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Chadbourne & Parke receives honors

As many as 12 of Chadbourne & Parke's attorneys received top rankings by the Chambers USA 2006 Guide to Leading Lawyers. The firm was also acknowledged as a leader regionally and nationally in energy, insurance, products liability and natural resources law.

The Chambers rankings are based on an exhaustive survey of more than 7000 interviews of attorneys and clients by a team of 40 researchers.

Chadbourne's project practice division earned points for translating its expertise in electricity to the oil and gas sector. The DC office was top-rated for advising multilateral and bilateral agencies, while the New York office received high marks for its handling of complex, emerging markets, such as Russia.

06-06-2006

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The two-year J.D.

Some law schools have recently introduced a Juris Doctor program lasting 2 years instead of the usual 3. Judging by the number of student enrollments, this accelerated program is in sharp demand.

The University of Dayton School of Law is one of the colleges pioneering this program, which allows students to take up to 18 credits per semester. Syracuse University College of Law and University of Kansas School of Law are also offering similar programs.

A dual degree program is being offered by the George Washington University Law School. This will allow students to earn two graduate-level degrees in a six-year program without having to take the LSAT qualifying exam and also saving a year in tuition expenses in the process.

06-06-2006

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Hawaiian attorneys earn less than mainland attorneys

Lawyers practicing on the island of Hawaii earn significantly less than their counterparts on the mainland, about 18% less than the national average as per a 2006 -U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Many lawyers blame it on the absence of large Hawaiian corporations, which translates into smaller and fewer law firms required for servicing them.

Despite this, according to a recent survey, most University of Hawaii law students, would rather practice in Hawaii due to the high quality of life there.

06-06-2006

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New direction for the New York State Bar Association

With the changing of the guard at the New York State Bar Association, its new president, Mark H. Alcott, a senior litigation partner with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, considers access to justice for the poor a top priority.

At a specially convened meeting of the Association's Executive Committee, Alcott called on all New York State lawyers to join him in addressing the challenges facing the U.S. legal system. He proposed a system by which attorneys volunteering at least 50 hours of free legal service would be honored by a special designation.

Lawyers would focus on meeting the civil legal needs of the 80% of the population whose needs are not currently being met. Matters such as healthcare, immigration, housing and domestic violence need to be addressed by volunteers, according to Alcott. He also wants to eliminate negative influences such as political interference and intimidation of judges.

06-06-2006

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Vinson & Elkins to pay Enron $30 million

Vinson & Elkins, former counsel to Enron, has committed to paying a $30 million dollar settlement to its former client. Vinson & Elkins issued a statement saying they are settling to avoid litigation that would implicate the firm in contributing to the collapse of Enron.

The firm had signed off on numerous questionable deals, which further spiraled Enron into debt. Both sides are reportedly pleased with the settlement agreement, which must be approved by a bankruptcy court judge.

Vinson's announcement comes just a week after Enron executives Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling were convicted of fraud and conspiracy for lying about the company's strength prior to its collapse.

06-05-2006

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Judge's decision a victory for bloggers

U.S. District Court Judge Stewart Dalzel ruled in DiMeo v. Max that the Communications Decency Act grants protection to bloggers from being slapped with libel lawsuits.

The case involved a New Jersey blueberry magnate and a blogger whose website featured disparaging remarks about the millionaire's New Year's Eve party. The blogger was hit with a lawsuit alleging harassment and libel.

The judge found that such lawsuits could stifle Internet speech and commerce and that the anonymous posts on the blog, while they were vulgar and insulting, were protected speech.

06-05-2006

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Shake-ups for major Philadelphia firms

Cozen O'Connor and Buchanan Ingersoll have both announced management restructuring plans. Cozen O'Connor plans to bring in a younger generation of firm leadership, while Buchanan Ingersoll is looking to implement strategic planning and business development management positions.

Cozen O'Connor recently completed stage one of a three stage plan to invigorate the firm with new blood. The firm is one of the only Am Law 100 firms still run by its founding partners. They hope that the transition will take the firm in a new direction.

Buchanan Ingersoll has described their new plan as a streamlining of its management structure. Older positions, such as Chief Operating Officer, have been eliminated to make way for new ones, including a non-attorney management position.

06-05-2006

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