I saw a segment on the ABC news last night reporting on the economy (of course) and the current economic downturn's effect on pay-raises. It suggested that in many fields an employee's increase in annual pay isn't keeping up with inflation, if an increase even occurs.
Many firms conduct annual reviews in Q4, if yours happens to be one have you had a similar experience? Are tensions running high because of the media coverage of economic troubles or is your firm still faring well? Does your firm have a plan to ride-out slower than average quarters, even if those quarters add up to a full year?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Dress Code for Court?
Gossip around the water cooler suggests that Androscoggin county may be considering a dress code for female attorneys appearing in court. Hmmmm. Certainly begs the question "why?" I'm trying to imagine my peers dressing so outrageously or inappropriately that they would offend the sensabilities of the bench.... and I'm hard pressed to conjure up that image.
In Cumberland County, I have seen Birkenstocks in court on both men and women attorneys, which do look a bit "hippiesque." (And I have seen cowboy boots that just look silly.) There is certainly a relaxed manner of dressing for some. However, I have yet to see an outfit (or shoe style) that seems truly inappropriate. So, I'm very curious to hear more from the Ando area...
Ladies??
In Cumberland County, I have seen Birkenstocks in court on both men and women attorneys, which do look a bit "hippiesque." (And I have seen cowboy boots that just look silly.) There is certainly a relaxed manner of dressing for some. However, I have yet to see an outfit (or shoe style) that seems truly inappropriate. So, I'm very curious to hear more from the Ando area...
Ladies??
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Canadian Bar Admission
Does anybody out there know if/how an American lawyer can gain admission in a Canadian jurisdiction? Like say, Ontario?
Monday, September 29, 2008
July 2008 Maine Bar Exam Results Posted
To all of those that hope to be able to congratulate friends or colleagues among the recent test takers you can find a listing of successful bar examinees here.
Congrats to Michael J. Anderson who took the Clegg Award this time around.
Congrats to Michael J. Anderson who took the Clegg Award this time around.
Friday, September 26, 2008
West Coast Law School Blawgger Calls for Advice!
I went to law school on the west coast and am not sure what to expect from the Maine bar. How do most people study? Would you recommend taking BarBri, or doing self-study? Any suggestions on how to get hold of bar review materials?
Next Round of Maine Bar Exam Results
A little birdie told us that they should be posted and public on Monday. . . per custom. Good luck to all! Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The "Active" Practice of Law
Many state bar associations predicate the ability to move for admission without taking the bar exam on the ability of an applicant to document (or at least attest to) the fact that he or she has been engaged in the "active" practice of law in a certain other jurisdiction for a certain minimal length of time.
What quasi-law related roles should not "count" as the active practice of law? Although certain jurisdictions try to define what is included in this definition, it is not necessarily consistent nationally. Nor do many attorneys agree on what should be included. Clerking (researching, but without representation) usually counts for this purpose, but not when in the private sector. Should this turn on how one holds themselves out?
Comments helpful.
What quasi-law related roles should not "count" as the active practice of law? Although certain jurisdictions try to define what is included in this definition, it is not necessarily consistent nationally. Nor do many attorneys agree on what should be included. Clerking (researching, but without representation) usually counts for this purpose, but not when in the private sector. Should this turn on how one holds themselves out?
Comments helpful.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Finding a Mentor
From blawgger Nancy Gibson:
Mentoring is a hot topic in legal circles right now . Robert Denny Associates’ December 2007 What’s Hot Report notes mentoring is an effective way for large firms to pass on skills, wisdom and professional knowledge to younger lawyers. Why do new attorneys need mentors to learn these things? CLEs alone are not enough. Let’s face it: there are many aspects of lawyering best learned through experience. Does this mean that if you don’t work at a large firm you can’t have a mentor? Of course not—you can make it happen on your own. You know better than anyone what it is that you need to learn. In my work advising lawyers on career issues, I find that those with the greatest job satisfaction are the ones who take an active role in managing their careers. They’ve thought about what it is they want from their work life and strive to create the circumstances to allow it to happen. A mentor may be a key component of your plan for a successful career.
What types of things can you learn from a mentor?
•Skill development: How do you develop and deliver a great closing argument? Negotiate a favorable lease agreement? Take a deposition?
•Marketing/Business Development: How do you approach the potential client whose business you would love to bring in? How can I become more comfortable doing public speaking?
•Interpersonal relations: How do I handle a client who lies to me? What do I do about that obnoxious opposing counsel?
•Work/life balance: What are some strategies for handling the demands of a full-time law practice while raising a family? How can I balance my law practice with my interest in competitive running?
I don’t know anyone who does all these things well and chances are neither do you. That’s why you’ll probably want to have different mentors for different needs. How do you identify who they might be? Look to people whose skills you admire in particular areas. For example, the rainmaker who seems to have a great way with people may be just the person to look to for advice about approaching potential clients. The partner who has a successful practice yet runs in a fair number of road races could teach you about balancing work with outside interests. In other words, someone who is competent at the skill you’d like to improve. It should also be someone who likes to help people and can describe how it is they achieve what they do. There are competent attorneys who are not interested in helping or teaching and may not have the faintest idea how to articulate how they do what they do. Needless to say, these are not people you want as mentors.
Where are they? Look around. It doesn’t have to be someone from your firm, or even your town. You’ll meet them in court, at closings, at bar association functions, on the softball field, or at social activities. Keep your approach low key. Asking someone “Will you be my mentor?” may give them doubts about whether they are up to what sounds like a daunting task. Instead, try something like this. “Hey Paul, I notice that you seem to do a great job of participating in your kids’ activities like coaching Little League. I’d love to talk to you about how you make that happen.” Or, “Sarah, I’m finding it a challenge to not let it get to me personally when opposing counsel acts like a jerk. I’ve seen you handle those situations very effectively. Would you be able to give me some pointers?” If, after you meet once, you think that a few more discussions with them would be useful in the same topic area, ask them if they are open to it. “This has been really helpful. I do have other questions I could use your advice on along these lines. Do you think we could continue this discussion in a few weeks?” All it takes to constitute a mentoring relationship is for the person to have an ongoing interest in your career growth—no official mentoring title needed. If you follow these suggestions, you’ll ensure a successful experience:
1.Be respectful of their time. Make an appointment and keep it! Stick to the time limit they’ve set.
2.Use their time wisely. Come prepared with a few topics you’d like to discuss.
3.When you’re done, thank them and set up a time to meet again.
When you find you’ve outgrown the need for a mentor in that particular area, say goodbye. Ending the relationship should be a sign of success. Once you’ve moved on, take the time to look around and see if there’s an attorney that you can mentor and return the favor.
Mentoring is a hot topic in legal circles right now . Robert Denny Associates’ December 2007 What’s Hot Report notes mentoring is an effective way for large firms to pass on skills, wisdom and professional knowledge to younger lawyers. Why do new attorneys need mentors to learn these things? CLEs alone are not enough. Let’s face it: there are many aspects of lawyering best learned through experience. Does this mean that if you don’t work at a large firm you can’t have a mentor? Of course not—you can make it happen on your own. You know better than anyone what it is that you need to learn. In my work advising lawyers on career issues, I find that those with the greatest job satisfaction are the ones who take an active role in managing their careers. They’ve thought about what it is they want from their work life and strive to create the circumstances to allow it to happen. A mentor may be a key component of your plan for a successful career.
What types of things can you learn from a mentor?
•Skill development: How do you develop and deliver a great closing argument? Negotiate a favorable lease agreement? Take a deposition?
•Marketing/Business Development: How do you approach the potential client whose business you would love to bring in? How can I become more comfortable doing public speaking?
•Interpersonal relations: How do I handle a client who lies to me? What do I do about that obnoxious opposing counsel?
•Work/life balance: What are some strategies for handling the demands of a full-time law practice while raising a family? How can I balance my law practice with my interest in competitive running?
I don’t know anyone who does all these things well and chances are neither do you. That’s why you’ll probably want to have different mentors for different needs. How do you identify who they might be? Look to people whose skills you admire in particular areas. For example, the rainmaker who seems to have a great way with people may be just the person to look to for advice about approaching potential clients. The partner who has a successful practice yet runs in a fair number of road races could teach you about balancing work with outside interests. In other words, someone who is competent at the skill you’d like to improve. It should also be someone who likes to help people and can describe how it is they achieve what they do. There are competent attorneys who are not interested in helping or teaching and may not have the faintest idea how to articulate how they do what they do. Needless to say, these are not people you want as mentors.
Where are they? Look around. It doesn’t have to be someone from your firm, or even your town. You’ll meet them in court, at closings, at bar association functions, on the softball field, or at social activities. Keep your approach low key. Asking someone “Will you be my mentor?” may give them doubts about whether they are up to what sounds like a daunting task. Instead, try something like this. “Hey Paul, I notice that you seem to do a great job of participating in your kids’ activities like coaching Little League. I’d love to talk to you about how you make that happen.” Or, “Sarah, I’m finding it a challenge to not let it get to me personally when opposing counsel acts like a jerk. I’ve seen you handle those situations very effectively. Would you be able to give me some pointers?” If, after you meet once, you think that a few more discussions with them would be useful in the same topic area, ask them if they are open to it. “This has been really helpful. I do have other questions I could use your advice on along these lines. Do you think we could continue this discussion in a few weeks?” All it takes to constitute a mentoring relationship is for the person to have an ongoing interest in your career growth—no official mentoring title needed. If you follow these suggestions, you’ll ensure a successful experience:
1.Be respectful of their time. Make an appointment and keep it! Stick to the time limit they’ve set.
2.Use their time wisely. Come prepared with a few topics you’d like to discuss.
3.When you’re done, thank them and set up a time to meet again.
When you find you’ve outgrown the need for a mentor in that particular area, say goodbye. Ending the relationship should be a sign of success. Once you’ve moved on, take the time to look around and see if there’s an attorney that you can mentor and return the favor.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
POST BAR EXAM COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT LOCAL 188!
We are hosting a cocktail reception after the Maine Bar Examination on Wednesday, July 30, from 3:30-5 at Local 188 in Portland (http://www.local188.com/). Local 188 is located at 685 Congress St. near Longfellow Square. Come commiserate with the next batch of Maine lawyers! For directions or questions, email Frank Bishop at fbishop@pierceatwood.com.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Homers by NLS Officers
The Androscoggin County Bar Association held its third annual summer softball game and picnic (this year, a lobster bake) at The Great Outdoors in Turner. This year, two NLS officers not only played in the game, but played well. Reportedly, both NLS Chair-Elect Shane Wright and NLS Chair Scott Quigley managed to hit home runs in the game (the Chair does not really remember the Chair-Elect's home run). The fact that both teams were short an outfielder should be ignored. The lobster, clams and other fixings were, of course, excellent, and those present with their families had a great time in the game, on the beach and on the lake. Rumor is that there are some embarrassing pictures out there somewhere--they shall not be posted.
The annual event came about, three years ago, as part of a joint effort between the governing board of the NLS and the Androscoggin County Bar Association. It was a revival of a tradition of games in Androscoggin County between "new" lawyers and "more experienced?" ones. Members of the NLS should take note that, for next year, a few more "ringers" might be helpful.
The annual event came about, three years ago, as part of a joint effort between the governing board of the NLS and the Androscoggin County Bar Association. It was a revival of a tradition of games in Androscoggin County between "new" lawyers and "more experienced?" ones. Members of the NLS should take note that, for next year, a few more "ringers" might be helpful.
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