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Four Family Members and Two TVs: Should I Benchmark Us?

By Kim Howard on February 20th, 2013 Posted in ACC Docket

(March/2013)

I had a conversation recently with a co-worker. We were discussing Super Bowl Sunday and the fact that I watched “Downton Abbey” in the middle of the game. As much as I love watching American football, “Downton Abbey” trumps any game.

I mentioned to my co-worker that we only have two televisions in our home. She was aghast, almost speechless. She mentioned a family member who has six TVs in their home of five. She could not get over the two-TV-to-four-people ratio, especially since we have a teen and a tween. I simply told her that we have a “no TV in the bedroom” rule in our house. It was a rule I grew up with, so I thought nothing of it. Continue Reading

Significant Amendments Proposed to Canadian Foreign Anti-Corruption Law

By ACC Guest Blogger on February 19th, 2013 Posted in ACC Canada, In the News, In-House Practice

Guest Authors: This post was written by Justin Connor, chair, ACC’s International Legal Affairs Committee and Lucinda Low, Alexandra Baj, and Bibek Pandey of Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

Earlier this month, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced proposed amendments to Canada’s foreign bribery law, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA). If enacted, the proposed amendments would result in a significant broadening and strengthening of Canadian foreign bribery law. The proposed amendments include the elimination of the facilitating payments exception, the establishment of nationality jurisdiction for foreign bribery offenses, the introduction of a criminal “books and records” offense, and an increase in the maximum criminal penalty. These changes, which are expected to be passed in the near future, would bring Canadian law more in line with international standards regarding foreign bribery, and could have compliance implications for multinational companies with a nexus to Canada.

All You Need is … a Love Contract?

By Zenneia McLendon on February 15th, 2013 Posted in In the News

Finding love can be a daunting task — almost as challenging as finding a job. But what happens when the two worlds collide, and amidst the sparks, a romance ignites within the workplace? This is a question that more and more employers are asking themselves. Welcome vs. unwelcome behavior, sexual harassment and favoritism are among the many issues companies must consider when contemplating the risks of workplace romance.

Merging into Canada: The Risks, Rewards and Reaction of Law Firm Expansion

By Zenneia McLendon on February 8th, 2013 Posted in ACC Canada, In-House Practice

As pressure mounts on law firms everywhere to stake claim in the global marketplace, Canadian firms continue to merge with large, internationally esteemed counterparts. This poses challenges and opportunities for in-house counsel, who are contemplating the residual impact of such acquisitions and their effect on long-lasting relationships with their outside counsel.

Where Have All the Lawyers Gone? Attracting the Next Generation

By Zenneia McLendon on February 5th, 2013 Posted in In the House, In-House Practice, Pro Bono

As law school applications decline, organizations seek alternative ways to attract the next generation of lawyers. Among the deterrents to the potential applicant pool are financial concerns and job opportunity.

A recent New York Times article notes that “the number of law school applicants has decreased 20% within the past year,” based on a study by the Law School Admission Council. The rising cost of tuition has been noted as a contributing factor in the decline. Last month, in the state of New York, officials met to discuss a proposed rule change that would allow students to take the bar exam after two years of law school. The subtraction of the now-mandatory third year would result in a decrease in tuition, which could make law school more accessible to potential students.