You have been asked to speak for a live continuing education seminar. Let's face it, you are an intelligent, resourceful professional and your reputation precedes you, but you are not perfect (we are just as shocked as you are, trust us) and maybe, just maybe you are not as polished a speaker as you would like to be. If only someone could provide you with a list of sure fire ways to avoid putting your audience into a speaker induced coma so you could become the next Tony Robbins. 

Well, we’re sorry but we don't have that list handy. (I think the dog ate our homework.) We do however have this free handy list of things NOT to do, which is probably more fun anyway.

By Leonard Glass

Many US businesses are carried through limited liability corporations (LLCs). LLCs provide a shield to its members from the liabilities of the business but can be fiscally transparent for U.S. tax purposes.

Canada’s tax system does not have entity classification rules. An LLC is a corporation for commercial purpose and so it is treated as a corporation for Canadian tax purposes. The differing treatments of LLCs by the two tax systems means that LLCs often results in both Canada and the U.S. taxing the same income also called double taxation.

by Sean J. Coletti

Failure to install approved smoke detectors* in each dwelling unit, to include mobile homes, under the landlord’s control is a base for an action (Idaho Code § 6-320).

Landlords' and Tenants' Duties

• Landlords must verify that that the smoke detectors are installed and in good working order at the commencement of the rental agreement.

• The tenant must maintain the smoke detectors in good working order during the rental period.

by William Burns

The Rule

R.P.C. 4.3. Dealing with Unrepresented Persons

In dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not represented by counsel, a lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is disinterested. When the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented person misunderstands the lawyer’s role in the matter, the lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstanding. The lawyer shall not give legal advice to the unrepresented person, other than the advice to secure counsel, if the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the interests of such a person are or have a reasonable possibility of being in conflict with the interests of the client.

7 Dos and Don'ts When Negotiating With A Pro-Se Tenant In Court

1. Remember, parties who have been given limited representation by another lawyer are consider pro-se and Rule 4.3 applies to them.

by Calvin House

Workplace bullying got some national attention recently when a committee of the Maryland legislature held a hearing on Senate Bill 600, a version of the Healthy Workplace Bill, authored by Prof. David Yamada of Suffolk University Law School. According to the bill's website, it has been introduced in 20 states, and is actively under consideration in 13.

by Mark Chinn

Over the last 33 years, I have observed and noted problems which has arisen with the way agreements are drafted:

• There are the clients who don’t understand the process and get mad when a divorce is not entered exactly 60 days after filing. 

• There are the nagging disputes between divorced spouses over care of the children, such as whether they are being properly seat belted.

• There are also issues regarding the details of how to handle payment of medical bills or college expenses.

by Susan Avsec

It's not about you; it's about them.

Over the last decade, law firms have had to evolve from being legal service providers to becoming value providers due in large part to the demands of its customers – in-house counsel. In response, law firms’ marketing efforts have transitioned.

by Elizabeth Kramer

You looked into becoming a lawyer; you believe in justice, you want to make a difference, you enjoy a challenge and you have never shied away from hard work. Then you looked at law school tuition and the rate of unemployed (or involuntarily self-employed) lawyers nationwide and changed your mind.

What if, instead of a traditional law school degree and six-figure debt, you could take the bar exam and achieve your goal through hands-on legal experience?