General Consel Consulting Article http://www.gcconsulting.com/article/gcc_articlearchive.php General Consel Consulting Article RSS Feed en-gb 2026 General Consel Consulting. All rights reserved. admin@gcconsulting.com admin@gcconsulting.com Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:31:34 CDT http://www.gcconsulting.com/gccrssarticle.php 60 http://www.gcconsulting.com/images/logo.gif General Consel Consulting Article http://www.gcconsulting.com/article/gcc_articlearchive.php What is Important to Boards in Their General Counsels A good Board of Directors deserves and needs the advice of a strong General Counsel. In a world beset with legal problems and significant personal-liability risks for board members, top-level legal experience and judgment are primary needs. All that conceded, what should Directors expect from the company's General Counsel? How should they evaluate that person's performance in support of their function? This article describes the six basic contributions to be expected from the General Counsel and how to evaluate them. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120291&cat_id=73 gcc1 Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT Giving In-House Legal Departments More Responsibilities For an in-house lawyer, doesn't promotion to General Counsel mean you have scaled the heights, reached the pinnacle? You're the top lawyer, reporting to the CEO, and you oversee the law department as it protects the legal well-being of your company. That†s been your career goal, undeniably an admirable accomplishment, but should you consider climbing higher and taking on even more? Shouldn't general counsel break the law barrier? http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120292&cat_id=73 gcc2 Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT The Importance of In-House Legal Departments Being Engaged Engagement of its members, not their level of satisfaction, bulwarks a law department's effectiveness. Engagement is the willingness and ability of attorneys and staff to go beyond the call of duty to contribute to the company's success. It is the extent to which people will put extra effort into their work by staying late, coming in early, digging in on the weekends and keeping at the job until it is done. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120293&cat_id=73 gcc3 Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT How to Outsource Legal Work An Average Attorney Can Do Law department managers love to use the term 'commodity legal work.' But they don't always spell out what it means. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120294&cat_id=73 gcc4 Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT Evolving Role of In-House Counsel: Adding Value to the Business Recent events in the United States, United Kingdom and elsewhere have fostered a global discussion about the role of lawyers inside companies. Corporate general counsel and law departments face new responsibilities, heightened expectations and unprecedented challenges in the new business environment. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120280&cat_id=73 gcc5 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT Limiting Litigation Costs: Techniques to Consider For most law departments, reducing outside counsel fees boils down to reducing litigation fees. Studies show that litigation fees typically account for around three-quarters of what law departments spend on law firms. For this reason, techniques that target litigation spending deserve special mention. There are four methods in particular that will not only reduce litigation spending but will also push corporate law departments to think more creatively about it. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120281&cat_id=73 gcc6 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT New Effort on Talent Management General counsel are increasingly recognizing the need not only to manage the talent within their departments, but also to develop and enhance the group and its individual lawyers. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120282&cat_id=73 gcc7 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT Law Firm Department Retreats Legal departments have an excellent opportunity to weld together two I-bars of management's best practices: holding a departmental retreat and absorbing client satisfaction scores. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120283&cat_id=73 gcc8 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT Talent Management: Three Controversial Practices Debated Making the most of your law department talent calls for the utmost in managerial ability. This series has offered some ideas for how to do so. The first installment (July 2003) looked at three major issues in law department talent management: the graying of the workforce, the lack of promotions, and the constancy of change. The second article (August 2003) offered a range of ideas on group and individual development, an essential ingredient of managing talent. This concluding article discusses three controversial practices: forced rankings, telecommuting, and job sharing. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120284&cat_id=73 gcc9 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT Voting Software for Law Departments Electronic voting software is an under-utilized tool for law department managers. But it can help choose and implement software, set strategic goals, assess client and employee satisfaction, enliven retreats, and even evaluate outside counsel. This versatile tool deserves more attention than most pay it. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120285&cat_id=73 gcc10 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT How to Build a Strong In-House Legal Department Recognizing possible successors for senior positions in a law department, grooming those candidates and promoting them without untoward repercussions are challenges for many general counsel. These tasks must be attended to consistently, over time and with a strategic goal in mind. Few responsibilities are as pressing for general counsel, however, as making sure the law department nurtures its talent and fully develops its bench strength. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120286&cat_id=73 gcc11 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT How to Control Costs Inside Legal Departments Cost Control Patrol Corporations have tried many ways to contain and measure spending on outside counsel. It†s timefor a new approach: Enlist the in-house lawyers. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120287&cat_id=73 gcc12 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT How to Make the Contracting Function Better in Legal Departments In recent years there has been a lot of discussion and analysis concerning the "value-added role" of in-house counsel. Much attention has been paid to the obvious areas â€" effectively coordinating major deals and transactions, providing solid stewardship for the company†s key intellectual assets, managing major litigation, and navigating through the encroaching shoals of corporate governance and compliance. In this context, more routine, day-to-day legal functions have inevitably been pushed to the back burner. Contracting is one such area. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120288&cat_id=73 gcc13 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT General Counsels Need to Lead the Legal Department General counsel are expected to be leaders, but that leaves one important question unanswered: "Are leaders born or made?" It's important, because if the leadership skills of a general counsel were scripted at birth then there is little to be done to develop leadership talent, apart from focus rigorously on recruitment and selection. However, if leaders can be made, then there is much that a company and individuals themselves can do to develop leadership capabilities. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120289&cat_id=73 gcc14 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT Succession Planning in Law Departments Recognizing possible successors for senior positions in a law department, grooming those candidates and promoting them without untoward repercussions are challenges for many general counsel. These tasks must be attended to consistently, over time and with a strategic goal in mind. Few responsibilities are as pressing for general counsel, however, as making sure the law department nurtures its talent and fully develops its bench strength. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120290&cat_id=73 gcc15 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT SEC Appoints Temporary GC SEC Appoints Temporary GCObama Names GC of Budget OfficeSuccess for GC Despite Poor Economy http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120279&cat_id=119 gcc16 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT FTC Announces New GC FTC Announces New GCFormer Fannie Mae GC Leaves for Paul WeissTyco Restructures Duties in Legal Department http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120278&cat_id=119 gcc17 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT Johnson Appointed as Defense Department GC Johnson Appointed as Defense Department GCChadbourne & Parke Obtains New IP CounselSerious Fraud Office Appoints First GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120277&cat_id=119 gcc18 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT Working with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Is Dream Job for GC Working with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Is Dream Job for GCFrom Corporate Consulting to GC and Chief Compliance OfficerRedefining GC Roles in 2009 http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120276&cat_id=119 gcc19 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT Ex-GC for UnitedHealth Fined $575,000 Ex-GC for UnitedHealth Fined $575,000KB Home In-House Lawyer Used in Cover-upFormer GC Defends Outsourcing to Big Law Firms http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120275&cat_id=119 gcc20 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT Moynihan Named Bank of America GC Moynihan Named Bank of America GCGCs Advise Outside Counsel on Business Behavior and EtiquetteApple GC Scaling Down Outside Law Firms http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120274&cat_id=119 gcc21 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT O2 Cuts Euro GC Position for First Euro Legal Panel O2 Cuts Euro GC Position for First Euro Legal PanelImperial Finance and Trading, LLC Appoints New GCHess Corporation Announces Timothy B. Goodell as New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120273&cat_id=119 gcc22 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT GCs Among Highest-Paid Executives GCs Among Highest-Paid ExecutivesBank of England Appoints Graham Nicholson as New Chief Legal CounselWarner Brothers' New GC Faces Intricate Issues in Digital Rights http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120272&cat_id=119 gcc23 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT Who is Making the Big Bucks in Global Litigation Who is Making the Big Bucks in Global LitigationNew Tessera GC Under High PressureHonolulu Approves Paperless Voting http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120271&cat_id=119 gcc24 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT GCs Brace Themselves for Rate Battles GCs Brace Themselves for Rate BattlesGCs Concerned About MergersMcDermott Will & Emery One of First to Announce Bonuses http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120270&cat_id=119 gcc25 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT Standardized Work and Cost Cutting Alter GC Relationship with Outside Counsel Standardized Work and Cost Cutting Alter GC Relationship with Outside CounselCompanies Pay In-House Lawyers MoreEconomic Downturns Launches Billable Hour Downturn http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120269&cat_id=119 gcc26 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT Broadcom Named Chong New General Counsel Broadcom Named Chong New General CounselFirst-Time General Counsel Chosen for AEGON UKCiena Appoints David Rothenstein as General Counsel http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120268&cat_id=119 gcc27 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT MTV's New Legal Affairs Head Not Surprising MTV's New Legal Affairs Head Not SurprisingNew GC Selected for Major Telecoms CompaniesLloyds TSB Led by HBOS GC Law Team http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120267&cat_id=119 gcc28 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT United Steelworkers Union Names New GC United Steelworkers Union Names New GCHarman International Industries Selects New CounselFormer McAfee GC Wins Case against Him http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120266&cat_id=119 gcc29 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT Facebook Gets First GC Facebook Gets First GCTidewater Inc Promotes New GCXunlight Corp Names New Counsel http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120265&cat_id=119 gcc30 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT Krispy Kreme Gets New GC Krispy Kreme Gets New GCTreasury's GC Is HoytBoston In-house Counsel Study Shows Slow Growth http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120264&cat_id=119 gcc31 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT Warner Brothers Appoints New GC Warner Brothers Appoints New GCMcAfee Ex-GC Trial StartsIntelSat Adds to GC Ranks http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120263&cat_id=119 gcc32 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT Apple Settles Backdating Case Apple Settles Backdating CaseColdwell Banker Names New GCMomenta Pharmaceuticals Inc Gets New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120262&cat_id=119 gcc33 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT Pricewaterhouse Cooper Adds Three Counsel Pricewaterhouse Cooper Adds Three CounselChrysler Promotes New GCAllen & Overy Names GC of New Company http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120261&cat_id=119 gcc34 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT ABN Amro Loses Its GC after Takeover ABN Amro Loses Its GC after TakeoverUBS Names New GCLondon Development Agency Splits Up http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120260&cat_id=119 gcc35 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT SEC Settles with Former Apple GC SEC Settles with Former Apple GCGeneral Counsel and Litigation Team Join Dewey & LeBoeufEntertainment Software Association Names New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120259&cat_id=119 gcc36 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT UBS Hires New GC UBS Hires New GCFortune 500 Female GCs SurgeWachovia Hires Expert GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120258&cat_id=119 gcc37 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT New General Counsel at Bennett Jones New General Counsel at Bennett JonesNokia Gets New GCGlaxoSmithKline Hires New General Counsel http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120257&cat_id=119 gcc38 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT GM In-house Lawyer Helps Fund Mobile Legal Clinic for Vets GM In-house Lawyer Helps Fund Mobile Legal Clinic for VetsThe Office of Fair Trading Hires New GCFourWinds Capital Manager Hires First GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120256&cat_id=119 gcc39 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT NJ Supreme Court Broadens Scope for In-House Counsel NJ Supreme Court Broadens Scope for In-House CounselACC's Annual Meeting Scheduled for OctoberGeneral Counsels Paid Lucrative Bonuses http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120255&cat_id=119 gcc40 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT Caterpillar GC Named ''General Counsel of the Year'' Caterpillar GC Named ''General Counsel of the Year''General Counsel Institute Will Take Place in Early NovemberWal-Mart Monitoring Law Firms' Diversity Efforts http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120254&cat_id=119 gcc41 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT Washington Mutual Appoints New Chief Legal Officer Washington Mutual Appoints New Chief Legal OfficerWachovia Hires New General CounselCoca-Cola Replaces Vice President and General Counsel http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120253&cat_id=119 gcc42 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT Billing Pressures Affect Relationships between Firms and Corporate Counsel Billing Pressures Affect Relationships between Firms and Corporate CounselLegal Week Holds Corporate Counsel Forum in DubaiGeneral Counsel Looking to Hire More In-House Lawyers http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120252&cat_id=119 gcc43 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT ACC's ''Green-House Counsel'' Feature Becoming Popular ACC's ''Green-House Counsel'' Feature Becoming PopularAttorneys Anticipating LayoffsVenture Capital Firms Seeking In-House Attorneys http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120251&cat_id=119 gcc44 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT Indemnification Changes May Impact General Counsels Indemnification Changes May Impact General CounselsCorporate Bankruptcies Not as High as PredictedTyco Agrees to Contingent Bonuses http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120250&cat_id=119 gcc45 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT HudBay Appoints New General Counsel HudBay Appoints New General CounselConexant Brings In Peterson as Chief Legal CounselChicago Investment Group Taps Rosenburg http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120249&cat_id=119 gcc46 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT Former Broadcom General Counsel Charged in Stock Option Backdating Scandal Former Broadcom General Counsel Charged in Stock Option Backdating ScandalCorporate Counsel Honors Qwest Legal TeamSEC Shifts Its Focus http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120248&cat_id=119 gcc47 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT Shearman & Sterling Eliminates GC Position Shearman & Sterling Eliminates GC PositionRoss Nadel Joins Adobe Systems Senior Legal CounselRetired Massachusetts Appeals Court Justice Joins JAMS http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120247&cat_id=119 gcc48 Mon, 12 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT Apple Hires Hewlett-Packard's Deputy General Counsel Apple Hires Hewlett-Packard's Deputy General CounselFormer Pentagon GC Joins ChevronProcter & Gamble's Former Associate GC Joins Law Firm http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120246&cat_id=119 gcc49 Mon, 05 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT New GC at Con Edison New GC at Con EdisonCedar Fair Hires New GCPfizer's GC Steps DownNew GC Hired at EFJRTS Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120245&cat_id=119 gcc50 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Hires First-Ever GC Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Hires First-Ever GCClothing Store Eddie Bauer Hires New GCWellCare Health Plans Hires New GCGC to Leave Tenet HealthcareNew GC Arrives at Midwest Air Group http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120244&cat_id=119 gcc51 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT Siemens Hires Seven New General Counsel Siemens Hires Seven New General CounselU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Hires New GCWall Street Journal GC Asked to LeaveSuperior Energy Hires New GCGC Leaves FCC to Join Law Firm http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120243&cat_id=119 gcc52 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT Sallie Mae Hires New GC Sallie Mae Hires New GCDepartment of Defenseďż˝s GC to LeaveGeneral Services Administration Hires New GCGC Found Guilty in Fraud SchemeNYSE Euronext Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120235&cat_id=119 gcc53 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:00:00 GMT Sona Mobile Hires New GC Sona Mobile Hires New GCGetty Trust Hires New GCFurniture Brands International Hires New GCClear Choice Health Plans Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120228&cat_id=119 gcc54 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT AAR Corp. Hires New GC AAR Corp. Hires New GCSallie Mae's GC Steps Down, ConocoPhillips Hires for China Division, New GC at Penton Media, Cephalon GC Resigns http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120242&cat_id=119 gcc55 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT Massey Energy Hires GC Massey Energy Hires GCScotts Miracle-Gro Promotes BrockmanAmeron Hires New GCUniversity of Michigan Hires New GCJPMorgan Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120241&cat_id=119 gcc56 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT Getty Realty Hires New GC Getty Realty Hires New GCCB&I Hires New GCTronox Hires New GCSenomyx Hires New GCGC at WellCare Resigns http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120240&cat_id=119 gcc57 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT Lake Shore Gold Hires New GC Lake Shore Gold Hires New GCBATS Trading Hires New GCTiger Airways Hires New GCH5 Appoints Former GC to Board of DirectorsGeneral Mills Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120239&cat_id=119 gcc58 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT BDSI Hires New GC BDSI Hires New GCBB&T Hires New GCDPL Hires New GCDomino's Pizza Hires New GCKCS Hires New GCOceanaGold Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120238&cat_id=119 gcc59 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT Raytheon Hires New GC Raytheon Hires New GCMadison Realty Capital Hires New GCBB&T Hires New GCPeapack-Gladstone Bank Hires New GCValiant Insurance Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120237&cat_id=119 gcc60 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT MacroChem Hires New GC MacroChem Hires New GCAimco Promotes Lisa Cohn to GCWisconsin Energy Corp. Hires New GCMissouri Governor's GC QuitsAlphaMetrix Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120236 gcc61 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT Springbok Services hires new GC Springbok Services hires new GCBPI hires new GCInterim GC at TronoxMIPS Technologies hires new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120225&cat_id=119 gcc62 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT The Legal Ramifications Associated with Forced Wellness Programs Over the past several years wellness programs have found their way into various companies across the United States. Such programs, geared toward getting employees healthy in order to cut insurance costs, are known to reward employees for participating and sanction them for refusing to do so. This new corporate attitude has generated concern about employers' roles in their employees' personal lives and is predicted to result in future discrimination and privacy lawsuits. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120226&cat_id=73 gcc63 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT HFA and SONYMA Hire New GC HFA and SONYMA Hire New GCChina Yuchai International Hires New GCLear Appoints New GCKKR Hires First GCOrchid Cellmark Hires New GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120223&cat_id=119 gcc64 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT Wal-Mart Class Action Earns Plaintiff†s Attorneys $45.7 Million Following a $188 million verdict that was awarded to Wal-Mart employees in October 2006 when the company was found guilty of failing to pay them for work they performed off the clock, a Philadelphia judge has now told the retailer that it must also pay $45.7 million in attorney fees. In addition to the $45.7 million, which denotes 31% of the plaintiffs†monetary award, Wal-Mart is also responsible for covering $3.6 million in expenses as well as $10 million in prejudgment interest. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120224&cat_id=73 gcc65 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT Alternative Investment Software Provider Hires New GC Alternative Investment Software Provider Hires New GCTown Sports International Hires New GCState Insurance Department Hires New GCAvvo Hires GC to Help in LawsuitNPS Pharmaceuticals Promotes Associate GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120221&cat_id=119 gcc66 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 06:00:00 GMT Step Away from the Keyboard With the invention of computers and email, communication became not only much easier but also much more confusing. The typical boundaries that existed in oral communication did not (and still do not) apply to the electronic realm. As a result, a lack of understanding of the true consequences of email is sending businesses and employees into a litigation tailspin as emails are now being used against them in the heat of legal battle. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120222&cat_id=73 gcc67 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 06:00:00 GMT The Cooper Companies Hires New GC The Cooper Companies Hires New GCJack in the Box Hires New GCRehabCare Group Hires New GCEddie Bauer Names New HiresMissouri State University Hires New GCAssurant Inc. Loses GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120220&cat_id=119 gcc68 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:00:00 GMT Presstek hires new GC Presstek hires new GCCarMax hires new GCChildren's Place hires new GCXilinx hires new GCPacific Internet hires new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120218&cat_id=119 gcc69 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:00:00 GMT ''Emotion'' in the Court At least once in everyone†s life there comes a time when a decision is made purely on emotion. Whether it involves agreeing to see the ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend even though you know you really shouldn†t, buying those expensive but fabulous stiletto heels, or eating that dessert after already indulging in a four- or five-course meal, sometimes you just let your brain take a break while your heart takes over. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120219&cat_id=73 gcc70 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:00:00 GMT Blockbuster Inc. hires Eric H. Peterson as its new GC Blockbuster Inc. hires Eric H. Peterson as its new GCPeabody Energy hires Kenneth L. Wagner as its new GCCash Technologies hires Brian D. Walters, Esq., as its new GCBrown-Forman hires new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120216&cat_id=119 gcc71 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT Westar's Fee Delay Request Denied by 10th Circuit In yet another intriguing turn of events in the four-year-long saga involving Westar Energy Inc. and two of its former executives, Westar, the largest electric-energy provider in Kansas, was recently denied a request to delay payment of its former embattled executives' legal fees. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120217&cat_id=73 gcc72 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT Allstate Corp. hires new GC Allstate Corp. hires new GCKeystone Automotive hires new GCUniversity of Missouri hires new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120214&cat_id=74 gcc73 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT Discrimination Claims Now Heard in State Court The battle between employers and employees has been a long and arduous one, and thanks to changes in several state laws, the battle is once again heating up. With the recent additions of Maryland and Illinois, 40 states have now passed legislation that will allow employees to sue their employers for discrimination with the case being heard in state court. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120215&cat_id=73 gcc74 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT OneBeacon Insurance hires Brad Rich as GC OneBeacon Insurance hires Brad Rich as GCGaede appointed GC and VP for BE&KWendy Shiba joins KB Home as GC, executive VP, and corporate secretary http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120210&cat_id=74 gcc75 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT General Counsel for Eastern Michigan University Disciplined In July, Eastern Michigan University General Counsel Kenneth McKanders, along with three other school officials, was reprimanded for failing to comply with the Clery Act during an incident on campus last December. While McKanders was merely disciplined, the school's president was fired, and the vice president and security chief gave notice for ''separations,'' according to Law.com. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120211&cat_id=73 gcc76 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT Larry D. Thompson, General Counsel for PepsiCo, Speaks to FBA This month, Larry D. Thompson, senior vice president of government affairs, general counsel, and secretary of PepsiCo, was a guest speaker at this year's Federal Bar Association (FBA) annual meeting and convention held in Atlanta. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120209&cat_id=73 gcc77 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT Fraud Charges Filed Against Former General Counsel Lisa C. Berry, former general counsel of KLA-Tencor Corporation and Juniper Networks, Inc., is under fire for allegedly backdating stock option grants. According to a press release from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Bay Area former general counsel has been charged with backdating for the two companies from 1997 to 2003. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120208&cat_id=73 gcc78 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT Landquest appoints Vining as GC Landquest appoints Vining as GCSharon Cheever will be Pacific Life's next GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120207&cat_id=119 gcc79 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT Former GC is Delta Air Lines' New CEO September 1 marked the beginning of a new era for Richard H. Anderson and Delta Air Lines, Inc. Succeeding retiring CEO Gerald Grinstein, Anderson took the reins as chief executive officer of the company. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120206&cat_id=73 gcc80 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT Lehman joins Hawker Beechcraft as new VP and GC Lehman joins Hawker Beechcraft as new VP and GCEmisphere Technologies, Inc., names Lubetkin VP and GCHorwitz will be OneChicago's new managing director and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120205&cat_id=119 gcc81 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT Pacific Life Insurance Company's General Counsel to Retire after 30 Years of Service Tuesday, August 28, it was announced that David Carmichael, general counsel for Pacific Life Insurance Company, will be replaced by Sharon Cheever. Effective January 1, 2008, Cheever will replace Carmichael, who will be retiring after working for the company for 30 years, according to a press release from Pacific Life. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120204&cat_id=73 gcc82 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT Whole Foods Market, Inc., Scheduled to Merge with Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc., and Wild Oats Markets, Inc., are scheduled to close their merger on Monday, August 20, after 12 noon, Eastern Standard Time. This $700 million deal between the rival natural and organic grocers has caused quite the controversy ever since the two made plans in February of this year for Whole Foods to buy out Wild Oats at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120203&cat_id=73 gcc83 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT Nike Settles Lawsuit to the Tune of $7.6 Million Nike, Inc., is now $7.6 million poorer, thanks to a recent settlement in a race discrimination lawsuit filed against the company. The class action lawsuit was filed against the athletic-apparel conglomerate on behalf of 400 current and former black employees who worked at Niketown in Chicago from 1999 to the present. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120202&cat_id=73 gcc84 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT Hughes joins Bell Microproducts as GC and secretary Hughes joins Bell Microproducts as GC and secretaryDE Shaw appoints Liftin as GC and MD of hedge fundMAP Pharmaceuticals appoints GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120201&cat_id=119 gcc85 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT Caterpillar, Inc., Lawyers Offer Pro Bono Services to Nonprofit Organization What do the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment and a nonprofit organization formed to help the country of Malawi have to do with the legal profession? Plenty if you are Michael Hurst, Caterpillar, Inc.'s in-house intellectual property lawyer. Hurst is just one of the many Caterpillar, Inc., employees to get involved with the manufacturer's new pro bono program that began in November 2006. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120200&cat_id=73 gcc86 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:00:00 GMT Orbitz Worldwide appoints new senior VP and GC Orbitz Worldwide appoints new senior VP and GCStonebrook Capital Management hires new GCWagner hired as GC for Jackson Healthcare SolutionsMarsh, Inc.'s GC nominated for federal judgeshipOrexigen Therapeutics appoints new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120199&cat_id=119 gcc87 Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT In-House Attorney Files Sex-Bias Lawsuit against General Electric Company Usually when a large company faces a lawsuit, the suit isn't filed by one of its top in-house attorneys. But that's exactly what General Electric Co., the world's second-largest company, is dealing with. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120198&cat_id=73 gcc88 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT New Jersey Seeking to Recover Damages for Polluted Sites Global warming and its companion, environmental pollution, have been heavily discussed in the media recently. From scientists releasing doomsday reports to Al Gore's astonishing success at the box office with An Inconvenient Truth to the recent "Live Earth" concert to promote awareness of and create a solution for the global climate crisis, there seems to be no sign of the topic getting lost in America's, or the world†s, consciousness. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120197&cat_id=73 gcc89 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Toll Brothers appoint Kessler as GC Toll Brothers appoint Kessler as GCHart Jr. joins Group Goetz Architects as GCFerro Corp. appoints new asst. GCHuntington new asst. GC at WSWA http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120195&cat_id=119 gcc90 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT SOX Exemption Extended In recent weeks, the House of Representatives has demonstrated its desire for the Securities and Exchange Commission to further postpone internal regulations associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, most clearly by voting to prolong the exemption of small businesses through 2008. It should be noted that businesses with less than $75 million in market capitalization fall into the small-company category. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120196&cat_id=73 gcc91 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT New GC for Direct Buy New GC for Direct BuyBarker Capital hires new GCOsborn nominated by the president as a member of advisory commissionHCC Insurance appoints new GCTraeger new GC for Gallop, Johnson & NeumanFischer joins Zecco Holdings as GCGC of State Fund asked to step downIRI hires new GCMedCath appoints new GC and VP http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120194&cat_id=119 gcc92 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Lionbridge VP, GC, and secy. receives accolades Lionbridge VP, GC, and secy. receives accoladesRagsdale Liggett attorney named GC for NC JayceesUltraShape names new GCHarvest Natural Resources elects VP, GC, and corporate secretaryPJM Interconnection promotes top lawyer to GCNOAA appoints new GCKracklauer joins Hooper Holmes as senior VP, GC, and corporate secretaryLowrey to be Shell†s new GCUnited Western Bancorp announces new GCMcKay steps in as GC for Getty Images http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120192&cat_id=119 gcc93 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT English-Only Workplace Policies Immigration has undoubtedly been a hot topic in the United States recently, and it seems there are no signs of the subject becoming any less controversial in the near future. As Congress continues to struggle over immigration reform, lawsuits filed by immigrants alleging violations of the EEOC continue to rise. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120193&cat_id=73 gcc94 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Leading take-and-bake pizza chain appoints new GC Leading take-and-bake pizza chain appoints new GCGlobal breast cancer network names new VP and GCCardero appoints new VP and GCGE's legal department named winner of "Best Legal Department" competitionMining equipment leader names new GCUK based Cambridge Display Technology appoints new GCSunesis Pharmaceuticals announces novel Sr. VP, GC and Corp. Secy.SEC may sue Nancy Heinen, ex-Apple GC, for backdating stocksRaser Technologies hires top corporate lawyerIsrael-based Compugen announces new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120191&cat_id=119 gcc95 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT SEC settles case with Monster's former GC SEC settles case with Monster's former GCInternap hires S1's legal headSBA appoints new GCBlue Coat Systems appoints new GCNew GC at Juice Media WorldwideCommunications major names new GCCFTC reorganizes top legal staff http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120190&cat_id=119 gcc96 Tue, 19 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT 401(k) Fee Suits on the Rise Following the surging trend of employees filing lawsuits against their employers, employers have yet another reason to be wary: 401(k) plans. Recently, fees associated with 401(k) plans have come under close scrutiny and are resulting in mounting lawsuits against small and large corporations alike. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120189&cat_id=73 gcc97 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT Energy specialist joins Linn Energy Energy specialist joins Linn EnergyKanawha County lawmaker joins West Virginia Department of CommerceLeading CRO appoints new VP and GCCalSTRS appoints legal headStarling is new GC at North Carolina Department of AgricultureTrident Microsystems appoints new GC and VP http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120188&cat_id=119 gcc98 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT EEOC Claim-Filing Limits Altered by Supreme Court Attention, American corporations: you can now breathe a sigh of relief. The Supreme Court, in a 5-to-4 vote, has drastically altered the landscape of Title VII lawsuits. On May 29, claims that allege discrimination based on gender or race will have their statue of limitations drastically altered; henceforth, the claimant must proceed with legal action, if he or she chooses to do so, within 180 days of the alleged incident. Previously, a claimant had to act within 180 days of his or her last paycheck. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120187&cat_id=73 gcc99 Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT Northrop Grumman appoints new legal head Northrop Grumman appoints new legal headRaleigh-based REIT hires DLA Piper partner as VP, GC, and secretaryMissouri DIFP names new deputy director and general counselOutside counsel joins Immucor as GCJohn Muir Health creates GC post http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120186&cat_id=119 gcc100 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT Underpaid Worker Lawsuits Increase Although everyone is familiar with the stories of underpaid workers who struggle to make a living throughout the country (many of which involve immigrants), the past several years have seen the story take an interesting turn. More and more underpaid workers, irrespective of legal status, are beginning to file lawsuits against their employers alleging breaches of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Between 2000 and 2006, cases have increased by more than 100%, ballooning from 1,854 to 4,389. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120185&cat_id=73 gcc101 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT RDA appoints new VP and GC RDA appoints new VP and GCFTSE 250 insurance company appoints new GCRenaissanceRe promotes BowdenNew VP, CAO, and GC at American Tower http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120184&cat_id=119 gcc102 Tue, 29 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT $2.9 Billion Settlement Reached in Tyco Case The Tyco International, Ltd.-shareholder class action suit that began five years ago when various executives, including the CEO, were believed to have plundered the company and misled the public about its true worth has reached a tentative $2.975 billion settlement. When and if the settlement is finalizedâ€"it still must be sanctioned by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro, as well as the largest investorsâ€"it will represent the largest payment by a corporation in a securities fraud case. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120183&cat_id=73 gcc103 Mon, 28 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT GC of Bahrain GC of Bahrain's leading bank receives accoladeNew LexisNexis feature helps corporate counsel evaluate law firmsSEC names Associate General Counsel for Adjudication http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120182&cat_id=119 gcc104 Tue, 22 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT OxyContin Manufacturer, Executives Plead Guilty to Drug Misbranding Three former and current executives of Purdue Pharma, LP, the maker of OxyContin, pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of drug misbranding on May 10, acknowledging that they deceived consumers about the risks associated with the drug. Michael Friedman, the company's president, Howard Udell, Purdue's principal lawyer, and Paul Goldenheim, the company's former chief medical officer, will pay $634.5 million in fines for alleging that OxyContin had a lower incidence of abuse and addiction than the drug's competitors, according to United States Attorney John Brownlee. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120181&cat_id=73 gcc105 Sat, 19 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT Fulbright attorney chosen as chief counsel for FAA Fulbright attorney chosen as chief counsel for FAAUSEC GC to step downFirst Data's acting GC named executive VP, GC, and secretaryErie Insurance appoints new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120180&cat_id=119 gcc106 Tue, 15 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT Family Responsibilities Discrimination Claims Increase Employers know that it is illegal to discriminate against employees, or potential employees, on the basis of gender, yet there has been an increase in the number of lawsuits filed against companies where employees claimed they were discriminated against based on family caregiving responsibilities. Although such claims have existed since the 70s, the number of cases filed throughout the United States has increased by 400% since 1996. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120179&cat_id=73 gcc107 Mon, 14 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT Viacom reduces GC's salary, raises cash bonus Viacom reduces GC's salary, raises cash bonusTake-Two names Seth Krauss GCPack Downing will be new GC for Utah governorFormer McAfee GC indicted in stock-options scandalAmerican Century restructures management, names new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120178&cat_id=119 gcc108 Tue, 08 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT U.S. Chamber of Commerce Releases State Liability Systems Ranking Study The United States Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of its affiliate, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, recently released the 2007 State Liability Systems Ranking Study. The study surveyed 1,599 in-house general counsel and corporate senior litigators to determine how fair business organizations feel each state's tort-liability system is. According to the results, California, and Los Angeles and San Francisco in particular, are believed to have tort systems that unfairly favor plaintiffs at the expense of corporations. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120177&cat_id=73 gcc109 Mon, 07 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT Jarvis joins Nature's Sunshine as GC and CCO Jarvis joins Nature's Sunshine as GC and CCOTamar Pachter joins stem cell institute as GCUIL Holdings names Randell senior VP and GCArena is new Keystone GCBalakrishna new VP and GC at CourierAllied Waste hires Donovan as GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120176&cat_id=119 gcc110 Tue, 01 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT California Supreme Court Rules on Wage Claims On April 16, the California Supreme Court ruled on a hotly contested issue among employers and employees regarding the time frame in which an employee can recoup his or her "additional hour of pay" for missed meal and rest breaks. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120175&cat_id=73 gcc111 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT In Court, Splenda and Equal Battle over Advertising, Profits, and Market Share On April 10, Merisant Company, maker of Equal and NutraSweet, argued in a Philadelphia federal district court that McNeil Nutritionals, maker of Splenda, deliberately deceived consumers with the tagline "Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar" and related advertising sending the message that Splenda is natural and made from sugar, which they contend it is not. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120173&cat_id=73 gcc112 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT StarTek appoints new GC StarTek appoints new GCNewly formed insurance brokerage firm hires GCW3i hires GCNC Department of Agriculture hires lawyer from Hunton & WilliamsDataPipe appoints GC and senior VPVP of Milwaukee-based law firm to take on Emerson's top management post http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120174&cat_id=119 gcc113 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Corporate Counsel Project Growth In-House In March 2007, the Association of Corporate Counsel and Lexis-Nexis released the results of its 2006 Census of In-house Counsel. This study provides detailed information regarding U.S. Corporation†s professional demographics, their organizational background and a snapshot into their respective legal department structure. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120172&cat_id=60 gcc114 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Holston steps in as new GC at Hewlett-Packard Holston steps in as new GC at Hewlett-PackardVincent P. Hatton new Corning GCFibroGen appoints Sarah A. O'Dowd VP and GCBeazer Homes fires GCTop general counsel find themselves in the line of fireWellPoint becomes the largest company with a woman at the helm http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120171&cat_id=119 gcc115 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Michael Brizel: General Counsel for Saks, Inc On Monday, April 16, Michael Brizel joined the Saks, Inc., team, and on May 7, he will begin his new duties as the company's general counsel and executive vice president. The former general counsel and senior vice president for Reader's Digest, Brizel will be taking the place of Charles Hansen at the company, which is most recognized for its Saks Fifth Avenue department stores. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120169&cat_id=125 gcc116 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Drug Companies and Recently, pharmaceutical companies have come under fire for allegedly employing a practice known as http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120170&cat_id=73 gcc117 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Angela Williams Brings a Musician's Finesse to Her Job as General Counsel of the YMCA of the USA When Angela Williams was in the 11th grade, she had her career goals narrowed down to two options: she was either going to be a professional musician or an attorney. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120166&cat_id=125 gcc118 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Sandra Leung new senior VP and GC at Bristol-Myers Squibb Sandra Leung new senior VP and GC at Bristol-Myers SquibbEnergy Transfer Partners hires energy lawyer from Vinson & ElkinsHeller Ehrman shareholder joins FibroGen as VP and GCLisa Pai new executive VP, GC, and corporate secretary for Center FinancialMPAA hires Goeckner as GCVertis Communications hires new VP and deputy GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120168&cat_id=119 gcc119 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Supreme Court Hears IPO Antitrust Case On March 27, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Credit Suisse Securities v. Billing, the IPO antitrust case whose outcome will greatly impact the future of Wall Street, investments, and the manner in which companies are offered for sale to the public. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120167&cat_id=73 gcc120 Mon, 09 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Home Depot†s GC steps down Home Depot†s GC steps downMusic giant hires new GCFormer McAfee GC to be charged with stock-options backdatingHewlett-Packard hires external counsel as GCNew GC at LCH.ClearnetCorning promotes in-house lawyer to GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120163&cat_id=119 gcc121 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Paul Barringer: General Counsel for Common Good While working for his family's business, Paul Barringer made the decision to enter the legal profession. His motivations sprang more from a sense of practicality and necessity than from any deep aspirations to become a lawyer. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120164&cat_id=125 gcc122 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Salespeople Sue for Overtime Pay Reflecting a recent surge in class-action overtime litigation, another wave of lawsuits is being filed across the country by pharmaceutical representatives. Drug salespeople have filed suit against prominent drug companies seeking compensation for overtime they believe they should have received but were never paid. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120165&cat_id=73 gcc123 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT Patty Elias to serve as GC of SoftBrands Patty Elias to serve as GC of SoftBrandsC. Jerome Dill joins Validus Holdings as GCRichard B. Levin to serve as BIDS GC, CCO & SecretaryFirstBank appoints new GCZieroth joins CableLabs as GCWarhaft joins Pinetree Capital as GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120162&cat_id=119 gcc124 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Douglas J. Wood, Renaissance Man of Marketing and Advertising Law Douglas J. Wood is an attorney who knows how to maximize his skills. In addition to being a partner at Reed Smith, LLP, and chairman of its advertising, technology, and media group, he's general counsel for three different organizations: the Association of National Advertisers, Inc., the Advertising Research Foundation, and the Advertising Council. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120160&cat_id=125 gcc125 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Viacom Sues YouTube On March 13, Viacom, Inc., parent company of such cable mainstays as MTV, VH1, and Comedy Central, sued YouTube and its parent company, Google, for more than $1 billion, claiming copyright infringement. This is the latest development in a long-standing battle between the two companies as they have sparred over the use of clips shown on the popular video-sharing website. In addition to its request for substantial monetary damages, Viacom is also hoping to obtain an injunction that would prohibit all Viacom clips from being posted on YouTube or Google. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120161&cat_id=73 gcc126 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT New York Life announces new legal appointments New York Life announces new legal appointmentsJPMorgan appoints Stephen M. Cutler GCSensus Metering Systems hires VP and GCMultimax has new VP, GC, and secretaryLouisiana energy company appoints senior VP and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120159&cat_id=119 gcc127 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Megan Muir: Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel for RadioFrame Networks After working at two law firms, Megan Muir became interested in working in-house because she wanted to http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120157&cat_id=125 gcc128 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Verizon Wins Infringement Suit, Vonage to Appeal On Thursday, March 8, an Alexandria, VA, jury found that Vonage was infringing upon three Verizon Communications, Inc., patents, forcing the voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephone provider to pay $58 million in damages as well as potential royalties to Verizon if it continues to utilize the corporation's technology. Vonage has said it will appeal the verdict. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120158&cat_id=73 gcc129 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Merrill Lynch GC granted $8.2-million stock incentive bonus Merrill Lynch GC granted $8.2-million stock incentive bonusPrecious-metals royalty holder hires new GCCanadian energy company names VP and GCSpecialty packaging maker appoints new VP, GC, and secretaryLynch Interactive names new vice president of administration, general counsel, and corporate secretaryeMeter appoints new VP and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120156&cat_id=119 gcc130 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT YouTube, BBC Reach Partnership Agreement Google, Inc.'s YouTube has reached a partnership agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and BBC Worldwide. The deal, which represents the first agreement between the video-sharing site and an international broadcaster, will allow YouTube to broadcast various clips from BBC news and entertainment outlets. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120154&cat_id=73 gcc131 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Georgia Yuan: General Counsel for Smith College Georgia Yuan was working as a project geologist for the Natural Resources Defense Council in San Francisco when she first considered a career in law. She said that the environmental lawyers with whom she worked piqued her interest in the legal field. However, it wasn†t until she and her husband relocated to Pullman, WA, a few years later that she took action and entered law school. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120155&cat_id=125 gcc132 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT Proformance Insurance names new GC Proformance Insurance names new GCRegions GC departsU.S. Concrete promotes Lindeman to VP and GCKBA selects Fletcher†s GC to serve as executive directorPartner leaves law firm to join medical institute http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120153&cat_id=119 gcc133 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT Ian Thompson Enjoys Helping to Plan and Execute Strategy as General Counsel for SeaMobile, Inc. When Ian Thompson joined SeaMobile as general counsel last year, he had an extensive and variegated work history. In addition to practicing law at several different firms, he had also worked as a paralegal/legislative analyst and as a sales representative and assistant winemaker for a winery. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120151&cat_id=125 gcc134 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT "Sex Addict" Fired by IBM Sues for $5 Million A $5 million lawsuit filed against IBM by a former employee who was terminated because he entered an adult chat room while at work has once again come to the legal forefront. James Pacenza, a 58-year-old Vietnam veteran who operated an East Fishkill, NY, machine plant that produced computer chips for the company, claims that he is addicted to the Internet and that, rather than firing him, IBM should have attempted to treat his disorder. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120152&cat_id=73 gcc135 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT NES hires tax lawyer NES hires tax lawyerNew GC at Utilities, Inc.Real estate developer announces appointment of new chief legal representativeU.S. general counsel using more outside counselAmCOMP creates senior VP and GC position http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120150&cat_id=119 gcc136 Tue, 27 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT MySpace to Block Unauthorized Copyrighted Material MySpace.com, the social-networking website owned by Fox Interactive Media, Inc., recently announced that it will test video-filtering technology that prohibits the use of unauthorized copyrighted materials. Audible Magic Corporation, a leader in the anti-piracy-services industry that provides technology to various corporations in numerous fields ranging from government to entertainment, is licensing the video-filtering technology to MySpace. According to Audible Magic†s press release, the ‽filter screens video uploaded by users and blocks any video matching a fingerprint in MySpace†s database.” Essentially, the technology will scan all videos for signature vectors that serve as digital fingerprints. Audio filtering and limited video filtering have been available since last year. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120149&cat_id=60 gcc137 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Apparel leader appoints new legal and business head Apparel leader appoints new legal and business headNew GC at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KansasAustralian gold producer hires new GCDevon appoints energy lawyer as GCPozen, Inc., creates new senior VP and GC positionPremier REIT names new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120148&cat_id=119 gcc138 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Stephen Martin Thinks Outside the Box as General Counsel for Corpedia, Inc. Stephen Martin believes that a successful general counsel needs to have the ability to think outside the box and to be proactive. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120146&cat_id=125 gcc139 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Samsung to Pay $90 Million in Price-Fixing Lawsuit Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest memory-chip maker, has agreed to pay $90 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a coalition of state attorneys general who say that it used illegal price-fixing tactics to drive up the cost of computer memory chips. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120147&cat_id=73 gcc140 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT New GC for healthcare major New GC for healthcare majorDiageo North America appoints new GC Mike Williams to serve as COO and GC at AutoInfo Christopher Hinckley named GC for Missouri Gaming CommissionCanadian oil major appoints VP and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120145&cat_id=74 gcc141 Tue, 13 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Lorraine Koc Does a Lot of Everything as Vice President and General Counsel of Deb Shops, Inc. Lorraine Koc has spent almost her entire legal career working in-house. For more than 20 years, she has served as General Counsel for Deb Shops, Inc., a national retail clothing chain for teenage and pre-teen girls. Koc decided early on that building an in-house career would be more satisfying than working at a law firm; she left prominent law firm Fox Rothschild, LLP, in 1985â€"after working there for only two yearsâ€"to join Deb Shops. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120143&cat_id=125 gcc142 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Media Conglomerate Demands That YouTube Remove Unauthorized Videos Viacom, Inc., which owns MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures, has demanded that YouTube take down more than 100,000 unauthorized videos from its hugely popular video-sharing site. Viacom made the request after failing to reach a distribution agreement with YouTube and its corporate parent, Google, Inc. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120144&cat_id=73 gcc143 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT CDC Corporation promotes Liou to GC CDC Corporation promotes Liou to GCNASA appoints Bierbower to Senior Executive Service position Texas comptroller appoints new GCAvnet promotes in-house attorneysNevada Gold appoints GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120142&cat_id=74 gcc144 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Richard T. Hills Likes Being Part of the Team as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for MagnetBank While in high school, Richard T. Hills decided to follow family tradition and go into law. His father, Richard A. Hills, Jr., is General Counsel for MidCountry Financial Corporation based in Macon, GA, and several other members of his family are also lawyers. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120140&cat_id=125 gcc145 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Wal-Mart to Pay More Than $33 million to Employees in Back Wages Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will pay more than $33 million in back wages to thousands of employees after turning itself in to the Labor Department for paying too little overtime over the past five years, according to an agreement announced by the U.S. Department of Labor. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120141&cat_id=73 gcc146 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Marriott International names new associate GC Marriott International names new associate GCMIT introduces GC positionAltus hires life sciences expertSignature Leisure recruits in-house counselFormer Interior Secretary to serve as GC at Shell http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120139&cat_id=74 gcc147 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Gil Goldschein Thrives on the High Energy and Excitement of Being General Counsel for Bunim-Murray Productions When he was a law student at Brooklyn Law School, Gil Goldschein never aspired to work at a big law firm and one day make partner. Instead, he wanted a legal career that would allow him to be more directly involved in the company he represented and have more of a firsthand perspective on the matters he handled. And a career as an in-house counsel seemed to fit the bill. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120137&cat_id=125 gcc148 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Growing Complaints against Highly Paid Executives Compel the Senate Finance Committee to Approve Limit on Executive Compensation Plans The Senate Finance Committee recently approved legislation that will place a $1-million annual limit on the amount a highly paid executive can place tax-free into a deferred compensation plan and make it more difficult for individuals to protect their compensation from creditors in bankruptcies. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120138&cat_id=73 gcc149 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT New organization to hold roundtable meetings for top general counsel New organization to hold roundtable meetings for top general counselSarubbi named GC of Camden County Improvement AuthorityAsset Acceptance names new GCCoal giant promotes Harvey to VP and Assistant GCNew GC at InfoSpaceASTRO appoints new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120136&cat_id=74 gcc150 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Lewis Shender, Vice President and General Counsel for Jenny Craig, Inc., Enjoys the Hands-On Involvement of Being an In-House Attorney Like many other young boys, Lewis Shender had big career plans set for himself when he was in grammar school. In addition to wanting to be a Major League Baseball player, a rock star, and a professional racecar driver, among other common career dreams of young males, Shender also aspired to be a lawyer. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120134&cat_id=125 gcc151 Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Consulting Giant Demands Diversity among Outside Counsel Accenture, one of the world's largest consulting firms, is pushing its outside counsel to add more diversity to their firms and is prepared to drop those who don't make efforts to improve. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120135&cat_id=73 gcc152 Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Techbooks hires new assistant GC Techbooks hires new assistant GCWilliamson new GC at CenteneRambus names Lavelle GCUnited Technologies appoints new GCNRG Energy appoints new executive VP and GCKatz takes charge as Federal-Mogul VP and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120133&cat_id=119 gcc153 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Jeff Kerr Battles Animal Abuse as General Counsel of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) A passion for justice compelled Jeff Kerr to enter the legal field, and that same passion ultimately led him to become a champion for animal rights. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120131&cat_id=125 gcc154 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Attorneys Seeking Greener Pastures In-House What is it about going in-house that seems to increasingly draw attorneys from law firms to in-house legal departments? According to a recent survey by NALP, the attrition rate for experienced attorneys with about five years of experience jumped dramatically, from 60 percent in 2000 to 78 percent in 2005. A BCG Attorney Search survey concluded that approximately 80 percent of attorneys actively seeking positions were interested in in-house opportunities. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120132&cat_id=73 gcc155 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Apple†s new GC strikes it rich Apple†s new GC strikes it richNew University of California GCErie Indemnity GC to retireTachiki joins the Metropolitan Water District as GCU.S. Steel appoints Garraux as GCJohn Longwell joins infoUSA as GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120130&cat_id=74 gcc156 Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Thomas Dorer: General Counsel for West Virginia University As an undergrad studying history at Brown University, Thomas Dorer decided that he wanted a career in law, but not just any type of law. He specifically wanted to practice higher-education law. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120128&cat_id=125 gcc157 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Real Estate Attorneys Play Bigger Role in Corporate Deal-Making Real estate attorneys are adopting more deal-making skills characteristic of their corporate counterparts, according to an article in the National Law Review. Real estate attorneys say clients that are buying and selling high-dollar, multi-property assets increasingly want a lawyer who not only understands how to access properties, but who can also play a role in crafting a transaction. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120129&cat_id=73 gcc158 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT KCS restructures legal department Vickers to leave mobile operator 3Harbor Point names new GCNew GC at EPWFormer SEC officer to join JPMorgan ChaseWilkes University names new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120127&cat_id=74 gcc159 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Attorneys Seeking Greener Pastures In-House What is it about going in-house that seems to increasingly draw attorneys from law firms to in-house legal departments? According to a recent survey conducted by NALP, the attrition rate for experienced attorneys with about five years of experience jumped dramatically from 60% in 2000 to 78% in 2005. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120126&cat_id=73 gcc160 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT Legal departments unprepared for new law Legal departments unprepared for new lawNew GC at Legacy BanksPMI Group promotes VP and assistant GC to senior VP and deputy GCTobacco giant names new GC in management restructuringSenior partner from Jenner & Block joins L-3Cowen appoints new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120125&cat_id=74 gcc161 Tue, 26 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Wayne Lovett: Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Mercury Air Group, Inc. It was not Wayne Lovett's dream to become a lawyer. In fact, one might say he fell into the profession by accident."It wasn't some long-held ambition to go to law school," said Lovett, who is now Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Mercury Air Group. "One thing that I do better than 99.9% of the country is read," said Lovett, who attributes his extremely high LSAT scores to his passion for reading. Based on his performance on the LSAT, he decided a career in law would be a good fit for him. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120123&cat_id=125 gcc162 Mon, 25 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Companies Dissatisfied with Outside Counsel Corporate America is not happy with its outside counsel, according to a recent client-service survey. Only 32% of surveyed executives said they would recommend firms that worked for them, and 70% said they were dissatisfied with their primary law firms. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120124&cat_id=60 gcc163 Mon, 25 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT News GC salaries escalate in 2006Blunt names new GCCDC Group names new GCMonster fires suspended GCAaron Rents names new GCLaw firm forms General Counsel Services Group http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120122&cat_id=74 gcc164 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Law Integral to Society, says Vanderbilt General Counsel With about 1 million practicing attorneys in the United States, it is often argued that there are too many lawyers. However, according to one attorney, quality is more important than quantity. "We don't have enough good lawyers," said David Williams, Vice Chancellor, General Counsel, and Secretary of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120120&cat_id=125 gcc165 Mon, 18 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT New Disclosure Rules for Public Employers As new accounting rules go into effect for public employers, lawyers can expect an influx of legal work.The new disclosure rules require public employers to report the amounts of money they owe in post-employment benefits, including healthcare, life insurance, and dental coverage costs, for their current and future retired workers. In addition, employers will have to disclose how they plan to pay for benefits. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120121&cat_id=73 gcc166 Mon, 18 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT New GC for University of California Board of Regents New GC for University of California Board of RegentsUniversity of Portland establishes new GC postLittelfuse names new GC and HR headReinhart Boerner appoints VP and GCNew senior VP and GC at ObopayKaiser Permanente lauded for diversity efforts in its corporate legal department http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120119&cat_id=74 gcc167 Tue, 12 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT New E-Discovery Rules Take Effect On December 1, amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) relating to e-discovery went into effect.After a five-year review, the Supreme Court approved the changes, which require companies and other parties involved in federal litigation to provide electronically stored information as part of the discovery process, during which both sides of a case share evidence before trial. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120118&cat_id=73 gcc168 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Civil Rights Movement Motivated Marvin Krislov to Pursue Legal Career Marvin Krislov grew up in the 1970s, a time when social activists challenged the government and, consequently, influenced social and political change. After witnessing the civil rights movement firsthand, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in law. "Law can be an instrument in bringing about social change and greater opportunity for all people," said Krislov, who is now Vice President, General Counsel, and Adjunct Law Professor at the University of Michigan. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120117&cat_id=125 gcc169 Mon, 11 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Former Home Depot corporate counsel hired by Aaron Rents Former Home Depot corporate counsel hired by Aaron RentsRambus hires senior VP and GCNew GC position at Christopher & BanksPuriCore appoints senior VP and GCPhibro Animal Health names new GCPG&E elects new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120113&cat_id=74 gcc170 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Bart Epstein: General Counsel and Vice President of Corporate Development for Tutor.com It is Sunday night, and tomorrow is the start of another long workweek. Has the weekend once again gone by too quickly, or are you excited about getting back to the office?The answer to this question is a good indication of how you feel about your job, according to Tutor.com General Counsel and Vice President of Corporate Development Bart Epstein. Epstein does not dread the ends of restful weekends and often finds himself spending time on a Sunday night making a game plan for the coming week†s projects. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120115&cat_id=125 gcc171 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT General Counsel Frustrated with Licensing Rules Frustration is brewing for many general counsel, as new licensing laws are being approved in more states. Abiding by the new rules, which require lawyers to obtain limited licenses to practice in states in which they have not been admitted to the bar, can be costly and time-consuming.The American Bar Association developed the new rules because it is increasingly common for lawyers to relocate to different states when changing jobs. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120116&cat_id=73 gcc172 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Apple hires IBM†s senior VP and GC Apple hires IBM†s senior VP and GCH&R Block appoints new GC DynCorp names senior VP and GCNew Washington Post VP, GC, and corporate secretaryHNBA names assistant dean GCIndiana University designates legal counsel as VP and GCNew GC at Boston Communications Group http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120112&cat_id=74 gcc173 Tue, 28 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Jack in the Box, Inc., San Diego, CA Lawrence Schauf, who started his first job when he was just 12 years old, has worked hard his entire life. His drive and determination have ultimately paid off because he is now the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Jack in the Box, a fast food hamburger chain. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120110&cat_id=125 gcc174 Mon, 27 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Cybercrime Costly for Companies Whether or not corporate cybercrime is escalating is unclear, but one thing is certain: companies are experiencing increased financial and operational losses from electronic crimes, according to a recent survey. CSO Magazine's third annual E-Crime Watch Survey was conducted in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University's CERT Coordination Center, the United States Secret Service, and the Microsoft Corporation between July 2005 and June 2006. Survey questions focused on a wide range of security issues, including intellectual property theft, denial of service attacks, malicious code (such as worms and viruses), phishing, spam, website defacement, spyware, and theft of consumer records. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120111&cat_id=73 gcc175 Mon, 27 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Firms losing top talent to clients Law firms that have watched their attorneys move to in-house jobs with their clients traditionally have viewed such departures as an endorsement of their services and a way to re-enforce their connections with clients. But with legal business strong and talent in high demand, law firms these days are not so eager to say goodbye to some of their best lawyers, who often take junior attorneys with them. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120108&cat_id=73 gcc176 Tue, 21 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT GC careers: a panel discussion GC careers: a panel discussionRPM appoints VP, GC, and SecretaryCapRock Communications hires new VP and GCNYSE announces new GCNew deputy GC for the SECHospitality giant announces promotion of legal executive http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120109&cat_id=74 gcc177 Tue, 21 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Rosland F. McLeod: Vice President, General Counsel, Ethics and Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary for Novation, Inc. Whether you†re job hunting or happily employed, it†s always a good idea to talk with legal recruiters, said Rosland McLeod, Vice President, General Counsel, Ethics and Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary for Novation, Inc.McLeod has had ongoing relationships with recruiters throughout her entire career. "I†ve actually had really good experiences with recruiters," said McLeod, who landed her job at Novation with a recruiter†s help. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120107&cat_id=65 gcc178 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Corporate Counsel Salaries Soar In-house attorneys continue to make top dollar. Their base salaries have risen between 2.2% and 9.5% nationwide, according to a recent Altman Weil, Inc., survey.Altman Weil and LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell of New Providence, NJ, collected data from 6,255 lawyers in 277 legal departments. Researchers compared lawyers' salaries and annual bonuses for March 1, 2005 to those for March 1, 2006. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120106&cat_id=73 gcc179 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Terra appoints Huey to head its legal affairs department Terra appoints Huey to head its legal affairs departmentAffymax names new VP of legal affairs and corporate counselIllinois Tool Works revamps top management, appoints senior VP and GCGenesee & Wyoming names new GCSalary hike for Merck GCATM giant announces new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120105&cat_id=74 gcc180 Tue, 14 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Thomas Mills: General Counsel of the New Mexico Tourism and Economic Development Departments Television isn†t always a bad influence on kids. Just look at Thomas Mills, who credits television shows about lawyers, like Perry Mason, for steering him toward the right career path. Today, Mills is the General Counsel of both the New Mexico Tourism Department and the New Mexico Economic Development Department.Mills set his sights on becoming a lawyer in elementary school. "I decided I wanted to be a lawyer in the fifth grade, and no one ever talked me out of it!" he said. So it certainly wasn†t a surprise that Mills wound up attending law school. "By the time college rolled around, I was aware of the many contributions lawyers have made to our democratic societyâ€"from drafting the U.S. Constitution to fighting for civil rights," Mills said. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120103&cat_id=125 gcc181 Mon, 13 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT In-House Counsel Join the Blogosphere Millions of Internet users post or read online blogs, and that number is slowly beginning to include in-house counsel.Of the 147 million Americans who use the Internet, about 57 million read blogs and 12 million write blogs, according to a 2006 Pew Internet & American Life Project survey. But blogging only recently became widespread. About 51% of all bloggers surveyed said they had been blogging for less than a year. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120104&cat_id=73 gcc182 Mon, 13 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT CaseCentral introduces improved IT tools for GCs CaseCentral introduces improved IT tools for GCsBorland nominates senior VP and GCUSA Truck promotes legal counsel to VP, Safety, and GCCorporate Realty Advisors appoints senior VP and GCAbingworth appoints U.S. legal expert GCWolverine World Wide announces new GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120102&cat_id=74 gcc183 Tue, 07 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Execute Internal Investigations Carefully In the wake of corporate scandals, internal investigations into corporate practices are increasingly common, and with the rise in stock option backdating, they are likely to remain so. In order to avoid criminal charges, corporate counsel should take steps to ensure that investigations are carefully executed. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120100&cat_id=73 gcc184 Mon, 06 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Nicole Paquette: General Counsel and Director of Legal and Government Affairs for the Animal Protection Institute, Sacramento, CA Animal law, a practice area that is only about 30 years old, is now a flourishing legal field. Aware of the growing demand for animal lawyers, Nicole Paquette decided to pursue a career fighting for the underdog. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120101&cat_id=125 gcc185 Mon, 06 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT Networking: How to Make it Work for You When conducting a job search, inevitably, someone will suggest networking as a method to expand you career options. Most people will associate networking with meeting new people at events in an attempt to make small talk and exchange business cards. This can be a daunting situation for anyone, especially if you have not had much experience networking. However, networking is a critical aspect of any successful job search, and it can quite enjoyable if you know how to prepare and navigate through this process. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120099&cat_id=63 gcc186 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT US Airways appoints Minerva VP, Legal US Airways appoints Minerva VP, LegalUpcoming West Coast General Counsel ConferenceJeffrey W. Epstein is new Motient Corporation GCCanfield joins DHB as GC and Corporate SecretaryDot VN appoints new GCHealthSouth formally appoints Executive VP, GC, and CSCPS Energy hires GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120098&cat_id=74 gcc187 Tue, 31 Oct 2006 06:00:00 GMT Michael Tyler: Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, and Corporate Secretary of Gateway, Inc. After watching the movie The Paper Chase, high school student Michael Tyler knew right then and there that he wanted to become a lawyer. The main character in the movie, a brilliant but naĂŻve law student, was a source of inspiration for Tyler, who is now Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, and Corporate Secretary of Gateway, Inc. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120097&cat_id=125 gcc188 Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:00:00 GMT GCs Prepare for Increased Immigration Law Enforcement Companies that employ illegal immigrants are increasingly facing fines and criminal charges. Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Secure Border Initiative, which calls for http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120096&cat_id=73 gcc189 Thu, 26 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Bob Jackson, General Counsel of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) After 21 years of hard work and dedication to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Bob Jackson was recently promoted to General Counsel.Jackson started his career with TxDOT in 1984 as a legislative analyst. Fresh out of college, Jackson worked in the Management Information, Policy, and Research Section, where he was responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and coordinating legislation implementation. Public service was always a major interest for Jackson, who earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120095&cat_id=125 gcc190 Tue, 24 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT General Counsel Consulting News Hewlett-Packard GC resigns after probe on boardroom leaksVSP boosts its legal divisionAllegheny Energy promotes David Feinberg to GCPhilip Bramwell takes over as Head of Legal for BAE SystemsVance-Bryan new Universal Hospital GC and Senior VPStacey Olliff joins Fandango as Senior VP, Legal and Business AffairsErnst & Young appoints deputy GC as U.K. GCLouis P. Huynh assumes charge of Dot VN as GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120094&cat_id=74 gcc191 Tue, 24 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT The SEC†s December Agenda The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will hold an open meeting on December 13 to vote on proposals that would make delisting from U.S. stock exchanges easier for foreign companies and to clarify laws governing proxy fights.Currently, foreign companies that want to remove their securities from U.S. stock exchanges must have fewer than 300 U.S. shareholders. However, companies based overseas argue that the law is impractical because it is too difficult to verify the residency of such a specific number of shareholders. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120093&cat_id=73 gcc192 Wed, 18 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Baer appointed Deputy GC for Bank of America Baer appointed Deputy GC for Bank of AmericaDaimlerChrysler hires new GCMcGuireWoods featured in general counsels†Top 10 listFormer Diplomat named GC at New Pacific Metals, ChinaIdenix Pharmaceuticals appoints new Executive VP and GCNew GC and Secretary for Pike Electric http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120092&cat_id=74 gcc193 Tue, 17 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Todd Klipp: Vice President and General Counsel of Boston University, Boston, MA After working at private law firms for seven years, Todd Klipp decided it was time for a change. More than 20 years ago, he made the transition from private practice to in-house...and now probably has "one of the best law jobs available," he said. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120091&cat_id=125 gcc194 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT PricewaterhouseCoopers has new global GC PricewaterhouseCoopers has new global GCTeresa Bryce, new VP, GC for Radian GroupFormer Norton Rose partner joins Al Salam Bank as GCHealthMarkets elevates Colliflower to Executive VP, GC, and CCOBarcelo Crestline appoints new GC and senior VPDataCert†s GC Mark Poag is http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120090&cat_id=74 gcc195 Tue, 10 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Mark LeHocky, Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Dreyer†s Grand Ice Cream Holdings, Inc., Oakland, CA Mark LeHocky made a career-altering decision when he decided to apply to law school just weeks before the application deadline. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120089&cat_id=125 gcc196 Mon, 09 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Attorneys Seeking Greener Pastures In-House What is it about going in-house that seems to increasingly draw attorneys from law firms to in-house legal departments? According to a recent survey by NALP, the attrition rate for experienced attorneys with about five years of experience jumped dramatically, from 60 percent in 2000 to 78 percent in 2005. A BCG Attorney Search survey concluded that approximately 80 percent of attorneys actively seeking positions were interested in in-house opportunities. These attorneys expressed concerns regarding their work/life balances, rising billable requirements, business development demands, repetitive work, and unlikely prospects of becoming partners. To fully understand this trend, one needs to take a closer look at the factors prompting a growing number of attorneys to transition from law firms to in-house legal departments. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120088&cat_id=60 gcc197 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Monster GC on suspension Monster GC on suspensionDiageo plans expansion of US in-house IP groupGrant Thornton surveys in-house counselsNew GC at San Diego†s Employees†Retirement SystemHelix Energy hires new SVP, GCNew GC for Raleigh Chamber of CommerceConstellation Energy promotes AGC to VP http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120087&cat_id=74 gcc198 Tue, 03 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT Backdating stirs up controversy Companies consistently backdate stock option grants, which may cost shareholders hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the findings of a recent study.Backdating, or misdating, is a process that allows corporate executives to increase their personal earnings at the expense of their shareholders. Researchers at the University of Michigan estimated that stock option backdating between 2000 and 2004 increased the average executive†s income by more than one-and-a-quarter percent, or about $600,000. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120086&cat_id=73 gcc199 Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Actors' labor union names new GC Actors' labor union names new GC,CA restructures top legal brass,AIG appoints new executive VP and GC,Harland hires Phil Theodore as senior VP and GC,Aptuit has new VP and GC,Weyerhaeuser names senior VP and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120085&cat_id=74 gcc200 Tue, 26 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Arbitration Gains Popularity Arbitration has become increasingly popular in commercial contracts. In fact, most contracts now require arbitration, but there is also increasing controversy over whether it should take the place of court trials.Most arbitration disputes are heard by a panel of one to three arbitrators who are usually senior lawyers or retired judges. The arbitrators are neutral decision makers, and they are experts in the fields of law in dispute. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120084&cat_id=73 gcc201 Mon, 25 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT New GC at Entelos New GC at EntelosKansas City Southern appoints Associate GCMannatech nominates Keith Clark as Senior VP and GCSpartan Stores appoints Executive VP, GC, and Corp. SecretaryLehman Brothers hires MD and GC in EuropePrivateBancorp creates new GC position http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120083&cat_id=74 gcc202 Tue, 19 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Recruiters Face New Obstacles in an Unstable Marke In today†s uncertain economic climate, lawyers are more reluctant to change positions, forcing recruiters to come up with innovative strategies to convince them to reenter the job market. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120082&cat_id=73 gcc203 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Northrop hires employment and corporate counsels Northrop hires employment and corporate counselsWCF GC recognized for excellence in community serviceUCA appoints Courtway as GCUCA appoints Courtway as GCD-Wave System promotes Rothe to GCShopping site shops for novel GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120081&cat_id=74 gcc204 Tue, 12 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Prepping for E-Discovery Changes Starting Dec. 1, in-house counsel will have to contend with the new e-discovery procedural rules detailed in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120080&cat_id=73 gcc205 Fri, 08 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Reynolds American hires Lambeth as GC Reynolds American hires Lambeth as GCCKE enlists new GCNew GC at Sterling HealthcareHartford announces Assistant GC for compliancePower supplier hires Sahr as GCLife science company recruits Corporate Counsel http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120079&cat_id=74 gcc206 Tue, 05 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Julie Getzels: On The Art Of Working As A General Counsel Ms. Getzels is general counsel for the Art Institute of Chicago. As such, she handles all of the legal work for the institute's museum and school, including art acquisitions, copyright questions, employee issues, nonprofit tax matters and the legalities of the museum's new building project. A 1985 graduate of Harvard Law School, her official title is Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. One of the perks of her job is being surrounded by great works of art. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120078&cat_id=65 gcc207 Sat, 02 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT State of the Market Report Summer 2012 2012 has already seen a lot of changes, some positive and some negative as expected. One thing that stood out was the lessons learnt in the decline of Dewey & LeBoeuf and the need to strike a balance between rising running expenses and acquisition of talent to ensure rising revenues. Corporate recruiters are also thinking in the same lines. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120072&cat_id=66 gcc208 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Trends in Hiring Outside Counsel Corporate Counsel continues its five-year-old tradition. After asking GCs at Fortune 250 companies to name their ‽primary” law firms in four key practice areas, the publication has released its survey results in an August report entitled ‽Who Represents America†s Biggest Companies.”The survey shows that competitive market prices are useless when trying to gauge who tops the list. Top outside counsel remain on top because of their ‽brands.” http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120075&cat_id=73 gcc209 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT US Airways promotes Dhillon to Senior VP and GC US Airways promotes Dhillon to Senior VP and GCAmegy Bank appoints new GCBroadlane announces head of legal affairsPresident of Respira Medical joins Alba TherapeuticsGPO promotes IG to General CounselSMECO appoints Board Attorney and GC http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120074&cat_id=74 gcc210 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT GCs Moving Up the Corporate Ladder The corporate and legal communities received two shocks within the past month: first, when General Counsel Jeffrey Kindler became Pfizer, Inc.'s new CEO, and second, when General Counsel Paul Goldean became Scottish Re's new CEO.The uncanny similarities highlight the growing trend of GCs becoming CEOs. Although still relatively uncommon, analysts are beginning to acknowledge this role shift, rationalizing that a GC's legal background facilitates the running of public companies. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120045&cat_id=73 gcc211 Wed, 23 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT GCs endorsed as Chief Executives GCs endorsed as Chief Executives In a rare move, two major companies have promoted their General Counsels to Chief Executives. Jeff Kindler has been named Chief Executive of Pfizer, while Paul Goldean has been named Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Re. Having joined Pfizer in 2002, Kindler has overseen the company's affairs in legal, corporate, compliance, and public policy matters. Goldean has been appointed Chief Executive after serving the Bermuda-based Scottish Re for more than four years. Pfizer is an internationally known pharmaceutical company, with 106,000 employees and revenue of $51.3 billion annually. Engaged in reinsurance of life insurance, annuities and annuity products, Scottish Re was formed in 1998 and has emerged as one of the leading life re-insurers in the U.S. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120060&cat_id=74 gcc212 Tue, 22 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Corporate Legal Hiring is on the Rise Following the conservative markets of 2003 and 2004, the first half of 2005 has proved to be a busy market for corporate legal departments. Hiring is once again on the rise, and with an 18% increase over last year's numbers, there are sure signs of an active and recovering market. Primarily responsible for this upswing in hiring has been the rise in activity in the corporate sector, especially in the areas of investment, finance, and mergers and acquisitions.Another factor that has contributed to a rise in in-house legal hiring has been the promulgation of new regulations in the wake of the Enron scandal and the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As a result, public companies have been faced with an increase in regulatory and litigation activities, and as a result, attorneys with compliance and securities litigation experience have been actively courted by companies trying to meet increasingly demanding and complex regulatory requirements. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120077&cat_id=66 gcc213 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT SOX: Culprit Behind Increased Delisting? http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120046&cat_id=73 gcc214 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT AP appoints new GC AP appoints new GC Associated Press has named Srinandan Kasi as Vice President and General Counsel. Kasi has been working with the Associated Press since 2004, prior to which he was at Dewey Ballantine, LLP. He has also served as General Counsel, Head of Strategic Planning, for a technology company and worked as a scientist for IBM. He specializes in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. Established in 1846, Associated Press is a not-for-profit cooperative with 3,700 employees and more than 240 bureaus worldwide. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120061&cat_id=74 gcc215 Tue, 15 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT The SEC Approves New Executive Disclosure Rules http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120047&cat_id=73 gcc216 Wed, 09 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Wimmer named GC of Gannett Wimmer named GC of Gannett Eminent intellectual property and media lawyer Kurt Wimmer has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Gannett Co., Inc. Previously, Wimmer was a partner at Covington & Burling and served as a journalist. His fusion of journalism and law has led him to this prestigious position at Gannett. Wimmer's strengths lie in four areas: media law, communications law, administrative law, and the First Amendment. Gannett is a leading information- and news-gathering service in the U.S. and is well known for its newspaper, USA Today. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120062&cat_id=74 gcc217 Tue, 08 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Wuchitech named Deputy GC for Department of Defense Wuchitech named Deputy GC for Department of Defense Former Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP, partner Roy Wuchitech has been named Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Defense. Wuchitech will be responsible for managing a legal team working on environmental law, as well as the department's installation issues. Prior to joining Sheppard Mullin, where he worked for 16 years, Wuchitech served under President George H.W. Bush as Acting General Counsel of the Air Force. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120063&cat_id=74 gcc218 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Backdating: The New Securities Fraud? Stock options are a typical form of compensation in public companies. For Gregory L. Reyes, former CEO of Brocade Communications Systems, stock options gave him wealth, power, and, in a recent twist of fate, scandal. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) unveiled the criminal and civil securities fraud charges filed against Brocade's ex-CEO and former HR manager, Stephanie Jensen, on July 20. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120048&cat_id=73 gcc219 Fri, 28 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT 2012 Olympic Committee hires brand protector 2012 Olympic Committee hires brand protector Terry Miller has been named General Counsel of The London 2012 Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games. Reporting to Chief Executive Paul Deighton, Miller will be responsible for protection of the LOCOG brand and the intellectual property rights associated with the brand. Her department will also work on preparing contracts in support of the various agreements for the venue, suppliers, commercial partners, contractors, etc. She has joined the Committee from her position as International General Counsel of Goldman Sachs for Europe and Asia. Established in October 2005, LOCOG will manage the planning and development of the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120064&cat_id=74 gcc220 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT Corporate Counsel Releases GC Compensation Report July 14 - Corporate Counsel released its annual report, documenting the 100 highest-paid general counsel at Fortune 500 companies. The list gathers information from the annual proxy statements that Fortune 500 companies file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These proxies, which force top public companies to disclose the compensation of their five highest-paid executives, reveal that 196 general counsel ranked among the top-five earners in their respective companies in 2005. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120049&cat_id=73 gcc221 Thu, 20 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT Sears GC drives into Nissan Sears GC drives into Nissan Nissan North America, Inc., has named Scott E. Becker as Vice President and General Counsel. Succeeding Joy Murakami Crose, Becker will be in charge of the company's legal operations across the U.S. He comes from Sears Holdings Corp. and Sears, Roebuck and Co., where he was Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for its retail, services, and real estate operations. Before joining Sears, Becker served at numerous law firms in Chicago and has significant experience in litigation. A subsidiary of Tokyo-based Nissan Motor Co., Nissan North America has manufacturing facilities in North America, where it rolls out vehicles such as the Xterra SUV, Altima Sedan, and Frontier Pickup. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120065&cat_id=74 gcc222 Tue, 18 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT Kenneth Lay's Death Stalls Legal Proceedings Enron's former CEO, Kenneth Lay, died from a heart attack in Aspen, CO, on Wednesday, June 28.With Lay's passing, people have been scrambling to figure out what to expect next. There are many pending legal and financial matters that still need to be resolved. Many Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and civil cases are still pending. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120051&cat_id=73 gcc223 Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT President nominates Frank R. Jimenez as GC President nominates Frank R. Jimenez as GCFrank R. Jimenez of Florida has been nominated by President Bush as General Counsel of the Department of the Navy. At present, Jimenez is Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Defense. He has also served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120066&cat_id=74 gcc224 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT Court Broadens Employees' Rights In a 9-0 decision on June 22, the Supreme Court significantly strengthened legal protection for employees who suffer workplace discrimination and harassment. The Court decision in Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Company v. White upheld Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which expressly forbids discrimination and prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who allege discrimination. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120050&cat_id=73 gcc225 Tue, 04 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT New GC for CIGNA New GC for CIGNA Carol Ann Petren has been appointed General Counsel and Executive Vice President at CIGNA. Succeeding Judith E. Soltz, Petren will be reporting to CEO H. Edward Hanway. She has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at MCI, Inc., where she managed federal, state, and international regulatory matters; employment law; and other legal department operations. CIGNA provides employers with benefits programs in the field of healthcare and insurance. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120067&cat_id=74 gcc226 Tue, 04 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT China's Legal Boom China's economy is booming. In 2005, the country had the world's sixth-largest economy, with a gross domestic product of $1.79 trillion. It is speculated that China's GDP will exceed the economic vigor of United Kingdom and France in 2006.As a result, China's less developed legal system is undergoing major changes. As the government creates more laws and regulations to keep business activity in check, Chinese corporations are protecting their personal interests by hiring in-house lawyers. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120052&cat_id=73 gcc227 Tue, 27 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Northwest Airlines GC to retire Northwest Airlines GC to retire Barry Simon, General Counsel of Northwest Airlines Corp., will retire June 30 for health reasons. Simon joined the company in October 2004 and has 30 years' experience in the airlines industry. Specializing in bankruptcy, he has been instrumental in bankruptcy filings at Continental and Eastern Airlines and was at Northwest when it filed for bankruptcy protection in September 2005. The world's fifth-largest airline, Northwest Airlines operates in 900 cities in 160 countries across the world. With 1,200 daily departures, it has hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120068&cat_id=73 gcc228 Tue, 27 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT New GC at General Motors New GC at General Motors Robert Osborne has been named Group Vice President and General Counsel of General Motors, effective September 1. He succeeds Tom Gottschalk, who will continue as Executive Vice President of Law and Public Policy and will be member of the Automotive Strategy Board. Since 2002, Osborne has been working with Jenner & Block as a senior partner specializing in mergers and acquisitions and securities transactions. The world's largest automaker, General Motors has 75 years of experience and strength of 327,000 employees working in locations all over the globe. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120069&cat_id=74 gcc229 Tue, 20 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Wavering Future of Auditor Privilege The Texas Supreme Court made a momentous final decision regarding the ongoing battle between AES Wolf Hollow and The Shaw Group, Inc., that allows third parties access to auditor-privileged documents on April 28.This case, which has been widely followed by in-house attorneys and auditors, has many major repercussions; but before delving into what they might be, here is the background of this titillating story: http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120053&cat_id=73 gcc230 Thu, 15 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT New deputy general counsel in SEC New deputy general counsel in SEC Andrew Vollmer has been appointed as deputy general counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and will assist in managing the Commission's 100-lawyer strong in-house team. Prior to joining the SEC, Vollmer served as the vice-chair of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP 's securities group in Washington, DC. He specializes in securities matters and has experience in representing clients subject to enforcement investigations by the SEC. With several notable cases to his credit, Vollmer succeeds Meyer Eisenberg, who retired from the Commission in January. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120070&cat_id=74 gcc231 Thu, 15 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Satellite giant names new General Counsel Satellite giant names new General CounselCatherine Fox has been named General Counsel by renowned satellite operator SES Global. This post has been filled after a 10-month search. Fox brings 20 years of experience from telecommunications giant Alcatel. Having vast experience in the telecommunications and satellite industry globally, Catherine has significant knowledge of European and international laws. SES Global is listed on the Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges and has revenues of â'¬1.15B. It is part-owned by GE Capital, which has a 20% stake in the company. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120071&cat_id=74 gcc232 Tue, 06 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Corporate Penalties The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission released the http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120054&cat_id=73 gcc233 Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Mixed Reactions to K&LNG's Top of Mind Survey Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP (K&LNG) released their third Top of Mind survey on the Senior In-House Counsel on January 3. However, there has been speculative criticism about the validity of K&LNG's report. On January 30, Rees Morrison, a law department consultant, argued the high number of non-lawyers' responses undermine the methodological rigor of Top of Mind's survey. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120055&cat_id=73 gcc234 Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Are Executive Compensation Disclosures the Answer? On Jan. 27, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed more stringent executive compensation disclosure rules in hopes that investors will make more informed business decisions, but many are wondering if these measures are adequate. Uncertain of how well the new rules would be received, the SEC opened itself up to public comment during a 90-day trial period. The commission will vote on whether or not they will continue with the proposals on April 10, 2006. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120056&cat_id=73 gcc235 Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Adapting to the E-world Need to find evidence? If you are an attorney, you will not likely be scouring through file cabinets to get the information you need. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120057&cat_id=73 gcc236 Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Increasing Need for Law Firm's General Counsel http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120058&cat_id=73 gcc237 Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT SOX Under Fire The fate of 2002's Sarbanes-Oxley Act is uncertain. In addition to the recent corporate scandals that have undermined SOX's effectiveness, the Act has been under legal fire. The nonprofit think tank Free Enterprise filed a lawsuit on Feb.7 against the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). They claim that SOX violates the Constitution's mandated separation of powers. Their argument is that the Accounting Board, created under SOX, violates the separation of powers doctrine in two major ways: Congress cannot control its budget, and the President cannot appoint or remove any of its members. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120059&cat_id=73 gcc238 Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Good Times Still Roll Thanks to a Strong Corporate Sector We are seeing robust demand for attorneys by corporate legal departments across the country, marked by a 20-percent jump in job orders in nearly every industry. This is a reflection of a strong U.S. economic market, fueled by positive news from Wall Street. As a result, we have seen a significant increase in demand by corporate legal departments for attorneys at all levels, especially in the corporate sector.For corporate generalists, the largest demand is for mid-level attorneys with mergers and acquisition experience, as well as practitioners with extensive Sarbanes-Oxley experience. As a result, according to Hildebrandt International, top U.S. government regulators have been increasingly tapped by public corporations to serve as general counsels, a development that is likely to continue. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120076&cat_id=66 gcc239 Fri, 05 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT Have You Gone for Your Annual Career Checkup? If you practice law in a corporate environment, you know that finding the right balance between your professional and personal lives is no easy task. Getting the right balance requires a good understanding of your own preferences and values.Granted, along the way you will need to pay your dues; but even when you get to a place in your career where things seem to be going well, you owe it to yourself to periodically evaluate whether there is anything you can improve upon. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120001&cat_id=62 gcc240 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT A Critical Assessment of In-House Legal Careers In 2000, Linda Kline of New England Legal Search and Bob Licht, Vice President and General Counsel of Homeruns.com, launched the 2000/2001 Sandwich Hub series with a terrific overview of the pros and cons of in-house legal careers. Linda Kline began her discussion by articulating the reasons why lawyers at large firms are finding in-house jobs so appealing.According to Linda, 80 percent of the lawyers who now approach her are interested in going in-house. These attorneys are concerned with the lifestyle at large law firms, the unlikely potential for partnership as well as the nature of the work (i.e., that there is a lot of repetition and a detachment from the bigger purpose of the work). She also noted that lawyers are seeing what businesspeople are doing and deciding that it looks more interesting than practicing law. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120002&cat_id=62 gcc241 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Achieving Career Satisfaction: Make the Investment, but Choose Your Investments Carefully For more than 10 years, Danielle worked in the in-house legal department of a prominent high-tech company. When the downsizing first occurred, she survived a wave of layoffs; but the second time, she was not so lucky. Danielle began networking and even responded to some ads she saw; but after three months, she still had not received any offers. She did, however, identify a number of companies that were willing to hire her on a project basis. Danielle took a closer look at the track record of these companies. She then approached the two with the best performance histories and agreed to come on board in a temporary part-time capacity. After six months, the first company asked her to stay with the firm on a permanent part-time basis. Two months later, the second company followed suit. With the two part-time incomes, Danielle is earning a very nice full-time salary (one that exceeds her former full-time salary).Jim was a litigation associate at a major Boston law firm. Soon after he started as a first-year associate, he realized that he did not like the adversarial nature of litigation or the length of time that it took for a case to move through the system. Nine months into his tenure, Jim noticed that his workload was beginning to ease up. At the same time, he was hearing stories that the associates in the corporate department were burning the midnight oil. Jim approached his supervisor and asked if he could take on some projects in the corporate department while continuing to manage his litigation caseload. Within two months, he was working full time in the corporate department. A year later, he made a lateral move to another firm that had better corporate work. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120003&cat_id=62 gcc242 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Credibility and Your Legal Career http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120007&cat_id=62 gcc243 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Getting Involved in the Legal community For many attorneys, life in the profession can seem pretty solitary. There are, of course, the subtle and entertaining email exchanges with your peers, as well as meetings with other attorneys and clients. There is the occasional CLE event, firm retreat, or maybe even a firm or company social event here and there. Nevertheless, many attorneys rarely venture too far out of the office and into the legal community. Time away from work is family or recreation time-something to be cherished and certainly not time you would want to spend with other lawyers.I have been studying successful lawyers for more years than I care to count. The most successful attorneys are also generally the most visible. This is not always the case, but it usually is. Moreover, when an attorney is attempting a lateral move, being involved in the legal community is something that can help him/her a great deal. In numerous placements I have made-and in the majority of the largest and most significant ones-it was the attorney's involvement in the legal community that was what got him/her the job. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120008&cat_id=62 gcc244 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT In-House Job Satisfaction Corporate Counsel's recent report on the job satisfaction of in-house lawyers highlights the lack of opportunity for advancement within most corporate legal departments.A full 75% of the respondents said their chances of being promoted in their departments were slim-to-none. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120010&cat_id=62 gcc245 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT In-House Salaries: Getting a Fair Deal Several years ago, I was brokering salary negotiations for an in-house position. The general counsel was excited about the candidate, the candidate was very interested in the company, and there was good chemistry between the two.The general counsel made an offer that was near the top of the range that was originally communicated to the candidate. Afterwards, there was some back-and-forth negotiation; but in the end, the GC was unwilling to budge from the top of the range he originally stated; and the candidate was unwilling to go any lower than $10,000 above the top of the range. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120011&cat_id=62 gcc246 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Is Anyone Out There Happy? If you believe what you read in the popular and legal press, career satisfaction is woefully lacking for most attorneys. While I encounter a lot of this dissatisfaction in my own coaching and recruiting practice, I also speak to many lawyers who actually like what they do.This column features three of these attorneys and discusses why they have a high level of career satisfaction. This is not an attempt to demonstrate that the press has the story all wrong. There certainly are a lot of unhappy lawyers in the United States. Rather, I want readers to know that it is possible to enjoy your work as a lawyer and that it is possible to make changes if you do not. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120012&cat_id=62 gcc247 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Lawyers See Benefit in Professional Coaching Individualism is deeply ingrained in the culture of the United States. We live in a country where anyone can make it if he/she works hard enough.But lurking behind this mythology lays a stark reality: In today's economy, no one truly makes it on his/her own. Leading politicians, professional athletes, and top-grossing musicians are surrounded by advisors who have been critical to their success. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120013&cat_id=62 gcc248 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Marketing as a Career-Development Strategy Once upon a time, a law school graduate could join a firm right out of school, work hard for several years, do great legal work, and expect to become a partner at the same firm.About 20 years ago, the world began to change; and today, few junior associates at major firms have any real expectation of being elevated to partner. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120016&cat_id=62 gcc249 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Meditation, Mediation, Marketing, and Medication Last year, I attended a workshop on stress management for lawyers. At the session, the presenter relayed the following anecdote.She had recently resigned from the partnership of a large firm in order to pursue her interest in helping lawyers manage stress. But prior to leaving her firm, she had put together a meditation series for lawyers. Shortly before the first session was set to start, she received a phone call from one of her colleagues. He wanted to know where the mediation series was taking place. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120017&cat_id=62 gcc250 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Part-Time General Counsel Traditionally, many smaller and earlier-stage companies have met their legal needs by retaining outside law firms. Many rightly believed that their budget and workload would not justify the considerable expense of an experienced, full-time general counsel to handle day-to-day issues and provide proactive advice about upcoming issues.However, a growing number of companies in Boston and the Silicon Valley are taking a new approach. Instead of getting their legal help from a law firm or hiring a full-time staff lawyer, they are hiring one of the growing number of part-time "general counsels." These are experienced senior lawyers who work on an as-needed basis to handle the company's inside legal needs, while continuing to use the outside firm for esoteric issues or matters outside their expertise. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120018&cat_id=73 gcc251 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Striving for Professional Mediocrity Accepting mediocrity in yourself is the only real way to achieve balance in your life. If you are a lawyer in private practice and you want to practice law while raising a family, then you need to be a mediocre lawyer.In fact, if you want to have any outside interests while engaged in the practice of law, then mediocrity is your only choice. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120019&cat_id=62 gcc252 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Hiring Your First In-House Counsel When a company hires its first in-house attorney, an array of business practices are subjected to legal review for the first time. This can have the short-term (and even long-term) effect of increasing the legal expenses of a business. This is particularly true if the first hire is a general counsel rather than a staff attorney. So if legal expenses may actually climb, how should a company decide to add to its overhead?Advantages of Bringing Counsel In-House http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120022&cat_id=60 gcc253 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Going In-House Every day at 5:30 p.m., the deception begins.Needing to pick up her child from daycare, a female attorney places a full cup of coffee on her desk, leaves the lights on, pretends to visit the ladies' room, and then sneaks down five flights of stairs to her car, where she has purposely left her purse to help speed a swift getaway that enables her to avoid being seen by her supervisors. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120023&cat_id=60 gcc254 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Dark Side of Going In-House IntroductionThe purpose of this article is to provide you with insight as to whether or not you should go in-house. Many attorneys claim that going in-house was their best career move. Conversely, some attorneys claim it was their biggest career mistake. In the end, going in-house is entirely up to you. You need to understand, however, that the decision to go in-house is one of the most significant career decisions you will ever make as an attorney. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120024&cat_id=60 gcc255 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT How to Select the Best Legal Recruiter and Maximize the Effectiveness of Working with One IntroductionOne of the misunderstood facets of the legal-recruiting industry is the following: You have many options when choosing a legal recruiter (not just the one that cold-called you), and how well you work with your legal recruiter will directly influence how successful the legal recruiter is in working with you. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120025&cat_id=60 gcc256 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Is an In-House Position Right for You? Are you more cut out for practicing in a law firm or a corporation? We talked to corporate in-house attorneys from various companies across the country to see what they thought their line of work had to offer that law firm life didn't.On the surface, deciding to practice law in a corporation versus a law firm may not appear difficult. Since both positions involve legal analysis and advising clients, are there any real differences? http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120026&cat_id=60 gcc257 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT 10 Ways to Reciprocate in Networking I spend a lot of my professional time giving out advice about networking. I frequently talk to experienced lawyers about using networking as a business-development tool. Every day, I coach lawyers about using networking to uncover hidden job opportunities and interim assignments. I write articles giving practical tips to lawyers and other professionals who want to improve their networking skills.But I also continue to be a student of the subject. In my view, it is easy to learn the basics about networking, but networking is a subtle and difficult skill to master. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120027&cat_id=63 gcc258 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Between Offer and Acceptance If you are like most people, you will be excited when a legal employer extends you an offer for a job. Especially if it's your first offer, your only offer, or the offer you were hoping for the most, the inclination is to immediately accept. Even if you are not that excited about the opportunity, you might be inclined to accept immediately because you are afraid it might look bad to the employer if you hesitate. You might even be concerned that the offer will be revoked if you don't jump on it.While you definitely want to show the same enthusiasm you did during the interviewing process, it is always prudent to take a bit of time to consider what you are about to do. After all, you probably would not commit to marriage after spending a few hours with someone. Yet, most lawyers commit to their organizations without much more thought, even though, in many cases, they will end up spending more time within their legal environments than with their spouses. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120028&cat_id=63 gcc259 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Considering an Alternative Career One thing that most lawyers have in common is that they don't want to be lawyers. It's almost part of the lawyer culture to be constantly searching for something new and different. We are inspired by stories of former lawyers who go out and started airlines or produced television shows. We tell ourselves that's how we want to put our legal education to work.Producing television programs may or may not be in your future, but at one time or another, you have probably been intrigued by an advertisement for one of those seminars focusing on non-legal careers for attorneys. These ads are placed by individual career counselors and career counseling companies that specialize in helping lawyers escape the law. I may be exaggerating a bit, but the names of these companies' seminars are typically http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120029&cat_id=63 gcc260 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Coping with Losing Your Job We regularly read and hear that http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120030&cat_id=63 gcc261 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Finding the Right Way to Explain a Negative Daniel Smart was having a difficult time with his job search. Dan (whose name has been changed for this article) had an impressive resume. He graduated with honors from a top law school and spent four years at a major Boston firm.Four months after Dan had been fired, however, he was still feeling unsettled. He knew that his performance had been below par, and he realized that the job was no longer a good fit. Objectively, he understood that he had not been turning around work fast enough. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120031&cat_id=63 gcc262 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Handling References: A Basic Guide You just had a good interview. In fact, it was great! You really connected with the people that you met. You found the practice to be interesting and sophisticated, the setting collegial, and the compensation package first-class. You are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams when you are asked to provide your references. How should you handle this very important step in your job search? The following is a basic guideline aiming to steer you through this sometimes tricky and often overlooked aspect of the job-search process.Usually after a successful interview, you will be asked to provide references. The key to handling this step successfully is to be prepared. One thing you should keep in mind is not to volunteer your references until asked. Therefore, you should not include references on your resume or cover letter unless specifically required by your prospective employer. What exactly are references used for? Reference checks are primarily made to: http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120032&cat_id=63 gcc263 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT How to Write a Legal Resume A good resume is an extremely important tool in the job-search process. Because firms and corporations are inundated with resumes, your resume must be able to attract attention and create a good, strong impression at a brief glance. Your resume is your sales pitch to the hiring partner. It is not merely a recitation of your life's chronology. You need to make your value to the employer clear; and because your resume will likely only get about 30 seconds of the reader's time, you need your value to be emphasized and evident from a quick scan and cursory examination.There are two styles of resumes: functional and chronological. Chronological resumes are useful when outlining your accomplishments and experience in relation to your past employment. Functional resumes break your accomplishments into areas of experience and are more useful when you have had many jobs or large gaps in your employment history. If you have had many jobs, all of which are relevant, the employer is likely to assume that you were unhappy or unsuccessful at your past jobs. Constant job migration is never a good indication to any employer. By emphasizing your knowledge and set of skills while downplaying your job hopping, you can sometimes eliminate the stigma that employers will associate with your employment history. However, because many legal employers are interested in seeing a resume that paints a chronological picture of your advancing career through your past employment, the functional resume will appear confusing and will make the employer suspicious of your intentions. This article is designed to help both experienced and inexperienced job seekers design a resume that is effective and sure to leave a favorable impression with any potential employer. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120033&cat_id=63 gcc264 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Interview Uncertainty On many antiquarian maps, there is a simple, chilling statement scrawled at the edge of the known world: http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120034&cat_id=63 gcc265 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Interviewing tips The primary purpose of an interview is for an employer to measure how well you will fit into the organization. An interview also provides the interviewer an opportunity to see how well he/she can work with the candidate. In lateral hiring, it is a reasonable assumption that if you get called for an interview, the employer already has good reason to believe that you have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job. While questions will arise during the interview that help clarify your experience, what is most important at an interview is the non-verbal communication that occurs and rapport that is established.Establishing rapport at an interview is not easy. In many ways, an interview is like a blind date. Both sides want to be in a relationship, but the courtship is somewhat forced and unnatural. Because you have so little time to make a good impression, there are a few things that you should always do when interviewing for a new position. The items at the top of the list are probably already familiar to you, but keep reading: http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120035&cat_id=63 gcc266 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Danger of Getting Jobs Through Friends Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure.-Tacitus (c. 55-120 A.D.) http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120036&cat_id=63 gcc267 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Dos and Don'ts of Cover Letter Writing Cover letters are a necessary evil in all job searches-a necessary and critical evil. While many job searchers think a solid resume should speak for itself, the reality is it often does not. In fact, a poorly written or sloppy cover letter can detract from even the most impeccable of resumes. The first step in writing a cover letter is to appreciate the potential effect it can have on the decision maker and that it may be the only tool you have to separate yourself from all the other applicants. While there is no standard formula to follow, there are some things you should be sure to do, and there are some things you should never do when crafting your cover letter.Top-Five Dos http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120037&cat_id=63 gcc268 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Ways to Leverage Your Network Networking is a powerful tool that anyone can master. Networking is not rocket science. It mainly requires commitment, follow through, and a willingness to be a good listener. Networking is an activity that Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, describes as important but not urgent.In previous columns, I have written about effective networking techniques. If you have heeded my advice, then networking has become a regular and ongoing part of your work life. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120038&cat_id=63 gcc269 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Power of Self-Awareness and Positive Thinking During Your Job Search As a legal recruiter, I spend my days speaking to lawyers about their job transitions and speaking to law firms about my candidates' credentials. I work in a world where grades, law school, and law firm prestige seem to reign supreme. However, there are countless situations where lawyers with good, but not great, credentials are far more successful in their job searches than those with stellar credentials. I used to believe that, in these circumstances, the lawyer with the better credentials must have had weak interpersonal skills while the lawyer with lesser credentials had strong interpersonal skills, which must have accounted for the difference. While this was true on occasion, it often was not the case. As I studied these types of situations, I realized a common characteristic among the lawyers with lesser credentials that seemed to outperform the others on job searches: They believed in themselves in an uncharacteristically strong way and were extremely positive thinkers about their abilities. Regardless of their credentials or experience, they generated these undeniable airs of self-assurance, as if they just knew they would get the jobs of their choices. And usually they did, because their self-confidence was contagious.The goal of this article is to raise your awareness of your often unnoticed internal feelings and thinking patterns and how they may be serving or sabotaging your career interests. Specifically, this article discusses (1) why lawyers are typically not positive thinkers, (2) how particular thoughts affect our actions and create reality (whether on a conscious or unconscious level), (3) how to tap into and rid yourself of self-defeating feelings and thoughts, and (4) how positive thinking is an extremely strong tool in helping to achieve success during your job search and throughout your career. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120039&cat_id=63 gcc270 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Resume-Writing Tips Numerous books have been written about resumes, and many career professionals will try to convince you that there are hard-and-fast rules about proper resume drafting. What follows are my own thoughts and observations about resumes (in a very distilled form) as well as a good sample that I have seen (and redacted). http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120040&cat_id=63 gcc271 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Your Resume as a First Impression Attorneys often forget the importance of a first impression. As a law student, you are groomed for first impressions during the on-campus interview process. But somewhere between the time you land your first job and the time you start looking for your next, attorneys often overlook the significance of their resumes, which is the first impression a prospective employer gets of you.Your resume is the first thing a potential employer will see in determining whether or not to bring you in for an interview. The resume, therefore, is crucial to your success in a job search. A resume should be solid, straightforward, and easy to read, highlighting your best achievements and accomplishments. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120041&cat_id=63 gcc272 Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Managing Your Time: Working Smarter Everywhere I turn in the corporate and legal worlds of my recruiting practice, I see professionals responding to increased global competition and rising billable-hour quotas by spending more time in the office. These professionals are not exactly taking it easy; most of them are already working 10- to 12-hour days and more. While most are wearing their fatigue as a badge of honor, I am not sure this trend should be something we want to brag about.I am reminded of an attorney who became one of the most successful CEOs I have ever met, who is usually still in bed at 8:00 a.m., who never misses his daily workout, and who has not been in the office on a weekend in the last 10 years. This is the same CEO who has built a very successful pharmaceutical empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, not by working harder, but by working smarter and more in concert with his abilities and goals. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120021&cat_id=61 gcc273 Thu, 30 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Biz-sector upswing brings lawyer job boom Legal recruiters say they are flush with orders from both law firms and in-house legal departments to find lawyers with experience in corporate law and finance. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120073&cat_id=119 gcc274 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Governance Consulting Grows Corporate Governance Issues Have Benefited From High-Profile Business Scandals And Mismanagement That Have Made Enron Corp. And Worldcom Inc. Front-Page News http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120009&cat_id=62 gcc275 Fri, 16 Sep 2005 05:00:00 GMT Corporate compliance training, Part II Cultivating a legal and ethical business climate is a two-step process. First, the courts, regulatory agencies, and other governmental bodies need to have the legal and financial wherewithal to investigate and prosecute corporate wrongdoing. Second, corporate America and its employees need to be aware of the changing regulatory and legal landscape, so they can be sure they keep to the straight and narrow path.In part, Congress took the first step by passing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and strengthening the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ also responded by revamping their governance rules. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120005&cat_id=62 gcc276 Thu, 14 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Corporate compliance training, Part I Corporate America is at a crossroads. Revenue is increasing. Profits are up. The world economy is creating potentially huge new markets. And according to some analysts, the future appears bright. But few times in American history have we witnessed a larger spate of high-profile cases of corporate misconduct. Corporations like Enron, WorldCom, Cendant, Tyco, HealthSouth, and plenty of other companies-and the executives who run them-have been accused (and sometimes convicted) of numerous misdeeds.In partial response to this misconduct, the public's perception of the ethics driving American business appears to be at an all time low. Congress reacted by passing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Sarbox) and strengthening the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ have both revamped their governance rules. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120006&cat_id=62 gcc277 Thu, 14 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Life Sciences : The Rising New Practice Look no further than the complicated, costly process involved with developing a new drug, biologic, or medical device to understand why life science law practices are growing. According to a December 2004 Standard & Poor's Industry Survey on Biotechnology, creating a single new drug often requires researching and reviewing more than 10,000 substances. The report also estimated that on average, it takes 10-15 years to refine, test, develop, and shepherd that new drug through a labyrinthine regulatory process. And at what cost? Companies should plan on spending $897,000,000. That's right-897 million dollars.What kinds of business organizations can best develop and market these new products and services? Where can they get the funding required to bring a new substance or device to market? Can or should they patent it? Would it be profitable to license the technology? What's the company's potential liability? http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120014&cat_id=62 gcc278 Thu, 14 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Mike Gibbs Burgers, the bar, and changing careers Mike Gibbs probably never imagined he would be asking, http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120042&cat_id=65 gcc279 Thu, 14 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Michael R. McAlevey, Chief Corporate and Securities Counsel, General Electric Co. Look no further than the complicated, costly process involved with developing a new drug, biologic, or medical device to understand why life science law practices are growing. According to a December 2004 Standard & Poor's Industry Survey on Biotechnology, creating a single new drug often requires researching and reviewing more than 10,000 substances. The report also estimated that on average, it takes 10-15 years to refine, test, develop, and shepherd that new drug through a labyrinthine regulatory process. And at what cost? Companies should plan on spending $897,000,000. That's right-897 million dollars.What kinds of business organizations can best develop and market these new products and services? Where can they get the funding required to bring a new substance or device to market? Can or should they patent it? Would it be profitable to license the technology? What's the company's potential liability? http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120043&cat_id=65 gcc280 Thu, 14 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Gary Nelson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Ceridian Corporation Through his experience in leading roles both in private practice (at Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly) and in an in-house environment (at Ceridian Corporation), Gary Nelson has several different perspectives on what the practice of law can offer. He shares them with LawCrossing this week, offering candid answers about the different positions he has held, the effects of Sarbanes-Oxley on his current job and his rise to success.By the time Gary Nelson completed his bachelors degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1973, he'd already decided to go to law school. He set his sights high and applied to Harvard. Three years later he graduated from that school with his J.D. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120044&cat_id=65 gcc281 Thu, 14 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Managing Your Career In A Competitive Market You have spent the last few months updating your resume, working with your search consultant, evaluating companies, and interviewing. Finally, all of the hard work has paid off, and what you have been waiting for has arrived: the offer. However, while you may feel a sense of relief, accomplishment, and happiness, you may also feel a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. This is a serious decision to make, and before making it, you should weigh certain factors carefully. Each of us, of course, is different; and determining what factors are important may vary greatly depending on the individual. You may attempt to negotiate a higher salary, additional vacation time, and better health benefits. However, these items are often part of a standard package determined by the company's compensation structure, and you may or may not be able to effectively negotiate them. In addition, other factors, such as a company's http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120015&cat_id=62 gcc282 Tue, 12 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT Cautionary Word For Attorneys Going In-House One of the attractions of going in-house is that the corporation will likely call upon you to give advice about matters involving both legal and business issues. In some cases, you will likely also be called upon to give advice about legal matters you have never been exposed to and thus know absolutely nothing about.Attorneys coming out of sterile, one-dimensional, and/or academic law firm environments often relish this new opportunity. Nevertheless, having such a close connection with the business side of things and being called upon to give advice about legal matters you are not qualified to speak about also has its drawbacks. http://www.gcconsulting.com/articles/index.php?id=120020&cat_id=60 gcc283 Tue, 12 Jul 2005 05:00:00 GMT