Wednesday, September 1, 2010

It seems that doom and gloom is seeping into the profession, with articles about the apparent growing divide between lawyer "haves" and "have nots" and a "grim" revenue picture for small firms. On the bright side, former MSBA President Leo Brisbois, deemed a "son of the Iron Range," is appointed to a federal magistrate position in Duluth, and the pro bono efforts of lawyers representing the I35W bridge collapse plaintiffs is celebrated.

Minnesota Legal News

• Son of Iron Range Appointed to Federal Bench in Duluth: Duluth News Tribune
• Divide Between Lawyer Haves and Lawyer Have Nots Growing: MinnLawyer Blog
• Justice Denied as Debt Seizures Soar: Star Tribune
• Retired Judge Rosenbaum Joins Mediation and Arbitration Firm: MinnPost
• Minnesota Court of Appeals Dismisses Fraud Lawsuit by Four Women Against New Ulm Diocese: Pioneer Press
• We Need Veterans Courts in Minnesota. Here's Why [Commentary]: Pioneer Press
• Plus $52 Million Settlement in Minneapolis Bridge Collapse, Man Arrested for DWI Days after Appearing in Court Intoxicated, and Minnesota Couple Sues Egg Companies

Go to Minnesota News

Bar and Association News

• REMINDER: MSBA Member Polling on Judicial Eections Ends September 2 at 11:59 p.m.: MSBA
• MSBA Launches Labor and Employment Law Certification: MSBA Certified Specialists
• ALL Editable Conveyancing Blanks (ECBs) Now Available on practicelaw: practicelaw
• Minneapolis Hosts the Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention Next Week: HNBA

Go to Bar News

Legal Blogs

• Bridge Case an Act of Unprecedented Pro Bono Generosity: MinnLawyer Blog
• Checklist for Moving Your Law Firm: Practice Blawg
• $580,000 E-Discovery Bill NOT OK (Then, on Reconsideration, OK): Minnesota Litigator
• Will-Writing and the Redefinition of "Legal Services": Law21
• The Blogosphere Examines Lawyer Bios: Legal Blog Watch
• Plus A Rapid Rise in Social Media Use by Older Lawyers?, Man Suing Star Tribune Reporter for $4 million Still Grants Him Interview, Ruling Gives Big Boost to Patent-Marking Suits, and The Art & Science & Scams Of Lawyer Bios

Go to Legal Blogs

The Profession

• Survey: Grim Revenue Picture for Small and Midsize Firms in 2009: The National Law Journal
• Computer Forensics Experts, Who's Your Daddy? Law Technology News
• Litigators Losing Love of Arbitration Argue for Trials: The Legal Intelligencer
• Failure to Notify Bankruptcy Court of Discrimination Suit Knocks Out Damages: The Legal Intelligencer
• Who Represents America's Biggest Companies: Corporate Counsel
• Professor: Change Law School Faculty to Improve Practical Training: National Law Journal
• Plus E-Mail Isn't as Ethereal as You Might Think, and Tips on Becoming a More Effective Legal Writer

Go to the Profession

National Legal News

• Legal Logjam Leaving Judges' Seats Empty in Federal Courts: Los Angeles Times
• Facebook's Ad Practices Draw Class Action on Behalf of Calif. Minors: The National Law Journal
• Wal-Mart Appeals Sex Discrimination Class Action to Supreme Court: National Law Journal
• Judge Is Asked to Lift Stem-Cell Funds Ban: Wall Street Journal
• Plus Conservative Group Asks Judge to Make Arnie, Jerry Defend Prop. 8

Go to National Legal News