Solsby Kid to go to war with google.

Google will regret the day they messed with Solsby Kid. ILL SEE YOU IN COURT GOOGLE!!

Financial Lawyers

Finance lawyers specialize in working in a variety of fields including tax, corporate compliance, marriage and divorce, banking and public arenas. Typically, finance lawyers provide legal guidance around issues such as policy, public and environmental issues and mergers and acquisitions. The lawyers represent corporations, government organizations or individual clients during legal proceedings. According to the "United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook," about 27 percent of lawyers are self-employed as law firm partners or as owners of solo practices.

The next few posts will be steps on how to become a financial lawyer. Enjoy! :)

"In the Halls of Justice the only justice is in the halls."

- Lenny Bruce

Higher suicide rate

Personality characteristics often associated with lawyers, such as perfectionism and competitiveness, when combined with depression may be contributing to a higher suicide rate in the legal profession, an expert says.

Lanny Berman, executive director of the American Association of Suicidology, a group devoted to suicide prevention, says risk factors for suicide include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide ideation, divorce and stress. And lawyers experience many of these risk factors at higher rates than the general population, he says. Lawyers are also more likely to be perfectionist and competitive, personality traits that make a person considering suicide less likely to seek help.

"I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, two men are called a law firm, and three or more become a Congress."

 - John Adam's

Pro Bono

Many attorneys lend their services at no charge, which is known as pro bono work. More than 70 percent of lawyers polled by the American Bar Association say they provide pro bono work, according to a 2009 news release from the University of Buffalo. This is a 10 percent increase from 2004. The university references published works---" Private Lawyers and the Public Interest: The Evolving Role of Pro Bono in the Legal Profession"---that examine free legal services during economically difficult times. The upswing in pro bono services is related to the deep cuts in government assistance for the poor, the university says. In addition, law firms are viewed more favorably by the public when they accept pro bono cases.

“Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one.”

- John Hathway

Personalities

Consumers have a stereotypical image of lawyers as being aggressive perfectionists. Sadly, those same personality traits might be responsible for a high suicide rate among lawyers, says journalist and law school graduate Debra Cassens Weiss in an American Bar Association Journal article titled "Personal Lives: Lawyer Personalities May Contribute to Increased Suicide Risk." She cites studies that indicate that suicide is the third-leading cause of death in the legal profession behind cancer and cardiac troubles. Cassens Weiss also references studies showing that male lawyers between ages 20 and 64 are twice as likely to die from suicide than men in the same age range in other professions. Other researchers found that female lawyers have high divorce rates, and many attorneys say they suffer from anxiety several times a month

“The law will never make men free, it is men that have to make the law free.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Salaries

Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location of their employer. Lawyers who own their own practices usually earn less than those who are partners in law firms. Lawyers starting their own practice may need to work part time in other occupations to supplement their income until their practice is well established.

"Where there's a will, there's a lawyer"

- Robert Elliott

In May 2008, the median annual wages of all wage-and-salaried lawyers were $110,590. The middle half of the occupation earned between $74,980 and $163,320. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of lawyers in May 2008 were:

Management of companies and enterprises $145,770
Federal Executive Branch 126,080
Legal services 116,550
Local government 82,590
State government 78,540

"A countryman between 2 Lawyers, is like a fish between two cats."

- Benjamin Franklin

Independant lawyers

For lawyers who wish to work independently, establishing a new practice will probably be easiest in small towns and expanding suburban areas. In such communities, competition from larger, established law firms is likely to be less than in big cities, and new lawyers may find it easier to establish a reputation among potential clients.

"An incompetent lawyer can delay a trial for months or years. A competent lawyer can delay one even longer"

- Solsby kid

Economys affect on jobs

Job opportunities often are adversely affected by cyclical swings in the economy. During recessions, demand declines for some discretionary legal services, such as planning estates, drafting wills, and handling real estate transactions. Also, corporations are less likely to litigate cases when declining sales and profits restrict their budgets. Some corporations and law firms will not hire new attorneys until business improves, and these establishments may even cut staff to contain costs. Several factors, however, mitigate the overall impact of recessions on lawyers; during recessions, for example, individuals and corporations face other legal problems, such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, and divorces—all requiring legal action.

"People are getting smarter nowadays; they are letting lawyers, instead of their conscience, be their guide."

- Will Rogers

Job tips

Because of the keen competition for jobs, a law graduate’s geographic mobility and work experience are assuming greater importance. Willingness to relocate may be an advantage in getting a job, but to be licensed in another State, a lawyer may have to take an additional State bar examination. In addition, employers increasingly are seeking graduates who have advanced law degrees and experience in a specialty, such as tax, patent, or admiralty law.

"Lawyers are men whom we hire to protect us from lawyers"

- Elbert Hubbard

Jobs

As in the past, some graduates may have to accept positions outside of their field of interest or for which they feel overqualified. Some recent law school graduates who have been unable to find permanent positions are turning to the growing number of temporary staffing firms that place attorneys in short-term jobs. This service allows companies to hire lawyers on an “as-needed” basis and permits beginning lawyers to develop practical skills.

"Lawyers are the only persons in whom ignorance of the law is not punished."

- Jeremy Bentham

Job prospects

Competition for job openings should continue to be keen because of the large number of students graduating from law school each year. Graduates with superior academic records from highly regarded law schools will have the best job opportunities. Perhaps as a result of competition for attorney positions, lawyers are increasingly finding work in less traditional areas for which legal training is an asset, but not normally a requirement—for example, administrative, managerial, and business positions in banks, insurance firms, real estate companies, government agencies, and other organizations. Employment opportunities are expected to continue to arise in these organizations at a growing rate.

"A lawyer is a learned gentleman who rescues your estate from your enemies and keeps it himself."

- John Lothrop Motley

Employment

Job growth for lawyers will continue to be concentrated in salaried jobs as businesses and all levels of government employ a growing number of staff attorneys. Most salaried positions are in urban areas where government agencies, law firms, and big corporations are concentrated. The number of self-employed lawyers is expected to grow slowly, reflecting the difficulty of establishing a profitable new practice in the face of competition from larger, established law firms. Moreover, the growing complexity of the law, which encourages specialization, along with the cost of maintaining up-to-date legal research materials, favors larger firms.

"Lawyers spend a great deal of their time shoveling smoke."

- Dan Lamper

Job Outlook

Employment change. Employment of lawyers is expected to grow 13 percent during the 2008-18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth in the population and in the level of business activity is expected to create more legal transactions, civil disputes, and criminal cases. Job growth among lawyers also will result from increasing demand for legal services in such areas as healthcare, intellectual property, bankruptcy, corporate and security litigation, antitrust law, and environmental law. In addition, the wider availability and affordability of legal clinics should result in increased use of legal services by middle-income people. However, growth in demand for lawyers will be constrained as businesses increasingly use large accounting firms and paralegals to perform some of the same functions that lawyers do. For example, accounting firms may provide employee-benefit counseling, process documents, or handle various other services previously performed by a law firm. Also, mediation and dispute resolution are increasingly being used as alternatives to litigation.

"It is always the best policy to tell the truth, unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar."

 - Robert Smith

Employment

A relatively small number of trained attorneys work in law schools and are not included in the employment estimate for lawyers. Most are faculty members who specialize in one or more subjects; however, some serve as administrators. Others work full time in nonacademic settings and teach part time.

"Only painters and lawyers can change white to black."

John Maine

Employment

Lawyers held about 759,200 jobs in 2008. Approximately 26 percent of lawyers were self-employed, practicing either as partners in law firms or in solo practices. Most salaried lawyers held positions in government, in law firms or other corporations, or in nonprofit organizations. Most government-employed lawyers worked at the local level. In the Federal Government, lawyers worked for many different agencies, but were concentrated in the Departments of Justice, Treasury, and Defense. Many salaried lawyers working outside of government were employed as house counsel by public utilities, banks, insurance companies, real-estate agencies, manufacturing firms, and other business firms and nonprofit organizations. Some also had part-time independent practices, while others worked part time as lawyers and full time in another occupation.

"If there wasn’t a penalty for laughing in court, the jury would never be able to hear the evidence."

- Daniel Clarke

Advancement

Most beginning lawyers start in salaried positions. Newly hired attorneys usually start as associates and work with more experienced lawyers or judges. After several years, some lawyers are admitted to partnership in their firm, which means that they are partial owners of the firm, or go into practice for themselves. Some experienced lawyers are nominated or elected to judgeships. (See the section on judges, magistrates, and other judicial workers elsewhere in the Handbook.) Others become full-time law school faculty or administrators; a growing number of these lawyers have advanced degrees in other fields as well.

Some attorneys use their legal training in administrative or managerial positions in various departments of large corporations. A transfer from a corporation’s legal department to another department is often viewed as a way to gain administrative experience and rise in the ranks of management.

"Whoever tells the best story wins."

- Freddie Voogth

Other qualifications

The practice of law involves a great deal of responsibility. Individuals planning careers in law should like to work with people and be able to win the respect and confidence of their clients, associates, and the public. Perseverance, creativity, and reasoning ability also are essential to lawyers, who often analyze complex cases and handle new and unique legal problems.

Trial lawyers, who specialize in trial work, must be able to think quickly and speak with ease and authority. In addition, familiarity with courtroom rules and strategy is particularly important in trial work.

"Laws should be like clothes. They should be made to fit the people they serve."

 -Andrew Anderson

Requirements

Many States require the Multistate Performance Test to test the practical skills of beginning lawyers. Requirements vary by State, although the test usually is taken at the same time as the bar exam and is a one-time requirement.

In 2008, law school graduates in 52 jurisdictions were required to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), which tests their knowledge of the ABA codes on professional responsibility and judicial conduct. In some States, the MPRE may be taken during law school, usually after completing a course on legal ethics.

"A Lawyer can do anything to win a case, sometimes he will even tell the truth."

Richard Tree

MBE & MEE

Although there is no nationwide bar examination, 48 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require the 6-hour Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) as part of their overall bar examination; the MBE is not required in Louisiana or Washington. The MBE covers a broad range of issues, and sometimes a locally prepared State bar examination is given in addition to it. The 3-hour Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) is used as part of the bar examination in several States. States vary in their use of MBE and MEE scores.

"If there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers."

 - John Kingston

Licensure

To qualify for the bar examination in most States, an applicant must earn a college degree and graduate from a law school accredited by the ABA or the proper State authorities. ABA accreditation signifies that the law school—particularly its library and faculty—meets certain standards. With certain exceptions, graduates of schools not approved by the ABA are restricted to taking the bar examination and practicing in the State or other jurisdiction in which the school is located; most of these schools are in California.

When I was a very young lawyer, I had a senior partner who advised me never to get mad, except on purpose.

Warren Christopher

Licensure

To practice law in the courts of any State or other jurisdiction, a person must be licensed, or admitted to its bar, under rules established by the jurisdiction’s highest court. All States require that applicants for admission to the bar pass a written bar examination; most States also require applicants to pass a separate written ethics examination. Lawyers who have been admitted to the bar in one State occasionally may be admitted to the bar in another without taking another examination if they meet the latter jurisdiction’s standards of good moral character and a specified period of legal experience. In most cases, however, lawyers must pass the bar examination in each State in which they plan to practice. Federal courts and agencies set their own qualifications for those practicing before or in them.

"The good lawyer is the great salesman."
- Janet Reno

Advanced law degrees

Advanced law degrees may be desirable for those planning to specialize, perform research, or teach. Some law students pursue joint degree programs, which usually require an additional semester or year of study. Joint degree programs are offered in a number of areas, including business administration or public administration.

After graduation, lawyers must keep informed about legal and nonlegal developments that affect their practices. In 2008, 46 States and jurisdictions required lawyers to participate in mandatory continuing legal education. Many law schools and State and local bar associations provide continuing education courses that help lawyers stay abreast of recent developments. Some States allow continuing education credits to be obtained through participation in seminars on the Internet.



"It is unfair to believe everything we hear about lawyers. Some of it might not be true."
- Gerald F. Lieberman

Clinical programs

A number of law schools have clinical programs in which students gain legal experience through practice trials and projects under the supervision of lawyers and law school faculty. Law school clinical programs might include work in, for example, legal-aid offices or on legislative committees. Part-time or summer clerkships in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments also provide valuable experience. Such training can lead directly to a job after graduation and can help students decide what kind of practice best suits them. Law school graduates receive the degree of juris doctor (J.D.), a first professional degree.

"He who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client."
Proverb

Courses

During the first year or year and a half of law school, students usually study core courses, such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, torts, civil procedure, and legal writing. In the remaining time, they may choose specialized courses in fields such as tax, labor, or corporate law. Law students often gain practical experience by participating in school-sponsored legal clinics; in the school’s moot court competitions, in which students conduct appellate arguments; in practice trials under the supervision of experienced lawyers and judges; and through research and writing on legal issues for the school’s law journals.

"The power of the lawyer is in the uncertainty of the law."
-Jeremy Bentham

Acceptance to law schools

Acceptance by most law schools depends on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate an aptitude for the study of law, usually through undergraduate grades, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the quality of the applicant’s undergraduate school, any prior work experience, and sometimes, a personal interview. However, law schools vary in the weight they place on each of these and other factors.

All law schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) require applicants to take the LSAT. As of June 2008, there were 200 ABA-accredited law schools; others were approved by State authorities only. Nearly all law schools require applicants to have certified transcripts sent to the Law School Data Assembly Service, which then submits the applicants’ LSAT scores and their standardized records of college grades to the law schools of their choice. The Law School Admission Council administers both this service and the LSAT. Competition for admission to many law schools—especially the most prestigious ones—is usually intense, with the number of applicants greatly exceeding the number that can be admitted.



“Without adequate money going into education, you can't reform it,”
- Robert Duncan

Skills you will need

Although there is no recommended “prelaw” undergraduate major, prospective lawyers should develop proficiency in writing and speaking, reading, researching, analyzing, and thinking logically—skills needed to succeed both in law school and in the law. Regardless of major, a multidisciplinary background is recommended. Courses in English, foreign languages, public speaking, government, philosophy, history, economics, mathematics, and computer science, among others, are useful. Students interested in a particular aspect of law may find related courses helpful. For example, prospective patent lawyers need a strong background in engineering or science, and future tax lawyers must have extensive knowledge of accounting.

“You win some and you lose some, but you get paid for all of them.”

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Formal requirements to become a lawyer usually include a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar examination; however, some requirements vary by State. Competition for admission to most law schools is intense. Federal courts and agencies set their own qualifications for those practicing before or in them.

Education and training. Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Law school applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission. To meet the needs of students who can attend only part time, a number of law schools have night or part-time divisions.

"Make crime pay. Become a lawyer."
-Will Rogers 

A Lawyers work environment

Lawyers do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients’ homes or places of business and, when necessary, in hospitals or prisons. They may travel to attend meetings, gather evidence, and appear before courts, legislative bodies, and other authorities. They also may face particularly heavy pressure when a case is being tried. Preparation for court includes understanding the latest laws and judicial decisions.

Salaried lawyers usually have structured work schedules. Lawyers who are in private practice or those who work for large firms may work irregular hours, including weekends, while conducting research, conferring with clients, or preparing briefs during nonoffice hours. Lawyers often work long hours; of those who work full time, about 33 percent work 50 or more hours per week.

"A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns."
-Mario Puzo 

Technology used

Lawyers are increasingly using various forms of technology to perform more efficiently. Although all lawyers continue to use law libraries to prepare cases, most supplement conventional printed sources with computer sources, such as the Internet and legal databases. Software is used to search this legal literature automatically and to identify legal texts relevant to a specific case. In litigation involving many supporting documents, lawyers may use computers to organize and index materials. Lawyers must be geographically mobile and able to reach their clients in a timely matter, so they might use electronic filing, Web and videoconferencing, mobile electronic devices, and voice-recognition technology to share information more effectively.

"A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer."
- Robert Frost

Attorneys - levels of government

A significant number of attorneys are employed at the various levels of government. Some work for State attorneys general, prosecutors, and public defenders in criminal courts. At the Federal level, attorneys investigate cases for the U.S. Department of Justice and other agencies. Government lawyers also help develop programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, establish enforcement procedures, and argue civil and criminal cases on behalf of the government.

Other lawyers work for legal aid societies—private, nonprofit organizations established to serve disadvantaged people. These lawyers generally handle civil, rather than criminal, cases.

What's the most common practices for a lawyer?

Most lawyers are in private practice, concentrating on criminal or civil law. In criminal law, lawyers represent individuals who have been charged with crimes and argue their cases in courts of law. Attorneys dealing with civil law assist clients with litigation, wills, trusts, contracts, mortgages, titles, and leases. Other lawyers handle only public-interest cases—civil or criminal—concentrating on particular causes and choosing cases that might have an impact on the way law is applied. Lawyers sometimes are employed full time by a single client. If the client is a corporation, the lawyer is known as “house counsel” and usually advises the company concerning legal issues related to its business activities. These issues might involve patents, government regulations, contracts with other companies, property interests, or collective-bargaining agreements with unions.

"I busted a mirror and got seven years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five."
Stephen Wright

Nature of the work continued

The more detailed aspects of a lawyer’s job depend upon his or her field of specialization and position. Although all lawyers are licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently than others. Trial lawyers spend the majority of their time outside the courtroom, conducting research, interviewing clients and witnesses, and handling other details in preparation for a trial.

Lawyers may specialize in a number of areas, such as bankruptcy, probate, international, elder, or environmental law. Those specializing in, for example, environmental law may represent interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Federal and State agencies. These lawyers help clients prepare and file for licenses and applications for approval before certain activities are permitted to occur. Some lawyers specialize in the growing field of intellectual property, helping to protect clients’ claims to copyrights, artwork under contract, product designs, and computer programs. Other lawyers advise insurance companies about the legality of insurance transactions, guiding the company in writing insurance policies to conform to the law and to protect the companies from unwarranted claims. When claims are filed against insurance companies, these attorneys review the claims and represent the companies in court.





“No brilliance is required in law, just common sense and relatively clean fingernails.”

Nature of the work

The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society, from buying a home to crossing the street. Lawyers form the backbone of this system, linking it to society in numerous ways. They hold positions of great responsibility and are obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Whether acting as an advocate or an advisor, all attorneys research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances faced by their clients.

Significant Points

About 26 percent of lawyers are self-employed, either as partners in law firms or in solo practices.
Formal requirements to become a lawyer usually include a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar examination; however, some requirements may vary by State.
Competition for admission to most law schools is intense.
Competition for job openings should be keen because of the large number of students graduating from law school each year.

What is this job like?

Lawyers give people and companies advice and tell them what they can and can't do under the law. Sometimes, they hire lawyers to take their side in court against other people or companies, or against the government.

Lawyers spend a lot of time doing research. To be a good lawyer, a person must be good at finding facts in books, on computers, and in other places. Lawyers also interview people to get information.

After doing research, lawyers make arguments to show that the people they work for should win in court. Some lawyers speak in court, but many lawyers don't.

Lawyers also write legal documents like contracts and wills. They need to be very specific and well-written.

Lawyers do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients' homes or businesses. Some lawyers meet clients in hospitals or prisons. Lawyers often work long hours, especially during a trial in court.

Lawyer tv commercial.... SERIOUSLY!!

Just came across this and thought it was pretty funny...
ENJOY!

And finally, the top lawyer firm in the world!

Linklaters!

Linklaters LLP is a global law firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom and a member of the 'Magic Circle' of leading UK law firms. It is one of the ten largest law firms in the world measured by both number of lawyers and revenues. In 2009/10 it achieved total revenues of £1.18 billion and profits per equity partner of £1.2 million. As of April 2009, it employed approximately 2,260 legal advisers and 2,830 other staff across 26 offices in 19 countries.

Simon Davies has been the firm's managing partner since January 2008.



Well there you have it, the top 10 law firms in the world! 
Stay tuned tomorrow for an entirely new post! :D

2nd top lawyer firm

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (informally Freshfields) is a global law firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom and a member of the 'Magic Circle' of leading UK law firms. It is the second-largest law firm in the world measured by revenues. In 2009/10 it achieved total revenues of £1.14 billion and profits per equity partner of £1.4 million. It has 27 offices in 16 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America and employs around 2,500 legal advisers. It advises national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Ted Burke is the firm's current Chief Executive. 

Stay tuned for the top law firm in the world tomorrow!

Also, just like to thank D4 and BTN-Hip Hop for a Zombie and Sunshine award! 
I'd recommend checking out their awesome blogs!!

3rd top lawyer firm

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance LLP is a global law firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom and a member of the 'Magic Circle' of leading UK law firms. It is one of the ten largest law firms in the world measured by both number of lawyers and revenue. In 2009/10 it achieved total revenues of £1.197 billion and profits per equity partner of £933,000. As of April 2009, it employed approximately 3,600 legal advisers and 3,200 business services staff across 29 offices in 20 countries.
David Childs has been Managing Partner since 2006.

Heres a link to their website http://www.cliffordchance.com/home.html

4th top lawyer firm

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates (often shortened to Skadden Arps, Skadden, or SASM&F), founded in 1948, is a prominent law firm based in New York City. With over 2,000 attorneys, it is one of the largest and highest-grossing law firms in the world. Forbes magazine calls Skadden "Wall Street's most powerful law firm". In most jurisdictions, the firm is organized as a limited liability partnership (LLP). The firm's best-known and infamous alumni include former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, and comedian Greg Giraldo. Chelsea Football Club's Chairman Bruce Buck is a Skadden partner.

Revenue: $2.2Bn

5th top law firm

Baker and Mckenzie

Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm, founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. It is home to more than 3,750 lawyers spread over 69 offices in 41 different countries.

As a transnational operation, no single nationality dominates the firm, and more than 80 percent of its lawyers practice outside the United States. The lawyers come from 60 countries and speak more than 75 languages, with English in common.

The firm saw US$2.104 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2010. As of 2006, Baker & McKenzie was the second largest law firm in the world by number of attorneys, Among U.S. firms, it was ranked the second largest by number of attorneys as of 2008 and, as of 2010, the largest by revenue. As of 2006 it was also the largest international law firm in Asia, with 14 offices, and in Latin America, with 16 offices.

6th top law firm!

Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy is a global law firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

A member of the UK's Magic Circle of leading law firms, Allen & Overy is widely considered to be one of the world's elite law firms, advising national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments.

Since its founding in 1930, Allen & Overy has grown to become one of the largest law firms in the world, both by number of lawyers and revenue. With approximately 5,000 staff and 36 offices worldwide, the firm provides legal advice in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Since 2008, Wim Dejonghe has been managing partner and David Morley senior partner.

Their revenue is estimated at £1.09 billion

7th top lawyer firm

Latham and Watkins

Latham & Watkins LLP is a global law firm, one of the largest in the world. Latham currently (as of April 2011) employs approximately 2,000 attorneys in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm was started in Los Angeles in 1934 and has extensive Californian roots, but its largest office is now in New York City.

Latham has historically been one of the most profitable law firms. In 2007, Latham & Watkins became the first American law firm to attain more than $2 billion in yearly revenue. Although firm revenue dropped in 2009, partner profits increased 5% after the firm laid off nearly 200 attorneys and 250 staff.

8th top law firm

Jones Day

Jones Day is an international law firm founded in Cleveland, Ohio on March 1, 1893, by Judge Edwin J. Blandin and William Lowe Rice. Jones Day is the eighth largest law firm in the world by revenue, and the fourth highest grossing firm in the US. It is currently the second largest law firm in the United States, with approximately 2,500 lawyers and gross annual revenue in excess of US $1.4 billion. The current managing partner, Stephen J. Brogan, is based in the firm'sWashington, D.C. office.

9th top lawyer firm

Sidley Austin!

Sidley Austin LLP, formerly known as Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP, is one of the oldest law firms in the world. It is the sixth-largest U.S.-based corporate law firm with over 1,600 lawyers, annual revenues of more than one billion dollars, and offices in 17 cities worldwide, with the most recent addition of Palo Alto, California in December 2009. It is a full-service law firm, with broad experience in transaction and litigation matters. Its original predecessor firm was founded in 1866 and had former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, then the widow of PresidentAbraham Lincoln, among its earliest clients. The firm was formed as the result of the merger of two firms: the Chicago-based Sidley & Austin, founded in 1866, and the New York-based Brown & Wood, founded in 1914. The merger was completed in May 2001. The firm's headquarters is at One South Dearborn in the Chicago Loop, Chicago.

As of 2006, it was the 9th largest law firm in the world (and 5th in the US) by revenue. In September 2010, it received the most First-Tier National Rankings in the inaugural Best Law Firms Survey by US News and World Report.

Top 10 Law firms in the world!

Right so, I've decided to keep the whole 'top 10' theme going and so for the next week and a half I'll be blogging on the top 10 law firms in the world!

So, at 10 we have...
'White and Case'

White & Case LLP is a large American law firm with over 2,000 lawyers in 37 officers in 25 countries and more than 4,800 staff.

White & Case was founded in New York in 1901. The firm has since expanded, and has practice groups in emerging markets including Latin America, Central & Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as in Europe.

White & Case clients incluse public and privately held businesses, and financial institutions, governments and state-owned entities. It works as a lobbyist for foreign governments.

At number one!

At number one of my favourite lawyer films/tv shows is...
Devil's Advocate!

Al Pachino and Keanu Reeves in the ultimate battle of Good versus Evil. Fantastic!

So there we are, my top 10 lawyer films/tv shows.

Stay tuned for a completly new post tomorrow!

At 2 we have...

Its Liar Liar!
A fast track lawyer can't lie for 24 hours due to his son's birthday wish after the lawyer turns his son down for the last time.

My 3rd top Lawyer Film/Tv series!

This Life - BBC's gritty drama focusing on four lawyers plus an ex-lawyer living in a flat.

My 4th top Lawyer film/TV series

L.A. Law
A fantastic TV show showing the lives and work of a major LA Law firm.

My 5th top Lawyer film/ TV series

At number 5 we have 'The Acused'.

Jodie Foster in a hightly conveted role of a working class girl at the centre of a gang rape trial.

My 6th top Lawyer film/tv series

Philidelphia!
Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in a highly moving film.

My 7th top lawyer film!

Rumpole of the Bailey
Portly barrister Horace Rumpole who would defend any client, mostly minor villans.

At 8 we have...

Ally McBeal
An American TV Show starring Calista Flockhart, dancing babies and some of the most weirdest court scenes you'll ever see! This show ads a comic element to the Lawyer profession!

Number 9!

At number 9 is 'Judge Judy'

Judge Judy is Judith Sheindlin who deals with real-life small claims cases. American popcorn reality tv but still amusing.

Top 10 Lawyer Films and TV shows

So, yesterday one of my followers suggested I talk about Lawyers on TV shows and films... So I thought why not! Cheers for the suggestion Kicking Rocks!


Right so, I'm going to do a countdown of my favourite films/TV shows each day starting with my 10th favourite right down to my top favourite! 


Enjoy!


Right so at number 10 we have...


'My Cousin Vinny' - Joe Pesci stars as a 'personal injury lawyer' in his hilarious comedy.

A day in the life of a Lawyer

The daily responsibilities of lawyers can mean late nights on a regular basis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, of those that work full time, about 37 percent work 50 hours or more per week. Travel can also be required, particularly for those specializing in international law.

Lawyers do most of their work in courtrooms, law libraries, and offices. Some meet clients in their homes or businesses. They attend meetings, gather and interpret evidence, and consult with authorities, clients, and members of their firm. Some meet with clients in prisons or hospitals. About 27 percent of lawyers are self-employed, either in solo practice or as partners in law firms.

What do lawyers do?

Although lawyers affect nearly every aspect of society in a range of positions and industries, their basic duties are the same--to represent the needs of their clients in civil and criminal trials. However, other job duties vary dramatically. Lawyers can specialize in bankruptcy, international, elder, probate, or environmental law. The growing field of intellectual property is also seeing a growing level of attention from lawyers.
Some lawyers spend more time in the courtroom than others, working as trial lawyers. While some lawyers work in private practice, others find employment in government, legal aid societies, or within corporations.

Demand

One lawyer exists for every 300 people in the US. About 25 percent of attorneys are self-employed, the BLS reports. Competition among law schools is fierce, with colleges and universities recieving far more applicants than they have openings. And the employment climate continues to be brutal, with law schools cranking out an average of 40,000 graduates every year, Weedman-Davis says. Many lawyers create their own opportunities by establishing practices in small towns. Other law school graduates have found success in unrelated feilds, such as legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, rock musician Ray Manzarek of the Doors and TV personality Ozzie Nelson.

Next post coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!

How many jobs are there?

Lawyers held about 759200 jobs in 2008. Most lawyers worked for themselves or in law firms. Some lawyers work for other businesses or for the government.

So lots of jobs out there folks!

How much does this job pay?

Lawyers are some of the highest paid workers. Although some lawyers work for themselves, many other laywers work for governments, law firms, and corporations. In May 2008 , the average yearly wage for lawyers were $124,750.

First post in a while!

Hey guys sorry i havent been making posts recently, I've been traveling for the past month and a half. I'm back now though so I will start making new posts daily once again :)

How do you get ready?

All lawyers need a license from the state in which they want to work. To get a license, people need to get a college degree and then go to law school for 3 years. Finally, lawyers must pass a test called the bar examination.

Even after they start working, lawyers need to keep on learning about changed in the law, Most status make lawyers take classes from time to time.

To start getting ready for this job, students can take English classes to learn how to write, do research, and make presentations. Social studies classes teach about research and the law. People who want to be lawyers also need strong reading skills.

Lawyer Info

What is this job like?
Lawyers give people and companies advice and tell them what they can and cant do under the law. Sometimes, they hire lawyers to take their side in court against other people or companies, or against the government.

Lawyers spend a lot of time doing research. To be a good lawyer, a person much be good at finding facts in books, on computers, and in other places. Lawyers also interview people to get information.

After doing research, lawyers make arguments to show that the people they work for should win in court. Some lawyers speak in court, but many lawyers don't. Lawyers also write legal documents like contracts and wills. They need to be very specific and well-written.

Lawyers do most of their work in officers, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients' homes or businesses. Some lawyers meet clients in hospitals or prisons. Lawyers often work long hours, especially during a trial in court.

More coming soon!

Lawyer facts

Right so seeing as we've just finished going through the step by step guide on how to become a finance lawyer, i thought id post some cool facts about lawyers.

This is a list of famous people who attended law school (at least partially), but are known for doing something other than law.

-Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi
- St. Louis Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa
- Novelist Henry James
- The Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek
- 26 of 44 U.S. Presidents including such notables as both Adams, Lincoln, Arthus, FDR and Obama
-Author John Grisham
-Law & Order actor and US Senator Fred Thompson
- ''Ozzie and Harriet Show'' star Ozzie Nelson

More tomorrow!

Step five on how to become a finance lawyer!

Create a strong and effective resume. Highlight your licences, internships and other legal working experience. Search job boards, network with alumni at colleges, universities and law schools to locate jobs for finance lawyers that you are interested in. If you want to work at a law office, corporate firm or government agency, contact the head recruiter at the human resources department and set up an interview.

And thats on it how to become a finance lawyer!
I hope this information was useful!

Step four on how to become a finance lawyer!

Check with the state where you will practice as a finance lawyer, as to its licensing requirements. Keep in mind that most states require lawyers to pass a written bar examination as well as a written ethics examination before a license is granted. Confirm whether you will need to complete the six-hour Multi-state Bar Exam or the three-hour Multi-State Essay Exam for the state you are seeking a license in to consider you as having passed the bar.

Step five coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Step 3 to becoming a finance lawyer!

Practice as a finance lawyer under the guidance of practicing lawyers and law school attorneys. Intern with government financial agencies, corporate law departments and law schools that offer internships. Following internships, register for additional training to remain current and to increase you knowledge as a finance lawyer.

Step four comes tomorrow to stay tuned!

Step two on becoming a lawyer!

2. Register for one of the approximately 195 law schools accredited by the ABA. The course of study generally takes three years. Check into attending law school part-time or during the night if you work during the daytime. Sign up for and pass the Law School Admission Test. Depending on the entrance requirements at the law school you decide to attend, you may also be required to have experience working as a lawyer as well as complete an in-person interview.

Next step on how to become a lawyer coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Financial Lawyer

Okay basically I'm in my second year studying towards becoming a financial lawyer. Its a subject in which I'm particularly interested in and so i thought id create a blog for people who would like to learn more about how some of the best ways to start of becoming a financial lawyer and also i will be posting interesting facts on lawyers.

Firstly, I'm going to begin posting a step by step guide on what you should do to become a financial lawyer.

1.Enroll in a four year college or university of your choice. Focus on courses in financial planning, accounting, business administration and estate planning. If you want to become a financial lawyer working in a corporate environment, take additional courses that deal with mergers and acquisitions.

Next step will be coming tomorrow so stay tuned!