Friday 16 October 2009

Corporate Counsel to Candidly Evaluate Law Firms Using Value Index

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) will launch the ACC Value Index, a component of the ACC Value Challenge, at its 2009 Annual Meeting in Boston on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the Hynes Convention Center. In these challenging times, law firms are increasingly under pressure to reduce costs while still performing at the level clients have come to expect, and in-house counsel are under equal scrutiny to monitor costs. The ACC Value Index will allow members of ACC to share ratings of law firms based on client satisfaction so that they can better meet company demands. Details for the launch of the ACC Value Index are as follows:

Who: Interview ACC Value Challenge Steering Committee Members Jeff Carr and Ken Grady, ACC Board Members Vince Gonzalez and Susie Flook, ACC President Frederick J. Krebs, and ACC Senior Vice President and General Counsel Susan Hackett.
What: Exclusive press demonstration of the ACC Value Index
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 2:15 - 3 PM Eastern
Where: ACC Value Challenge Booth #240, Hynes Convention Center, Boston

The ACC Value Challenge provides resources to help both law departments and firms meet their unique challenges related to billing arrangements. Now, ACC is taking the next step in the Value Challenge, by introducing the ACC Value Index - a client satisfaction measurement tool where members share evaluations of the law firms they engage. It is also an instrument to help shape the thinking and dialogue between firms and in-house counsel about what constitutes "good value" in legal services. Using a five-point scale (1=Poor, 5=Excellent), members score their outside counsel on the following criteria --understanding objectives/expectations, legal expertise, efficiency/process management, responsiveness/ communication, predictable cost/budgeting skills and results delivered/execution. They also answer the important question: would you hire this firm again? Members will be able to browse or search the ACC Value Index based on firm name, matter type or office location.

About the ACC Value Challenge

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Value Challenge is an initiative launched to reconnect value and cost for legal services. The Value Challenge develops methodologies and metrics that corporate counsel can use to assess the strengths and weaknesses of law firms; creates tools for in-house counsel and firms to share; and enhances awareness and communicates success stories in achieving value and alignment. The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the world's largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations and other private-sector organizations around the globe. With more than 25,000 members in over 70 countries, employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC's community connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.®

Philadelphia Trial Attorneys Carol Nelson Shepherd and Evan Liu Present Medical Malpractice Mock Trial Course

Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig attorneys Carol Nelson Shepherd and Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D. will participate in a six-credit CLE, "Trial of a Medical Malpractice Case" on December 9, 2009. Participants will learn valuable trial tips and techniques from Shepherd and Liu along with other Philadelphia attorneys while experiencing a mock trial and being a part of the deliberation process. The course will be held at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Conference Center, on 10th Floor of the Wanamaker Building, Suite 1010, in Philadelphia from 9am - 4:45pm.

According to PBI, "This program received rave reviews in all past presentations and the accolades came from trial lawyers in all areas of law." They said, "Whether you are a medical malpractice attorney, or whether you try other types of civil cases, criminal cases, employment cases, or handle commercial litigation, this course will give you a chance to sit through an actual trial, complete with a judge and jury, and learn from the best. You'll pick up some great tips and have a chance to observe the styles of very successful attorneys who all have their own approach to examining witnesses, addressing juries and managing a trial."

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the jury deliberate and have a chance to question the jurors after they reach their verdict. Watching the jury process unfold provides trial attorneys with a unique look into something that normally takes place behind closed doors. The demonstrations will include: direct and cross examination of the plaintiff, opening statements, examination of plaintiff and defense expert witnesses, examination of the defendant doctor, closing arguments and jury deliberations.

Carol Nelson Shepherd
, a founding partner of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig, has devoted her practice to catastrophic injury claims arising from medical negligence. Shepherd has represented clients in claims against health care providers arising from obstetric / childbirth injury, delayed diagnosis of cancer, improperly performed surgery, psychiatric malpractice and many other cases involving substandard medical care. She has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since its inception in 2004; one of the top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 2005-2009; and one of the top 100 Philadelphia area Super Lawyers 2008-2009.

Evan Y. Liu, M.D., J.D.
is an associate of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig. A graduate of the Widener University School of Law, Liu also serves as a guest lecturer at the university. He covers topics such as the MCARE and Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor acts, patient safety, medical malpractice and errors and the effects of malpractice litigation on physician behavior. Prior to being admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Liu practiced emergency medicine in the Delaware Valley for 15 years. He was a board certified family practitioner, the assistant director of Delaware County Memorial Hospital's emergency department and a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital.

About Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig

Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig has handled cases producing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Pennsylvania. The firm represents plaintiffs in significant personal injury, class action, and other complex civil litigation. Clients include victims of medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe workplaces, motor vehicle accidents, legal malpractice and insurer misconduct.

Khorrami Pollard & Abir LLP Builds its Practice and Contributes to the Plaintiff Law Profession Through Investment in Opportunities for Women

Khorrami Pollard & Abir LLP (KPA), a national law firm representing plaintiffs, is expanding its support for the professional development of women in the legal field with activities including participation in professional working groups addressing diversity and women's issues, sponsorship of women's caucus receptions and contributions to professional publications.

For KPA, advocacy for women in the legal profession begins with attracting and retaining talent -- more than 60 percent of KPA's lawyers are women. "While women have made significant advances in the legal community, we believe that they are still underrepresented, particularly among plaintiff lawyers," said Shawn Khorrami, founding partner of KPA. "In addition to helping recruit more women to represent consumers, we are investing even more time, expertise and resources in creating and supporting leadership opportunities for women that advance the profession overall."

Key KPA initiatives under way include:

Active participation and leadership roles in professional organizations addressing diversity and women's issues.


  • Partner Shawn Khorrami serving as an at-large member for the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Diversity Taskforce, as well as a Delegate for the AAJ Minority Caucus.
  • Attorney Maryam Danishwar serving on the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Domestic Violence Project.
  • Attorney Bahar Dejban participating on the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) Women's Caucus Committee.


Support of networking and development opportunities for women:


  • For the second year running, KPA is sponsoring the Women's Caucus Reception at the CAOC Annual Convention in San Francisco being held Nov. 12-15, 2009.
  • KPA is hosting the Women's Caucus Brunch and Minority Caucus Reception at the AAJ Winter Convention in Maui, HI, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2010.
  • KPA will also host the Women's Caucus Brunch and Minority Caucus Reception at the AAJ Annual Convention 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 10 - Jul 14, 2010.
  • KPA hosted the joint CAOC and CAALA Women's Caucus Reception in Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2009.
  • KPA recently sponsored the Women's Caucus Reception at the AAJ Annual Convention in San Francisco, July 25-29, 2009.
  • KPA served as the host for the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Lobby Day Dinner in Washington, May 20, 2009.

Thought leadership focused on publishing in professional journals and online communities.


  • "In Wyeth, Supreme Court Could Define Implied Federal Preemption," by Deborah Gutierrez, CAALA's Advocate Magazine, February 2009, and Lawdragon.com.
  • "Effective Use of Objections in Responding to Interrogatories," by Lourdes DeArmas, CAALA's Advocate Magazine, July 2009.
  • "Post-Claim Underwriting: California's Dirty Secret," Lourdes DeArmas, Law360.com, Aug. 14, 2009.


About KPA


In the past five years, Khorrami Pollard & Abir LLP has obtained more than $400 million in verdicts and settlements for clients throughout the U.S. from companies including Yahoo!, Coca-Cola, Eli Lily and Merck.

As one of the largest plaintiff-only firms in the nation, KPA currently represents tens of thousands of individuals, and handles class actions covering millions of class members, in a variety of cases - including class actions, mass torts, pharmaceuticals, consumer fraud, labor and employment matters, product liability, natural disasters and toxic torts.

Springboard Alerts Consumers to New Law and Designated Hotline

In response to a new California law prohibiting advanced fees for mortgage loan modification services, Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management has established a specific hotline with more than 50 HUD certified housing counselors to help troubled homeowners.

California Senate Bill 94 (SB 94) signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes effect immediately and prohibits any person, including real estate licensees and attorneys, from demanding or collecting an advance fee from a consumer for mortgage loan modification or mortgage loan forbearance services affecting 1 to 4 unit residential dwellings.

Springboard is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1974, a HUD approved comprehensive housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a national organization of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. In 2008, Springboard helped more than 58,000 troubled homeowners evaluate their housing options, open lines of communication with mortgage lenders, and identify solutions and an action plan specific to their situation, all at no cost to the consumer. "Springboard has dedicated the hotline number 800-449-9402 for Californians seeking loan modification help at no cost to the consumer," said Melinda Opperman, Springboard's senior vice president of community outreach and industry relations.

The bill, authored by California Senator Ron Calderon, stipulates that advance fees collected on or after October 11, 2009 must be refunded to the consumer. Further stipulations of the bill state that it is not illegal for companies to provide loan modification services. It is illegal to collect money or other consideration in advance. If loan modification services are provided, certain disclosures are required to be in the agreement. All practitioners should become familiar with the provisions of SB 94, which carries substantial administrative and criminal penalties for violations.

About Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management

SPRINGBOARD® Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit personal financial education and counseling organization founded in 1974. Springboard is a HUD approved housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a national organization of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The agency offers personal financial education and assistance with credit counseling, housing counseling, debt and money management through educational programs and confidential counseling. Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, signifying high standards for agency governance, fiscal integrity, counselor certification and service delivery policies. The agency provides pre-bankruptcy counseling and debtor education as mandated by the bankruptcy reform law. The agency has locations in California, Arizona and Nevada and offers face-to-face and nationwide phone counseling services. For more information on Springboard, visit their web site at Credit.org.

Thursday 15 October 2009

Colorado Bankruptcy Attorneys Launch Blog, Fight Just Like an Old Married Couple

Married Colorado bankruptcy attorneys Gailyn and Michael Wink , co-founders of Wink & Wink, P.C., recently began blogging about consumer rights, Colorado bankruptcy law news and commentary, and the joys of working with your spouse on "He Said, She Said".

"The blog is a resource for our clients and peers interested in learning more about Colorado bankruptcy law and recovering from financial distress," said Michael Wink, co-founding attorney at Wink & Wink. "The blog also represents an opportunity for readers to learn about our personal thoughts and opinions on issues related to bankruptcy such as loan modification, underwater mortgages, foreclosures, life insurance, as well as 401(k)s, IRAs, and other types of retirement accounts. We hope the blog will help people gain perspective on their financial situation and an understanding of how bankruptcy can help them both in the near term and over the long run. "

Wink & Wink is one of the more accessible bankruptcy law firms in Colorado. In addition to blogging, both Michael and Gailyn have active Twitter accounts and a business page on Facebook.

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that both Michael and his wife and co-counsel, Gailyn Wink, are available on their personal cell phones any time of day.

"We take our client relationships seriously," Gailyn said. "We believe this will become even more evident when our clients read our blog and see that we are dedicated to educating them on how bankruptcy law and related topics apply to their financial situation. It might be fun for them to see how Michael and I rib each other, too."

Wink & Wink clients are located throughout Colorado and range from individuals to small businesses who have suffered from financial distress due to job loss, divorce, illness and related medical bills, the failing economy, and other obstacles. They offer free consultations for new clients.

To read this unique Colorado bankruptcy attorney blog, visit Winkandwink.com/blog. Michael and Gailyn encourage comments and guest blog posts from other legal bloggers too.

About Wink & Wink, PC


Wink & Wink, PC is a small, family operated law firm with an emphasis on counseling individuals and small businesses in bankruptcy matters. The firm is unique in that they create a personal connection with every client ensuring every decision is made with confidence. Michael Wink, Esq. and Gailyn Wink, Esq. specialize in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and their combined experience covers the law as well as finance and business. Based in Denver, Colorado, Wink & Wink offer free consultations to individuals and companies throughout Colorado. For more information, visit WinkandWink.com.

Fort Worth Bankruptcy Law Firm Welcomes New Associate

Bankruptcy law firm Robert A. Higgins & Associates is pleased to announce that Ethan Cartwright has joined the firm as its newest associate. He works out of the firm's office in Benbrook providing counsel and legal services to clients considering chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Cartwright earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Tarleton State University in 2005. He is a 2008 graduate of Texas Wesleyan School of Law in Fort Worth, where he was Associate Editor of the Law Review and a Marshall for the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Society. Cartwright recently completed his Master of Laws in Taxation at the Sturm School of Law in Denver, Colorado.

"I am happy to be back in Texas and beginning my legal career as an associate with Higgins & Associates," Cartwright said. "I look forward to helping clients create a brighter financial future by clearing their burdensome debts."

Cartwright is a member of the Texas Bar Association and a member of the board of directors of Jake Remembered, a non-profit organization that raises money for scholarships. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, playing golf and snowboarding.

"We are pleased to have Ethan join the firm," said Robert A. Higgins, senior partner of Higgins & Associates. "His knowledge and caring heart will be a great asset to us as our firm continues to grow."

The Law Firm of Robert A. Higgins & Associates is a Fort Worth based firm that focuses on personal bankruptcy cases. Its offices are located at 112 Goliad, Suite A in Benbrook and 800 Forest Oak Lane, Suite C in Hurst. More information about the firm is available on its Web site, www.higginsandassociates.com.

Pennsylvania Lawyer Marion Munley Featured As Speaker At AAJ Trial Advocacy College

Attorney Marion Munley was a featured speaker for the AAJ Advanced Litigating Truck Collision Cases held in Atlanta, Georgia from October 9 - 12, 2009.

In addition to speaking, Ms. Munley was a workshop leader for four hour breakout workshops during each of the four days, with topics ranging from "Deposing the Defendant Driver/Safety Director," to "Crafting the Rules and Themes," to "Jury De-Selection & Challenges for Cause."

A graduate of Temple University School of Law, Attorney Munley is a frequent lecturer on the topic of trucking litigation, trial tactics and strategies for the American Association of Justice, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, (for which she also sits on the Board of Governors), the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and Lohrman Educational Services.

Marion Munley is board certified by both the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Fellow of the National College of Advocacy as well as the Litigation Counsel of America, which is a trial lawyer honorary society that includes less than one-half of 1 percent of American lawyers. Her many successes have led her to be named "Super Lawyer" by Philadelphia Magazine in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; "Law Dragon's" 500 Leading Plaintiff's Lawyers in the U.S. in 2006; and "Law Dragon's" 2500 Leading Lawyers in all practice areas in the U.S. in 2007; as well as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Among her other professional associations, she was appointed by Chief Judge Anthony J. Scirica of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to serve on the Lawyer's Advisory Committee to comment on proposed rules of the circuit and on certain Judicial Council matters and is a Certified Mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Marion Munley is a partner at the Scranton, PA firm of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C.