Law Firm Profitability Defined Law firm profitability is a measurement of how successfully a law firm generates profit from the combined efforts of its lawyers and staff. There are a number of metrics that are used to determine a firm’s profitability, but these generally boil down to a few categories such as revenue per lawyer (RPL), profit per lawyer (PPL),
What is “Color of Title”? Color of title is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th ed. 2000) as "a document or instrument that purports to give legal title to an interest in property" or "identification of a person or group as owners of land." The term is often used in close proximity to another term,
California Labor Law Basics California labor laws serve as the backbone of the state’s employment environment, established to foster fair and safe working conditions for all Californians. These laws govern various aspects of employment, including wages, hours, breaks, and benefits, and apply to both public and private entities that employ one or more individuals in California. The primary purpose of
Legal Separation: An Overview Legal separation is an avenue some couples choose to explore before fully committing to a divorce. By legally separating, couples can determine if life apart would be better than trying to remain married. Legal separation grants full or partial awards of spousal maintenance, custody of any children, and allocation of debts and property. Essentially, the terms
What is Criminal Law? Criminal law is the body of law that defines crimes and prescribes punishment for crimes. It deals with those who harm or threaten harm to society by their acts. The prescriptive nature of criminal law provides individuals with a set of guidelines for behavior in society that, if broken, provide a clear procedure for sanctions and
A Board of Directors Confidentiality Agreement A Board of Directors Confidentiality Agreement (or Non-Disclosure Agreement) is a legal document that sets forth an obligation for board members to hold sensitive and confidential information relating to the company in strict confidence. At its most basic level, a Board of Directors Confidentiality Agreement prohibits board members from discussing and/or sharing confidential company
What is a Legal Fees Clause? A legal fees clause is a contractual provision that allocates the responsibility for payment of legal fees and costs incurred in the event of a dispute under an agreement. These clauses may provide that a party to a contract (whether a service provider, supplier, etc.) who incurs additional costs pursuing or defending a claim
What is Common Law Marriage? Common law marriage is a contractual, non-ceremonial marriage between two parties that has been recognized in some states as a legal option for couples who wish to be viewed legally as married without going through the traditional process. Although common law marriage has been around since the Medieval era in Europe, the first statutory common
What Is a Joint Lease Agreement? A joint lease agreement is a type of contract between two or more parties (often but not exclusively individuals) that concerns the tenancy of a specific property. The agreements are signed by all involved parties and become legally binding under relevant landlord-tenant and real estate laws. This type of lease agreement differs from a
What Is Court Pleading? The term court pleading refers to the documents that litigants submit to the court in a lawsuit, a process called pleading. Specifically, pleadings refer to the formal documents found in the case file or on the docket that initiate, respond to, or advance the case.There are four types of pleadings:While not considered a pleading under the