Legal Articles
September 1, 2009
Pete Lopez UPL or Unauthorized Practice of Law is often one of the most dreaded terms for paralegals and attorneys alike. While the logical reason for this is that Unauthorized Practice of Law frequently results in the individual losing his or her credentials to practice, the additional factor is that states radically differ in what they deem Unauthorized Practice of Law. Full Story
August 27, 2009
Pete Lopez Although you probably love your job as a paralegal, there is something else that you can do in addition to your regular job. Pro Bono work is a way in which you can use your knowledge, skills, and experience, to benefit others. Not only does Pro Bono work provide a much-needed service to people who would not otherwise be able to have the benefit of legal assistance, it can give you a great deal of personal satisfaction at the same time. Full Story
August 27, 2009
Pete Lopez Conflict of interest is a very serious subject for attorneys; it is a very serious subject for paralegals, as well. Unfortunately, problems can sometimes occur if a paralegal is not aware that she is bound by the same regulations as an attorneyâ€" including the regulations surrounding this subject. It is very important for a paralegal to know the facts, so that she will be much less likely to make these mistakes. Full Story
August 27, 2009
Pete Lopez As there are a number of different credentials for paralegals, you may be wondering what the difference is and why it is relevant. Especially if you are now planning to begin your paralegal studies, it is a good idea for you to be aware of these facts so that you can make the decision that is best for you. Full Story
August 27, 2009
Pete Lopez Although many paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals are professionals in their own right. As many people still have the common misconception that a paralegal's place in the law firm consists of little more than being an underling to a superior, it might be a good idea to get a clearer view of the facts, and possibly set this misconception to rest. Full Story
July 24, 2009
Amy Nutt An expert witness is someone who works in a particular profession and they are considered an expert in their field. The lawyers who hire expert witnesses to testify for their side may ask a series of questions to determine if the expert witness is the best one for them. This individual must have more knowledge in their field than the average individual in order to be considered an expert. And that knowledge must be tested in order for them to become an expert witness. Full Story
July 24, 2009
PS President Barack Obama sought to rally support for sweeping health care legislation on night on July 22 as Congress struggled to find agreement on a historic overhaul. He vowed to reject any measure "primarily funded through taxing middle-class families." Obama defended his decision to set a midsummer deadline for the House and Senate to act. "I'm rushed because I get letters every day from families that are being clobbered by health care costs, and they ask me can you help," he said. Full Story
July 13, 2009
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart, P.C. June 18, 2209, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that an
employee alleging a disparate treatment claim under the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act (ADEA) must prove that age was the “but for”
cause of the challenged adverse employment action. Justice Clarence
Thomas, writing for the majority, ruled that even where the employee has
produced evidence that age was one motivating factor in that decision the
burden of persuasion does not shift to the employer to show that it would
have taken the action without regard to age. Gross v. FBL Financial
Services, Inc., No. 08-441, U.S. Supreme Court (June 18, 2009). Full Story