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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

Today is Christmas Eve. Most solos and small law attorneys work only a half-day. The work load tends to be light - tying up loose ends, organizing files, arguing with the accountant, chatting with clients or colleagues, or just generally loafing around in the office. We try to leave in the early afternoon before traffic gets busy. We hope to spend the next 36 hours in peace with no calls or emails from clients, bosses, or opposing counsel. If we’re lucky, it will stay that way until the new year. click here

But Breyer wouldn’t take Barry’s word for it, and rescheduled the sentencing for February. 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

Sponsored by two California congressmen, Republican Dana Rohrabacher of Huntington Beach (Orange County) and Democrat Sam Farr of Carmel, the amendment prohibits the government from spending money to prevent 32 states - California and 21 others that allow the medical use of marijuana, and 10 more that legalize hemp oils - from “implementing their own state laws.” click here