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U.K. firm Macfarlanes has unveiled across-the-board salary raises for all of its associates with some set to benefit from a 6.5 percent hike. Macfarlanes is one of the best-paying law firms outside of the Magic Circle, sitting in the second tier alongside the likes of Herbert Smith. Last week the firm reported a 5 percent hike in turnover for the last financial year to a new high of 110 million pounds ($219.25 million), although profits at the London firm have remained static.
"Justice is going to be very expensive." That's how the supervising attorney in the housing unit of Broward Legal Services in Plantation, Fla., describes the impact -- particularly on the poor -- of legislatively mandated increases in 144 court fees taking effect statewide today. Seeking justice through the court system may no longer be obtainable for low-income people, he says. The state of Florida itself is claiming poverty. Budget cuts have produced a wave of courthouse layoffs.
"Justice is going to be very expensive." That's how the supervising attorney in the housing unit of Broward Legal Services in Plantation, Fla., describes the impact -- particularly on the poor -- of legislatively mandated increases in 144 court fees taking effect statewide today. Seeking justice through the court system may no longer be obtainable for low-income people, he says. The state of Florida itself is claiming poverty. Budget cuts have produced a wave of courthouse layoffs.
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Peggy Quince becomes the first black woman to head a branch of the state government as she takes over from Justice R. Fred Lewis. Quince says that during her two-year term she plans to advocate full funding of courts and examine ways to improve the prospects for children aging out of the foster care system. She says her first goal is "to make sure, in this economic climate that we find ourselves in, that the court is fully funded to carry out our constitutional mandate."
Allegations seeping out of the courtroom in the upcoming divorce trial of former supermodel Christie Brinkley and architect Peter Cook may well be embarrassing to the couple's children. But despite the prospect of salacious testimony and extensive media interest, a New York judge has rejected pleas to close parts of the trial. Brinkley filed for divorce after discovering that Cook cheated on her with an 18-year-old assistant.
Allegations seeping out of the courtroom in the upcoming divorce trial of former supermodel Christie Brinkley and architect Peter Cook may well be embarrassing to the couple's children. But despite the prospect of salacious testimony and extensive media interest, a New York judge has rejected pleas to close parts of the trial. Brinkley filed for divorce after discovering that Cook cheated on her with an 18-year-old assistant.
The 23 lawyers and lobbyists of Washington, D.C., law and lobbying boutique O'Connor & Hannan will merge with California-based law firm Nossaman Guthner Knox & Elliott today. The combined firm will have more than 150 attorneys and lobbyists across eight offices nationwide. O'Connor is the latest in a string of Washington boutiques to announce unions with bigger firms.
The 23 lawyers and lobbyists of Washington, D.C., law and lobbying boutique O'Connor & Hannan will merge with California-based law firm Nossaman Guthner Knox & Elliott today. The combined firm will have more than 150 attorneys and lobbyists across eight offices nationwide. O'Connor is the latest in a string of Washington boutiques to announce unions with bigger firms.
With too little litigation work to support all of its next associate class, Howard Rice has asked three incoming litigation associates to defer their start date by a year. Hiring partner Jonathan Hughes said those who won't be starting in September will get an undisclosed stipend and help in securing positions in public interest organizations that the firm has close relationships with. He said the decision was not a cost-cutting measure but a new policy that will ensure that all firm lawyers are busy.
With too little litigation work to support all of its next associate class, Howard Rice has asked three incoming litigation associates to defer their start date by a year. Hiring partner Jonathan Hughes said those who won't be starting in September will get an undisclosed stipend and help in securing positions in public interest organizations that the firm has close relationships with. He said the decision was not a cost-cutting measure but a new policy that will ensure that all firm lawyers are busy.
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