David Lawson, aged 75, and his son Shannon, aged 49, have defied the norm of retirement boredom by graduating from Texas A&M University School of Law with cybersecurity degrees.

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A Unique Journey

Their journey to law school began with a dream shared by both father and son. Upon spotting an ad for the master’s program in cybersecurity law and policy, Shannon Lawson wasted no time in sharing the opportunity with his father.

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Balancing Work and Education

Despite the demands of full-time work, Shannon, serving as the chief information security officer for the city of Phoenix, and David, a retiree with 45 years of experience in information technology, embarked on their educational journey together. Shannon juggled work commitments while attending classes, a feat made possible through online learning.

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A Special Bond

While Shannon often found himself trailing behind his father in completing assignments, the experience of attending classes together was described as “extra special.” Sharing this academic pursuit strengthened their bond as father and son.

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Activating the Mind

Reflecting on his experience, David Lawson emphasized the mental stimulation and growth that law school provided. He highlighted the importance of continuous intellectual engagement, stating, “If you want to activate your brain, try going to law school.”

In a world where retirement often signifies a period of relaxation, the Lawsons have demonstrated that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure and unlock the potential of the mind.

The post Unlocking Minds: Father and Son Graduate from Law School Together first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

Law firms are transforming, with hybrid partnerships gaining momentum as an alternative to the traditional equity partner model. This shift is particularly evident in the legal sector, where the cost of attaining full equity partnership has surged in recent years.

The Emergence of Hybrid Partnerships

Hybrid partnerships represent a paradigm shift in the legal profession, offering a nuanced approach to partner compensation. These partial equity partners derive income from a combination of equity and a fixed paycheck, fostering a unique dynamic within law firms.

According to Erin Sears, Vice President of the Partner Practice at the Garrison legal search firm, adopting hybrid partnerships instills a sense of commitment among partners. This innovative approach allows partners to feel they have a stake in the firm’s success.

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Gradations of Compensation

Recruiters have noted that law firms employing hybrid partnerships often implement gradations in compensation structures. Hybrid partners typically receive between 10% and 40% of their income from their equity partnership share. This tiered system provides flexibility and allows hybrid partners to increase their equity income over time incrementally.

One prominent example of a firm embracing the hybrid model is Sidley Austin. The firm has revamped its partner compensation system based on equity percentages rather than adhering to the conventional division between equity and nonequity partners.

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Challenging Categorizations

Law firms with hybrid partnerships defy easy categorization within traditional frameworks. The American Lawyer’s dichotomy of single-tier partnerships and those with two distinct tiers—equity and income partners—often falls short in capturing the essence of firms with hybrid structures.

The American Lawyer defines equity partners as those receiving at least half their income from equity, while nonequity partners earn more than half their income on a fixed basis. This binary definition prompts some firms to be listed with just one equity tier by the National Association for Law Placement despite identifying two tiers in the American Lawyer survey.

Maximizing Profits and Rankings

The strategic incorporation of hybrid partnerships becomes apparent when considering metrics such as profits per equity partner. By having partial equity partners who earn less than half their income from equity, firms can optimize this metric, which is calculated as net income divided by the total count of equity partners.

This aligns with a point raised by Above the Law in a 2014 column, highlighting the delicate balance law firms must strike. Recognizing every partner with even a small equity share as an equity partner would lower profits per partner. Therefore, maintaining hybrid partners below the 50% equity threshold enables firms to ascend in rankings for profits per partner.

Redefining Partnership Tiers

Legal experts suggest moving beyond the conventional two-tier partnership model in a bid for accuracy. Dan Binstock, a partner recruiter with Garrison, proposes identifying three partnership tiers: income partners, hybrid partners, and full equity partners. Binstock argues that “nonequity” is overly broad and lacks specificity in the current legal landscape.

As law firms continue to evolve, the rise of hybrid partnerships showcases a dynamic adaptation to changing economic and professional landscapes. This innovative approach not only redefines traditional partnership structures but also positions law firms for greater flexibility and strategic growth in the future.

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Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer recently engaged in a thought-provoking discussion at George Washington University Law School, where he made a candid admission about his lack of appreciation for the difficulties his female classmates faced due to sexism at Harvard Law School in the early 1960s.

During the discussion with Dayna Bowen Matthew, the dean of George Washington University Law School, Breyer expressed his realization that the female students at Harvard Law School had a much tougher experience than he and his male peers had perceived. He found it particularly unsettling that Harvard Law School admitted only a small number of women during that time and described the treatment of these women by male faculty as “ridiculous.”

The National Law Journal covered Breyer’s discussion, which is part of a series of talks shedding light on his life and career. In one of his classes, Breyer had Judith Richards Hope as one of the only 15 female law students in a class of over 500. Hope later chronicled the obstacles women faced in her book “Pinstripes & Pearls: The Women of the Harvard Law Class of ’64 Who Forged an Old Girl Network and Paved the Way for the Future.”

Hope’s book highlights instances of gender discrimination at Harvard Law School. For instance, she recounts how Erwin Griswold, the law school’s dean, hosted dinner parties for female law students and would ask them to explain why they were taking the place of men. Another professor, Barton Leach, refused to ask questions to female students unless it was designated as “Ladies Day.”

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Interestingly, Breyer contributed the foreword to Hope’s book, and during the recent discussion, he likened the experiences of early female law students to pioneers who settled in the western frontier, including Nebraska. He emphasized that the past was a different era, where people approached things differently and held different beliefs.

Breyer acknowledged the importance of understanding the mindset of figures like Griswold and Leach, who questioned why women should have the same opportunities as men in a field dominated by male professionals. He highlighted their skepticism towards women pursuing legal careers and their perception that these opportunities were exclusively meant for men. Breyer stressed the need to immerse oneself in the historical context to grasp prevailing attitudes and biases.

The reflections by Breyer and the accounts presented in Hope’s book shed light on a transformative period in legal education and the significant hurdles faced by women in pursuing a legal career. It serves as a reminder of the progress made over the years, thanks to the perseverance and resilience of trailblazing women who forged paths for future generations.

Justice Stephen Breyer’s admission regarding his previous lack of awareness about the challenges faced by his female classmates at Harvard Law School in the early 1960s has sparked important discussions about gender inequality and discrimination in legal education. By acknowledging these past injustices, there is an opportunity to learn from history and continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable legal profession.

The post Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Acknowledges Past Blindness to Gender Inequality at Harvard Law School first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

Despite increased attention on mental health and well-being in the legal profession, a recent survey conducted by ALM and Law.com Compass reveals a concerning trend of growing stress, anxiety, and depression among lawyers. The survey, which included nearly 3,000 participants, paints a worrisome picture of the mental health challenges faced by legal professionals.

According to the American Lawyer, approximately 71% of respondents reported experiencing anxiety, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Similarly, 38% of lawyers acknowledged dealing with depression, reflecting a substantial 35% rise from the previous year. The survey also indicated a significant surge in the number of lawyers grappling with other mental health issues, with figures more than doubling from nearly 15% to about 31% within a year.

The American Lawyer further delves into specific indicators of mental health challenges reported by lawyers. Over half of the respondents expressed feelings of failure, self-doubt, emotional detachment, increased cynicism, and reduced satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. Over 60% reported feeling overwhelmed, irritable, exhausted, or facing difficulties in concentration.

The study revealed that over three-quarters of lawyers attributed these problems to their work environment. Notably, 68% cited the pressures of meeting billable hour targets, 67% mentioned the inability to disconnect from work, and 54% identified lack of sleep as contributing factors. Additionally, 49% of lawyers believed that mental health problems and substance abuse had reached a crisis level within the legal profession, compared to 44% in the previous year.

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When asked about their comfort level in discussing mental health with on-site wellness professionals, approximately 51% of lawyers responded positively. However, only 33% believed they could take a leave of absence to address mental health or substance use issues.

Law firms have begun implementing various resources to address mental health concerns, such as mindfulness sessions, educational programs on exercise and nutrition, and access to therapy apps. Despite these efforts, lawyers still face barriers in seeking help due to the profession’s culture of perfectionism and fear of negative career consequences.

Laura Mahr, a lawyer, mental health coach, and founder of Conscious Legal Minds, emphasized the challenge lawyers face in accessing mental health services. She highlighted the perceived threat of professional setbacks, such as missed promotions or job loss, when not always operating at peak performance. Mahr’s work focuses on teaching lawyers techniques rooted in neurobiology and neuroscience to regulate their nervous systems, optimizing cognitive functioning and well-being.

Mental health professionals and consultants recommend establishing boundaries for lawyers’ availability outside work hours and considering the inclusion of psychologists or other practitioners on law firm staff. These measures aim to create a supportive environment and provide timely assistance to legal professionals in need.

The survey findings highlight the concerning rise in stress, anxiety, and depression among lawyers, despite efforts to address mental health issues in the legal profession. The study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced support and effective strategies to promote well-being, including fostering a culture that encourages open dialogue, setting boundaries, and providing accessible resources for mental health care. By prioritizing the mental well-being of lawyers, the legal profession can strive towards creating a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

The post Study Reveals Ineffectiveness of Mental Health Initiatives in Addressing Stress and Anxiety Among Lawyers first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein announced on April 19, 2022 that he would be taking time off from the bench to focus on his mental health. In a statement released by the court, Bernstein revealed that he is seeking mental-health treatment outside the state and will not hear a case scheduled for April 26.

Bernstein, who has been blind since birth, has been a justice since 2015 and was reelected to another eight-year term last November. However, the justice has recently found himself amid controversy after publicly criticizing Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for hiring a law clerk who had turned his life around after serving 14 years in prison for robbing a store and shooting at police officers. Bernstein said that he was “disgusted” by the hiring, but after facing backlash, he apologized and said that he regretted his remarks. Bolden’s clerk, Pete Martel, resigned.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case in Cheboygan on April 26. However, in light of Bernstein’s announcement, he will not be present in court. “During this time, I will continue working remotely on all active cases,” Bernstein said. Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement supported Bernstein and said she looked forward to his return to the bench.

Bernstein comes from a well-known family in Michigan’s legal community, and his name recognition helped him get elected in 2014. The Sam Bernstein law firm, founded by his father, is a major TV advertiser in the Detroit area.

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In 2021, Bernstein made headlines when he spent months in the United Arab Emirates and Israel, an unusual move for a sitting Supreme Court justice. He said his goal was to inspire people while discussing his life as a blind lawyer and judge. At the time, the Supreme Court was hearing cases by video conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Bernstein participated from overseas. He said that he could also keep up with other court work.

Bernstein’s decision to prioritize his mental health is an important reminder of the toll that the legal profession can take on individuals. Lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals are often under immense pressure to perform at the highest level, and the nature of the work can be emotionally taxing. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are not uncommon among legal professionals, and many struggle to seek help due to fear of stigma or concerns about the impact on their careers.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need to prioritize mental health in the legal profession. The American Bar Association has established a Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, and many state bar associations have implemented programs and resources to support the mental health of legal professionals. However, there is still much work to be done to reduce the stigma around mental health in the legal profession and ensure that those who need help feel comfortable seeking it out.

Bernstein’s decision to prioritize his mental health should be applauded and serves as a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As Chief Justice Clement noted, “We look forward to him rejoining the court in person in the coming weeks.”

The post Michigan Justice Announces Mental Health Treatment, Urges Struggling Lawyers to Seek Help first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

A recent survey conducted by Law360 Pulse revealed that 83% of surveyed attorneys reported experiencing stress at least some of the time. However, despite this, 71% of lawyers said they would not switch careers even if given the chance. The survey also found that 15% of the lawyers surveyed worked more than 60 hours per week, with an additional 27% working between 51 to 60 hours per week. Furthermore, 17% of respondents expected to take only one week or less of vacation in 2023.

Despite these findings, 68% of lawyers said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall job, with 63% stating that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their compensation. The survey received responses from more than 1,300 lawyers, including 330 associates, 201 nonequity partners, 460 equity partners, and 125 counsel. Other lawyers in the survey held in-house and government positions.

The survey also identified evidence of a gender gap, with 31% of female lawyers reporting that their work-life balance had worsened in the past year compared to only 18% of male lawyers. Additionally, 28% of female lawyers reported being satisfied with opportunities for advancement at their firms compared to 35% of male lawyers. Only 60% of female lawyers had no student debt, compared to 75% of male lawyers. Furthermore, 46% of female lawyers reported feeling stressed most of the time, while only 28% of male lawyers reported the same.

The survey also revealed that 41% of female lawyers said they have personally encountered gender discrimination, compared to only 5% of male lawyers.

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The survey also asked lawyers to select up to three law firms they would choose based on reputation if they could work elsewhere. The top five firms mentioned in the survey were Latham & Watkins, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Kirkland & Ellis, Sidley Austin, and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, with 23, 16, 14, 12, and 12 mentions, respectively.

These findings paint a picture of a legal profession that, while often stressful, is still satisfying to many of the lawyers working within it. However, the survey also highlights a gender gap within the profession, with female lawyers often facing more challenges and discrimination than their male counterparts.

The post Lawyers Love Their Jobs, But Battle Stress: Shocking Survey Results Revealed first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

A new study published in the journal Healthcare has highlighted the growing concerns around mental health challenges faced by the legal profession. The study reveals that lawyers facing high stress, overwork, and loneliness are more likely to contemplate suicide, with attorneys twice as likely as other working U.S. adults to have suicidal thoughts.

The study surveyed almost 2,000 lawyers in California and the District of Columbia on their mental health, substance abuse, workloads, and stress levels. The findings show that almost 9% of the respondents said they thought they would be better off dead or thought of hurting themselves at least several times.

The study’s co-author, Patrick Krill, an attorney who advises legal employers on wellness issues, said this is the first study to explore what’s driving higher rates of suicidal thinking among lawyers and how to identify those most at risk. The study found that the odds of having suicidal thoughts were 2.2 times higher among attorneys with “high work overcommitment” and 2.8 times more likely among lawyers who reported being lonely. Lawyers who have been diagnosed with at least one mental illness were 1.8 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts, the study found.

The study also highlighted that male lawyers were twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts than women lawyers. An unexpected finding is that women, in general, experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts but lower rates of death by suicide. Lawyers between the ages of 30 and 40 also reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts than older attorneys.

Among the lawyers who reported suicidal thoughts, 66% said their time in the legal profession had been detrimental to their mental health. And 46% said they considered leaving the profession due to stress or burnout.

According to the study, the new findings suggest that the legal profession should reduce the stressors attorneys face while also enhancing their ability to tolerate stress. However, the authors wrote that legal employers had focused their well-being efforts on stress management tools and self-care resources for individuals instead of pursuing structural changes such as easing unrealistic time pressures and reducing workloads.

The legal profession is known for its intense pressure, long hours, and high-stakes work. However, this study highlights the need for a cultural shift within the profession that recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being. Employers should be mindful of their employees’ workloads and ensure that they are providing adequate support and resources to manage stress and burnout.

The legal industry must address this issue head-on and take meaningful steps to support its employees’ mental health and well-being. By doing so, the profession can create a more supportive and sustainable work environment for its lawyers.

REFERENCES:

Stress and overwork linked to lawyers’ suicidal thoughts, study says

The post Study Shows Lawyers’ Suicidal Thoughts Linked to Stress and Overwork first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

The past years have seen a surge in college graduates deciding to pursue law school, particularly women. This is especially true since reproductive freedom has been taken away, and the right to abortion was officially overturned. Women are now inspired to study the law and reclaim their constitutional rights that were so recently taken away. 

Recently, the Princeton Review released its latest law school rankings, focusing on law schools offering the greatest resources for women. To determine the ranking, Princeton Review considered the percentage of women in the student body and the responses to a single survey question that asked whether all students are treated equally by both students and faculty, regardless of gender.

Based on the results of this ranking, UC Davis School of Law, CUNY School of Law, Stanford University School of Law, Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law, New York Law School, UCLA School of Law, Samford University Cumberland School of Law, Western State College of Law at Westcliff University, Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, and Northeastern University School of Law are the law schools that offer the greatest resources for women.

Law school provides an excellent opportunity for women in America to stand up and prove that the future is female. It can be a powerful tool for effecting change, and we hope those who pursue it will use it to make a difference. We wish all those embarking on their law school journeys the best of luck. They can make a real difference in our society with determination and hard work. 

The recent trend of women pursuing a law degree is a positive sign of the growing efforts to promote gender equality in the legal profession. The Princeton Review ranking provides a valuable resource for women seeking a law school that offers a supportive environment for their academic and professional growth. We hope this ranking will inspire more women to pursue a law degree and become powerful advocates for change.

The post Empowering Women in Law: Proving the Future is Female in America first appeared on JDJournal Blog.

According to the ranking, the most elite law schools in the nation are not found on the list of law schools with the most competitive students. The ranking was determined by student feedback on the number of hours they study outside of class each day, the number of hours they think their fellow students study outside of class each day, and the degree of competitiveness among students at their school.

The top 10 law schools with the most competitive students, according to Princeton Review are: 

1. Baylor University School of Law
2. Syracuse University College of Law
3. Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
4. Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School
5. Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
6. Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law
7. Emory University School of Law
8. Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
9. University of Houston Law Center
10. Southwestern Law School

On the other hand, the ranking of the top 10 law schools with the best quality of life was determined by current students’ answers to survey questions based on the strength of the school’s sense of community, tolerance of differing opinions in the classroom, location, social life, and quality of the school’s research resources.

The top 10 law schools with the best quality of life, according to Princeton Review, are:

1. University of Virginia School of Law
2. Florida State University College of Law
3. Vanderbilt University Law School
4. University of California Los Angeles School of Law
5. University of Pennsylvania Law School
6. Samford University Cumberland School of Law
7. Duke University School of Law
8. Stanford University School of Law
9. Boston College Law School
10. University of California Davis School of Law

In conclusion, it is important to consider competitiveness and quality of life when choosing a law school. While a prestigious law school may not offer the best quality of life, schools such as the University of Virginia School of Law, Florida State University College of Law, Vanderbilt University Law School, and others provide students with a fantastic quality of life along with a robust legal education. So, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and choose the law school that best fits your needs.

REFERENCES:

Law Schools With The Most Competitive Students v. Law Schools With The Best Quality Of Life (2023)

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United States based law firm Littler Mendelson PC, the world’s largest employment and labor practice, continues to expand its European footprint by opening an office in the Irish capital city of Dublin. In 2020, the firm opened offices in Poland, Spain and Austria. It also opened an office Brazil through a correspondent counsel relationship. The firm already has an established and thriving employment practice in the United Kingdom.

The new office in Ireland will be headed by Niall Pelly, an Irish lawyer who specializes in Irish employment law. Pelly joins Littler from Matheson, a leading Dublin based Irish law firm specializing in serving the Irish legal needs of international companies. Pelly served as a partner in the Employment, Pensions and Benefits Group at Matheson. Prior to that, he also worked with Herbert Smith Freehills and McDermott Will & Emery in their London offices.

Niall advises large Irish and multinational companies on all employment law and workplace matters. He specializes in complex, high-value litigation including whistle-blowing claims and High Court employment injunctions. His industry specialization includes technology, financial services and pharmaceuticals.

Pelly is admitted to the New York Bar Association (non-practicing), the Law Society of England and Wales (non-practicing), and the Law Society of Ireland. He is a law graduate from Dublin’s Trinity College and also holds a Diploma in Employment Law from University College Dublin. He is an active member of the Employment Lawyers Association, the International Bar Association, and the European Employment Lawyers Association.

Erin Webber, who is set to become Littler’s next managing director from January 15, 2021, said, “Ireland has become an increasingly key player in the European and global economies, which is why Niall’s understanding of the country and his impressive reputation in the market make him a strong addition that fits well into our global expansion strategy.”

Jon Gilligan, founder and managing director at GQ|Littler congratulated Pelly and said, “We are excited to welcome Niall to the firm and about the connections and experience he has amassed working out of Dublin and London for nearly two decades. His addition will further enhance what we can offer to clients in Ireland, the UK and globally. Opening a new office in Dublin will also bolster Littler’s market-leading ability to provide international businesses with customized counsel on the most complex labour and employment matters, complemented by innovative tools and technology resources.”

Continuing its trend of global expansion and market reach, Little now has more than 1,600 attorneys across 25 countries. The firm already has offices in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and other major European countries. It also operates in Canada and Singapore.

Owing to Brexit, a string of US and UK law firms have opened offices in Dublin to capitalize on the expected increase in work in Ireland’s legal market. International law firm Pinset Masons was among the first to open its office in Dublin in 2017. DC-headquartered Covington & Burling became the second law firm to enter the Irish market and Tully Rinckey followed suit. Recently, world’s largest law firm Dentons announced its plans to enter the Irish capital by opening an office.

In November 2020, the Law Society of Ireland announced that physical presence in Ireland was mandatory for dual-qualified lawyers to practice in Ireland. The move was targeted at England and Wales qualified solicitors who were on the Irish Roll of Solicitors or hoped to have their names in it so that they could continue to advise clients on EU law. The rule forbids these lawyers from practicing Irish and by extension, EU law. In November 2017, the Irish Development Agency had launched a campaign to convince global law firms and leading UK law firms to open up offices in Dublin post Brexit.

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