2014
Showing 497–512 of 740 results
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The virtual office: An idea whose time has come
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: Solo practitioners already have widely adopted a virtual model for its cost and logistical advantages. Now larger practices are following suit. As this article explains, in addition to reducing expenses and increasing convenience, a virtual or hybrid office may enable a law firm to expand into new geographic markets and simplify service offerings.
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5 ways to improve your relationships with inside counsel
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 482
Abstract: Companies increasingly are concerned about the cost of outside legal work, so it’s important to maintain solid relationships with inside counsel. Quality work and good rapport with such clients may not be enough. Many companies have strict procedural requirements — not to mention tight budgets — and have little patience for outside counsel who don’t adhere to them. This article offers five tips for strengthening relationships with these important clients.
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Should you change your business entity?
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: Although lawyers have traditionally favored partnership structures, some law firms may benefit from organizing as a different type of business entity. For some, a limited liability company (LLC) can offer the best of both worlds: the limited liability of a corporation and the tax advantages of a partnership. But, as this article argues, there may be tax advantages to forming as an S or a C corporation.
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Navigating the retirement plan maze – New options can help keep partners happy
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 993
Abstract: Law firms weighing their retirement plan options face some tough decisions. If unfunded or underfunded nonqualified pension plans are placing a heavy burden on younger partners, should the firm switch to a defined contribution qualified plan, such as a 401(k) plan? Or is it better to have a defined benefit qualified plan that benefits older partners? This article examines several issues to consider when deciding whether to change retirement plan offerings. A sidebar describes a “hybrid” approach — the cash balance plan.
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Case management – Benchbook advises judges on e-discovery issues
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 417
Abstract: The latest edition of the Federal Judicial Center’s Benchbook for U.S. District Court Judges includes a new section on civil pretrial case management addressing, among other things, e-discovery issues. Like the draft amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the section emphasizes the judge’s role as an active case manager and can help attorneys appearing in federal court. This article looks at some of the details.
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The trouble with assumptions – Why experts need to support their calculations
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 626
Abstract: A financial expert’s testimony usually is based on assumptions. But the trouble with assumptions is that they’re not always supported by facts. This article examines a breach of contract suit in which the plaintiff relied on an economist to provide his loss calculations. But the court determined that he wasn’t qualified to act as a business valuation expert and that his calculations were speculative and unreliable. Wallace v. Kalniz Choksey Dental—Ralston, C.A. No. WD-12-048, July 5, 2013 (Ohio Court of Appeals, 6th Dis.)
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Stop employees from committing expense report fraud
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 627
Abstract: Although median losses associated with individual incidents of expense report cheating are low compared with those of many other types of fraud, falsified expense reports are dangerous. They are often a sign of larger cultural problems — such as lax enforcement or management overrides of internal controls. This article discusses several types of common schemes and how to prevent such fraud from occurring.
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Replacement cost: When is it appropriate?
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 818
Abstract: To estimate the fair market value of destroyed property, appraisers typically use the comparable sales approach. But this approach is inappropriate in some circumstances. That’s when replacement cost comes into play. This article looks at a case in which a defendant appealed the judgment awarded to an insurer — and shows why the insurer’s experts enabled it to prevail. A sidebar discusses why the appeals court decided that a multiplier used in determining the award was appropriate. Factory Mutual Insurance Co. v. Alon USA L.P., No. 11-11080, Jan. 23, 2013 (5th Cir.)
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Calculating the true cost of labor
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 346
Abstract: When bidding on projects, it’s critical that contractors understand their true labor costs. For most construction companies, employee compensation is the single largest expense — so even small errors in calculating labor rates can lead to substantially inaccurate estimates. This article discusses how to factor in all direct and indirect costs associated with an employee or class of employees. It also covers how to account for the cost of nonproductive time.
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Bar-code systems can help protect small tools
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Throughout the year, many construction companies tend to see a ton of small tools mysteriously disappear at the hands of petty thieves and dishonest employees. The good news is that they can nip tool thefts in the bud by integrating the right technology into their operations. One intriguing option is bar-code technology. This article explains how it can not only improve management efficiency, but also be integrated into an accounting system to boost the value of tool-related data and streamline procurement of these assets.
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Profits can go up or down: Which way are yours headed?
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: As the U.S. economy continues to be a bit lackluster, it’s critical that contractors stay on top of their bottom lines. This article discusses how contractors can manage three items that they simply can’t ignore if they want to stay in the black: overhead; receivables and payables; and change orders.
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8 steps for taking over a troubled project
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: In the current economic environment, opportunities often arise for contractors to take over troubled projects. These jobs can be rewarding, but they also present significant dangers. This article suggests eight steps to take to maximize the rewards and manage the risks, including rebidding the work and documenting the original contractor’s work. A sidebar explains how a contractor can provide added value to a troubled project by incorporating lean construction techniques to streamline completion.
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What benefits and perks do your employees most value?
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: Compensation packages help attract and retain skilled workers. But dealers can’t afford to provide limitless benefits and perks. The key is to offer only those that best fit their employees’ needs and preferences. What employees value depends on many factors, such as age, gender, marital status and income. This article explains how to create a simple, focused survey to determine which benefits and perks the staff values most. It also offers three simple ways dealer-owners can boost morale without increasing costs.
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Warning: Profits are not the same as cash flows
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 579
Abstract: Many dealer-owners mistakenly equate profits with cash flow. But there are many reasons these numbers might differ. This article discusses how working capital fluctuates and notes that profits exclude capital expenditures and debt. So, it’s to be expected that some growing, profitable dealerships will experience cash shortages. And some mature “cash cows” will have ample cash on hand, despite lackluster sales.
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Work your warranty program year round
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: No one likes dealing with warranty red tape. But pushing this administrative task to the lowest level of the priority totem pole might decrease the number of repairs that qualify. And running a less-than-competent warranty program will virtually guarantee costly results if a store becomes the target of a manufacturer’s audit. But this article explains how to set up and maintain an effective warranty program that will save time and money in the long run.
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Good news about goodwill – The reporting rules just got easier for private dealerships
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: There’s now one less thing for private dealerships to worry about after a merger or acquisition deal closes. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has simplified its rules for the subsequent measurement of goodwill. This article defines goodwill and how its impairment can send up a red flag with investors and lenders. But the new rules offer an alternative goodwill measurement method that makes taking an impairment loss less likely and removes the requirement to perform impairment testing annually. A sidebar explains how a “bargain purchase” can sidestep goodwill accounting issues.