practice of law
Trial Technology: When Helpful Tools Become Courtroom Misconduct
This is an article about courtroom misconduct — specifically, misconduct tied to the use of technology inside a courtroom. Which is almost too perfect, given the case in question. In Los Angeles, a closely watched trial is underway against Meta (Instagram) and YouTube. The plaintiff alleges that the companies designed their platforms to be addictive…
Read MoreAssault with a Deadly Sandwich
Sometimes a case comes along and reminds us that truth is often stranger than fiction. Consider for example the case of the man who was indicted and tried for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent. The defendant, Sean Dunn, an Air Force veteran and former Justice Department paralegal, said he was protesting the federal…
Read MoreThe Codependent Lawyer
In the legal profession, self-sacrifice is often treated as a badge of honor. Many lawyers believe that their value is proven by being endlessly available to clients, even at the expense of their own health or family life. Returning calls at midnight, carrying the weight of a client’s stress, and pushing aside personal needs are…
Read MoreWhat Lawyers Can Learn from Chick-fil-A
Many lawyers would not think to look to a fast-food restaurant for inspiration. Yet, Chick-fil-A’s drive-thru, a marvel of hospitality and operational flow, offers a surprisingly instructive lesson for law firms seeking to deliver better client service without sacrificing quality or professionalism. At peak hours, cars wind around Chick-fil-A buildings like a ribbon, yet customers…
Read MoreAvoiding the Unintentional Client: The Importance of Non-Engagement Letters
At Lawyers Mutual, we often talk about the importance of using a detailed engagement agreement in all representations. The engagement agreement is an opportunity to define clearly the scope of your representation and other terms of the engagement. I recently saw a post on a listserv asking for advice about what to include in an…
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