Now I’m sure that many reputable boutique firms pay Biglaw-level bonuses to their associates. But it’s safe to say that most solos and small firms pay whatever bonus they feel like or whatever they can afford. They are not worried about Keeping up with the Cravathians. Or with each other. Also, because of a lack of reliable public information, small firm associates cannot tell whether they are being shortchanged compared to their peers. And even if they are, they will have to take it because their exit options are more limited. read more
I want to talk about two year-end issues that solo practices and small firms deal with. The first is one of ATL’s favorite topics. The other is year-end business planning. I’m sure there are many other year-end issues that should be covered, but I don’t want to leave you with TL;DR rambling on Christmas Eve. click here
In a sharp reversal of federal drug policy, Congress has prohibited the Justice Department from interfering with laws in California and other states that allow the medical use of marijuana. And the turnabout caught the immediate attention of federal judges, who want to know its impact on some recent criminal convictions under the federal law that classifies pot as one of the most dangerous drugs. click here
When Graves was charged with illegal cultivation in 2012, the judge noted, federal law barred any evidence of medical use, but the new law might make that information relevant now. In fact, Graves’ lawyer has said some of his client’s plants were for medical patients. A day earlier, another judge in the same courthouse postponed the sentencing of a Humboldt County man who claimed his pot crop was all for medical use, in compliance with state law. click here
Federal prosecutors aren’t prepared to concede anything. While the Justice Department hasn’t spoken publicly on the meaning of the new law, saying only that it’s under review, the legislation - an amendment to a government spending bill - is loosely worded and subject to varying interpretations. click here
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