July, 2022

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Beat Your Billable Hour Goal This Year

Paralegal Bootcamp

Billable hours suck. There we said it. If you work in a law firm that has a billable hour requirement you’re probably thinking the same thing. But here’s the thing. They’re not going anywhere. Google “the death of the billable hour” and you’ll see that they started talking about it more than a decade ago and billable hours are still alive and kicking.

Paralegal 246
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Memo to Prosecutors: Visit Your Local Prison

The Crime Report

Earlier this month, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Colette S. Peters to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Many eyes will now be on the troubled agency and what is happening behind bars under new leadership. Rightfully so, given years of dangerous conditions, abuse, corruption and mismanagement at the BOP. Editor’s Note: A week after Peter’s appointment, outgoing BOP Director Michael Carvajal was s ubpoenaed to testify before a Senate committee examining abuse

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The Importance of Having Legal Documents in Order

LDA PRO

Most people often overlook the importance of having legal documents in order. According to statistics, 60 percent of Americans lack a will or legal estate plan. Some may think that they don’t need them or that they are unnecessary, but the truth is, legal documents are essential for everyone. No one likes to think about their mortality, but it’s essential to have your legal affairs in order in case something happens to you.

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Accepting Crypto Payments for Legal Services

Attorney at Work

Over the past few years, many law firms have started cryptocurrency practice groups. But are these law firms accepting crypto as payment? Some are. The acceptance makes sense because, for better or worse, cryptocurrency is here to stay. Still, cryptocurrency has risks, so make sure you have a clear understanding of cryptocurrency and how your firm can accept crypto payments.

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6 Contract Data Analytics Tools To Boost Contract Oversight

Analyzing contract trends with manual contract management is like sifting through a pile of papers in a dimly lit room, trying to find clues manually. Advanced CLM software’s contract data analytics, on the other hand, is like having an AI-based, intelligent magnifying glass that not only highlights key clues but also connects the dots for you. With innovative, AI-powered contract data analytics, you can solve the mystery of trends faster and with greater accuracy, making informed decisions base

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US appeals court reinstates New York law limiting protest near courthouses

JURIST

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Wednesday reinstated a New York law that limits protest near courthouses. The reinstated law, New York Penal Law § 215.50 (7) , prohibits people from engaging in conduct “concerning the conduct of a trial being held” within 200 feet of a courthouse. Should someone be found in violation of the law, they could face criminal contempt charges. .

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The Role of a Criminal Law Paralegal

Paralegal Bootcamp

To start off, I should make a confession. I have been in the legal field for over 30 years and a paralegal going on eight years. In those years, I have only worked on civil cases, and that was my niche. Then, an opportunity came along to work for the County Public Defender’s Office, defending people in misdemeanor, felony, and now the only paralegal in the office on capital cases.

Paralegal 264
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Criminal Justice Algorithm Predicts Risk of Biased Sentencing

CourtTechBulletin

The above-titled article posted on the GovTech website discussed some recent research of interest to courts. “Researchers created an algorithm that predicts risks of biased, overly punitive sentencing. The tool performs with similar accuracy — and similar limits — to risk assessment algorithms already used to influence pretrial and parole decisions, authors say.

Court 147
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However Bad You Thought The Sandy Hook Defamation Case Would Go For Alex Jones, Yesterday Was WORSE

Above The Law

Can you get hard time in a civil tort suit? The post However Bad You Thought The Sandy Hook Defamation Case Would Go For Alex Jones, Yesterday Was WORSE appeared first on Above the Law.

Tort 145
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This Is How to Write Your Wikipedia Page

Attorney at Work

Learning how to write a Wikipedia page that tracks your life and career will help you chart the next steps in your amazing life. How will your story measure up against your legal heroes and mentors? . Imagine you’ve just shuffled off this mortal coil and somewhere someone is struggling to write the headline for your obituary. What will they say about you?

Education 294
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The Tech-Savvy Paralegals Playbook: How To Leverage AI

Speaker: Allison Mears, Adela Wekselblatt, and George Socha

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal industry, and paralegals are at the forefront of this transformation. As AI becomes more integrated into legal workflows, paralegals can streamline their daily tasks, enhance efficiency, and add greater value to their firms and organizations. But what exactly does AI mean for paralegals today—and how can you leverage it to your advantage?

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Europe privacy watchdogs criticize EU proposal to prevent and combat online child sexual abuse

JURIST

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) have released a joint opinion criticizing the European Union’s (EU) Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. The EDPB and the EDPS are independent privacy watchdogs in the EU.

Legal 249
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The Secret Costs of Using Buy Now Pay Later Services

Diane Drain

BEWARE OF THE SECRET COSTS OF USING ‘BUY NOW PAY LATER’!! What You May Not Know About These Services Services like “buy now pay later” now account for $100 million in annual transactions and are a popular financial resource for millions of Americans. These methods make purchasing simpler, but there are hazards involved as well.

Education 205
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What is a Public Defense Paralegal?

Paralegal Bootcamp

Modern law is extraordinarily complex. It’s built upon dysfunctional models like income inequality, sexism, racism, and much more. As society shifts and the need for lawyers to work faster and smarter grows, it becomes increasingly important that lawyers are able to nurture partnerships with freelance paralegals and legal assistants. Why do these partnerships matter?

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The modern US Border Patrol is a national police force with dangerous capabilities, author warns

ABA Journal

In Nobody is Protected: How the Border Patrol Became the Most Dangerous Police Force in the United States , geographer Reece Jones argues that Supreme Court…

Court 145
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Excellence in Trial: A Strategic Guide for Modern Paralegals

Modern trial practice has evolved beyond basic organization. With technology reshaping courtrooms and attorneys expecting more than ever, paralegals need to elevate their capabilities while mastering the fundamentals of trial excellence. This comprehensive guide from Steno, built from author Joe Stephens' real-world experience as both a practicing attorney and law professor, provides a blueprint for delivering exceptional trial support in today's complex legal environment.

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Primetime January 6 Hearing Drinking Game

Above The Law

Enjoy! The post Primetime January 6 Hearing Drinking Game appeared first on Above the Law.

Laws 145
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Five Things to Look for in Shared Office Space

Attorney at Work

Location, professional atmosphere, private offices, paralegal support, networking opportunities. These are all important considerations when shopping for a legal shared office space. But before you sign up, here are questions to ask about the office center site and the owner — along with five pointers on what to expect. Two Weeks’ Notice. A few days ago, I met with an attorney who was originally introduced to me more than three years ago when he was considering changing offices.

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European Court of Human Rights rules against Greece in landmark migrant rights case

JURIST

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Thursday ruled that Greece’s “ pushback ” operation that led to the sinking of a migrant boat, killing eleven (including children and infants), violated articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In Safi and others v. Greece, the court held that the behavior of Greek security officials violated the migrants right to life and the prohibition on inhuman or degrading treatment.

Court 239
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Eleventh Circuit Finds No Issue With Allen Instruction to Jury That Deadlocked Three Times

EvidenceProf Blog

In federal court (and in about half of state courts), when a jury is initially deadlocked, the judge can give them an Allen charge instructing the jury to keep deliberating. That said, a judge cannot give jurors an Allen charge.

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Transform Your E-Learning: Download the Ultimate Localization Use Case!

Uncover the secret to breaking language barriers and expanding your e-learning reach! This powerful use case reveals how Cesco Linguistic Services transformed 19 training modules for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood into culturally relevant courses in Arabic and Spanish—delivered on time and exceeding expectations. Learn how to localize your content seamlessly, avoid costly pitfalls, and connect with diverse audiences like never before.

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From constitutional orphan to treasured heirloom: The Second Amendment is no longer a second-class right

SCOTUSBlog

Share This article is part of a symposium on the court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Theresa Inacker, an attorney, is the New Jersey state director for The DC Project , a coalition of female gun owners dedicated to protecting and preserving Second Amendment rights. After more than a decade of unsuccessful challenges post- Heller and McDonald , gun owners finally rejoice that the Second Amendment is no longer the “ constitutional orphan ” of the Supreme Cou

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Online petition seeking impeachment of Justice Thomas has more than 1 million signatures

ABA Journal

A MoveOn.org online petition calls for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to resign from the high court or face impeachment.

Court 145
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Herschel Walker Threatens To Sue Over Veterans’ Ad Impugning His Unimpeachable Honesty, Which Is Complete And Without Blemish

Above The Law

Quit laughing, you guys! The post Herschel Walker Threatens To Sue Over Veterans’ Ad Impugning His Unimpeachable Honesty, Which Is Complete And Without Blemish appeared first on Above the Law.

Laws 145
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Targeting an Industry Niche

Attorney at Work

No one knows for sure what the future will look like for legal services. If you’re concerned about your practice and looking for an effective business development technique, I have a suggestion for you: Develop an industry focus, like a niche law firm. Becoming a niche law firm and marketing to an industry niche (as opposed to focusing on substantive expertise) can lead to substantial new business opportunities.

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Uncovering The Hidden Connections: A Patent Family Survival Guide

Speaker: Andrew Klein

Are there mysteries lurking in your family tree? 🕵 No, not a long-lost half-brother - I'm talking about a patent family tree! IP paralegals need fast and easy ways to verify and report on essential data about foreign equivalents of US assets. Join us to master the global scope of key assets to support prosecution, portfolio management, litigation, licensing, competitive monitoring and more!

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UN releases evidence of mass graves in Tarhuna, Libya

JURIST

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Monday released a report containing evidence of mass graves in the Libyan city of Tarhuna. The report estimates there could be as many as 100 undiscovered mass graves in the city. It claims that the al-Kaniyat militia, in power in Tarhuna from 2016 to 2020, is responsible for mass killings. The militia is alleged to have used brutal torture methods on residents including women, children, the infirm, and the disabled.

Laws 239
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Let’s Stop Throwing People Away For Life

The Crime Report

Lonnie Morris was recently released from prison after 44 years inside. Photo by Justin Bench, via UnCommon Law. Donald was first incarcerated when he was just seven years old. A poor kid with an under-resourced single mother, Donald was first kicked out of kindergarten for throwing tantrums. Two years later, after accidentally starting a fire while playing in a neighbor’s basement, Donald was held responsible for arson.

Education 141
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“Interview: David Strauss.”

HowAppealing

“Interview: David Strauss.” Elise Spenner has this post at the “High School SCOTUS” blog.

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Chemerinsky: This SCOTUS term moved the law ‘dramatically in a conservative direction’

ABA Journal

The U.S. Supreme Court's October 2021 term was one of the momentous in history.

Laws 144
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AI for Paralegals: Everything You Need to Know (and How to Use It Safely)

Speaker: Joe Stephens, J.D., Attorney and Law Professor

Ready to cut through the AI hype and learn exactly how to use these tools in your legal work? Join this webinar to get practical guidance from attorney and AI legal expert, Joe Stephens, who understands what really matters for legal professionals! What You'll Learn: Evaluate AI Tools Like a Pro 🔍 Learn which tools are worth your time and how to spot potential security and ethics risks before they become problems.