Law firm mergers ‘white hot’ in 2017, hit record of 102
After a bit of a slowdown in 2016, the pace of mergers and acquisitions among U.S. law firms accelerated again in 2017 to a record 102, according to Altman Weil MergerLine.
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Law firm outlook for 2018 focuses on strengths, retaining talent
Major Lindsey & Africa, a recruitment and consulting firm for the legal industry, has released its 2018 Industry Outlook report outlining what law firms can expect in the new year. In short, law firms will remain under increasing pressure to keep costs low and productivity high, so firms are expected to focus on core strengths and retaining key personnel.
Report: Attorneys lose 6 hours daily to non-billable work
A recent analysis of how attorneys spend their workdays showed that only 2.3 hours are devoted to billable tasks. The rest of the time is spent on administrative or business development work, according to Clio’s 2017 Legal Trends Report.
Dissolution of Pence Hensel spreads expertise to other firms
High-profile criminal defense attorneys Linda Pence and David Hensel have dissolved their Indianapolis firm, Pence Hensel LLC, and all three primary lawyers have moved their practices to other local law firms.
Pence Hensel dissolves, partners join other firms
The high-profile criminal defense firm of Pence Hensel LLC is closing after partners Linda Pence and David Hensel agreed to discontinue the Indianapolis practice, according to an announcement today from Pence.
Can we talk? Chat boxes give potential clients 24/7 access
More and more, chat boxes are popping up on law firm websites. The services can lead to client connections or may simply help clients and attorneys find out what their best options may be.
Good fortunes: Indiana firms among fastest-growing in U.S.
Three Indiana law firms are among the 200 fastest-growing firms in the nation, according to rankings compiled by How to Manage a Small Law Firm. The Florida-based organization’s president says firms making big gains are marked by a sense of community and a commitment to serving the greater good.
Survey: 41 percent of lawyers to boost cybersecurity budgets
Four in 10 lawyers plan to boost spending on cybersecurity next year, with average budget increases of 13 percent, according to a study released Thursday by a national legal consulting and staffing firm.
Bose McKinney announces merger as law firm M&A increase nationwide
In the midst of an increase in the number of law firm mergers and acquisitions across the nation this year, two Indianapolis-area firms have announced that they have joined forces.
Lawyer accused of stealing from special-needs trusts
Charged with theft, Kenneth Service faces a widening investigation into client accounts missing several hundred thousand dollars.
Finding a balance: Indy firm built on 1-principal business model
Tony Paganelli leads his firm as the only principal, removing the pressure of running a law firm from the other attorneys and instead enabling them to have the same work-life balance he was seeking four years ago.
Lawyer charged with theft from clients also faces discipline
An attorney facing felony theft charges in Lake County for allegedly stealing money from her clients is being investigated by the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission for similar conduct.
Bamberger merger is Indiana’s first in 2017
In the first merger involving an Indiana firm in 2017, Evansville-based Bamberger Foreman Oswald & Hahn LLP will provide a stronger foothold in the Hoosier state to a Kentucky regional law practice and, in return, will gain a deeper bench of expertise to serve its clients.
Lawyer in gay marriage case joins Indiana congressional race
An attorney who led the lawsuit that overturned Kentucky's gay marriage ban wants the Democratic nomination to challenge first-term Republican U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth for his southern Indiana seat in 2018.
For lawyers, competency issues differ based on age
When a group of Indiana lawyers was asked who had ever faced age-related discrimination at work, whether for being too young or too old, nearly half the hands in the room went up.
Attorneys encouraged to practice ‘active relaxation’ outside work
After a long day of briefs, arguments and client meetings, attorneys might be tempted to go home and relax on the couch. But according to mental health experts, spending evenings in front of the television might not be that relaxing for those who want to fully escape the pressures of work.
ABA president touts resources for Indiana solo, small firms
President Linda Klein also encouraged advocacy for legal aide services while at the Indiana State Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Conference.
‘Sunrise CLEs’ discuss changing gender markers, avoiding copyright infringement
Though the majority of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Conference was filled with experts in various legal fields sharing their in-depth knowledge, conference attendees also had the opportunity to learn a little bit Saturday morning during the conference’s shorter “Sunrise CLE” sessions.
ISBA session offers tips in dealing with parents of a child with disabilities
Though judges are generally thought to be the gatekeepers of the law, in family law situations, parents may try to guard the gates of access to their children.
New Orleans attorney offers solo and small firms ‘keys’ to better online presence
There is a clear solution for lawyers who want to recruit better clients – improve your online communications strategy.