Kirkland Partner’s $11M Salary = Big Win for Women

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Author’s note: This article was originally published in Texas Lawbook on June 4, 2018.

The New York Times broke the news recently that a woman commercial litigator had achieved a stratospheric salary guarantee with one of the largest law firms in the world. By moving from Cravath, Swaine & Moore to Kirkland & Ellis, Sandra Goldstein has reportedly secured an $11 million annual salary guaranteed for five years.

Wow!

Not only is it remarkable for any litigator to sign for NFL-like cash, it is doubly notable because women lawyers are still underpaid compared to their male peers. Read more

Three Easy(ish) Legal Resolutions for the New Year

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Coffee cup and "New Year Goals" sticky notePerhaps you made some personal New Year’s resolutions geared towards improving your life, health or financial well-being. We’re hoping that you are succeeding brilliantly in keeping them!

But regardless of whether you are on target or wondering why you made them in the first place, New Year’s resolutions have a place in your legal life as well.

Here are three easy(ish) steps toward improving your legal affairs, both personal and professional. Read more

Fine Tuning Voir Dire

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I recently sat through voir dire as a panel member in one of the criminal district courts in Dallas County.  It’s always good to watch other practitioners go about their art; I always learn a lot (or am reminded of what I already know).  To my fellow trial lawyers who read this blog, here are a few reminders: Read more

Should Trial Counsel Speak to the Media?

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I’m often asked whether litigation counsel should serve as a media spokespeople when they are handling legal matters of public interest.  As in most things, the answer is “It depends.”  Here are a few key considerations: Read more

Oil Prices are Falling: Get Ready for Litigation

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Oil prices are falling and deals are getting scrapped.  As was the case with the last several business cycles, litigation will undoubtedly ensue.  The old-timers refer to this as “drilling at the courthouse.”  Here are five tips for preparing for possible litigation: Read more