Conduct A SSN Lookup to Protect Your Business Better

If you have a business of your own, then you could agree with me when I say that it sure is risky especially when you come across many people on a daily basis. There are many people with whom you would have to do business and many would come with lot of recommendations. Sadly, since they come with recommendations, you could easily overlook the fact that an SSN lookup can be conducted by yourself to protect your business interest even better since you can get to know whether that person is reliable for you to start business with.

There are times where you would read about how a business owner was cheated of all his money and how best he could have avoided falling prey into the wrong hand. The worst part is that we tend to read such stories but never come to terms that the same could possibly happen to us. When it does happen to us, we are so busy trying to make amends and trying to pick up the pieces that we just totally ignore the idea that we could have protected the business better.

With time, things would heal and we would pick up the pieces, but with time we would also come across other people that we tend to believe blindly. Sadly, the lessons of the past would not have taught us well enough to conduct an SSN lookup on the new person who has entered the business and all that we do is just go about with business as usual until it is too late. After that, the cycle of healing and picking up from scratch starts all over again.

Such experiences in life leave us cynical and in a lot of cases leave us suspicious. After two or three such incidents, we do not believe the person who has recently joined the band wagon and then we look for ways that can help us find out more about the person.

Instead of going through the whole rigmarole of learning from mistakes in life, you can now conduct an SSN lookup that would show you all there is to know about the person. All you would have to do is use the social number of the person along with the name and date of birth on a website that is known for its investigative process. You would then be wiser on how you deal with the person because the SSN lookup would divulge all information about that person in question.

It is really easy and uncomplicated for you to conduct a SSN lookup, you just need to provide the name and social number of that person, then you could wait for the related information which can help you judge whether your potential business partner is reliable.

For more information on SSN, please visit SSN search site now.

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Are You in Need of a Green Card Lawyer?

If you are having trouble getting your green card and you have tried several times unsuccessfully to obtain U.S. citizenship, maybe it is time for you to hire a green card lawyer. Not only can they guide you through the process, they can also make sure that you have successfully completed and provided any required documentation that is needed. In other words, they can help you succeed where you have previously failed.

Thanks to the changes in the green card process in 2002, it has become much harder to get approved. Green card lawyers represent immigrants who want become legal citizens of the United States. No matter what your reasons are for wanting to stay, hiring proper legal representation can help you bypass any red tape and get you your green card much faster.

It is not easy to complete the requirements to apply for legal citizenship. That is why there are thousands of illegal immigrants in the United States. It may seem easier to remain illegal, but there are many perks, benefits and rights immigrants do not have as a result of their citizenship status.

It makes no sense to live and work in a country that you call home and not have the same rights as everyone else. You never know when having those rights will come in handy. If you become sick or you want your children to receive a good quality education, being a legal citizen of the United States is a must.

If you hire a green card lawyer to help you navigate through the naturalization process, you will save yourself a lot of time and money. You will also not have to endure the stress that comes with the situation.

It is important to know that in order to become a citizen, one must first be registered as an immigrant. Many people who are not originally from the United States do not know this. Many of them assume that when they are ready to start the process, they can just do so. Unfortunately, there are many steps that are required in order to make a successful transition to a legal citizen.

Don't waste your time by trying to find all of the information you need. Contact a green card lawyer to assist you with what needs to be done. They are more than happy and willing to work with you.

Keep in mind that once you have received your visa, you still may have to wait a while for a visa number. It can take several years for you to get assigned a number because the United States government only issues a certain amount each year. Depending on what country you are from can determine just how long or short your wait will be for a green card number. If you need any assistance regarding your visa and visa number, make sure you contact a green card lawyer to get everything straightened out.

Talk to a san francisco green card lawyer  if you are interested in becoming a citizen, but are struggling with the process. Visit   http://www.immigrationlawsf.com/ to schedule your consultation today.

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The Criminal Lawyer - Helping to Protect the Integrity of Your Defense

A knowledgeable criminal lawyer can be beneficial to your case, if you or a loved one has been accused of a crime. Your attorney should be a source of support to you and be able to provide you with sound legal advice throughout your entire legal process.

A seasoned attorney can also be beneficial to your case because they have knowledge about the type of crime you have been accused of, which prosecutors they can negotiate with, and the probability that you may or may not receive a conviction for the offense. This can be beneficial for the type of strategy your lawyer will use in representing your case. They may be more inclined to settle for a plea deal in some cases, and fight aggressively in others. An experienced attorney may know which judge grants community service more often, and which judge grants rehabilitation programs as a substitution for jail time.

Some of the benefits you could receive from hiring a skilled criminal lawyer include:

- Getting your criminal records sealed
- Receiving the counseling you need
- Being enrolled in the First Offender Program
- Enrolling in a rehabilitation program
- Having your sentence reduced
- Getting your case dismissed prior to court
- Avoiding hefty fines

When you schedule a consultation with a criminal lawyer, there are certain things you should consider before you hire them. Is the staff at the law firm courteous and friendly? How long from the time you called for the appointment was the attorney able to see you? Did the attorney listen intently as you discussed the case? Did the attorney provide you with detailed information regarding the possibility of being proven innocent or did they feel it might be better to settle for a plea bargain? You should take all of these details into consideration before you decide to hire the attorney. Being comfortable enough to talk openly about your case with your attorney is essential for them being able to build an aggressive representation on your behalf.

It may also be beneficial for you to hire a reputable criminal lawyer pretrial. This is the phase before your trial, and possibly, before you have even been charged, when the lawyer can help you through the legal process. Whether this means being there during your arraignment or when you discuss your case with police officers, they will provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need to help protect the integrity of your defense.

In Sacramento criminal lawyer assistance is available from the skilled professionals at http://www.sacramentodefense.com/.

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How to Deal With a Real Estate Attorney?

There are many branches of law and different lawyers specialize in different fields of law. Similarly a real estate attorney specializes in dealing with matters that concern trading of houses or commercial buildings. A real estate attorney is basically hired when an individual is about to purchase a property, which is probably quite large or when two parties are involved in a dispute over a piece of land or property.

The significance of a real estate attorney lies in the fact that they facilitate a smooth exchange of property from one party to another, by making sure that all legalities are covered. They also litigate any sort of disagreement that may arise amongst the two parties over real estate. He is an expert in mortgages, deeds and leases, and all sorts of paperwork required in relation to the property. Hence, they deal with all legal matters concerning real estate and its exchange between two parties.

Majorly, the need of an attorney arises when a property is being bought or sold, since buying and selling of something like property is not a simple matter; it can be quite complicated or confusing at times. In order to avoid any sort of fraud on a property that requires a huge investment, it is better to hire a real estate attorney. He should guide in all legal matters and make sure that you know what your legal rights and options are. Amongst other legal information, you must ask about the title insurance, the contract of selling property and deeds valid on your property. Having detailed legal knowledge of these aspects is crucial to the smooth exchange of property.

When a real estate is bought or sold, the contract between the two parties has to be in writing. The real estate attorney will make sure that the contract is in writing and it includes all the terms of the agreement. It is the job of the attorney to write the contract properly, while including all the essential terms. When you are signing the contract, your lawyer will make sure that you are not involved in any situation that might be harmful to you in future and that through the written agreement you are not giving away any of your legal rights. The essential terms that the attorney will include in the contract are the location of land, its description, the price at which the land is being sold etc. The contract will also include the name of the parties involved along with their addresses. Without including these essential terms, the contract of sale will not be valid. Hence, it is the job of the lawyer is to draft this contract and make sure that it is legal.

Another important role of a lawyer is to draft a deed. A deed is a necessary legal document because it transfers the ownership of real estate from one party to another. The deed is an essential because without it the sale of a property is not considered to be completed. Hence, realizing the importance of deed, your attorney will make sure that it follows all the legal instructions and requirements. Title insurance is another responsibility of a real estate attorney because of its legal importance. Title insurance makes sure that the buyer is insulated from any sort of defect that could arise once the property is bought.

If you are undergoing issues of land and property and are looking for a good Real Estate Attorney who will help you in getting your problems sorted out, there are different ways by which you can them.
Click here for Real Estate Lawyer

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Top Three Reasons To Consult An Estate Planning Attorney

Nearly everyone craves control. It's just human nature! So it only makes sense that many individuals want to be in complete control when it comes to long term care planning, creating their will, and other end of life issues. However, drafting a will or making plans for your estate without the help of a qualified estate planning attorney can be a huge mistake -- and here's why!

Estate Laws Vary By State And Change Frequently

One of the most convincing reasons to seek an attorney experienced in elder law is the simple truth that probate laws vary significantly depending upon the state in which you reside. What is acceptable in one state may not be in another. Not only do these laws vary geographically, but they also change quite often! Individuals who seek professional assistance are less likely to face unnecessary disputes or setbacks as a result of one minor misinterpretation or error. Estate planning attorneys are extensively trained in all areas of elder law. It is their job to keep up with every intricate detail of state and local laws, including any amendments or changes. That's why it is a good idea to have your estate planning attorney review your will, and other important documents, periodically to ensure they are in compliance.

Probate Attorneys Can Help You Create A Solid Will

Drafting a will may seem like a simple endeavor, but truthfully, it is very complex! While there are countless decent templates floating around the Internet, the problem is that everyone's situation is unique and probate laws vary. As such, a cookie cutter approach just isn't advisable. Probate attorneys are skilled in crafting customized wills that minimize complications and disputes down the road.

You may wonder what exactly "probate" means? In essence, this is the process through which a will is declared legally valid, and it occurs shortly after an individual's death. Once the probate procedure begins, there are a multitude of issues that can either complicate or significantly delay the proceedings, including unhappy family members who may file lawsuits. By sourcing a skilled probate attorney to create your will, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of such setbacks -- and thereby ensure that your affairs are handled smoothly and to your specifications.

Estate Planning Is Complex And Should Be Left To The Experts!

Most importantly, seeking the expertise of an elder law attorney is crucial because simply put, estate planning is a complicated process. This is definitely not a subject one can become proficient in with a mere Google search or two. Probate attorneys spend years learning all the intricacies of elder law, with the goal of providing the best possible legal and financial advice; so do yourself a huge favor and let them do their job! You can still be actively involved in the process, but you'll also have the assistance of an expert to explain and simplify the complex issues -- the ideal way to ensure your long term wishes are met in the most professional and precise manner possible!

Looking for an experienced estate planning attorney in Chicago? The probate attorneys at Peck Bloom are well versed in all aspects of Chicago elder law. From drafting solid wills to dealing with complex tax issues, Peck Bloom can get the job done right. To schedule a free consultation, visit their site today!

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What Is a Mobile Deposition?

When an attorney or expert witness can participate in or view the proceedings from a remote location, specifically from their home, office, or while travelling, the deposition in a sense has become "mobile."  A mobile deposition also allows a witness to be deposed from a remote location, such as taking the deposition of an incapacitated witness or a person who is confined to a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Today's mobile deposition can consist of:

Standard videoconferencing equipment (Polycom, Tandberg, etc.)Web videoconferencing using a computer, iPad (tablet), or cell phoneInternet realtime streaming (with support for realtime-compatible litigation software products - e.g., LiveNote, CaseViewNet, Summation, Bridge, etc.)Certified legal video streaming

Depending on whether an attorney would like to participate in the deposition or only view the proceedings, mobile deposition services can be chosen à la carte to accommodate most scenarios that arise due to a busy schedule or urgent need. An attorney who plans on questioning the witness from a remote location will want to participate via standard or web videoconferencing and may also require the ability to view the transcript as it is being created in realtime. An expert witness or co-counsel may only want to view the internet-streamed video from the legal videographer. Regardless of the needs that each unique deposition may bring, court reporting and litigation support firms across the country are capable of virtually bringing these services to any location with an internet connection. Those attorneys who are unexpectedly taken away from computer access can call into the deposition from a cell phone or speakerphone and be linked together with standard videoconferencing and web videoconferencing participants in order to participate.

There are also scenarios that arise where an attorney would like to view a deposition that took place hours or days before that they were not able to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Even though the court reporter is able to send the client a rough draft of the transcript, the ability to watch the video from a computer before it has been produced and shipped by the certified legal videographer allows an attorney to view and hear the actual proceedings as if they had been present at the deposition location. With on-demand viewing of previously-streamed legal video feeds and videoconferenced (including web-videoconferenced) depositions and meetings, one can view an entire day's worth of testimony at their convenience or have an expert witness provide valuable input from the convenience of their own office or home.

Robert Gramann is President and founder of Gramann Reporting, Ltd., the largest and most technologically advanced court reporting firm in the state of Wisconsin.

For over 30 years, Gramann Reporting has been providing excellence in court reporting services, legal video services and videoconferencing to clients throughout Wisconsin and nationwide.

To learn more about Gramann Reporting visit http://www.gramannreporting.com/.

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Elder Law Attorneys Help Seniors Embrace Long Term Care Planning

There comes a time in everyone's life when it just makes sense to start thinking about long-term care options. Even if you're relatively young and in good health, it definitely pays to start planning early, as you never know what path life may lead you down. Making plans for a day in the future when you may be unable to care for yourself may seem simple enough, but many people are shocked by the complex layers of financial and legal issues involved. If you feel the time has come to begin weighing your options, the best place to start is by consulting a litigation attorney experienced in the intricacies of elder law.

Don't Let Pride Get In The Way Of A Better Future!

It's natural to feel uneasy when contemplating the need for full-time assistance in your later years, but it's a reality that happens to the best of us. While it may be difficult, it's best to avoid letting these feelings prevent you from planning for a better future. There's no better time than now, while you're healthy and of sound mind, to express your wishes when it comes to your long-term planning. Working through all of the legal and financial issues ahead of time will help prevent painful disputes that may eventually need to be resolved by litigation attorneys in court. Just keep in mind that millions of individuals seek the assistance of elder law attorneys for this purpose every year. Not only is it a common practice, it's smart!

Elder Law Attorneys Help You Understand Your Options

When you think about where to turn for assistance with long term care planning, an attorney may not be the first person that comes to mind -- but it should be! An attorney well-versed in all facets of elder law can be an invaluable resource. The first step is to evaluate potential living arrangements and how you will pay for them. Will a family member care for you at home or would you consider an assisted living facility or nursing home? An experienced elder law attorney can explain and review the options with you and help you determine the best way to finance your care. For instance, long-term care insurance and public benefits, such as Medicare and Medicaid, might be reviewed. And if your plan requires drafting legal documents or completing applications, a litigation attorney can assist with this as well.

Regardless of which options you choose for your future, discussing your plans with an individual who understands your situation from a legal, financial and emotional standpoint, will be truly beneficial when the time comes to put your plan into action. So don't wait until it's too late and allow your fate to be determined by others. Simply gather your loved ones, have a healthy conversation about your future, and then seek the expertise of an elder law attorney to work through all the details. It may be emotionally taxing at the time, but you'll be glad you did it!

When seeking top litigation attorneys, Chicago residents rely on the experts at Peck Bloom. Long-term care planning is overwhelming, but you can rest easy when you consult a Chicago litigation attorney from Peck Bloom. Don't let the complexities of elder law in Chicago discourage you. Visit their site today to schedule a free consultation!

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Property Tax Attorneys

If you own any property, you are bound to pay taxes. Therefore, property tax is the tax that you pay for the property that you own. A property tax attorney knows how to calculate the amount of tax that you would need to pay based on the value of the land. Therefore, this would prevent you from paying a value less than what needs to be paid. Wrongly appraised property could get you into a lot of legal hassles.

A tax lawyer who knows the exact process that needs to be followed to calculate your property tax is hard to come across. But, you do need to take the trouble to find him, because failure to do so could be equivalent to not having one at all.

No matter how much you try, there will be times wherein the property you own could be appraised for a value that's less than the actual value, in such cases it's the tax attorney that needs to help you through the legal proceedings and make sure that you get out of it as soon as possible.

Legal problems arise only if we pay less than the actual amount, but there are times when we pay excess. Of course we won't be informed; but, who wants to pay extra? A property tax attorney can prevent you from paying excess tax.

Also, a tax lawyer would be able to help you find rebates, exemptions and various other benefits while you stick to law. There are many factors that you need to consider when it comes to property tax such as inheritance, tenancy as well as plenty of different kinds of lease agreements. Therefore, a property tax attorney is a must for anyone owning a decent amount of land!

It's not always the law that's a problem. Very often there are plenty of problems that arise due to fights between co-owners of a piece of land. A tax lawyer is the one who negotiates between the two parties, and this is the best way to come to a decision.

However, you need to make sure that you're hiring the right property tax attorney, because not everyone in the businesses knows what they're doing. Only trust tax lawyers who have prior experience in their respective field and make sure they're good at it too. Having a tax attorney with years of experience, yet near zero results isn't going to be of any use.

Finding the right tax attorney nyc or tax lawyer in new york is really hard and following ads in a local newspaper would take you months to find a decent attorney. However, we've got the experience and determination to solve your cases and help you plan your taxes - we do it ourselves! No clerks are involved.

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Important Update in Puerto Rican Birth Certificates

As of (July 1, 2010) the US territory of Puerto Rico has been issuing a modernized version of their birth certificates to aid in the prevention of fraud and identity theft. All US Citizens born in Puerto Rico must obtain this new version of the birth certificate, because the old version which they have in their position has become invalid as of (September 30, 2010).

The new law (Law 191 of 2009, amended June 2010) was based on collaboration with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address the fraudulent use of Puerto Rico-issued certificates to unlawfully obtain U.S. passports, Social Security benefits, and other federal services.

For those who don't have this updated version of their birth certificate, and are petitioning an application with US Immigration, not to worry!

If you submit to support a petition or an application to US immigration, US immigration will give you the opportunity to submit a new, valid birth certificate.

Notice, this law only invalidates the outdated birth certificate. It does not change anyone's citizenship status.

How much will the new certificates cost?

All new certificates will cost $5. The fees will be waived for all veterans and people over the age of 60.

How do I get the new version of the certificate?

You can order one either online or through mail.

The government of Puerto Rico has partnered with VITACHEK to provide a convenient and easy way to order your new birth certificate.

New birth certificates can be ordered online at www.vitalchek.com or by phone at (866-842-6765)

Note regarding U.S. Passports: Those individuals who currently have a U.S. passport will not be affected. For those applying for a passport for the first time, go to the U.S. State Department website for application details.

How to apply by mail:

The application form can be downloaded at the Puerto Rican Health Department Website.

Once an applicant completes and signs the form, they should follow these steps:

1) Applicants may mail the completed application to the following address:

Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Record Office

(Registro Demografico)

P.O. Box 11854

San Juan, PR 00910

2) Include a photocopy of a valid government issued photo identification document. A passport or driver's license may be used; all other forms of government issued photo I.D. will be subject to approval.

3) Include a $5.00 Money Order payable to the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico.

4) Include a self-addressed envelope with paid postage.

To send applications through premium mail services (such as: FedEx, Express Mail, Registered Mail, UPS, etc.), correspondence should be directed to:

Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Record Office

(Registro Demografico)

171 Quisqueya Street

Hato Rey, PR 00917

Do you or someone you know need a Certified Birth Certificate Translation from US immigration?

Montesino Translation offers Document Translation Services for US immigration. Contact us today at MontesinoTranslation.com or call us at 401-440-6796.

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Online Law Firm Marketing: Are Attorneys Complying With ABA Ethical Rules?

Law is a profession ripe with tradition. This profession is one of the few self-regulating professions and is governed by a myriad of professional rules, ethical opinions, and applicable common law. It is well-known that, historically, the law itself has slothfully adjusted to incorporate technological advances within its parameters. This is true regarding the ethical rules of professional conduct. Yet, as more and more legal professionals are now turning to the internet to market their practice through legal websites, blogs, and other social media outlets, there will become an increased need for further regulation regarding ethical advertising on the internet.

The American Bar Association ("ABA") has draft model ethical rules for states to adopt and lawyers to follow. Today, these rules are called the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (the "Rules") and were adopted by the ABA's House of Delegates in 1983. These Rules were modified from the Model Code of Professional Responsibility. Additionally, the precursor to both was actually the 1908 Canons or Professional Ethics.

As noted, the Rules are not actually binding on an attorney until their state has either adopted them or some other related professional rules. Presently, all states except for California have adopted the ABA's Rules at least in part. Most of the states have adopted the ABA's Rules in full with slight modifications or additions to them. Other states, like New York, have adopted the ABA's Rules but included somewhat substantial modifications.

The Rules and each state's compilations do include provisions related to advertising and solicitation. Depending on the state, the distinction between each of these terms could be minimal or significant. Generally, "advertising" refers to any public or private communication made by or on behalf of a lawyer or law firm about the services available for the primary purpose of which is for retention of the lawyer or law firm's services. In contrast, "solicitation" is a form of advertising, but more specifically is initiated by or for the lawyer or law firm and is directed to or targeted at a specific group of persons, family or friends, or legal representatives for the primary purpose of which is also for retention of the lawyer or law firm's services.

Even though the Rules do address advertising and solicitation to the internet, they are unsurprisingly lacking. These gaps are somewhat filled by ethical opinions or case law. But this generally means that an attorney has already gone through the litigation process and, unfortunately, likely been subjected to discipline.

However, the Rules do provide a fairly strong foundation for an attorney or law firm read over. Even if your state's professional rules do not adequately present internet marketing provisions, you may still consult the ABA's Rules for guidance.

Within the Rules, the primary place to look is Rule 7. This rule pertains to "Information About Legal Services" and houses the majority of the applicable rules to internet marketing for attorneys. Duly note, that there still will be other provisions scattered throughout the Rules which apply to marketing. This is just the most applicable concentration of provisions an attorney should consult first before looking for those ancillary sections elsewhere.

Rule 7.1 is the first and more overarching provision an attorney should be concerned with. This section is entitled "Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services" and prohibits a lawyer from making "false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer's services. A "false or misleading" communication is further defined in the rule and Comments as one that "contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law, or omits a fact necessary to make the statement considered as a whole not materially misleading." Most pertinently, Comment 1 expressly states that Rule 7.1 does apply to a lawyer or law firm's website, blog, or other advertising because it states that this provision "governs all communications about a lawyer's services, including advertising permitted by Rule 7.2."

Under Rule 7.2, which is entitled broadly as "Advertising," allows attorneys to advertise "through written, recorded, or electronic communication." Comment 3 confirms that "electronic media, such as the Internet, can be an important source of information about legal services." Thus, this only solidifies the fact that 7.2 and, therefore 7.1, apply to internet legal marketing.

In addition, Comment 2 for Rule 7.2 provides further information regarding what can actually be included in these advertisements; for our purposes, websites and blogs. It permits the following: Information concerning a lawyer's name or law firm, address, and telephone number; the kinds of services the lawyer will undertake; the basis on which the lawyer's fees are determined, including pricing for specific services and payment or credit arrangements; a lawyer's foreign language ability; name of references; and a catch-all for all other information that might invite the attention of those seeking legal assistance.

However, there is a caveat! First, your state may actually have additional requirements. For instance, New York only permits foreign language ability if "fluent" and not just as for a general ability. Therefore, you might be complying with the persuasive ABA Rule, but in violation with the mandatory state rule (in this case, New York). Second, this Comment is also misleading. Sub(c) under Rule 7.2 actually requires that a communication--such as an advertisement which we now know includes an attorney or law firm's website--to contain the name and office address of at least one lawyer of the firm or the actual firm itself.

Rule 7.3 is entitled "Direct Contact with Prospective Clients" and deals more so with solicitation--as opposed to advertising--to prospective clients. But, if the attorney or law firm has a mailing list or sends out a newsletter via e-mail, this rule can also be applicable to past clients are well! The rule prohibits in-person and live telephone calls to prospective clients, which includes "real-time electronic contact[s]," that involving advertising an attorney's services in hopes or retention. Further, this rule requires that every e-mail sent must include "Advertising Material" at the beginning and end of the transmission. Moreover, this rule provides an exception for family, close friends, or past clients,

That is, unless another exception applies. Rule 7.3 still prohibits a lawyer from sending, for example an e-mail newsletter, to another person if that person has either 1) "made it known" they do not want to be solicited or if the communication 2) contains "coercion, duress or harassment." Meaning, if a past client tells you they want to be unsubscribed from an e-mail mailing list, and you fail to do so, you will be in violation of this rule just as much as if you directly communicated with a prospective client!

Additionally, you may be able to extrapolate this rule to other aspects of social media. There is a seasonable argument that an attorney who directly sends a Facebook Friend message or "Friend Request" to the prospective client hoping for them to "Like" the attorney's professional page might constitute a violation of this rule. Even if it does not generally violate this rule, if the prospective client rejects the first request and the attorney sends a second "Friend Request," is the attorney now in violation of this rule? Arguably it would appear so!

Finally, the last rule that really applies directly to internet marketing such as attorney websites and blogs is Rule 7.5; "Firm Names and Letterheads." Even though it does not appear that this rule applies, looking at the Comments clearly shows that it does. Specifically, Comment 1 directly remarks that firm names include website addresses. Further, it refers back to Rule 7.1 and reminds us that website addresses cannot be false or misleading. In effect, this means that an attorney or law firm cannot make their domain name "http://www.WinEveryTime.com" or something of that effect.

Yet, the Comments do permit trade names in a website address such as the example "Springfield Legal Clinic." But duly note, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that state legislation may prohibit the use of trade names in professional practices if they deem fit. So this is another state-specific area for the attorney or law firm to review.

In conclusion, even though law has typically lagged behind in adopting such advancements like technology, there are still ample provisions in the ABA Rules to guide an attorney or law firm to comply with internet marketing. More and more legal professions will branch out on the internet, which will create a greater need for more ethical regulation. Yet for now, with the ABA Rules as a guidepost, a profession should understand their obligations in creating, managing, and promotion their legal practice on the internet through websites and blogs.

Interested in marketing your law practice on the internet? One of the best ways to do this is by using a legal blog to expand your net presence to attract new clients. However, practicing law is demanding and the time required to thoroughly and constantly update your blog is not enough.

More and more attorneys are turning to online legal content writers to do this for them. Mr. Battaglia is founder and managing member of NAB Legal Marketing, LLC which provides such a service to law firms and solo practitioners alike. If you are interested in either learning more about internet marketing or our services, please do not hesitate to contact us at inquiries@NABLegalMarketing.com. Also, visit our website at http://www.nablegalmarketing.com/. You can also "Like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

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DBA Lawyer Straight Talk: Why You Should Try To Return To Work After Your Defense Base Act Injury

DBA Lawyer Straight Talk

If you are a seriously injured Defense Base Act Worker - you need to know the facts of life. We give it too you straight. No sugar added. Just good old fashion truth. We will tell you the truth, even if that isn't what you want to hear. More importantly, the truth is what you need to hear. If you Google "DBA Lawyer Straight Talk" or "DBA Attorney Straight Talk" you will find dozens of great articles by a Defense Base Act Lawyer that will help you win your DBA case.

It's A Wage Loss Concept

When you are a Defense Base Act worker and you are seriously injured and unable to return to your previous DBA employment due to your injuries then you may be entitled to lifetime weekly compensation benefits under the Defense Base Act. If you have been following our previous articles, you know that for Unscheduled Injuries - the Defense Base Act uses a wage loss concept. Meaning, your weekly disability is determined by the difference between your DBA earnings and what you are able to earn now (read: post-injury) in the area where you live after considering your disability, age, education, training, etc.

This is a Two Part article. In these articles we explain why it is usually in your best interest to return to work before your Defense Base Act trial. Be sure to check out Part Two of this article, "DBA Attorney Straight Talk: Why Returning Back to Work Will Help You Win Your Defense Base Act Case."

The Practical Side

We usually advise our clients to live their life as if they did not have a Defense Base Act claim. What does this mean? It means that there are no certainties in life or in law. Or as Robert Hunter said, "Nothing's for certain. It can always go wrong." In other words, you can always lose your DBA case. Seriously. It can happen.

Which is only part of the what is going on here. In addition, Defense Base Act Judges see it all. In my view, these Judges are a tad conservative, by and large. Which is okay - so are most of our DBA clients, when you get down to it. These DBA Judges see their share of injured workers that think once they get injured they have hit the lottery and will never have to work again. While these folks may have legitimate injuries - - it might be a far stretch to suggest they can never work again. These workers may come off or at least give the impression they are lazy and/or trying to milk the system.

You don't want to be that guy or gal. So don't be. Even if you were very seriously injured, in most cases (but certainly not all cases); there is some type of gainful employment you can perform.

The DBA Wage Loss Concept In The Real World

Remember, we are talking about a wage loss concept. The way this usually plays out is the DBA insurance company will have a Labor Market Survey prepared showing all these jobs (in your geographic area) that you are allegedly able to perform and are available for you to perform. You need to immediately apply for each and every job in the Labor Market Survey. You need to carefully record and document your efforts to get these jobs. If you actually get one of these "jobs" - that is great. But chances are, you won't.

Disclaimer

This article is not legal advice. I am simplistic in order to achieve clarity. Your case may differ than those described in this article. If you are a seriously Defense Base Act worker you need to hire the best DBA Lawyer that you can find. When you bring a Deense Base Act court case, your credibility is at issue. If the Judge doesn't believe you - you will lose your case. Always tell the truth. Always.

Bill Turley is one of America's Leading Defense Base Act Lawyer. He was awarded Super Lawyer, has the highest AVVO Rating. He has the most comprehensive Defense Base Act Lawyer website

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What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney is a legal document executed by a person referred to as the principal. The person who is authorizing another person to act on his or her behalf is the principal, and the person who is authorized to act for the principal in their place is the agent or attorney-in-fact.

These legal documents are divided into two different types, durable and nondurable. A durable power of attorney, also known as enduring, is a type chosen so that the agent may continue to act for the principal even if the principal should become incapacitated due to a physical injury or illness. The durable type also remains effective at times when the person is also unable to communicate or make their own decisions. By choosing the durable type, the principal's agent will be able to continue to act for the principal and manage their financial affairs or any other business-related issues regardless of an accident or illness. The two subclasses within the durable type are immediate and springing.

The scope of authority granted in a durable power of attorney depends on the situation. It may be general or limited to a specific issue. With the general type, the agent is given very broad authority to do anything permitted by law that the principal could do for themself. On the other hand, with a limited type the agent is limited to do a specific task, for example, selling of property, health care decisions, etc. A limited type is also referred to as a specific type.

Choosing an agent is a very important part of the process when a person is making this type of legal document that grants authority to another person. That authority may include access to the principal's financial accounts or the ability to sell property. The agent is the person who is being relied upon to perform all of the duties that the principal has entrusted him or her to do in their place. The principal should choose a person which they can trust. A person who has been loyal and honest to the principal in the past. The best choice for an agent is a family member or friend, but you can choose others too.

For health care authorization, there is a durable power of attorney for health care. This type of authority allows the agent to make health care decisions for the principal when it has been determined by a physician that the principal is unable to communicate their own health care decisions. Prior to undergoing medical treatment the principal should discuss with their agent the types of treatment they approve of and the types of treatment they disapprove of.

This article was brought to you by Richie Hill on behalf of Legal Forms Bank.biz, a provider of do-it-yourself. You can download your state's durable power of attorney form or last will and testament form at their Website, fill in the blanks on your PC, and then print it out. It's that simple!

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GM and Ford Offer Retirees Lump-Sum Pension Payments

Auto company retirees have important investment decisions to make as they consider special pension buy-out programs being offered by both General Motors ("GM") and Ford Motor Company ("Ford"). While the unprecedented lump-sum buy-out offers will assist the auto makers in what Ford describes as a "long-term strategy to de-risk its global funded pension plans," the action will transfer the risk of managing pension funds from these Fortune 10 employers into the hands of the pensioners themselves.

The General Motors Pension Plan

GM plans to eliminate traditional pension plans for all current salaried employees by the end of 2012, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The giant auto maker is taking two unusual steps to bring down pension costs. First, GM is offering lump-sum cash payments to 42,000 eligible salaried retirees who receive monthly pension checks. Not all salaried retirees are eligible for the lump-sum offer.

Second, GM is outsourcing pension administration for an additional 76,000 U.S. salaried retirees. Prudential Financial Inc. will administer the new GM pension program, which is being funded through a group annuity contract. Pension payments to these GM retirees, which are not expected to change in terms of monthly benefits, will begin in 2013 under the new plan. Unlike the lump-sum buyout, annuitizing the plan through Prudential does not require approval from the individual plan participants.

GM is expected to pay between $3.5 and $4.5 billion as a cash contribution to its U.S. salaried pension plans in order to purchase the annuity and increase pension plan funding levels. This action does not impact GM's obligations for other benefits, including retiree health care, life insurance and vehicle discounts.

The Ford Plan

Ford is offering 90,000 U.S. salaried retirees and U.S. salaried former employees the opportunity to voluntarily accept a lump-sum payment of their pension assets. Ford will essentially settle their pension obligations to those retirees who choose to accept the offer. Payouts, which will begin later this year, will be paid from existing pension fund assets. This offer is similar to the lump-sum pension payout option available to U.S. salaried future retirees as of July 1, 2012.

The Retiree Dilemma

Fitch Ratings, according to a June 2012 press release, expects that "companies with both significant pension obligations and considerable cash might consider adopting a fresh strategy as a way to reduce their exposure to plan volatility. Massive pension liabilities have been constraining large companies for years... and remain a major concern for investors."

As public and private employers take steps to limit their exposure to pension liabilities, more responsibility for retirement planning is being shifted to the individual retiree. Economic pressures in today's uncertain job environment may force some retirees to redirect large cash pension payouts to the demands of daily living, even at a cost of early withdrawal penalties.

Retiree medical benefits remain a major area of risk for private and public retirees also. Unlike pension obligations, which carry specific advance funding requirements, retiree health care benefits are funded on a pay-as-you-go system and do not automatically vest. In too many cases, the well-intended promises of retiree medical care have no financial backing. Employers are decreasing retiree medical subsidies as well as expanding cost management efforts, according to a 2011 Aon Hewitt survey of 500 employers.

In Summary

The GM and Ford moves are significant due to the auto makers' role as leading U.S. employers, as well as the magnitude of their efforts to transfer pension risks off their balance sheets. GM plans to settle up to $26 billion in pension obligations, with Ford following at up to $18 billion.

While Chrysler has not announced similar plans, watch for other large plan sponsors to play follow-the-leader. State and municipal governments may take notice as well, since they are grappling with a $1 trillion pension funding gap.

Will ERISA litigation result from these unprecedented pension plan changes? Only time will tell.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Johnson, Ph.D., J.D., is a highly experienced ERISA expert. As a former ERISA Plan Managing Director and plan fiduciary for a Fortune 500 company, Dr. Johnson has practical knowledge of plan documents as well as an in-depth understanding of ERISA obligations. He works as an expert consultant and witness on 401(k), ESOP and pension fiduciary liability; retiree medical benefit coverage; third party administrator disputes; individual benefit claims; pension benefits in bankruptcy; long term disability benefits; and cash conversion balances. He can be reached at 817-909-0778 or http://www.erisa-benefits.com.

June 15, 2012

Mark Johnson, Ph.D., J.D., a highly experienced ERISA expert, is founder of ERISA Benefits Consulting Inc. http://www.erisa-benefits.com/ As a former ERISA Plan Managing Director and plan fiduciary for a Fortune 500 company, Dr. Johnson has practical knowledge of plan documents as well as an in-depth understanding of ERISA obligations. He works as an expert consultant and witness on 401(k), ESOP and pension fiduciary liability; retiree medical benefit coverage; third party administrator disputes; individual benefit claims; pension benefits in bankruptcy; long term disability benefits; and cash conversion balances. He can be reached at 817-909-0778. ERISA Benefits Consulting, Inc by Mark Johnson provides benefit consulting and advisory services and does not engage in the practice of law.

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What Is Limited Power Of Attorney?

A limited power of attorney, also known as a special power of attorney, is designed for a specific purpose. The person appointed as the agent does not have the broad authority or powers over the financial affairs of the principal that a general type form would give to them. But, the agent is authorized to complete the specific task that they have been granted the power or authority to do for the principal. This type of form is used by people for a financial transaction, health care or another need like the sale of real estate. However, the appointment of an agent in a limited type form will not give them any other authority or powers than those specified that could affect the finances or property of the principal.

A limited power of attorney can be given to a person or an organization. An organization can be appointed agent and granted the authority or power to do what is specified within the limited type form in the same manner as an individual is granted authority or power. The authority or power granted to the agent will last for as much time as needed to complete the specified task and can be revoked at any time by the principal. But, why do people use the limited type form? The main reason is to avoid giving the agent more authority or power than is necessary to complete the task. Limited powers of attorneys are allowed by state law. The powers that can be granted to the agent in this type of form include banking transactions, security transactions, real estate transactions and maintenance, debt management, handling government issues, business management, child care, financial decisions, endorsing paychecks or government checks. The powers are not limited to only the powers listed above, but there are many possible options when using a limited type form.

This limited type form is also routinely used by persons who want to give another person the authority or power to handle business decisions or financial transactions. For example, a business owner may be traveling outside the country for a business meeting, or there may be health issues that prevent him or her from completing a business task.

The execution requirements for a limited power of attorney may not be the same in different states. However, in most of the states, you will need to sign your form in the presence of a notary public. But, you can also revoke the limited type form at any time and for any reason. When a person has granted authority or powers to another person in a limited type form, the principal can still make his or her own decisions or do the same task that they have given their agent the authority or power to do, although the agent can complete the specific task for them too.

When a principal is choosing the person they want to appoint as their agent in a limited power of attorney, there are certain factors that should be considered. The agent should be a person the principal can trust and who will act in the principal's best interest. The agent can be a family member or a close friend or relative.

This article was brought to you by Richie Hill on behalf of Legal Forms Bank.biz, a provider of low cost legal forms. You can download your state's limited power of attorney form or promissory note form at their Website, fill in the blanks on your PC, and then print it out. It's that simple!

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Can There Ever Be Too Much Charity? In Bankruptcy Apparently, Yes

According to a recent case decided by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Appellant Panel for the 10th Circuit, a person can give too much. Churches and other charitable organizations can be forced to return a portion of the tithes and gifts given up to two years prior if the contributor later files for bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy law allows a bankruptcy trustees to avoid and recover certain transfers made by debtors prior to the filing of their bankruptcy petition on the ground that the transfers were either actually or constructively fraudulent. Thus, a trustee may recover, from the charitable organization, any transfer made by the debtor within two years of filing of the bankruptcy petition, if the debtor either: 1) actually intended to defraud creditors in making the transfer ("actual" fraud); or 2) received less than "a reasonably equivalent value" in exchange, and was insolvent when the transfer was made ("constructive"fraud). There are no exceptions to avoidance of a transfer that a trustee establishes was made with actual fraudulent intent. However, a debtor's constructively fraudulent charitable donation cannot be avoided by the trustee if the transferee establishes that: 1) it is a qualified religious or charitable entity; and 2) the amount of the donation is not more than 15 percent of the debtor's gross annual income in the year of the transfer.

The 10th Circuit Bankruptcy Court concluded, that: 1) social security benefits are not included in the determination of the Debtors' "gross annual income;" 2) charitable donations are aggregated annually in determining whether they exceed 15% of annual income; and 3) only that portion of the aggregated transfers that exceeds the 15% threshold may be avoided.

However, part three is not law across the entire United States. In 1999 a different bankruptcy court addressed the safe harbor provision in the context of a debtor's single contribution of $10,000 to a State University during a year in which his gross annual income was $43,669. That court concluded that the trustee could avoid the entire $10,000 transfer, as opposed to $3,450, which was the amount by which the donation exceeded 15% of the debtor's gross annual income.

In the 10th Circuit case, the Bankruptcy Court avoided only the amount of the Debtors' annual charitable contributions that exceeded 15% of their gross annual income. Thus the Church only had to return the portion of the contributions that exceeded 15% of the church members gross annual income. However, the social security received by the debtor was not counted as gross annual income to determine the 15% threshold. Thus it would appear that all contributions given by a person who only received social security benefits my be avoid by the trustee and must be turned over to the trustee by the church or charity if that contributor later files bankruptcy.

In refusing to follow the other circuit's case, the 10th Circuit Court stated that in Chapter 13 cases when a debtor's disposable income is determined the debtors may also deduct their charitable donations "in an amount not to exceed" 15% of their gross income. This provision plainly reduces disposable income in Chapter 13 cases by an amount up to 15% of gross income. As such, Chapter 13 debtors' post-filing charitable contributions are deductible up to the threshold amount and are considered to be beyond the bankruptcy court's scrutiny. Similarly interpreting section 548(a)(2) to allow a charitable organization to retain contributions up to 15% of the debtor's gross annual income harmonizes these two provisions by protecting both pre- and post-petition charitable donations up to a maximum of 15% of an individual debtor's gross annual income.

As a practicable matter this situation does not arise often in bankruptcy. Generally, a debtor, who is having financial problems which ultimately cause him or her to file bankruptcy, does not give contributions that exceed 15% of their annual income. The problem may arise if aggressive trustees start going after social security recipient's contributions. If a person is only getting social security and that income is not legally considered "gross annual income" then any amount they give exceeds the 15% threshold and may be avoided by the trustee. This could cause the Churches and Charities much grief if they are required to return contributions received up to two years prior.

Terry D. Bigby is a licensed bankruptcy attorney practicing in Tulsa Oklahoma and Northeastern Oklahoma. Contact Bigby Law Office for more detailed information or to get help filing for bankruptcy

http://www.bigbylaw.com/
or 800-699-5893

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Own the Sidewalk - If You're Bitten Get a Dog Bite Lawyer

Every jogger's nightmare is to be chased and bitten by a neighborhood canine. Some joggers carry sticks to ward off these frightening encounters and keep canines from nipping at their heels. On the rare occasion where an unfriendly dog does attack an unsuspecting victim such as yourself, it is of the utmost importance that you hire a dog bite lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases involving animals.

The law is not always on your side. Dog bite laws vary from state to state. In some states a victim can receive compensation for a bite from the offending dogs owner's homeowner insurance policy. Depending on state statutes, the extent of liability varies due to different area's court decisions, city ordinances, and state statutes. The three main deciding factors in determining blame in the case of a canine encounter include statutory liability, negligence, and the one bite rule. With the right dog bite lawyer, even people other than the canine owner can be held liable, such as an employer of a dog owner, or a landlord who did not respond properly to rid his property of a dangerous animal.

Almost every dog bite case contains some element of negligence. If the dog is running around unsupervised at a public event, is chained to a tree or fence by itself, or is lost control of during a walk and attacks a victim, then the owner is found guilty of general negligence. A landlord could be found guilty of negligence if he had knowledge of a violent pit-bull residing on his property and felt no need to warn his tenants. A dog owner can also be guilty of negligence if he breaks an animal control law like leash laws or laws against dogs trespassing on private property. This form of negligence is "negligence per se" because laws meant to prevent harm were broken. In addition to being found liable for injuries, the dog owner will be faced with punishment fines for breaking these laws. If "negligence per se" cannot be proven, the dog bite lawyer must investigate the dog's past to see if a pre-existing condition such as mistreatment, malnutrition, or abuse led to the dog's violent tendencies.

The one bite rule is another element of most canine attack cases. A dog owner is completely liable for any injury sustained during an attack if prior to the incident he knew that his dog had an inclination to biting people. This is a difficult case to build, because both the victim and the dog bite lawyer must prove that the owner's dog had a well-documented past history of violent behavior. However, the one bite rule does not only apply to biting incidents. Aggressive behaviors such as knocking people down or tripping them also fall under the one bite rule. In some "strict liability states" in the USA, there are statutes in place, which change the one bite rule. These statutes dictate that the dog's owner or current keeper is civilly liable for most dog bites provided the victim neither provoked the dog to attack or was caught trespassing.

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Make Your Business Safer: Keep Slip and Fall Lawyers at Bay

It's a busy day in your restaurant, there are reservations expected to arrive, a wait at the door and your staff is flittering about like worker bees in a hive. In all this hustle and bustle the last thing you need to hear is the crash of entrees and dishes on the floor as someone slips and falls in your workplace. Sure, accidents happen, but all it takes is one angry customer or worker with the right slip and fall lawyer to close your doors for good. If you thought the insurance your business pays for accidents of this kind was expensive before, wait until after your first accident on-site and ensuing prosecution by a slip and fall lawyer. Some companies will shut you down on the spot until the flooring issue is remedied with the threat of cancelling your policy.

Now is the time to take falling injuries in the workplace seriously! Falling accidents are the second leading cause of accidental deaths after car accidents within the U.S. Yellow cones and signs that say "Warning, Slippery Floor When Wet" don't cut it anymore. In an attempt to prove negligence, a slip and fall lawyer would take one look at your yellow warning signs and argue that you already knew about the potential for accidents to occur. Even if you're not worried about accidents happening, slippery floors can slow down foot traffic in your place of business, and morale can be affected if employees think they are constantly at risk for accidents while they are walking around at work.

Even the Federal government has an opinion on when public floors get too slippery for their own good. OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) as well as the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) both have rulings when it comes to slick floors. The Static Coefficient of Friction, or SCOF, must be at least 0.5 or greater to be called a safe walking surface under OSHA, while the ADA stipulates a SCOF of 0.6 or greater on horizontal surfaces. However, the only way to measure this coefficient is to have a slip meter, which most businesses typically do not have on hand. The penalties, which can occur should your place of business not meet OSHA and ADA standards during an accident, can be compromising.

Instead of standing around waiting for someone to fall, it's best if business owners are proactive and send a sample of their flooring material to slip-resistant service companies, or solicit them to come by for an inspection. This company would be able to tell them their SCOF and make safety recommendations from there. Establish a regular floor-cleaning regimen with your cleaning staff that is well documented, and do not let foreign materials or waste accumulate on walking surfaces.

If you'd like to apply a slip-resistant solution to your floor yourself, first you should sweep, mop and remove any waxes from the floor. Next, apply the solution and give it time to dry. Multiple coats might be necessary, depending on the type of flooring.

Accidents can happen at any time, especially in a place of business where slippery floors are a common hazard. Don't let a manhattan slip and fall lawyer  potentially shut your business down. Find out more information by visiting  http://www.jacknowitz-law.com/.

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Western European Study Highlights Key Selection and Retention Factors Used by In-House Counsel

A new global study of client feedback initiatives found that the majority (52%) of law firms still do not have a structured client feedback programme, but those that do generally find the feedback to be instructive in improving client relationships.

The survey of 415 senior personnel at law firms around the world shows a stark division among respondents about the value placed on client feedback. In total, 83% of survey respondents 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that clients value the opportunity to provide feedback to their lawyers and law firms. In addition, more than 70% of firms report adjusting firm behaviours in response to feedback received. However, despite the importance firms place on obtaining feedback and the acknowledged benefits gained from well-executed feedback initiatives, worryingly 56% of all respondent firms admitted their lawyers were 'ambivalent' or 'not enthusiastic' about their firm's feedback efforts.

These findings are based on a global law firm survey on client feedback initiatives among the world's law firms. The research was conducted by the Wicker Park Group, a consulting group specializing in client feedback initiatives for professional services firms.

The most surprising aspect of this survey was the reasons given by firms for not seeking feedback, for example, 38% of respondent firms reported insufficient staff or resources as the main reason for not doing so. Yet, among those firms that do seek feedback, 64% invest less than 5% of their firm's marketing budget to obtain it. Considering that feedback can be collated with relatively little effort and the clear benefits it brings to client retention and profitability, one wonders why so many law firm leaders would not want to make this impactful investment.

In general, the survey found most law firms that ask for client feedback do so for genuine service development reasons - they typically want to measure client satisfaction or improve the firm's level of client service overall. Leveraging a client feedback programme to identify business development opportunities or generate additional revenue are secondary considerations.

The survey also casts doubt as to whether firms that currently organize client satisfaction surveys actually act upon the feedback and share learnings throughout the firm. Firstly, client feedback tends to be shared within firms on an informal basis, rather than via detailed reports with planned follow-up strategies. Moreover, it appears that feedback may not always be shared as openly as possible, with only 51% of firms agreeing that feedback is broadly and openly shared, and only one-third of all respondent firms saying they communicate feedback to lawyers and other staff that actually deal with the client.

Firms that proactively use insights given by clients are more likely to improve and protect a relationship in the longer-term. Corporate counsel report that one of their biggest frustrations is giving feedback that is neither properly fed back to relevant parties in the firm, nor acted upon.

The overall responsibility for leading client feedback programmes tends to fall to managing partners (53% of all respondents). However, perhaps surprisingly, managing or marketing partners are also nominated as those responsible for collecting feedback on behalf of the firm.

In relation to the feedback gathering process itself, written/electronic surveys or face-to-face interviews are by far the most preferred methods used by 48% and 47% of all survey respondents respectively. In contrast, collecting client feedback by telephone is not a popular option, except in one-quarter of cases where it was used by client relationship partners as part of their management of key clients.

Looking ahead, 56% of respondent firms have plans to obtain client feedback in the future. Of those firms, nearly half expect their feedback efforts to increase 'somewhat', while only 17% expect their efforts to increase 'substantially'. Only 2% of this group expect to decrease client feedback efforts.

Overall, our research suggests that, in the future, a majority of law firms will have feedback programmes in place, given that clients are increasingly more demanding and the legal sector ever more competitive, it's safe to conclude that law firms will want to take positive steps such as seeking client feedback to aid client retention and ultimately boost their financial performance.

LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell is an Online Law Firm Marketing service. Martindale-Hubbell offers solutions for both professional and consumer markets. Our online destinations contain profiles for over one million lawyers and firms in the United States, Canada and 160 other countries, serving as a fundamental legal resource and marketing tool.

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People Search - Where and When It Can Used?

Searching for information has never been so easy. With the help of people search option in different records such as marriage records, criminal records, public records, and motor vehicle records, one can easily posses information with ease. All these records belong to government and are made public so that there is transparency attained. With availability of this service, it is now possible to retrieve complete information about an individual. All the data is available over the internet in different government websites. Though most of the data available is for free, one may have to pay a small amount as fees.

Let us speak about different records and how they are helpful in the regular society. Let's start with marriage records. Marriage records have complete details about the persons involved in the holy ritual. Details of bride and groom, witnesses, time of wedding and the place of wedding are noted down. Such information is useful for those who wish to check for details of a person before they can get into a relationship or agree to marry. People search will be helpful in obtaining details about their previous life. Any hidden information will be helpful in settling the score with the person and prevent unforeseen danger in the future.

Now coming to a criminal record, with the help of people search, one will be in a position to acquire knowledge on those who are convicted for some or other reason. These records contain every single detail about the case, the place of hearing, witnesses and the conviction period. Details of these are helpful for businesses as well as individuals who would like to gain trust in a person placed newly at their organization. A safe environment can be created by keeping away such individuals from a society.

With strong information present in hand, one can act according to the situation and prevent unwanted development of situations. People search can be carried out over internet through different websites providing the opportunity in retrieval of information. Searching for information can be tedious task as there are number of files present across the country and rules change from state to state. Hiring for an agent will be useful if one is willing to pay a higher price for the service. It all depends on the reason behind acquiring information about the individual for which information is required. Search for the information that will be helpful and prevents embarrassment situations in the end.

So, what is stopping you from doing an easy people search online? Click here to start right away.

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Wills Attorney - How to Hire the Right One for Your Needs

All lawyers are not created equally. That's why when you need help understanding a few legal matters, its necessary to hire a proper lawyer. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with a will. There are several points to keep in mind when you are searching for a skilled wills attorney to meet your needs.

One of the biggest factors is checking a lawyer's background regarding their education, years of practice as well as specialization. You many know someone that is a lawyer, but he or she may be skilled in family law, immigration or something else. Yet, when you are planning for your future and dealing with matters such as funeral arrangements, property matters, living wills and more, you need an experienced wills attorney on your side. This way, if there are any questions or concerns along the way, you'll have peace of mind that you're working with someone that really knows this area of the law.

Also, it's important not to forget about whether or not this lawyer has passed the state bar. Your wills attorney should be able to practice in your state and it's important not to just take his or her word. Be sure to check out the website for the bar association and make sure your lawyer is reputable and in good standing.

Insist on checking references and be sure to chat with others that have worked with the lawyer you're considering. People can look great on paper. That's why it's a good idea get a first-hand account from previous clients in order to get a feel for this lawyer's credibility.

In addition, find out what's being said about your potential lawyer on the Internet. Although the web can be an overwhelming place when you're searching for information, it can also provide good insight as to how your wills attorney is viewed online. Read online reviews of the lawyer or his or her firm for even further information. Also, while some people will post negative comments just to do so, take notice if all you seem to get are negative reviews about a lawyer or certain firm.

Be clear on the payment process. Deciding to work with a wills attorney is not a cheap expense. So when you are ready to move forward, don't hesitate to ask about what you're paying for. If for some reason the lawyer is hesitant about explaining all the details for you, it may be a good idea to keep up your search. This could be a red flag for something negative regarding this lawyer or their firm.

Long Beach wills attorney  can help you take care of your family even after you are gone. Visit http://www.probatelawyerlongbeach.net/ for more information or to set up a consultation today.

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Technology Manufacturing Contracts: Don't Start Work Without 'Em

Below are a few key terms that may be clarified in such agreements.

Product and Pricing. Naturally, the agreement should include precise descriptions of the product, packaging and pricing, including design, specifications, materials, components, logos, and so forth. Such items are best described in addendums to the agreement, so they may be easily modified as needed. The agreement may also describe the process for making any price adjustments.

Quality and Inspections. The agreement should specify all governmental, environmental, industry, compatibility and customer quality requirements to be complied with, as well as required testing and certifications. It may permit quality audits by the customer (the customer may outsource that task if needed) and should clearly describe inspection rights and remedies for non-conforming products.

Forecasts and Volume. The manufacturer will want binding, rolling forecasts and a guaranteed minimum purchasing volume. The customer will typically provide only non-binding forecasts and will refuse to commit to a particular volume. Various compromises are possible.

Orders & Delivery. The agreement should describe placement and acceptance of orders, minimum order quantity, delivery terms, and respective rights and remedies concerning cancelation, modification or re-scheduling delivery of orders, all prime areas for potential disputes.

Intellectual Property. The agreement may state that each party's Background IP shall remain its own property and may place restrictions on use of the customer's trademarks and trade names.

Warranties and Indemnification. Usually, the manufacturer will be required to warrant that the goods comply with the specifications and are free from defects, and to provide spare parts and service for a certain period. The manufacturer will also, typically, agree to indemnify the customer in the event any goods are accused of intellectual property infringement. Such provisions are critical, but both parties have substantial room for negotiating the exact terms and any exceptions.

Term and Termination. The agreement should allow for termination immediately in the event of bankruptcy, or after a certain notice period in the event of default. The challenge is allowing for termination at will, while providing the other party with reasonable protection against resulting damages. In particular, the manufacturer may demand compensation for long lead-time parts or un-purchased inventory that fell within the customer's forecasts.

Dispute Resolution. As with all contracts, the agreement should specify jurisdiction, venue, governing law and possibly alternative dispute resolution procedures in the event of a dispute.

The above list is not comprehensive, but just a sampling of important issues that may be nailed down in a manufacturing agreement, to simplify the resolution of future disputes. Once the business people reach agreement on the key points, they should call in Legal to ensure that all is stated clearly in an agreement and nothing is missed.

Finally, as the business team will be eager to move forward with the manufacturing, Legal should follow up to ensure that both parties sign the agreement and it is filed in a secure location.

Thanks for your interest. If you liked this article, please contact our law firm to speak with a Taiwan contract attorney or visit the International Tech Law Blog.

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2 Easy Ways to Fight a Speeding Ticket

Did you know it's quite possible to fight a speeding ticket and come out smelling like a rose? Few people have a lot of money to hire a lawyer but there are ways you can fight your own ticket successfully.

On top of not having a lot of money for a lawyer, not many have the ability or knowledge of traffic laws. If this is your case, here are two proven methods, which may save you a lot of time and expense.

1. Just plead guilty. This will work if you're able to also provide an excellent and truthful explanation about why you received the speeding ticket. The judge may decide your explanation is a worthy one for consideration and reduce your charge. This will work especially well if you have an otherwise excellent driving record and the charge is fairly minor.

Unfortunately, a lot depends on the judge who will preside over your case. It's a fact of life that some judges are pretty decent and others are tougher. It's simply the luck of the draw who your judge will be.

Here's a great tip. If you don't know anything about the judge for your case, try getting to court early and observe how he or she handles other similar cases. If you believe the judge may prove to be somewhat difficult, you can always ask for what is a called a "continuance" which will give you time to rework your case or even hire an attorney.

When you go to court, the police officer who ticketed you must also come that day as well. Sometimes they get busy and don't show up. This is wonderful for your case and most likely it will be dismissed.

If you do put in a request for a continuance, it's probable the ticketing officer will not be able to attend on your rescheduled day or time.

A continuance is probably better done in writing versus verbally. Also, try to do it before your court date rather than waiting for the day you're required to appear. But it can be asked for at the time you stand before the judge and still weigh greatly in your favor.

2. Strike a bargain. It's always a possibility to ask the judge if he'll agree to a bargain. Suggest your attendance at a driving school, offer to pay a fine or even ask if the charge can be reduced.

It's true a speeding ticket can wreak havoc on your driving record. It's vital you do all you can to avoid getting one in the first place. But, if you do, there are ways to handle the procedure so your charge won't have such grave consequences.

If you don't have the expertise to fight your ticket effectively, and you don't have the money to hire a lawyer, then either one of these methods may just be the ticket you need to get you out of this adverse situation.

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Are You Cut Out to Be a Family Attorney?

When choosing a career some people make their decision without doing the proper research. All they may think about is the amount of status or money they are going to attain. Of course, these things are fine to note to a certain extent. However, they should not be the most important thing when searching for a suitable profession. That is because you could soon find out that you have jumped into something that you are not suitable for. Take someone who wants to become a family attorney, for instance.

First of all, if someone wants to go into this field, they must realize that they will be in school for more than just a few years. A prospective lawyer must first complete four years at an accredited college or university. This in and of itself isn't always easy, especially if someone has children or must also work a full or even part time job. After the four years at a university, the person must also go to law school for a few years, which can also be difficult for some people. After that they must be able to pass the BAR exam. This isn't just a regular standardized test. However, there have been people who have had to take this test several times in order to get a respectable score.

Once someone has become qualified to become a professional family attorney, they must now deal with working in the real world. Being a lawyer isn't always an easy job. They must deal with loads of paperwork, attend numerous court hearings and stay up many late nights, trying to sift through their caseloads.

Lastly, a family attorney must be able to emotionally handle difficult situations and circumstances. Some of the things that these lawyers must deal with include divorce cases, child custody battle and cases where parental rights are being terminated. So, it's clear to see that the things they must deal with on a regular basis are cases involving children. Seeing a child being mistreated, abused or put in a difficult situation is a hard pill for many people to swallow.

That's why some people can't even deal with the thought of seeing a child being handled wrongly. However, someone working in this profession must deal with these harsh circumstances on a regular basis. They must also deal with them head on.

So, becoming a family attorney isn't an easy thing to do. Someone must be willing to work hard to put themselves successfully through school. Then they must be able to get the proper certification. After that, they must be able to endure the sometimes difficult circumstances of their job.

For an experienced family attorney Lowell MA residents know who to turn to when they want a favorable resolution. For exceptional representation, see http://www.rerogerslaw.com/.

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DUI Attorney - Protecting Your Rights

A DUI attorney should be hired as soon as you are facing a driving under the influence charge. This lawyer can help you through the entire legal process. They are also essential when conducting additional investigations that surround your DUI charge, such as uncovering information on faulty breathalyzer equipment, improper practices of the police officers, Miranda Rights that were not read, DNA samples that were obtained unlawfully, and much more. A skilled attorney that conducts his or her own investigation may be able to get your charges reduced or thrown out altogether.

If you are like many people who feel that a DUI conviction is "no big thing," consider the fact that this conviction could affect your livelihood. If you work in a profession where you are constantly on the road, a few of these convictions can cause you to have a suspended license, which could result in you losing your job. A DUI conviction could also result in you getting a permanent black mark on your driving record, which can cause your vehicle insurance to increase significantly. The rise in your vehicle insurance could pose a financial burden to your household budget. To avoid these and additional instances that may occur because of a DUI conviction, contact the offices of a reputable DUI attorney so that you can get the representation that you need.

Some of the benefits of hiring a professional DUI attorney is that they will help you understand the charges against you and can inform you what a conviction would mean for your unique situation. Your lawyer will also work with you as they evaluate your case to map out a defense that will be best for your case. Your DUI attorney can uncover any illegal practices used by others involved in your case. Your attorney will help you understand your rights and can be there for you during the questioning phase of your case to make sure that you do not divulge information that can hurt your defense.

If you are in need of a skilled and professional DUI attorney to represent your case, contact one who has years of experience handling the type of case that you are charged with. Check out their credentials, the law firm they work with, and their success rate; however, do all of this quickly because the sooner you have a good attorney working on your case, the better your chances are of receiving a positive outcome.

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Choosing a Good Attorney: The Best Tips

Unless you're very fortunate, there will probably come a time in your life that you'll need to at least consider hiring an attorney. In fact, "fortunate" may not even be the right word, as there are a number of situations in which you might need a lawyer that would not be considered bad at all. Incorporating your business, for instance, or seeking protection as you move forward with your lottery winnings are a couple of positive developments that require legal guidance. Of course, most people will meet a lawyer under less explicitly joyous circumstances. Whether you're happy or unhappy, however, the fact remains the same: you'll get a better result from better legal counsel. Here are some tips you can use to find a good one.

Ask For Opinions

You're not going to learn much about the best attorney in town by watching TV ads or glancing at your city's billboards. Sure, you'll get some names by doing this, but nothing about the marketing is going to tell you whether or not a lawyer really has what it takes to make your case a success. A far better way to find good legal counsel is to ask around. See what your friends have to say. You might be surprised at how many people you know who have hired a lawyer. Their experiences can be valuable when you conduct your own search.

Schedule Several Consultations

There's certainly nothing in the law that says you have to hire the first attorney with whom you take a meeting. Depending on the nature of your case, lawyers may be willing to meet with you for a small fee and some even offer free initial consultations. Take advantage of this to meet with at least three. During this meeting you can get an idea of how much you will spend, get some general information about your case, and, most importantly, get a feel for the lawyer in question. Some experts believe this is the most important aspect of choosing representation.

Follow Your Gut

When all is said and done, there is only so much research and thought you can put into your decision. At some point, you'll have to give it up and go with your gut. Yes, you should make as informed a choice as possible, but there is a danger of over-thinking. Once you've found an attorney who comes recommended and impressed you in the initial consultation, you should have no hesitation in hiring them. As long as they are skilled and willing to work with you, the choice can't be wrong.

A skillful Tulsa attorney is the only person who should handle your legal matters. For extensively experienced counsel, visit the highly respected firm at http://www.stoopslacourse.com/.

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Service Dogs for Service Members: Why the Red Tape?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has red tape everywhere. Red tape in applying for benefits, red tape in appealing an adverse decision for benefits, and red tape in certifying a business as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

Until recently, I didn't realize that the VA has red tape in another area - affording service dogs to veterans. As of today's date, the VA has no system in place to pair veterans with service dogs.

The VA is, however, engaged in a step towards installing that system. As part of the Service Dog Veteran's Act, the VA is immersed in a research program designed to determine whether these animals can help veterans who suffer from mental health disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This pilot program will use at least 200 dogs and veterans to assess the therapeutic value of the dogs for veterans with physical and mental injuries.

The initial question is obvious. Why would the VA need to conduct its own research program to determine whether a service dog would be helpful to a veteran? Aren't there studies out there that confirm or disprove that? Why the extra red tape?

Here's the problem. Yes, maybe the VA is creating an unnecessary burden here. Veterans are not the only individuals who suffer from PTSD and TBI, and service dogs have been used to help these other individuals before. But at the same time, if the VA plans to ultimately install a system for providing service dogs to veterans, it must verify the method, procedure, and tools for the training.

Because the VA wants to take this precaution, it is currently engaged in a research project rather than actually providing (or collaborating to provide) service dogs to veterans. The result is that in the meantime, thousands of veterans are in desperate need of service dogs because non-profit providers can't meet the needs of every veteran. Training a dog can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Also, these organizations are often limited to only providing dogs to veterans within a certain mile radius, as the veteran is generally required to train with the dog several times a week.

When I first heard about these unmet needs of those who served our country, I was angry with the VA. I asked myself why the VA wasn't doing more to help veterans. If a veteran needs a service dog because that veteran was brave enough to serve our country, he shouldn't have to jump through any hoops to receive one. The dog should show up on his doorstep, groomed, housebroken, and wearing a bow in the veteran's favorite color.

But this assumes that the VA has the money for every veteran to get a dog. This is far from the reality of the situation, which leads to the second problem preventing the VA from providing service dogs: you can't squeeze blood from a turnip.

The VA's resources are overburdened and strained to the breaking point. With all of our soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the mounting number of outstanding disability compensation claims (currently at one million) and veterans in need of medical care, the VA system cannot support everything that is needed for our veterans. That's the sad truth, and this problem is just one more example.

Maybe it's not just the red tape to blame after all.

To access the full text of the Service Dog Veteran's Act, visit: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s1495/text. For more articles and resources pertinent to veterans, visit Sarah Schauerte's website at http://www.legalmeetspractical.com/.

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Hire a Felony Lawyer For Serious Legal Concerns

When you are facing some serious felony charges, you need to hire a felony lawyer who will make it their goal to get you through this situation in one piece. They will help while you are facing charges. Many times, people who have been charged with a felony are at greater risk of being convicted, which brings on a longer jail sentence, more fines and a big blow to any future employment opportunities because of this criminal record. When you find yourself facing such an injustice, you need to find legal counsel who is willing to guide you through this situation.

You may think that you don't need a felony lawyer when you can simply use a court appointed attorney. That is where many convicted criminals have made their mistake.

By hiring a court appointed attorney, you are putting yourself at the mercy of what may be a biased court. You won't get the best possible defense and therefore your side of the situation won't be heard. They are only there because they need to be, you want your attorney to be there because they have a vested interest in your case.

Laws are very complicated and there is no area that is strictly black and white. Since you are facing such a serious offense, you will need to discuss your case with a felony lawyer that is an expert at interpreting the law and using it to help you defeat your case.

It doesn't matter what type felony you are facing. As long as you hire the right legal counsel, stand a really great chance of avoiding long jail time and excessive fines. It is best that you hire a felony lawyer who specializes in the type of crime you are being accused of. If you are charged with murder, you would do best with a murder attorney. The same goes for if you are facing a drunk driving charge, you need a DUI attorney.

It is very hard to maneuver through the legal system if you are facing a crime. It is more difficult if you are facing a felony. And if you think that you can successfully defend yourself, you could end up with a heavy jail sentence and out of a lot of money.

Choose your own legal representation. Hire a felony lawyer that you feel confident in. One that has your best interest at heart and your innocence and freedom is their goal. It doesn't matter whether or not you are innocent as a dove or as guilty as rain, a good attorney will make sure that justice is served and you don't have to deal with any harsh consequences. You deserve to have someone on your side that is willing to go the extra mile when it comes to defending you. By hiring a good legal defense, you can save the integrity of your reputation and avoid a criminal record.

With the help of a felony lawyer Baton Rouge  residents can overcome even some of the most serious charges a person can face. Don't get railroaded by the justice system:  http://josephkscott.com/.

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A DUI Cheatsheet to Answer Your Most Common Questions

If you have recently been charged with Driving Under the Influence, (DUI) you likely have many questions. Whether this is your DUI first offense or you have been in this situation before, the possible penalties that await you can be quite stiff. A DUI attorney can certainly help make things better, but before you do anything, you need to understand what is happening and what can happen in the wake of a DUI charge.

Can You Be Charged Without Being Drunk?

A common misconception is that you have to be "too drunk to drive" to get a DUI. The truth of the matter, however, is that this is somewhat subjective. Some people can feel perfectly fine and still be well over the legal limit, while others can have pretty significant symptoms after only a drink or two. What really matters is your blood alcohol level, and not how physically impaired you are.

Will I Lose My License?

If you are charged with a DUI, you will lose your license. A DUI first offense will usually result in at least a 90 day suspension of your license. The courts or the Department of Licensing (DOL) will likely ask you to attend alcohol classes and driver impact classes in order to get reinstatement. Signing up for these classes before your case is heard can actually help show that you are serious about not repeating your mistake.

Am I Going to Go to Jail?

Washington State has mandatory minimum sentences for DUI offenses, depending on how many times you have been arrested, and your blood alcohol content or drug content. The best thing that you can do is contact a DUI attorney who will fight as hard as possible for your rights and who can help you learn more about the many possible ways to fight and challenge a DUI arrest.

What Should My Lawyer Offer?

If you are seeking a lawyer to help you minimize punishment for DUI, you need an attorney who limits his practice to DUI defense. Whether this is a DUI first offense or your third offense, you need an attorney who will pay close attention to the details in your case and who has the experience to help defend you. With a lawyer willing to be tough in protecting you, it becomes much easier to deal with everything that comes along with a DUI arrest and to take every possible precaution to help minimize the impact.

DUI Defense Attorney, Mark W. Garka is a sustaining member of NACDL. He has served as a law clerk in the Snohomish County Superior Court, and was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. He limits his practice to DUI Defense exclusively. Get more information and a free consultation by visiting http://www.washington-dui.com/

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