in the first nine months of 2024 due to higher billing rates, showing strong industry performance.
Morning Docket: 12.05.24The YSL trial proved to be irrelevant, reinforcing existing skepticism on legal procedures.A nationwide injunction on anti-money laundering laws raises significant regulatory concerns.Law firms are strategically recovering equity in changing market conditions.Biden's presidency has beneficially impacted the financial state of law firms.
Law firms had 'very strong performance' financially at 9-month point, new report saysLaw firm revenue grew 12.8% in the first nine months of 2024 due to higher billing rates, showing strong industry performance.
Morning Docket: 12.05.24The YSL trial proved to be irrelevant, reinforcing existing skepticism on legal procedures.A nationwide injunction on anti-money laundering laws raises significant regulatory concerns.Law firms are strategically recovering equity in changing market conditions.Biden's presidency has beneficially impacted the financial state of law firms.
This Boutique Law Firm's Bonuses Are A Real Knockout For AssociatesBoutique law firms are matching large firms' year-end bonuses, showcasing their competitive financial strength.
AI Presents Both Opportunities And Risks For Lawyers. Are You Prepared?Artificial intelligence's influence on the legal industry is significant, necessitating updated resources and training for legal professionals.
Biglaw Associates Still Want Flexibility, Remote Work OptionsThe legal industry is adapting to a hybrid work model due to associates' preferences and competition from firms allowing remote work options.
Entrepreneurial Law Firms The Key To Legal Career HappinessEntrepreneurial law firms offer flexibility and innovative compensation structures that align better with long-term career goals and personal fulfillment for lawyers.
Vinson & Elkins Opens Its Doors In Denver, Hoping To Cash In On Corporate ClientsVinson & Elkins opens a new office in Denver to capitalize on strategic business opportunities in the Mountain West region.
Lockstep Revamp Means Big Money! - See AlsoClifford Chance is expanding in the U.S. with new offices to strengthen its market position.
Partners In This Practice Area Are Doing Exceptionally WellThe average partner compensation increased significantly, with a notable 44.35% rise in intellectual property practice area.Intellectual property partners now average $1.66 million in compensation, marking a dramatic increase since the last survey.
Infuriating Story Of The Bullsh*t Working Parents Have To Deal With In The Legal IndustryThe legal industry often prioritizes competitiveness over empathy, especially affecting working mothers.
Morning Docket: 10.22.24Trump's behavior exemplifies systemic defamation, as depicted by the Central Park 5's experience.