JD Scoop

For your reference, miscellaneous news notes from JD Supra:

1. We're hiring

Indeed, we're looking for a number of people to join our team. Drop us a line if you're interested; or, please, spread the word if you know someone who might fit well with any one of these positions: sales executive, programmer, designer, writer/editor, and executive assistant. (IMHO one of the many terrific perks of working for this growing startup: a CEO/founder with access to some of freshest, sweetest oysters around. Yum!)

2. Facebook updates update

Facebook has been busy updating its platform - including, most recently, a nice upgrade to the site's Business Pages function. As a consequence we've been busy updating our Legal Publishing Facebook app to keep up with the changes. Many of our tweaks were behind the scenes, but the most significant change is a simplified installation process.

The application allows you to feature your portfolio of JD Supra documents directly on your Facebook law firm page (available as a prominent link appropriately titled "Documents"). The app also shares your new JD Supra uploads on Facebook with an automatic status update (should you opt for that) on your page, or personal profile, or both. Any questions? Drop us a line. (Handful of examples of the app in place: Wilson Sonsini, McAfee & Taft, Davis Wright Tremaine...)

3. Nonprofit doc designation    

By popular demand, we've added "Nonprofit Law" as a subject choice on JD Supra. Next time you post a document to do with nonprofit law, look for the new designation in the "Subject Matter" section of our doc upload form. And for examples of the types of work we're getting in this area, see our recent Nonprofit Corporate Law reading list.

Thanks for reading, we'll see you online!

 

Here's a look at some of our newest contributors, lawyers and law firms showcasing their legal content on the JD Supra distribution network. We're thrilled to welcome:

- Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

"Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP is a law firm with global reach known for solving challenging business problems and resolving sophisticated legal issues for many of the world's largest companies. Founded in 1924, the firm handles matters throughout the United States and worldwide. Seven major practice areas--corporate, energy and environmental, financial services, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, and tax--provide the framework for an extensive range of focus areas, allowing Sutherland attorneys to serve a diverse client base that ranges from small and medium-sized start-up businesses to a significant number of Fortune 100 companies..." View Sutherland's portfolio>>

- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

"Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is the premier legal advisor to technology and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the investment banks and venture capital firms that finance them. Over the past five decades, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has established its reputation by having an unmatched knowledge of its clients' industries and deep and long-standing contacts throughout the technology sector..." View Wilson Sonsini's portfolio>>

- Loeb & Loeb LLP

"... a multi-service law firm with more than 300 attorneys in five offices in the US, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Nashville, and Washington, DC, as well as a representative office in Beijing that serves a rapidly growing number of Asian clients. The firm focuses on select core industries and practice areas, rather than endeavoring to be all things to all clients. We represent multi-national, Fortune 100 companies in their mid-market transactions and litigation matters, and serve as primary outside counsel to a multitude of mid-market clients. The firm also represents clients ranging from high tech start-ups to high net worth individuals and families..." View Loeb's portfolio>>

- McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC

"McNees Wallace & Nurick exists to provide professional services of superior value which exceed our clients' expectations. We do this with creativity and integrity -- anticipating problems and understanding our clients' needs. Clients First! We foster a firm culture that attracts and retains the best people and enables each of us to achieve our goals. We work with enthusiasm and unity of purpose. We continue as leaders in our community and profession..." View McNees' portfolio>>

- Davis Wright Tremaine

"...a national business and litigation law firm representing businesses based throughout the United States and around the world. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP was founded in Seattle in 1908 on a simple guiding principle - to provide clients with quality legal services in a manner that would exceed their expectations. This principle has remained intact for decades as the Seattle office continued to grow and as we began to expand our reach across the nation. By the end of the 1980s, the firm had well-established offices in Anchorage, Bellevue (Wash.), Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Our team currently includes more than 500 attorneys covering a wide variety of practice areas..." View DWT's portfolio>>
 

- Jackson Walker

"Jackson Walker is a Texas-based law firm with a national presence and global reach. With more than 330 attorneys, we're one of the largest firms in the state, and we provide comprehensive services in a broad range of practice areas. For over 100 years, we've represented companies that have changed the face of Texas business. Today, our attorneys continue to deliver practical, efficient solutions to clients in Texas, throughout the United States, and abroad. Our practice now spans the globe, and our corporate clients include some of the biggest names in business..." View Jackson Walker's portfolio>>

- Fisher & Phillips LLP

"We have 23 offices around the country and we continue to expand. Our attorneys practice before state and federal courts and administrative agencies in virtually every state. We are likely to have lawyers who are located near a client's problem, and who are thoroughly familiar with local laws, courts, and government agencies. We have a broad and diverse client base. We represent a wide range of public and private employers around the nation. Our clients include employers in the agriculture, automotive, banking, broadcasting, casino and gaming, construction, health care, hospitality, insurance, legal and professional services, manufacturing, mining, real estate, retail, technology, transportation, and wholesale and distribution industries, as well as state and local government entities, non-profit organizations, schools, colleges and universities..." View Fisher & Phillips' portfolio>>

- Bryan Cave LLP

"Bryan Cave LLP is a leading business and litigation firm with global reach, a strong reputation and a long history of success. We do interesting and challenging work for a diverse client base, including businesses, financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations, government entities and individual clients. With more than 1,000 lawyers and consulting professionals in 19 offices worldwide, we pride ourselves on proactive, solution-oriented work in every major area of interest to clients..." View Bryan Cave's portfolio>>

- Luce Forward

"With attorneys practicing throughout California, Luce Forward has been helping clients grow for over 135 years. The firm's philosophy of service also extends to the communities in which the attorneys practice. In addition, we have a healthy tradition of providing community service, leadership and pro bono services to many local and national causes and organizations. Luce Forward's dynamic practice is home to attorneys working in major business centers throughout California. We are known as a top law firm throughout the state and represent clients from across the country..." View Luce Forward's portfolio>>

- Poyner Spruill LLP

"Poyner Spruill has offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, Rocky Mount, and Southern Pines, North Carolina, giving it a statewide presence. The firm's size enables it to foster individual attorney excellence in such diverse practice areas as bankruptcy, workouts, creditors' rights, employment law, commercial real estate, employee benefits, banking law, venture capital, public utilities, health care law, governmental relations, environmental law, securities law, municipal law, construction law, white collar criminal defense, as well as trials and appeals in all state, federal and administrative courts and tribunals and alternative dispute resolution..." View Poyner Spruill's portfolio>>

- McDermott Will & Emery

"...a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Numbering more than 1,000 lawyers, we have offices in Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Düsseldorf, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, Munich, New York, Orange County, Rome, San Diego, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. Extending our reach to Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. McDermott has marked 75 years of serving a broad range of client interests. Established in 1934 as a tax practice in Chicago, Illinois, McDermott has grown its core practices and offices around the globe..." View McDermott's portfolio>>

- Jonathan Foxx, Lenders Compliance Group

"Lenders Compliance Group is the first full-service, mortgage risk management firm in the country, specializing exclusively in mortgage compliance and offering a full suite of hands-on and automated services in residential mortgage banking. Our organization consists of Directors, Group Administrators, Compliance Consultants, Staff, and Strategic Alliances..." View Lenders Compliance Group's portfolio>>

- Douglas Slain, Private Placement Advisors

"Private Placement Advisors represent entrepreneurs and small businesses in structuring private offerings to raise capital. We also represent investors as plaintiffs in deals gone sideways. We specialize in private placement law, both as litigators making use of California's Blue Sky Laws and as a transactional lawyers helping structure private offerings to ensure compliance with Federal and state securities law..." View Private Placement Advisors' portfolio>>

- Ross Delston

"Specialize in financial services law and Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) compliance in the US and internationally. Founder of GlobalAML.com, a Washington, DC-based compliance consulting firm. Clients include banks, industrial companies, law firms and US Government agencies. Recently completed an independent BSA/AML review/audit of publicly held money service business..." View Delston's portfolio>>

- Francis Fryscak, Partner at Cooley LLP

"...a partner in the Antitrust & Trade Regulation practice group and a member of the Cooley LLP Business department. He joined the Firm in 1999 and is resident in the Palo Alto office. Mr. Fryscak's practice is concentrated on antitrust matters. He provides antitrust counseling on issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, distribution arrangements, price discrimination, and corporate antitrust compliance.  He has worked closely with clients in numerous high profile antitrust investigations brought by the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and foreign antitrust regulatory agencies, including Adobe Systems Incorporated's acquisition of Macromedia and Siebel Systems, Inc.'s acquisition by Oracle..." View Mr. Fryscak's portfolio>>

- Cory Furman, Partner, MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP

"Rounded experience as an intellectual property counselor, across various subject matter fields and client demographics. Experience primarily concentrated on the strategic identification and development of intellectual property rights and portfolios in a multijurisdictional context. Trademark and patent prosecution, and patent litigation, are the primary substantive areas of my legal practice in addition to portfolio advising. Corollary work in the areas of licensing, copyright and the like as well..." View Mr. Furman's portfolio>>

- Shannon Bayer, Bayer Law Office

"Generalist attorney focusing on building a strong bankruptcy, estate planning, and landlord tenant practice. My office is ocated in Charlestown, but as a resident of Somerville, I hope to build strong community relations in both towns. Providing access for individual going through difficult financial times and troubles..." View Ms. Bayer's portfolio>>

- Christopher Ariano, Ariano & Reppucci, PLLC

"Christopher Ariano is an experienced Phoenix bankruptcy attorney available for consultations regarding the preparation and filing of consumer bankruptcy petitions across the state of Arizona. Devoting the majority of his career to the filing of Arizona chapter 7 and chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy petitions, Chris has the specialized knowledge base to confidently guide you through the process of filing for bankruptcy..." View Mr. Ariano's portfolio>>

-  Julia Sullivan

"Ms. Sullivan has more than 23 years experience as an energy lawyer. She concentrates on regulatory issues in the electric utility and natural gas pipeline industries, including resource planning, procurement practices, risk management, and rate regulation. She has represented energy companies in significant matters before the federal courts, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and state utility commissions..." View Ms. Sullivan's portfolio>>

- Reuben Ortenberg, Fix Spindelman Brovitz & Goldman, P.C.

"Attorney concentrating on commercial contracts (especially commercial leases for both landlords and tenants) and litigation, real estate sales and purchases and related litigation, and extensive work as a municipal attorney. Currently concentrating on land use law and related litigation on behalf of municipalities and private land owners, and on matters related to agreements among business owners on the start and termination of businesses..." View Mr. Ortenberg's portfolio>>

- Great Jakes Marketing

"...a web-centric marketing company specializing in law firms and professional services. Innovative professional firms hire us to craft the website and web-strategies that build their practices.The websites that we create utilize a "Rainmaker-Focused" web-marketing paradigm, which was originated at Great Jakes. The approach integrates reputation-building techniques and social media tools that help professionals develop relationships that grow their practices..." View Great Jakes' portfolio>>

- Greenfield/Belser Ltd.

"Greenfield/Belser is a national leader in brand strategy and design focused on service businesses and organizations. From offices in Washington, D.C., New England and North Carolina, more than 40 designers, copywriters, account executives, Web developers and others work together to provide fully-integrated brand strategy and execution..." View Greenfield/Belser's portfolio>>

- Tom Matte, Max Advertising

"As CEO of Max Advertising and author of The Matte Pad, Tom focuses his endless enthusiasm into crafting creative and lasting marketing and advertising that differentiates his law firm clients, clearly communicates their messages and ultimately grows their practices. Whether a 10-person firm or one of the Am Law 100, he has worked with firms of all sizes. From branding and logo design, to advertising, collateral, websites and social media, Tom integrates it all together to create a cohesive and effective marketing strategy - one that helps his law clients grow and succeed..." View Tom Matte's portfolio>>

...

What about you?

Are you looking for an effective way to showcase expertise and connect with new clients, colleagues, and the media?

Create a JD Supra profile, distribute your legal content online>>

This morning I spent some time on the phone helping an attorney for whom Twitter, JD Supra, LinkedIn, social media and all the rest were all brand new. Typical story: everyone had told him to get online, and so he was doing it - but had no idea why (or barely any idea how).

This particular attorney's resume (and written work) reveals a smart, capable, and accomplished professional - no dummy - and yet our conversation was characterized by questions for which he felt the need first to apologize, like: "What does it mean to follow something? Why would I want to do that?"

You have to start somewhere. Where to begin?

As I see it, one problem with "social media" is that it can be over explained. I'm not alone in that opinion. A crowd gathers on a hill looking at a green brown mass in the distance. "Look at those trees!" "Those aren't trees, that's a forest!" "What we need is an arborist!" "No, let's hire a soils expert!" "Trees are meant for climbing - everyone, climb a tree." "Think of the risk!" "Firewood!"

Here's what I told the attorney new to online marketing and social media - basic, beginners' stuff, but it bears repeating because I think it holds true for all of us:

1. You'll still get clients the old-fashioned way

If word-of-mouth referrals (from happy clients, colleagues, etc.) is how you get clients, it will still happen for you. In that way, nothing has changed.

What has changed is what happens next. To whit: Google. When your name comes up in lunch conversation ("Great lawyer you should contact...") count on the likelihood that you will be researched, aka Googled. That's where we live today, and so that first page of Google search results is your new resume. It's where people turn to find out more about you.

When you get started on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, JD Supra, Avvo, and other such services, you are - for starters - taking possession of your name online. This is fairly easy to understand; the platforms tend do well in Google, and so - as you claim and fill them with the information that matters to your professional life - that's what people will see when they search on your name.

End of story. In some ways, reason enough to invest the time in the first place.

2. Your written work will help you connect with others, your next source of referrals and work

There's a harder group to reach online, and that's people who don't know your name but should: they have a need (or will have a need) that your service can meet.

Such people find you via Search online as well - not searching your name, but searching the issues and topics you have written about it. In this way, the myriad pieces of content that once collected dust on your hard drive now have a chance to make their way around the Web on your behalf, turning your readers into people who know your name - into people who know that you can help them with their issue, whatever that happens to be.

I have seen lawyers refer other lawyers to new clients via content they read on JD Supra; I've seen consumers and business professionals themselves reach out to lawyers and firms after reading timely and insightful content; I've seen editors ask for reprint permissions ... meaningful content is without question one of the best ways to meet people who don't know you but should.

Besides the visibility of good content in search, remember those social media (and other) platforms you signed up for in order to claim your professional name online? They also happen to be terrific places to seed the content that goes to work on your behalf. People won't only find your writing in Google; they'll also happen upon it on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, places elsewhere. Cast a wide net.

3. Your work makes the introduction, now you make the connection

One of the terrific aspects of the "media" part of "social media" is that it helps get word out about your particular expertise - taking your message to places you might not otherwise get to, working on your behalf while you are busy elsewhere.

One of the terrific aspects of the "social" part of "social media" is that it enables you to meet people you were previously unable to meet - because of time, location, what-have-you.

Social media is a mix of the two. If you are sharing your content online, make sure people who read and appreciate it have the ability to connect to you as a consequence. In this way your readers can become part of your network - or, as we see so often, your readers can become your friends. And, important to those of you who are doing this for business development: your readers can become your next referral source ... your next client.

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Also see:

- Please don't hire a "Social Media Director"
- Don't Let the Social Media Tail Wag the Content Marketing Dog

Are you on JD Supra yet?
 

[Update, July 2011: also see additional updates: Hart-Scott-Rodino Rules: DOJ And FTC Final Changes To Merger Reporting...]

Here's what lawyers and law firms on JD Supra are reporting about the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act antitrust threshold revisions for 2011, as announced by the FTC on January, 21:

- Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Threshold Revisions Announced for 2011 (by Howard Morse, Cooley LLP):

"The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced new Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR) thresholds for reporting proposed transactions to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FTC, on January 21, 2011. The critical "size-of-transaction" threshold will increase from $63.4 million to $66.0 million, when the changes take effect, 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, which should occur shortly. The HSR Act allows the FTC and DOJ to review proposed mergers and acquisitions before they are consummated to determine if they may violate antitrust law. The thresholds are adjusted annually for changes in GNP..." Read on>>

- Hart-Scott-Rodino Thresholds Revised, Effective February 24 (by Francis Fryscak, Cooley LLP):

"Once the new thresholds take effect, the "size of transaction" test will reach those transactions in which the value of the voting securities (or assets) to be held as a result of the acquisition will exceed $66 million (compared to the current $63.4 million threshold). The "size of-person" test will require, in most cases, that at least one party (together with affiliates under common control) has total assets or annual sales of at least $131.9 million, and another party (together with affiliates under common control) has total assets or annual sales of at least $13.2 million..." Read on>>

- Notification Threshold Under Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Increased to $66 Million (by McDermott Will & Emery):

"The adjustments will affect parties contemplating HSR notifications in various ways. Parties may be relieved from the obligation to file a notification for transactions closed after February 24, 2011, that fall below the adjusted base threshold. For example, a transaction resulting in the acquiring person holding voting securities or assets valued at less than $66 million would not be reportable on or after the effective date. The adjustments will also affect various exemptions under the HSR rules. For example, acquisitions of foreign assets and voting securities of foreign issuers will now be exempt unless they generated U.S. sales in excess of $66 million, or in the case of foreign voting securities, the issuer has assets in the United States valued in excess of $66 million..." Read on>>

- Federal Trade Commission Revises Hart-Scott-Rodino Thresholds (by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati):

"The new "size-of-person" thresholds will be $131.9 million in total assets or net revenues (up from $126.9 million) for one person (acquiring or acquired), and $13.2 million in total assets or net revenues for the other person (up from $12.7 million).

If the transaction value exceeds $263.8 million (up from $253.7 million), the size-of-person threshold no longer applies, and a transaction is subject to HSR solely on the basis of the value of voting securities or assets to be acquired..." Read on>>

- Antitrust Alert: New HSR Thresholds for 2011 (by Fenwick & West):

"Filing fee thresholds also have been adjusted: (i) $45,000 for transactions below $131.9 million, (ii) $125,000 for transactions of $131.9 million or more but below $659.5 million, and (iii) $280,000 for transactions of $659.5 million or more..." Read on>>

- New HSR Filing Thresholds for 2011 (by Morrison & Foerster):

"The FTC also announced the revised thresholds for Section 8 of the Clayton Act that prohibits, with certain exceptions, interlocking directorates where one person serves as a director or officer of two competing corporations if two thresholds are met. Under the revised thresholds, effective when published in the Federal Register, Section 8 may apply when each of the competing corporations has capital, surplus, and undivided profits aggregating more than $26,867,000 and each corporation's competitive sales are at least $2,686,700..." Read on>>

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Additional legal updates - stay in touch:

- Mergers & Acquisitions Law via: RSS | LinkedIn
- Antitrust & Trade Law via: RSS | LinkedIn
- Securities Law via: RSS | LinkedIn

For your reference, a list of some of the most-viewed documents on JD Supra for January, 2011:

1. Long Haul Inc., et al., v. Regents of the University of California, et al. - Motion to Dismiss Complaint for Lack of Jurisdiction...
[By: Electronic Frontier Foundation | In: Personal Rights, Criminal Law]

2. The Value Of A Good ERISA Fiduciary
[By: The Rosenbaum Law Firm | In: Employment Law]

3. Apocalypse Now? Will The Massachusetts Ibanez Case Unravel Widespread Irregularities In The Residential Securitized Mortgage Market?
[By: Richard Vetstein | In: Bankruptcy, Real Estate]

4. Loss of Consortium Claims: Discovery Can be Brutal
[By: Collins & Collins, P.C. | In: Personal Injury]

5. Compliance with the New Risk-Based Pricing Rule
[By: Morrison & Foerster LLP | In: Consumer Protection, Finance & Banking]

6. Illinois Workers' Compensation Reform Bill on House Floor
[By: Katz, Friedman | In: Labor & Employment Law]

7. Real Estate Market Update - January 6, 2011
[By: Allen Matkins | In: Real Estate]

8. Constar International (NASDAQ: CNST) Files Prearranged Chapter 22 to Shed More Debt
[By: Randall Reese Restructuring Concepts LLC | In: Bankruptcy]

9. As Long as They Spell My Name Correctly: Truth, Fiction and Biopics
[By: Duane Morris LLP | In: Art, Entertainment & Sports Law]

10. Expanded 1099 Reporting for Rental Property Owners
[By: Duane Morris LLP | In: Real Estate]

11. Social Networking Legal Issues: Be Careful What You Tweet
[By: Tamera Bennett | In: Communications & Media Law]

12. $1.9 Million Jury Verdict Awarded on Former Employee's Minnesota State Law Claim
[By: Ford & Harrison LLP | In: Labor & Employment Law]

13. Delaware Supreme Court Invalidates Bylaw Amendment That Shortens Term Of Directors On A Staggered Board By Amending Annual Meeting Date
[By: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati | In: Business Organizations]

14. Medtronic Recalls 60,000 Sets Of Medical Supplies Used For Insulin Pumps Over Concerns About Safety
[By: Jonathan Rosenfeld | In: Health Law, Consumer Protection]

15. Key Nonprofit Corporate Law Developments in 2010
[By: McDermott Will & Emery | In: Business Organizations]

16. Income Tax Provisions of the 2010 Tax Act
[By: Maureen O'Leary Guth | In: Tax Law]

17. E-Cigarettes: An Issue for Employers Worldwide 
[By: Fisher & Phillips LLP | In: Labor & Employment Law]

18. 2010 Tax Act Changes to Federal Estate and Gift Taxes - Planning Strategies for Consideration
[By: Miller & Martin PLLC | In: Tax Law, Wills, Trusts & Estates]

19. What's Not To Like About Social Media?
[By: Sands Anderson PC | In: Communications & Media Law]

20. Sample Family Trust
[By: Jim Bowman | In: Wills, Trusts & Estates]

21. #1 Way to Get More Business in 2011
[By: Margaret Grisdela | In: Legal Marketing]

22. 2010 Tax Relief Act: Important Elections for 2010 Decedents' Estates
[By: Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP | In: Tax Law]

23. Michigan Man Faces Criminal Charges After Reading Wife's Email
[By: Howard Ankin | In: Personal Rights, Criminal Law]

24. 401(k) Plan Provisions That Are Bad Ideas
[By: The Rosenbaum Law Firm | In: Tax Law]

25. Florida Governor Orders Agencies To Use E-Verify
[By: Fisher & Phillips LLP | In: Immigration Law]

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Want more? follow @JDSupraBuzz for daily updates on trending topics, searches, and documents. A great way to see what's hot and find fodder for your own next article or post.

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Archive:
- Most-viewed on JD Supra: December, 2010
- Most-viewed on JD Supra: November, 2010
- Most-viewed on JD Supra: October, 2010

Lawyers, find an audience for your written work. Upload to JD Supra now!