Sat.Jul 10, 2021 - Fri.Jul 16, 2021

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Text Analytics, Court Stats, and Privacy

CourtTechBulletin

A couple of weeks ago I shared some of “ my problems with pending case statistics ”. Before that, I posted another note regarding an alternative for analyzing criminal justice data. I generally try not to complain about things without having a solution in mind. In this article, I will share a solution using text analytics to work with a court’s largest data source, case documents, and reports.

Court 246
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Does ‘Overpolicing’ Social Media Threaten Free Speech?

The Crime Report

Illustration by Jon Bunge via Flickr. The over-policing of social media posts represents a threat to democratic debate, argues University of Florida journalism professor Frank LoMonte. . Judges and authorities have made social media a “First Amendment-free zone” where people — particularly students — face outsize repercussions for contextless and humorous statements, LoMonte wrote in a recently posted University of Memphis Law Review article.

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Top 5 Tips: Taking Depositions in a Post-Pandemic World

Attorney at Work

While much of the world stopped last year, depositions didn’t. Cases forged ahead and lawyers scrambled to establish new ways of taking depositions and handling proceedings that, for decades, had been routine. As we emerge out of the pandemic, many of the pivots intended as bandages for uncertain times will become permanent changes to the way we conduct and prepare for depositions.

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UN report reveals increased human trafficking due to COVID-19

JURIST

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime released a report Thursday revealing the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on victims of human trafficking. As per the report, the pandemic has made it difficult to trace traffickers and has also enabled traffickers to find victims due to the increase in the use of online platforms. The report further stated: Women and girls have been recruited, often locally or online, for sexual exploitation, especially in private apartments.

Legal 276
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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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Has your boss fallen out of love with you?

The Estrin Report

Brutally honest signs there’s trouble in paradise. By Chere B. Estrin. Does this sound familiar? You landed your dream job at a firm that promotes from within, has given you a salary that surpasses anything you have ever received and has all the same values you have ever sought in a position. Added to that, the atmosphere is great, teamwork rampant and well, let’s not even go into the fantastic benefits.

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Always Be Learning to Always Be Growing

Attorney at Work

Successful lawyers are successful at lifelong learning. No lawyer should assume their education is over at any point in their career — and certainly not upon graduation from law school. That’s when the real education about what it takes to be a successful lawyer truly begins. Successful lawyers, like successful people in all walks of life, are lifelong learners who never stop growing.

Lawyers 322
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Fourth Circuit rules laws barring gun sales to persons under 21 unconstitutional

JURIST

In a split decision on Tuesday a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held that federal statutes and regulations restricting gun sales to persons 21 years old and older are unconstitutional. The plaintiffs, Natalia Marshall and Tanner Hirschfeld, filed suit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) when they were turned down attempting to purchase handguns.

Laws 232
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It’s Greenberg Traurig, B h! Britney Spears Hires A Biglaw Partner

Above The Law

New legal representation for the legendary Miss Britney Spears.

Legal 145
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Compassionate Release and the Pandemic: A Policy Failure?

The Crime Report

Tough-on-crime policies biased against racial minorities and the poor undercut efforts to release incarcerees on compassionate grounds during the pandemic, according to a forthcoming paper in the St. Thomas Journal of Law and Public Policy. “Early COVID-19 compassionate release decisions reveal that courts continue to base early release decisions primarily on an assessment of public safety risk from crime, not community impact, crime victim impact, or even prisoner health,” asserts Jennifer Brob

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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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Three Tips for Owning Your Career as a Young Lawyer

Attorney at Work

Taking ownership of your career growth will lead to more fulfilling opportunities — but ownership doesn’t mean doing it all on your own. One of the most pernicious myths for young lawyers is that someone will teach you everything you need to know about practicing law, and as long as you keep your head down and “do what you’re supposed to,” success will come.

Lawyer 314
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Sudan militia leader committed to trial after ICC confirms charges

JURIST

The Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a decision on Friday, unanimously confirming all charges against Sudanese militia leader, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman. Consequently, Abd-Al-Rahman, who is also known as Ali Kushayb, was committed to trial before a trial chamber. Abd-Al-Rahman is considered a top commander of the Janjaweed militia and one of the most senior leaders in the tribal hierarchy in the Wadi Salih locality.

Court 232
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The Ken Starr Trainwreck Goes Supernova

Above The Law

It seems like there might be a trend here.

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Is Anti-Vax Movement Gaining Traction Among Corrections Staff?

The Crime Report

Health experts had warned that getting sufficient vaccines to prisons would be a logistical challenge. But a new slate of difficulties — from a deadlier COVID-19 variant to anti-vax misinformation — has slowed vaccination rates in prisons, particularly among corrections staff. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports just 22 percent of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections guards were vaccinated as of mid-June, according to voluntary department reports.

Contract 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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How Attorneys Can Use Legal Data for Legal Recruiting

Attorney at Work

Legal recruiting is an important business development tool for law firms looking to expand their client roster, build up their practice areas, and open offices in new locations. Firms of all sizes, from BigLaw to small law firms, can take advantage of the growing availability of litigation data to gain insights on which laterals to hire, which law practices to purchase and, more importantly, which to avoid.

Legal 245
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Human rights groups call to stop Myanmar real estate project on military-owned land

JURIST

A number of human rights groups have pleaded to Japanese businesses and property developers to terminate a proposed real estate development in Myanmar. The proposed development is the Y-Complex , worth approximately $330 million and covering 92,000 square feet of land leased from the country’s military. It aims to build shopping malls, office buildings and a hotel from Japanese luxury hotel chain Okura.

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Lawsuit: Johnson & Johnson’s “OGX” Shampoos Cause Hair Loss

LegalReader

The lawsuit claims that Johnson & Johnson's "OGX" shampoos contained a carcinogenic chemical they had promised to eliminate from products by 2015.

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DOJ Earmarks $7.65m for Rural Police Body Cams

The Crime Report

The Justice Department will allocate $7.65 million for the purchase of body-worn cameras by law enforcement agencies 50 or fewer full-time sworn personnel, including rural departments and federally recognized tribal agencies. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) program announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland will allow agencies to apply for special grants to purchase the cameras, pay for their implementation or expand existing programs.

Attorney 143
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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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The Flat Law Firm: Why Collaboration Over Hierarchy Makes Sense

Attorney at Work

While most law firms default to a hierarchical organizational structure, a flat organization focused on collaboration has its benefits. The traditional law firm tends to have clear hierarchical lines: attorneys, paraprofessional staff, business professionals and support staff. The hierarchy continues within these groups as well. For example, associates report directly to partners while office staff typically doesn’t have a direct line to the partners.

Law Firm 145
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Spain court orders imprisonment of three men for fatal homophobic attack

JURIST

A Spanish Court of Instruction justice ordered three men to be held in custody on Friday for allegedly murdering a man during a brutal, homophobic attack. The three men, alongside three other attackers, are accused of beating Samuel Luiz to death while shouting homophobic slurs. The fatal attack occurred Saturday, July 3, as twenty-four-year-old Samuel Luiz and a friend were on a video call.

Court 223
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Fastcase Names Its 11th Annual Class of Fastcase 50 Innovation Honorees

LawSites

If you are wondering where the innovators are in law, look no farther than the Fastcase 50, the annual award doled out by the legal intelligence company Fastcase that honors 50 of the law’s “smartest, most courageous, innovators, techies, visionaries, and leaders.”. Fastcase today announced its 11th annual Fastcase 50 honorees, which adds up to 550 innovative leaders in law over the lifetime of the awards.

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How Civil Asset Forfeiture Turns Authorities into ‘Bounty Hunters’

The Crime Report

Civil asset forfeiture gives police officers the right to seize cash, cars and homes from people who haven’t been convicted of a crime, which is why it’s time to end this exploitative practice by passing laws that prohibit it, argues the USA Today Editorial Board. Intended to reduce crime by seizing the profits of drug dealers, civil asset forfeiture has become a legal way for officers to pocket the property of mostly poor and innocent people, the editorial says.

Lawyers 140
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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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Clean Up Your Docs with Microsoft’s Document Inspector

LawTechnologyToday

A lot can happen when you mistakenly share information that is not meant to be shared. Identity theft , for example, is among the worst things that can happen. Before sharing the file with others, you must delete the hidden information first. Of course, you can hire a third-party cleaner for online security, but you can also utilize the ones already built-in on your computer, such as the Microsoft Office Word Document Inspector.

Metadata 140
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Cuban lawyer on the Cuba protests: ‘after 62 years of misery, Cubans took to the streets…protesting for their rights’

JURIST

JURIST EXCLUSIVE – Thousands of Cubans took to the streets Sunday in anti-government protests animated by popular disapproval of the Cuban regime’s handling of the economy and the Covid crisis, not to mention ongoing political repression of dissidents. The government responded by calling on its own supporters to resist the protests, and cut off internet access to social media sites in an effort to limit communication.

Lawyer 223
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Plenty Of Law Firm Partners And Associates Are Using Marijuana

Above The Law

This is. not surprising.

Law Firm 140
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Higher Money Bail Doesn’t Lead to Greater Public Safety: Study

The Crime Report

The U.S. bail system relies heavily on the imposition of cash bonds to secure the pretrial release of criminal defendants awaiting trial, despite widespread criticism that the state unfairly punishes indigent criminal defendants with pretrial jail confinement solely because of their inability to pay the cash bond. Stewart D’Allessio. Many large jurisdictions use a bond schedule to establish the amount of money a criminal defendant must pay to be released from jail pretrial.

Felony 140
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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.