This week’s batch of blogs has a heavy emphasis on environmental matters, the government, and ways for law firms to improve their practice. It’s hard to pick only 10 posts to highlight, but this selection provides relevant, timely commentary that’s informative to a broader audience. In a year that’s been anything but normal, LexBlog members analyze the effects its had on national politics, the world, and business. Columbia Law School discusses possible agendas for the new Biden administration, Proskauer Rose cautions on advertising, and more.
Top 10
Planning for 2021—turning to the basics in a transitional law firm year
This year was unexpected for everyone, and rather than trying to anticipate what to expect in 2021, it’s important to focus on the principles of success. Andrew Jillson of Hayse LLC offers up five of these fundamentals to consider—discussing client-relationships, financial performance, talent, culture, and succession on the blog Managing Law Firm Transition.
As challenges to recycling claims rise, use caution when giving the “green” light
In wake of a recent investigation that misled the public about the recycling of plastic, it’s important to make sure advertisers are telling the truth when representing products. Proskauer Rose goes over FTC’s Green Guides and divides the post up with sections on the Smith v. Keurig Green Mountain case and the Blueland Cleaning Products NAD Challenge.
Concluding a challenging year, Congress aims to clear the decks with passage of FY 2021 spending bills
Government funding expires on December 11, and pressure continues to build on Congress to extend federal funding beyond the current Continuing Resolution (CR) that expires ten days from now. David LesStrang of Squire Patton Boggs goes in-depth on the progress being made and what still needs to be done on the blog Capital Thinking.
Social media, photographs, and fair use
With social media expanding and growing, it’s important to know what sort of photo sharing could get you into legal trouble. Susan Ross of Norton Rose Fulbright discusses fair use copyright laws and a specific case involving a sports publishing company and photographer on the blog Social Media Law Bulletin.
China’s new five year plan prioritizes climate targets and domestic growth
China’s government has been adopting a number of significant laws and regulations aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability in recent years. Latham & Watkins discusses China’s five year plan, focusing on their expanded climate commitment and the economy on the blog Environment, Land & Resources.
Does practicing “door law” make you look diverse or desperate?
Practicing door law means taking on any case—whatever one walks through the door—rather than specializing in a specific area. It’s ideal to avoid this and instead hone a niche, Marc Cerniglia of Paula Black Legal Business Development says. He shares how practicing in a specific area increases your credibility, decreases your competition, earns you more referrals, and gives you a basis to raise your rates on Legal Marketing Blog.
Lawyers: if you haven’t seen results from your client development efforts, think about this
This year has been unprecedented and it shouldn’t come as a surprise—or a setback—if you haven’t been seeing the client development results you expected. Cordell Parvin recommends looking ahead to 2021 and renewing your efforts in building a book of business on his blog.
New York DFS turns up the heat with climate change bulletin
New York recently released a bulletin on climate change, notably reporting on the drastic increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Robert Niemi and Heather Wright of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings discusses financial implications when shifting away from a carbon-based economy and more on the blog Financial Services Perspectives.
Biden and the SEC: some possible agendas
Although there are many potential areas for difference when transitioning from SEC Chairman Clayton to a Democratic chair, John Coffee Jr. of Columbia Law School identifies ten specific issues where agendas will differ. He writes about the budget, direct listings, SEC enforcement, and more on the CLS Blue Sky Blog.
20 retailers to watch for a bankruptcy filing in the first half of 2021
The retail industry has taken a big hit during the pandemic. Thomas Onder of Stark & Stark identifies 20 retailers most likely to file for bankruptcy. This includes AMC, Party City, GameStop, Office Depot, and more on New Jersey Law Blog.