Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Guest Bogdan Savych, a senior policy analyst at the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), discusses his new paper, written with David Neumark, entitled “Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.”WCRI studied the impact of attorney representation when it comes to indemnity payments (income replacement benefits) for injured workers in what, on its face, is supposed to be a straightforward Workers’ Compensation system. What impact, statistically, does having an attorney represent an injured worker have on payments? Not surprisingly, Savych’s research found that for workers, having an attorney represent them in their claims can result in higher payments, but there is still work to be done. And, as host Alan S. Pierce notes, it’s even possible involving an attorney can save the Workers’ Comp insurance company money by identifying other parties who are liable for the injury through negligence. But then, what about attorney fees? There are myriad factors to consider, and, as we know, every state is different. If you’re an attorney who represents injured workers in Workers’ Compensation claims, or you’re otherwise connected to the world of Workers’ Comp, consider joining WCRI as a member.  If you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear, contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com. Mentioned in This Episode:“Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments,” by Bogdan Savych and David NeumarkFree Report: “WCRI Medical Price Index for Workers’ Compensation, 16th Edition (MPI-WC)” by Workers’ Compensation Research InstitutePreviously on Workers Comp Matters, “The Attorney’s Role in Workers Compensation” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to your law firm’s finances, you need to ensure that your practices are efficient, confidential, and compliant. Karolina Sikorska and Lydia Malone welcome Peggy Gruenke of CPN Legal to talk through the benefits of expert accounting and bookkeeping for law firms. Peggy shares her passion for helping attorneys build better businesses and how CPN leverages Clio’s systems to create a seamless experience for law firms.  Peggy Gruenke is co-founder of Cincinnati-based CPN Legal, which provides accounting and bookkeeping services to law firms, including Clio Grow and Manage setup and workflow design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naturally, it is essential for a legal tech business like Clio to be in compliance with the laws and regulations that govern the attorneys they serve. So, how do they ensure that their platform can do what it needs to do for their clients? Laurence Colletti sits down with Niamh Pollak to learn how Clio navigates compliance across a huge number of geographic areas and unique practice area needs. They discuss Clio’s efforts to help lawyers transform and grow their practices with tools that meet the changing needs of modern law firms.  Niamh Pollak is Vice President of Legal at Clio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For almost fifty years, coal dominated the Navajo economy. In April of 2017, the Public Service Company of New Mexico announced they planned to close the San Juan Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in New Mexico, and replace it with other energy sources, including wind and solar. In 2022, the San Juan Generating Station in New Mexico closed, and on August 24, 2024, the station was demolished with a cleanup expected in 2025.The demolition of the station received mixed reviews from the Navajo Nation. While some supported the demolition, others were tied to the history of the industry and how it provided for their families.In this episode, Craig is joined by Dr. Andrew Curley, Assistant Professor at the School of Geography, Development & Environment at the University of Arizona. Craig and Andrew discuss coal, its history and use, the impact it has had on the Navajo Nation, the labor force, and the environment, and what the future holds.Mentioned in This Episode:Carbon Sovereignty: Coal, Development, and Energy Transition in the Navajo Nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first image conjured in your mind by the word “sheriff” might be the protagonist of a Wild West movie or Robin Hood’s foe, the Sheriff of Nottingham. But unless you’re a resident of Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii and Rhode Island, there’s likely an elected law-enforcement official in your area who holds that title.In The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy, lawyer and journalist Jessica Pishko takes a deep dive into the history of this position in American life, and at a far-right movement hoping to co-opt the role of sheriff to advance extreme conservative policies.There are some 3,000 sheriffs in the United States, one per county (or county equivalent). In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Pishko and the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles discuss how the rural/urban divide impacts the demographics of sheriffs. Ninety-seven percent of the land area in the United States is considered rural, but only 20% of the people live in those rural areas. In the 2020 census, Greene County, Alabama, had 7,730 residents and one sheriff. Cook County, Illinois, which contains the city of Chicago, had 5,275,541 residents and one sheriff. This leads to a larger proportion of sheriffs representing a rural and more conservative demographic, Pishko says.Pishko explains the “constitutional sheriff” movement, including its similarities to other fringe movements like the sovereign citizens. Adherents claim that sheriffs alone have the power to interpret how the Constitution and the first 10 Amendments should be enforced in their counties. They claim that state governments, the federal government, the president and the U.S. Supreme Court have no power over sheriffs, and that as elected officials, sheriffs are answerable only to their constituents.In this episode, Pishko also describes the large role sheriffs have in incarcerations, how their enforcement powers differ or overlap with police, and what disciplinary or oversight measures are available when a sheriff abuses their office. Pishko and Rawles also discuss the roles sheriffs might have in local elections, and whether they might have an impact on the 2024 presidential election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie sits down with Lawyerist Labster and law firm owner Allyson Kitchel as she shares the challenges and triumphs of establishing her practice in a competitive market.  Discover how Allyson found her niche in personal injury law by focusing on cyclists, a unique approach that set her apart and helped grow her client base and hear about her remarkable victory in a landmark wrongful death case. You’ll also get practical insights on leveraging digital platforms and remote work to enhance your firm's marketing strategy, even on a shoestring budget. Links from the episode: Collbox: Lawyerist's go-to Solution for Getting Law Firms Paid   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to exceed expectations and thrive as a new lawyer from a panel of seasoned attorneys who are open and honest about what it takes to make partner, navigate your career, and excel in the legal field. Special thanks to our friends over at Litigation Radio, ABA's Section of Litigation and Podcast Host Dave Scriven-Young for sharing this special episode with us. For more conversations with top litigators, judges, and experts, subscribe to Litigation Radio on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.-----Newly admitted lawyers can feel overwhelmed and intimidated. Law schools can’t teach everything, and there’s a lot of on-the-job learning. Some of the work is difficult and complicated. Some of what’s required is as simple as showing up on time and doing work that looks perfect and is free of typos (yes, that matters, even for internal communications).With each task, the best new lawyers progress from competence to excellence. Start with the goal of being a “superstar associate” by being the best lawyer you can be. When new lawyers take on tasks and do good work, others will notice and will mentor you. What any new lawyer makes of their earliest experience in any firm will drive them to the next level, no matter their career path.This episode shares tips for standing out and learning how to be a lawyer from two attorneys who have excelled in their careers and have made partner at their respective firms.Resources:What New Lawyers Must Know on Their First Day on the JobEarly Career Success for Attorneys Can Come from Developing Your "Ownership Mindset"Great Lawyers Don't Only Point Out Problems—They Offer SolutionsSuccess in the Legal Profession Is Not Achieved Through Participation TrophiesBuilding a Career you Love as a Young LawyerSome Advice to the New or Soon-to-be LawyerTop Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal CareerAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation SectionAmerican Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August, the city of Chicago welcomed the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and delegates formally selected Kamala Harris as the nominee for President following President Biden’s departure from the race. But, let’s back up a second. Where exactly did those nominating delegates come from? Chicago attorney Aurora Austriaco joins Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier to discuss her experience serving as an elected delegate at the 2024 DNC. Aurora outlines the process and responsibilities involved in becoming a delegate and shares highlights and impactful moments from the convention. Aurora Austriaco is a Shareholder with Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel P.C., an all women owned law firm concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation, business litigation and real estate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The republican party of the 1990s must be turning over in its grave because the modern GOP is arguing teen pregnancy is a good thing. Equity partnership in Biglaw is a financial windfall, unless you're in the 10-30% of partners getting a compensation cut. And do you like messy, I mean MESSY, legal drama? The latest from the Texas bankruptcy court romantic scandal is eye popping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Setting a clear vision for your law firm can be challenging for many attorneys. Lawyers are highly educated and intelligent professionals, but they may not have the business knowledge to maximize their success. Dan Lear welcomes Mark Britton and Alex Shipillo to hear about their session on practical business strategies for modern, competitive law firms. They talk about developing fundamental values, identifying key performance indicators, effective collaboration, and other operational principles for transforming your legal practice.Mark Britton is the founder of the legal marketplace, Avvo.com. Alex Shipillo is the Vice President of Growth Marketing at Clio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices