There are some important considerations to make when selecting a New Jersey law firm. This article will talk about Practice areas and Reputation. Although there are many advantages to working with a well-respected firm, it can be hard to determine which ones offer the best value. Read on to learn more about the benefits of choosing a firm that has a long-standing reputation for excellence.
Practice areas
New Jersey law firms are divided into practice areas. The most prominent areas include real estate, corporate Compliance, intellectual property and government regulation. Many businesses in the Garden State are facing serious legal problems, so many of these areas are active. These areas include government regulation, litigation, health and safety, and employment and labor law. Although less common, these other practice areas are still quite popular.
Lowenstein Law Firm is the oldest New Jersey firm. It was founded in Newark in 1845 and moved to Roseland in 1980. Alan V. Lowenstein, founder, was a prominent figure within the Newark charter reform movement. In negotiations to create NJ Transit, he represented NJ. He later became a renowned corporate and banking attorney and founded the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Today, Lowenstein Law Firm represents hedge fund sponsors and technology companies, as well as government lobbyists and investigations.
Diversity initiatives
Although many New Jersey law companies are making progress in improving representation of women and minorities within their legal departments, there is more to be done. Cullen and Dykman, two prominent law firms in New Jersey, have intensified their recruitment efforts at Rutgers' state-of-the-art schools. These institutions are known for their diversity and inclusion, with one-third of their student body being people of color. These firms have diversity initiatives that are a sign of their commitment to an inclusive and diverse legal profession.
Law firms are expanding the number of affinity groups catering to lawyers of different backgrounds in order to attract qualified women from diverse backgrounds. Affinity bars associations should get involved in recruitment efforts. Diversity initiatives should also promote the development of attorneys as thought leaders by identifying them with speaking and writing opportunities. Archer Law's Women's Advancement Initiative is one example of a diversity initiative. It focuses on the creation of a complete toolbox for professional and personal development.
Government relations
How can lawyers become involved in government relations? The State Bar Association in New Jersey represents attorneys and has an award-winning Government Relations Program. In addition to lobbying, the state bar association works with the governor, legislature, and other government officials on issues affecting New Jersey attorneys. The government relations program of the state bar association has helped attorneys and firms gain access to many resources.
Gibbons, in particular, has a dedicated group for government relations. The Government & Regulatory Affairs Group is located in Trenton. It has extensive knowledge in working with state executive branches and government relations. It also coordinates large, public-private redevelopment efforts in the state. Gibbons Government & Regulatory Affairs Group's government relations lawyers have a strong background and strong relationships with many state and municipal agencies.
Reputation
You should research the reputation of any New Jersey lawyer you are considering hiring. Read the NJ Law supplement to learn more about the reputation of a law firm. It lists law firms according to the number they represent. Ask your friends and colleagues to refer you. This way, you can get an idea of the firm's success. It is important to keep in mind, however, that although there are many top-rated firms, not all are good.
The most prominent firms have gained national recognition by winning high-profile lawsuits. Gibbons PC, for instance, won a landmark case in white collar defense. It defended a major developer against fuel-tank defect claims against Ford Motor Co. Cole Schotz LLP, another top New Jersey lawyer, has represented major corporations in bankruptcy proceedings and trademark disputes. The firm also helped a brewery defend its brand name against a major competitor.
FAQ
Can I become a lawyer without going to law school?
Yes, you can!
If you are able to understand the workings of the legal system, a degree from an institution that is not a lawyer will suffice. You will need to know how laws work together and why they are different.
You should be able read and understand statutes, regulations, court decisions, case law, and other legal documents. Understanding basic concepts of Constitution, Administrative, Contract, Property, Criminal, Civil Procedure, Evidence, Torts, Bankruptcy, Intellectual Property, Employment Law is essential.
The bar exam is required to be able to practice law. The bar exam tests both your legal knowledge as well as your ability to apply law to real-life situations. It tests your knowledge and ability to write briefs and analyze cases.
There are two parts to the bar exam: the oral and written sections. The written section consists of multiple-choice questions. The oral part consists of simulated trials. Before taking the bar exam you need to have studied for several months.
Passing the bar exam is not enough. You must also be admitted to the state where your intention to practice legal profession. Admission requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction, so check with the State Bar Association for details.
How do you get into law school
Law schools take applications all year. Many students opt to apply early so they don't have to wait until fall/winter when applications flood in. You can apply by contacting the admissions office for the law school of choice.
How much does it cost to go to law school?
While tuition to law school varies from school to school, it is generally around $50,000-$60,000 each year. Low-income students can receive financial aid from law schools. After graduation, students with federal loans (including Stafford Loans), may be eligible to get loan forgiveness.
What is the average time it takes to become a lawyer.
The answer may not be as simple as you think. You need to study hard for at least four years after high school, but then there are other factors involved too.
To be admitted to law school, you will need to pass the exams. Then you'll spend another two years studying law.
After all of this, your law school degree will be awarded. You'll be licensed as an attorney after you have passed the bar exam.
What is the difference in a transactional lawyer versus a litigator lawyer?
A transactional lawyer is more likely to face certain legal problems than a litigation attorney. Transactional attorneys deal with contracts, real-estate transactions, business formations, intellectual property issues, and other matters. Litigation attorneys specialize in disputes involving corporations or partnerships, trusts and estates as well as insurance claims and personal injury cases.
Both types of attorney require different knowledge and skills for each case. A transactional attorney would be required to understand how to create agreements, prepare documents and negotiate terms. An attorney in litigation must be well versed in the rules of evidence, limitations, discovery rules, etc.
Other differences may exist depending on where the client lives. A New York City attorney may not be as familiar in California as an attorney working in California. A Florida attorney may not be as familiar in Texas with Texas laws, than someone who practiced in Texas.
What is the difference between paralegals and legal assistants?
Paralegals can be trained to do specific tasks like typing, filing, and researching. Paralegals can assist attorneys with research, writing motions, and preparation of pleadings. These professionals are essential for attorneys to be able to finish their work.
Statistics
- The states that saw the biggest increase in average salary over the last 5 years are Rhode Island (+26.6%), Wisconsin (+24.1), Massachusetts (23.2%), Wyoming (18.3%), and North Dakota (18.1%). (legal.io)
- The nationwide number of first-year students enrolling last fall increased by almost 12%, according to recent data by the American Bar Association. (stfrancislaw.com)
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How do I find free legal help?
It can be difficult to find a pro bono attorney because there are many people who would love your business. There are many options for finding a pro-bono attorney. You can reach out to your local bar association to ask for recommendations, search online for pro bono service providers, or check with the state bar association. Local law schools can help you find a probono attorney. Many law schools offer their students the opportunity to work with low-income clients to give them access to justice. If none of the above options sound appealing to you, you may want to contact a nonprofit organization like Legal Services Corporation. LSC supports organizations that offer free civil legal assistance for people below the poverty line. The organization helps fund programs that assist low-income individuals with housing issues, child support enforcement, family law matters, consumer protection, bankruptcy, immigration, and public benefits. In addition to providing financial assistance, LSC also advises and guides its grantees on how best to serve their clientele. Some services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with filing bankruptcy
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Helping families to resolve domestic violence issues
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Representation in front of administrative agencies
Here are some tips to help you find a pro bono lawyer if you are struggling to find one.
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Do not waste time looking for a lawyer that specializes in your case. Pro bono lawyers may represent many types of clients. They will likely not have any experience dealing with your specific issue.
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You should look for a lawyer with experience representing low-income clients. This is a sign that the lawyer has had experience working with low-income clients.
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Ask if the lawyer has any special training in your area of concern. If you have to deal with landlord/tenant issues for instance, make sure that you ask the lawyer about their experience in these cases.
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Ask if the lawyer is open to new clients. Some lawyers specialize in certain types of cases. You may not be able find one that works exclusively with pro bono clients.
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Do not trust lawyers who claim that they specialize in a certain area of law. Many lawyers claim they are specialists in a specific area of law but do not know enough about the subject matter.
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You should ensure the lawyer has a great reputation. Ask your family members and friends to recommend a lawyer. Find reviews online from clients.