The term “partner” can have many meanings.  Just click on www.dictionary.com and look it up.  Specifically for this article a partner is generally someone who is associated with others as a co-owner of a business venture.  Which means if the business venture does well the partners reap the benefits.  It also means if the business fails so do the partners.

In a law firm setting, a partner is usually someone with experience in a specific area of law and a client base.  Although many law firm use the lure of becoming a partner as an incentive to attract and keep well-educated and hard-working young associates.  A few of these associates eventually become partners even though they lack sufficient experience in a specific area of law and have no client base.

ANATOMY

Starting at the top, a partner typically has a very large cephalic dome.  This is sometime referred to as a “big-head.”  Sometimes it is covered with a fibrous material but more often it is smooth and shiny.  The “head” has various cavities leading to the inside; an area better left unexplored.  The largest of the cavities is a lower front-side opening lined with yellowish-brown stalagmites and stalactites.  Often loud and undecipherable noises are heard coming from this opening.  The head is attached to an often misshapen torso suffering from a gravity induced sag.  The lack of shape to this torso is the result of years of confinement in an environment hostile to the development of toned musculature.  Protruding from the left and right lateral sides of the torso are long limbs used for procuring items of value that typically belong to other entities.  Attached to the bottom of the torso on the left and right side are another set of limbs.  It is believed that these limbs were once used for walking, running, balance and other mobility functions.  Unfortunately, these limbs have completely lost the functionality for which they were designed.  Instead, these limbs are used for stepping on smaller, defenseless creatures that happen upon the path of a partner.

CONCLUSION

Once upon a time the “partner” was a formidable position worthy of only the greatest ambition.  Nowadays, you are probably better off becoming a celebrity.

The program will consist of course work as well as practical “hands-on” project based work.  Some of the course will include intellectual property, corporate finance, tax, corporate formation and partnerships.  Duke’s news release stated that “the practicum will place students either in-house with a company, with law firms advising entrepreneurial ventures or in other similar settings.”

The application deadline to Duke’s LLM program is typically January 20.  However, for this new program, application information and associated deadlines will be announced in February.

Despite what you may read on law firm websites, the recession is wreaking financial havoc on all biglaw firms with substantial financial, capital markets and corporate practices. However, if layoffs are any indicator of financial strength, neither of these firms seems to be hurting worse than the other. Still Morgan Lewis must have offered something and Bingham must have been lacking something to cause 5 partners and 6 associates to jump ship.

The partners leaving Bingham and joining Morgan Lewis are:

1. Robert A. J. Barry
2. Jonathan K. Bernstein
3. Sula R. Fiszman
4. Matthew F. Furlong

The associates aimlessly following their fearless leaders are:

1. Anastasia J. Caviris
2. Kate Haskell
3. Kevin T. Jarboe
4. Victoria A. Labriola
5. Marc R. Leduc
6. Mark D. Silva

Does this mean Bingham is hurting?  Maybe losing some extra partners and associates helps lighten the financial load for Bingham.  Regardless, it is quite entertaining the hear the spokesperson for Bingham state that “Bingham is stronger than ever, and the finance and banking practice in our Boston office and firmwide will continue to prosper and play an important role for our local, national and international clients” even though they just lost a significant number of important finance partners and crew.

In 1965, an unprecedented event occurred.   Four lawyers formed a partnership that quickly became the most profitable and prestigious firm in the United States.  The four lawyers were Herbert Wachtell, Martin Lipton, Leonard Rosen and George Katz.  The name of their firm was none other than Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.  Never before had such a young firm gained so much power, prestige and notoriety so quickly…until now!

I am pleased to announce the launch of the Law Office of Samuel R. Smith, PC.  Now advising closely held businesses and entrepreneurs.

On their website you will find the following description: “McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) is an international law firm with 475 attorneys and public policy advisors. The firm provides business solutions in the areas of environmental regulation, international law, public policy and regulatory affairs, corporate law, government contracts, intellectual property and technology, complex litigation, real estate, energy and finance. MLA’s diverse range of services fall into three broad categories: transactional, litigation and government/regulatory.”

In my search, I have found that MLA is hiring in Colorado, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, DC. They appear to be looking for attorneys with experience in appellate brief writing, government contracting and toxic tort litigation. You can see these jobs listing on their website or through the various online legal job databases.

Position:  Legal Counsel (in-house)

Location:  San Diego, CA

Description:  We need a corporate Legal Counsel to help us develop our growing international roster of hardware and software partners. This stuff isn’t easy, and it s a daily challenge to navigate the various laws and regulations that relate to our products, our websites, and our company in general. Experience with software or technology licensing, contract negotiation, and familiarity with intellectual property issues, including patent, copyright and trademark law, are key elements of this exciting position. Additionally, an understanding of international labor/employment issues is a plus.Review, draft and negotiate licensing agreements and general contracts; Provide legal advice and counsel with respect to corporate law matters; Oversee legal matters relating to intellectual property and internet matters; Assist with and manage various commercial litigation matters; Participate in transactions relating to potential company acquisitions and other financings; Research law, investigate facts and prepare legal documents independently as well as collaboratively with the legal team and the General Counsel .

The ideal candidate for the position of Legal Counsel at DivX will possess the following:
3 to 6 years of corporate law experience
Experience working in software, Internet or other high-growth technology companies
Familiarity with software or technology licensing and contract negotiation
Superior analytical skills with the ability to make informed decisions in a dynamic environment
Ability to develop and present highly professional and effective executive presentations
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, fluid and fun start-up environment
Exceptional organization skills and detail orientation
Ability to take leadership roles
A high level of motivation, creativity and integrity
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Fluency in English (fluency in French, Mandarin Chinese or Japanese is a big plus)
A Juris Doctor degree in the U.S. is required

Contact:  Send resume and cover letter to Pam Capelo at pcapelo@divxcorp.com

Position:  Labor and Employment Attorney

Location:  Redding, CA

Description:  The ideal candidate would have a solid academic and professional background, with three to ten years of experience, and the ability to step right in and handle cases from start to finish. Redding is a hidden gem of a city with a population of over 100,000 and a very sophisticated legal community, but with the feel and safety of a small town. It is a great place to raise a family. Carr, Kennedy, Peterson & Frost is a very well respected, six-attorney firm with an extensive litigation and transactional practice in the areas of real estate, land use, construction, business, corporations and partnerships, and estate planning.

Contact:  Send a resume and cover letter to Randall C. Nelson at rnelson@ckpf.com

Position:  Litigation Associate

Location:  Portland, OR

Description:  Seeking attorneys with 2-6 years of litigation experience. We are a growing Insurance Defense Firm and are currently looking for attorneys experienced in Personal Injury and Business Litigation. Excellent research, writing and analytical skills; attention to detail; and the ability to work professionally with clients, associates and staff are a must.  Oregon bar is required and Washington bar is a plus.

Contact:  Send a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three professional references to

hr@smithfreed.com