Law Commons^™

A Satire Of Law Firm Employment Practices, Miriam A. Cherry

Faculty Publications

(Excerpt)

Jeremy Blachman's new book, Anonymous Lawyer, is a black-humorous stab at the hearts and souls of large elite law firms everywhere (if firms had such things as hearts and souls). The novel had its beginnings as a weblog, with someone named "Anonymous Lawyer"—ostensibly a hiring partner at a large elite law firm—posting entries on the internet. Anonymous Lawyer's posts discussed everything from over-the-top summer associate outings complete with fireworks and drunken debauchery to lamenting Daylight Savings Time and the loss of hundreds of billable hours. In December 2004, the author of the blog was revealed to be Jeremy …

The Professionalization Of Law Firm In-House Counsel, Elizabeth Chambliss

Faculty Publications

This Article examines the structural evolution of the "firm counsel" position from a volunteer, part-time position filled by an existing partner to a specialized, often full-time position increasingly filled by career in-house counsel. Based on focus groups and interviews with firm counsel, as well as participant observation at meetings and conferences aimed at firm counsel, I examine how the professionalization of the firm counsel position affects: (1) the definition of the firm as the client; (2) the authority of firm counsel with partners; and (3) firm counsels' professional commitments and attitudes about ethical rules. I find that, from a regulatory …

Suing The Firm, Richard C. Reuben

Faculty Publications

Lawyers who once would rather take grievances against their firms to the grave are now taking them to court. Is it the death of professionalism or the dawning of accountability?