Fall 2006

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAGAZINE

As described by President George W. Bush, America is “the land of the second chance” –or is it? Ex-offenders who’ve paid their debts to society find themselves life-long hostages of the criminal justice system, denied jobs and housing because of their criminal records. With recidivism being directly related to the inability to find a job, past offenders quickly find themselves back in prison. “The Debt That Can Never Be Paid: A Report Card on the Collateral Consequences of Conviction,” in the Fall 2006 issue of Criminal Justice magazine, cries out for a reformed legal system that will allow complete rehabilitation for convicted persons. According to the article, legal barriers continue to prevent ex-cons from a complete rehabilitation, and not a single U.S. jurisdiction has developed a reliable and accessible means for reentry and reintegration into society. Find out more about how these legal disabilities affect ex-cons and what can be done to improve the system.

BUSINESS LAW TODAY

What happens when a law firm needs to sue a company they represented last year? Or what about when they want to contact the former CFO of an opposing party? How should these issues be handled to ensure that jurisdictional ethics rules are followed? In the November/December 2006 issue of Business Law Today, author Lucian T. Pera outlines how to handle ethics emergencies in the article “In Search of an Ethics Guide.” The article also includes the Web sites and titles of other useful publications that can help law firms stuck in an “ethical jam.”

STUDENT LAWYER

Imagine being able to listen to your law professor’s lecture while on the bus, while working out, or while lounging on the beach. With support from the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, this is now a reality. Professors at law schools across the country are participating in CALI’s project to make their lectures available via podcasts, or audio digital files. With the benefits far outweighing the disadvantages, many law school professors are podcasting and even more students are downloading them. Check out the November 2006 issue of Student Lawyer magazine to learn more about podcasting and how law schools can participate.

EXPERIENCE

How are clients affected in the event of a solo practitioner’s death? “Dealing With the Death of a Solo Practitioner” deals with this and other issues arising from the unexpected death of a solo practitioner. The article provides tips on the how a solo practitioner can prepare to make the transition as easy as possible for family and clients. Check out the Fall 2006 issue of Experience magazine to gain valuable insight into office procedures that provide increased protection for clients in the event of death, as well as good practices that can protect family.

COMMUNICATIONS LAWYER

In the world of media liability policies, it’s buyer beware when selecting the right policy. To obtain complete coverage, media liability insurance policies should be worded broadly to include any form of defamation, invasion of privacy, and infringement on intellectual property. In the winter 2006 issue of Communications Lawyer, various exclusions, definitions, defense and settlement, and policy conditions are explored to provide readers with a comprehensive guide on selecting the best media liability policy for their clients.

STATE & LOCAL LAW NEWS

Following in the footsteps of the World Health Organization, a component of the United Nations, many companies have decided to introduce policies that restrict the hiring of individuals who smoke—even in their off-hours—and those suffering from obesity. Employers are hoping that these new restrictions will encourage a healthier workforce and lower their health care costs. Neither the Civil Rights Act of 1964 nor the Americans with Disabilities Act protect smokers and overweight individuals. “Fit and Smoke-Free: New Conditions of Employment” in the Fall 2006 issue of State & Local Law News explores the legal issues that surround these new policies.

PROBATE & PROPERTY

One year after Hurricane Katrina, American citizens not directly affected by the disaster have settled back into life, their minds far removed from the aftermath of the storm. Probate & Property dedicates its entire September/October 2006 issue to “responding to a disaster after Katrina and Rita.” The publication features stories on various aspects of the disaster, including one lawyer’s personal struggle during the storm, how lawyers dealt with being displaced and practicing in other states, and rebuilding the region.