Better Lawyer

Fall 2011

• Better Lawyer
  Complete publication for Fall 2011.
• A Primer on Email Etiquette - by Mark Kafantaris, Kafantaris Law Offices
  Though our emails do not usually bear our original signature or showcase our fine paper stock, they do serve as a quick and efficient means of communication amongst lawyers.
• Are You the Type of Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be? I'm Not. - by Matt Austin, Austin Legal
  We make choices throughout each day. Most of them are small and have very little consequences like whether the grass needs cut or what to make for dinner. Sometimes, though, we have to make big decisions.
• Bargain for Ex(tra)-Change - by Jameel Turner, Bailey Cavalieri
  Tickets for tattoos. Jerseys for cars. Memorabilia for money. These scenarios symbolize the conundrum that faces the NCAA and its football programs.
• Learning to Say No in the Context of Your Career Strategy - by Stephanie Hanna, Staff Attorney to Judge Geer
  As a new attorney, you’ve certainly heard how important it is to get involved in extra activities to make yourself more marketable, like joining bar associations, taking leadership roles within committees, and developing extensive networks.
• Online Legal Research: Control The Information, Do Not Let The Information Control You - by Thomas Kern, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff
  When it comes to legal research, the internet can be considered both a blessing and a curse. The best attribute of online legal research is the endless bounds of readily accessible information.
• Reporting Your Own Professional Misconduct - Should You Self Report? - by Rasheeda Khan, Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter
  As members of our honorable profession, we are held to a higher standard both personally and professionally. According to the Lawyer’s Creed, our actions and demeanor reflect upon our system of justice and our profession.
• The Anatomy of a Lockout - by Edmund F. Brown, Ulmer & Berne
  There has been a lot of talk in recent months regarding employers, most notably professional sports leagues, locking out their employees during protracted labor disputes.
• The Building Blocks of Credibility - by Mark Kafantaris, Kafantaris Law Offices
  Two lawyers were in chambers for a civil pretrial conference with the judge. The older lawyer with the weaker case had the judge’s ear. The young lawyer on the other side was sitting frustrated trying to fi gure out how he should respond.

Spring 2011

• Better Lawyer
  Complete publication for Spring 2011.
• A Primer on Hot Topics in School Law - by Edmund F. Brown
  On more than one occasion, I have heard fellow attorneys say that their law school curriculum didn’t reflect the realities of legal practice.
• Billing 2k - by Jameel S. Turner
  The Effect of the Economic Downturn – The Triumph of Alternative Fee Arrangements over the Billable Hour.
• Choosing Personal Over Social Networking - by Matt Austin
  Networking at group functions, in my opinion, is extremely difficult for new lawyers. Many in the group already know each other, but you don’t know anyone. You want to meet people, but don’t want to intrude into a group of people already conversing.
• Combat Stress with Some Simple Nutritional Improvements - by Stephanie R. Hanna
  As attorneys, we know a thing or two about being stressed. It has been known for years that this stress carries with it many mental and physical health risks.
• Legal Writing Tip of the Month - by Jameel S. Turner
  Legal disputes are often settled through negotiation. Negotiation often takes place through written communications between the parties.
• Springtime Resolutions for New Lawyers - by Janica A. Pierce Tucker
  Whether you are a solo practitioner, an associate in a law firm, or a government attorney, it is always beneficial to your career to set goals to assist in your development of being a great attorney.
• The Basics on Ohio's Advertising and Solicitation Rules - by Rasheeda Khan
  We don’t want to admit it, but when it comes to the advertising and solicitation rules, most of us only retained what we learned from law school.
• To Be Early Is To Be On Time - by Mark G. Kafantaris
  The morning traffic was heavier than expected and the young lawyer was running late for a hearing in federal district court. He got there twenty minutes late.
• Year One in the Life of a Solo Practitioner - by Tonya R. Coles
  “Solo” does not have to equal “isolated.” The best piece of advice I received from experienced lawyers was to be careful not to isolate myself in my practice.