Family Law

Attorneys and lawyers practicing family law take up cases relating to all kinds of family related issues. These can be adoption, prenuptial agreements, marriage, divorce, separation, legal separation, annulment, alimony, division of the property accumulated during the marriage, domestic violence, negotiation, adjudication, child custody and support, child abduction, kidnapping or child seizure, emancipation, abuse in the marriage, parental rights, paternity, juvenile, felonies etc., and many such cases related to family. Other than this they also deal with regular cases relating to criminal laws, property related laws, probation law, trusts etc. However, the majority of the cases that come to family lawyers are the divorce, separation, abuse or child custody cases. A number of details need to be considered when it comes to these cases and family lawyers are specialized in all the legalities involved in such cases.

A number of questions tend to arise when a couple is getting separated legally or getting divorced. One is the process of getting divorced with a minimum fuss, as getting separated or divorced can in itself be a traumatic experience on both the parties. Add to this a contesting from either party and the whole thing becomes quite messy to handle without a lawyer to offer sufficient moral and professional support.

One other important issue that must not be neglected is the child custody and child support if any children exist as a result of the marriage. Even though the court finally approves all the aspects regarding the custody and support for the children, both the parties must be able to reach to a decision even before filing the papers. Attorneys and lawyers practicing family law will be able to provide immense assistance in such cases.

Family lawyers will be able to assist with all the usual questions that might arise in such cases. Child support laws vary in each state as the law is governed by each state individually without any input from the federal level. However, certain issues such as deciding the parent who is liable to receive the custody and the parent who is supposed to pay for the support, calculation of the amount of child support to be borne, etc., are the questions a lawyer from a particular state would be familiar with.

Family lawyers can also be of a big help if the supporting parent is missing or if the payment is not on time, or even in some cases when the individual does not care enough for the court orders to cough up sufficient amount for the child support. Deciding on other criteria such as visitation rights, receipt of money if both the parents are in different states, or when the child supporter is unable to make payments duly on time due to pecuniary problems.

Family problems can be very upsetting and distressing and the best way to handle them is with the help of a lawyer practicing family law. An exhaustive list of lawyers that are qualified, experienced can be found either from the yellow pages or on the Internet with some effort. A word of advice, it is the best option to always go for a new lawyer chosen on basis of qualifications and experience instead of the ones recommended by friends or acquaintances or relatives to avoid any problems or explanations later on.

Family Law provides detailed information on Family Law, Family Law Attornies, Family Law Courts, Divorce And Family Law and more. Family Law is affiliated with Divorce Without A Lawyer [http://www.e-DivorceLawyers.com].

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Best Personal Development - The 11 Forgotten Laws - Review

Is best personal development possible without the application of The 11 Forgotten Laws of attraction? Was the original version of the Law of Attraction - revealed to us all not long ago - just a hype? This article will attempt to shed light on some facts and the 11 Forgotten Laws.

Bob Proctor and Mary Morrissey, 2 of the best personal development mentors, blame the film industry for handing the public a "watered down" version of the Law of Attraction, leaving out some of the most important parts of it, The 11 Forgotten Laws.

They obviously refer to the movie The Secret. Here is what they say about the film industry:

"...And we have the entire industry to blame for this. Being true to their sensational nature, they take an amazing truth and they just amplify the "sexy", less vital bits, and leave out all the rest"

According to Proctor and Morrissey, the version used today by most people is incomplete. And although applying The Laws of Attraction in the version presented in the movie The Secret is better than not, it is still a far cry from what it really ought to be. How bad it is? According to Mr. Proctor and Ms. Morrissey, without applying the other 11 Laws, only 8% of the immense potential of these universal can be tapped into.

To tap into the rest of the 92% of the potential inherent in The Law of Attraction and be in a position to manifest whatever it is that you desire, you will need to master all the following 11 Laws:

· The Law of Attraction (taught properly)

· The Law of Thinking

· The Law of Receiving

· The Law of Increase

· The Law of Compensation

· The Law of Forgiveness

· The Law of Success

· The Law of Non-Resistance

· The Law of Supply

· The Law of Sacrifice

· Law of Obedience

Most people who are currently students of The Secret and practice - even the older version of -The Law of Attraction diligently, especially those who enjoy a certain level of success in their manifestations, will be surprised - as I was - to discover that there are universal laws that govern Thinking, Supply, Obedience and all the rest.

As stated above, the promise is that if one masters all 11 laws one can manifest whatever she or he desire.

A side note: Because of the intuitive nature of women - which is generally more developed than in men - they tend to achieve results at a faster rate.

The program is comprised of 95 lessons delivered via a 12 digital CD set that can be downloaded and accessed any time. The program is actually referred to as an "Online Integrated Learning Course" whereby you will have the flexibility to take notes and track your progress as you listen to each session. You will also be able to access the lessons and your notes online so you can revise any lesson you wish anytime, anywhere.

The purchase price is $97.00 and it comes with a 60 day guarantee and several bonuses, one of which is the original Holliwell classic in an EBook format. This is the book that served as the inspiration for the movie The Secret.

Is this program for you? Well, if you are a student of the Law of Attraction who has already discovered and mastered all 11 laws, then you are set. If, however, you are like most of us, stuck with the older version of the Law of Attraction and are not happy with the results you are getting then The 11 Forgotten Laws Is one of the best personal development programs out there and a course you should consider.

Discover The 11 Forgotten Laws for the Best Personal Development by visiting us at: http://BestPersonalDevelopment.net

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Book Summary: The 17 Indisputable Laws Of Teamwork

To achieve great things, you need a team. Building a winning

team requires understanding of these principles. Whatever

your goal or project, you need to add value and invest in

your team so the end product benefits from more ideas,

energy, resources, and perspectives.

1. The Law of Significance

People try to achieve great things by themselves mainly

because of the size of their ego, their level of insecurity,

or simple naiveté and temperament. One is too small a number

to achieve greatness.

2.The Law of the Big Picture

The goal is more important than the role. Members must be

willing to subordinate their roles and personal agendas to

support the team vision. By seeing the big picture,

effectively communicating the vision to the team, providing

the needed resources, and hiring the right players, leaders

can create a more unified team.

3. The Law of the Niche

All players have a place where they add the most value.

Essentially, when the right team member is in the right

place, everyone benefits. To be able to put people in their

proper places and fully utilize their talents and maximize

potential, you need to know your players and the team

situation. Evaluate each person's skills, discipline,

strengths, emotions, and potential.

4. The Law of Mount Everest

As the challenge escalates, the need for teamwork elevates.

Focus on the team and the dream should take care of itself.

The type of challenge determines the type of team you

require: A new challenge requires a creative team. An

ever-changing challenge requires a fast, flexible team. An

Everest-sized challenge requires an experienced team. See

who needs direction, support, coaching, or more

responsibility. Add members, change leaders to suit the

challenge of the moment, and remove ineffective members.

5. The Law of the Chain

The strength of the team is impacted by its weakest link.

When a weak link remains on the team the stronger members

identify the weak one, end up having to help him, come to

resent him, become less effective, and ultimately question

their leader's ability.

6. The Law of the Catalyst

Winning teams have players who make things happen. These

are the catalysts, or the get-it-done-and-then-some people

who are naturally intuitive, communicative, passionate,

talented, creative people who take the initiative, are

responsible, generous, and influential.

7. The Law of the Compass

A team that embraces a vision becomes focused, energized,

and confident. It knows where it's headed and why it's

going there. A team should examine its Moral, Intuitive,

Historical, Directional, Strategic, and Visionary Compasses.

Does the business practice with integrity? Do members stay?

Does the team make positive use of anything contributed by

previous teams in the organization? Does the strategy serve

the vision? Is there a long-range vision to keep the team

from being frustrated by short-range failures?

8. The Law of The Bad Apple

Rotten attitudes ruin a team. The first place to start is

with your self. Do you think the team wouldn't be able to

get along without you? Do you secretly believe that recent

team successes are attributable to your personal efforts,

not the work of the whole team? Do you keep score when it

comes to the praise and perks handed out to other team

members? Do you have ahard time admitting you made a

mistake? If you answered yes to any of these questions,

you need to keep your attitude in check.

9. The Law of Countability

Teammates must be able to count on each other when it

counts. Is your integrity unquestionable? Do you perform

your work with excellence? Are you dedicated to the team's

success? Can people depend on you? Do your actions bring

the team together or rip it apart?

10. The Law of the Price Tag

The team fails to reach its potential when it fails to pay

the price. Sacrifice, time commitment, personal development,

and unselfishness are part of the price we pay for team

success.

11. The Law of the Scoreboard

The team can make adjustments when it knows where it stands.

The scoreboard is essential to evaluating performance at

any given time, and is vital to decision-making.

12. The Law of the Bench

Great teams have great depth. Any team that wants to excel

must have good substitutes as well as starters. The key to

making the most of the law of the bench is to continually

mprove the team.

13. The Law of Identity

Shared values define the team. The type of values you choose

for the team will attract the type of members you need.

Values give the team a unique identity to its members,

potential recruits, clients, and the public. Values must be

constantly stated and restated, practiced, and

institutionalized.

14. The Law of Communication

Interaction fuels action. Effective teams have teammates

who are constantly talking, and listening to each other.

From leader to teammates, teammates to leader, and among

teammates, there should be consistency, clarity and courtesy.

People should be able to disagree openly but with respect.

Between the team and the public, responsiveness and openness

is key.

15. The Law of the Edge

The difference between two equally talented teams is

leadership. A good leader can bring a team to success,

provided values, work ethic and vision are in place. The

Myth of the Head Table is the belief that on a team, one

person is always in charge in every situation. Understand

that in particular situations, maybe another person would be

best suited for leading the team. The Myth of the Round Table

is the belief that everyone is equal, which is not true. The

person with greater skill, experience, and productivity in a

given area is more important to the team in that area.

Compensate where it is due.

16. The Law of High Morale

When you're winning, nothing hurts. When a team has high

morale, it can deal with whatever circumstances are throw

at it.

17. The Law of Dividends

Investing in the team compounds over time. Make the decision

to build a team, and decide who among the team are worth

developing. Gather the best team possible, pay the price to

develop the team, do things together, delegate responsibility

and authority, and give credit for success.

By: Regine P. Azurin and Yvette Pantilla

http://www.bizsum.com

"A Lot Of Great Books....Too Little Time To Read"

Free Book Summaries Of Latest Bestsellers and More!

mailto:freenewsletter@bizsum.com

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(c) Copyright 2001-2005, BusinessSummaries.com

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Pucker Up on the Latest Lemon Law

Is your car making you pucker up like you have eaten a lemon? A spoonful of sugar will not make it all better. You need to brush up on the latest lemon laws in your state. It seems you may have gotten a dud of a car, a car lemon for lack of a better term. So you can brush up on the latest lemon law or you can consult with one of probably many lemon law attorneys available in your state.

Let us suppose you live in California. Research the latest lemon law California has to offer by perusing through the statutes in the state of California's Civil Code. If that does not get you yawning, nothing will! To save yourself from the boredom of reading through all that legalese, you can also consult with some lemon law lawyers. Or, read on for a summary of these statutes to see if you have a legal leg to stand on. You will have to decide if you need to start making lemonade with that car lemon.

One of the statutes of the California Civil Code states that you must make a realistic effort to have your new car fixed to conform to basic warranties from the vehicle manufacturer. There is a limit of a year and a half or 18,000 miles on the car's odometer, whichever happens first, for the problem to be rectified, before being considered a car lemon.

Of course, as with anything else, there are other provisions to that rule. First, the malfunction must have been repaired two or more times without success, with the result being that the car is dangerous or unsafe to drive in a way that might cause severe injury or casualties. Or, secondly, your car is still not fixed satisfactorily after four repeated attempts by the manufacturer. Finally, another reason that your vehicle could be facing a car lemon law is if your vehicle has been out for repairs for more than a month or thirty straight days.

The above information is just a sampling of the lemon law California has on the books. There is more to it than that, but is should give you a good start in understanding where you stand with your dud of a car. To be sure that you are in compliance with any CA lemon law, make sure to get some legal counsel.

You will discover that you can request a refund of the purchase of the car from the manufacturer. The car manufacturer can also substitute your dud of a vehicle with a new equally comparable vehicle. They would be responsible for all the taxes and fees that go with the purchase of a new car including the costs you incurred in rental and repair fees.

One thing lemon law lawyers might tell you is that if you request the manufacturer to make restitution through a new vehicle or a refund before you file any civil suit and they refuse, you may be entitled to twice the compensation from the manufacturer should a civil trial find in your favor. However, before you go through legal counsel, just save a little money and do your research on your lemon laws. It's a tough job wading through all that car lemon law stuff, so pucker up and get busy making your own lemonade from that car lemon.

Earl Powers, US Lawyer and What Is The Lemon Law [http://www.what-is-the-lemon-law.com] expert - focusing on Lemon Law and Used Car Lemon Law [http://www.state-lemon-laws-explained.com]

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Sunshine State Seeing Yellow Thanks to Lemon Laws

When people think of Florida, they think of the Sunshine State and their top agriculture product - oranges. However, it is the lemon law Florida enforces that makes vehicle owners see yellow. Lemon law attorneys are almost as abundant as the orange crop in Florida, so just remember them when you decide to seek any legal counsel. However, you can research your basic car lemon law just by browsing the internet or reading below for the highlights on your rights as a consumer when it comes to owning a car lemon.

The late 1980's saw a new lemon law that holds car makers accountable, by particular situations of course, for refunding the purchaser's money or exchanging the problem vehicle with a new, comparable model. This law does not cover a used car lemon nor does it provide coverage for ATV vehicles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, motorized scooters or large trucks with a weight of over 10,000 pounds.

This lemon law Florida has also only covers new vehicles, either bought or leased in the state. There are very few exceptions. Defective operation or a major flaw in the car has to be present which would impede the safe use of the vehicle. You have heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Well, the same goes when judging whether or not your vehicle has a legitimate defect.

The owner of the car has to have had wasted a lot of time taking the vehicle into the dealership or certified service provider, losing family time and possibly loss of wages due to missed work. Ok, so the lemon laws do not exactly say that, but that is the reality of it right? Technically, you had to have taken the vehicle in at least three occasions for identical problems or have had the car out of commission for fifteen straight days due to the flaw or defect.

Here is where it starts getting irritating. After all this time and aggravation of taking your vehicle in without the problems being fixed, THEN you have to fill out a form from the lemon law Florida handbook. You can state your grievances on there and describe your vehicle problems. The next step is mailing it straight to the manufacturer via certified or receipt mail and waiting for a response. (All this hassle almost makes you want to make lemonade with that car lemon, doesn't it?)

The manufacturer has ten days to pony up a response to your grievance. If you do not hear from them, then their rights are waived. Usually though, you will hear back from the manufacturer where they will direct you to yet another authorized service provider for another inspection of the alleged car lemon. Sounds like a lot of fun!

If you get disgusted with the entire process, do a search on the internet or ask around for some reputable lemon law lawyers that can fight the battle for you. Just be sure to keep track of all your repair receipts, any rental car fees due to your vehicle being out of commission and any other warranty work. Documentation is important to following any car lemon law. Good luck in your quest. Let's hope that you will soon start seeing green, the color of money instead of car lemon yellow!

Earl Powers, US Lawyer and State Lemon Laws [http://www.state-lemon-laws-explained.com] expert - focusing on Lemon Vehicle [http://www.used-car-lemon-laws.com] and Lemon Law Lawyers

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Other Segments to Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is a very broad area and it encompasses many things. People make the misconception that law enforcement simply means police. While this is true there are other people besides for police officers that play an active role in the law enforcement world.

Lawyers and attorneys can also be considered part of law enforcement. In the area of law enforcement the job of district attorney is a big job. This is the person who prosecutes the people that the police arrest for breaking the law. If these people do not do their job to the best of their ability then the person who has broken the law will be free to once again walk the streets and possibly break the law again. Connected with this area of law enforcement are the lawyers that defend those that are being charged with some crime.

Another area of law enforcement is that of security guards. If there was no crime then we wouldn't need security guards or any other law enforcement personnel. Security guards are people who are hired to protect stores and malls and other businesses. These people do have the power to arrest law breakers in some way. If a law has been broken then a security guard has the power to detain the person who has broken the law until the police arrive. They can question the person in question of breaking the law. There is a misconception that these members of the law enforcement community are not trained professionals, and they have been called want to be cops. This is not the case. They do have to take part in some form of training from a recognized institution. Therefore they should not be considered want to be anything.

There are other segments to law enforcement as well, such as neighbourhood watch programs. The members of these organizations work in conjunction with the police and other law enforcement officials to ensure that the laws are not being broken.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at [http://www.law-enforcement-central.info]

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We Have A Winner For ‘Most Gutsy Bar Exam Performance’

The bar exam is over. Congratulations, test takers. Many of you will never have to worry about this again. You’ll wake up one day in the fall, you’ll open up the internet, and you’ll enjoy the relief of having passed.

And if you didn’t pass, well, you’ll cross that bridge when you get to it. Just so you know, there is life beyond bar failure: check out this list of bar exam famous failures, who went on to have amazing careers in law or politics.

Whether or not you passed or failed, whether or not you experienced any of the bar exam horror stories we’ve shared with you over the past couple of days, you will not have a story as cool as this New Jersey test taker.

At the Meadowlands test center, an exam tester pulled off what I guess you’d figuratively call a bar exam boot-and-rally….

A tipster reports on the awesomeness of the Meadowlands test center on Thursday. The tipster says the Jersey girl, a recent graduate of Seton Hall Law, is his new hero. And she probably will be yours too, after you read her story:

She did the NY bar Tuesday and yesterday, and I don’t know if she’s just worn out or sick or what, but about halfway through the morning session in the Meadowlands today, she passed out and landed flat on her back on the concrete floor. The proctors stood around slack-jawed with blank looks on their faces as if to say, “That wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Finally, one of the test-takers said, “Is anybody going to do something?” and the proctors started waving silently and trying and failing to whistle. Apparently they didn’t pre-plan a hand signal for “Medic!” Meanwhile, this poor woman is out cold on the floor with her test booklet in her hand.

Eventually, she comes to, pulls herself back into her chair, and continues on with the contracts essay. At least three minutes later, some guy came striding up to her like he meant to help, and she waves him off with one hand and just kept typing with the other.

Finished out the day strong. As Bill Rafferty would say, “Onions!”

Wow. Don’t let the incompetence of the New Jersey law examiners obscure the perseverance and steely focus of this woman. Onions indeed.

I hope somebody has given that girl a job.

Earlier: The Bar Exam: A List of Famous Failures
More Bar Disasters As The Exams Wrap Up
Bar Exam Disasters, And It’s Only Been One Day
Bar Exam Open Thread: Have At It

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Job of the Week: In-House Party in Miami

It’s time to celebrate! Miami is bouncing back from the recession, showing signs of revival and recovery in both the job and housing markets. Lateral Link has recently added many new lateral opportunities in Miami, including this Job of the Week, which offers a rare opportunity for a junior associate to go in-house. If you are a junior corporate associate ready for a change, check out the Job of the Week below. For more information about the Florida legal market, contact Scott Hodes at shodes@laterallink.com.

Position: Legal Counsel (Corporate)

Description: The legal counsel will have the opportunity to work on exciting and sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment under the supervision of the Senior Legal Counsels, providing legal advice and risk management counseling on a variety of legal issues. Applicants must have a JD from an ABA accredited law school or foreign equivalent, and have between 1 and 4 years of corporate experience either working in a well-recognized law firm, in-house legal department of a company with international operations, or a combination of both.

Location: Miami, Florida

If you are currently a Lateral Link member, please see position #9583. Not a member? Sign up for free at www.laterallink.com to access hundreds of law firm and in-house jobs, and to work with a recruiter in your market.

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Lemon Laws - What You Need To Know

No. Lemon law is not something that you should be aware of when buying lemons.

Car consumers' rights

Despite its name, Lemon Law actually refers to state laws that govern faulty vehicles. It offers consumers protection against defects in the car and gives them the right to demand for replacement or refund. A lemon, in fact, refers to a vehicle that has defects, diminishing its value, impairing its use and causing problems in safety. The Lemon Law recognizes the right of the consumers to rely on the dependability and safety of the vehicle that they have purchased.

Generally, if a car has been repaired several times for the same defect within the warranty period stated in the lemon law and it has not been fixed, it may be considered as a "lemon." You should however go to an authorized dealer to have the repairs fixed.

The Lemon Law requires the manufacturer and not the dealer to deal with the problem. Consumers who plan to ask for refunds must report the case to the manufacturer in writing especially if it is written in the warranty materials or user's manual. Remember also to keep all documentations involving repairs in case they are needed when you file your complaint.

Consumers are also given the right under the Lemon Law to choose a refund instead of a replacement. In addition, you can also get a refund for the expenses that you have incurred for repair, towing services and the use of a rental vehicle while your car is still in the service center.

Differing state laws

States have different provisions in their lemon law. Some states offer protection for both used and brand new vehicles while others only protect brand new car buyers. Lemon state laws also differ in the vehicles that it covers as well as the number of times that the vehicle should be repaired before being considered a "lemon.

California Lemon Law, for instance, stipulates that a vehicle is a "lemon" if it was repaired four times already; has been out of service for 30 days or has been repaired twice for a defect that can cause serious injury or death while the state of Arkansas requires only three repair attempts and one repair attempt if the defect can cause injury or death.

Most states provide a warranty period of 12 to 24 months or 12,000 to 24,000 miles, whichever comes first in their Lemon Law provisions. The defect must occur within this warranty period.

If the defect is serious, involving the steering wheel or the brakes, consumers are granted one attempt to repair. For safety defects that are not as serious, Lemon Law allows for two attempts at repair. For other defects, consumers can have the car repaired three to four times. If the vehicle has been in the repair shop for a total of 30 days within a year with at least one of those days occurring the first 12,000 miles, then it is considered a lemon.

Most Lemon Law allow for an offset in the refund given to the consumer in relation to the car's mileage at the time of the refund. Still, there are no specific guidelines over this and consumers can negotiate.

Though it is relatively easy to deal with some manufacturers, who would voluntarily buy back your "lemon" car, there are some who refuse to. In case this happens, services of lawyers are needed. Recognizing these situations, some State Lemon Law allows consumers to refund their attorney's fees.

Terry Dunn is webmaster of http://www.Lemon-Law-Explained.com - an informational resource that explains what Lemon Laws are and how they can help you.

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Could the Anti-Marriage-Equality People Please Make Up Their Minds?

For years, the anti-gay-marriage crowd has been railing against unelected judges “imposing” marriage equality on a people not yet ready for social progress. But New York’s gay marriage bill was approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor last month, and marriages began yesterday. As we mentioned in Morning Docket, it was really beautiful here in the city this weekend. The new law appeared to be quite popular.

And so, of course, the anti-marriage-equality people now want judges — yes, judges — to interfere in the political process, and put a stop to all these people walking around and loving each other….

The New York Daily News describes the latest attempt to thwart marriage equality:

Twenty four hours after New York’s landmark same sex marriage law went into effect, the anti-gay-marriage group New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms today has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn it.

The group, led by the Rev. Jason J. McGuire, claims that the state Senate, in adopting the legislation, violated the state’s Open Meetings Law by closing off the Senate galleries and lobby; and by holding closed door meetings with Mayor Bloomberg and others who backed the law.

But that’s only one part of the plan to defeat gay marriage. Towleroad explains the National Organization for Marriage’s three-step plan:

PHASE 1: Elect pro-marriage majorities next November that will approve a marriage amendment in both the Assembly and Senate during the 2013 legislative session.

PHASE 2: Protect pro-marriage candidates in the 2014 elections, so that the amendment can receive final legislative approval in the 2015 legislative session.

PHASE 3: Successfully pass the ballot measure when it goes before voters in November 2015.

I almost feel bad for these guys. It must have been so much easier when “gross, two dudes kissing” was the only argument they needed.

Some opponents of gay marriage want the issue to be put up for a voter referendum. So if I’m getting this right, anti-marriage-equality people don’t like who the voters voted for, so they want to put the whole thing to a popular vote. But “voter referendum” is to “democracy” as “rectum” is to “human.” It’s part of the system, but civilized people try not to talk about it since it smells like s**t.

And as long as the anti-marriage crowd wants to get all legal, somebody should tell them that New York State does not have an initiative-and-referendum process. We New Yorkers aren’t like the wild heathens out in California.

New York Governor (and 2016 front runner?) Andrew Cuomo is all too happy to remind people of the law. His spokesman, Josh Vlasto, had this response to the lawsuit: “The plaintiffs lack a basic understanding of the laws of the state of New York. The suit is without merit.”

The anti-marriage people are really up against it. Rights, once granted, are hard to get rid of.

Anti-Gay Marriage Group Files Legal Challenge to New York’s Law [New York Daily News]
NOM Posts Plan to Reverse Marriage Equality in New York [Towleroad]

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Quote of the Day: From Law Professor to Senator?(Hey, it worked for Obama.)

She’s an enormously affable, accessible person. I don’t think she would come with the baggage that someone from an elite university might sometimes have.

– Professor Laurence Tribe of Harvard Law School, discussing the possibility that his colleague, Professor Elizabeth Warren, might run to represent Massachusetts in the United States Senate.

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Law Student Jobs - Top Law School Myths

A career in law is what most of the students are opting for today. Be it the pay packages or the different avenues available in legal jobs everything seems to be just what you have been looking for. What was once considered a boring courtroom job is now being considered as one of the most challenging and rewarding career options available today. One must however prepare for joining law student jobs right from the beginning. The right educational qualifications are very essential in this field and if you lag behind in showing up your papers you might not grow very huge in this law student employment. Be it law clerk jobs or paralegal jobs everything requires good grades.

Decide on a law school first. Remember the better a law school the more are your chances of growing faster in this field. Also keep in mind that getting admission in the best of law schools is not child play. You will need to show excellent high school results. So even if are in high school and want to make a good career in law become serious about your education from the very moment. Getting into the right law school not only ensures you a good education but also a good internship and job placement facility which automatically results into good entry level law jobs.

Law students often carry many misconceptions or myths about law school. Read on to find out a few of the top law school myths:

Myth 1: It is a really bad world out there. Do not expect everything to be fair at a law school. Law might be fare but that doesn't necessarily mean that law schools are fair too. You have to fight it out on your own to survive.

Myth 2: Your professors will teach you what is required and if there is something else you feel important go through it yourself. You do not want to be made a joke of by complaining after an exam that few of the questions were not taught in the class.

Myth 3: Do not live in a hope that your professor will guide you as to what is going to come in the exam. Remember it's an undergraduate course and thus you will need to work hard on your own to secure good grades. For example an exam will never test you on lessons taught in the second semester if you are in the first but a bit of explanation which is covered in the second semester is sure to score a few extra points.

Myth 4: Never think that exams are designed to test everything which was covered in a semester. This is humanly impossible coz the huge volume of matter covered in a particular semester is just too much to finish off. The exams usually revolve around a small segment of the whole syllabus.

Myth 5: It is common student behaviour to think that the textbooks recommended by the professors will have everything they will require to clear the exams. This however is not the case here. Almost every lawyer will tell you how little help it was. You will have to collect information you need from various sources like the internet, newspapers, lectures, interviews, etc.

To learn more about finding law student jobs, please visit http://www.lawcrossing.com for a list of ALL of the many jobs we offer in the law field. Silas Reed, Writer for LawCrossing, writes articles that inform and teach about different law job profiles and law job advice.

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The Law of Attraction Fails to Live Up to Its Hype - Find Out Why and What You Can Do About It

Bob Proctor is quite well-known; he was one of the speakers in the film The Secret. However, Bob is not completely thrilled about what people have been able to do with the Law of Attraction based on the information given in the film. Mr. Proctor has known about the Law of Attraction for a very long time and has been successful with it. However, he says that the Law of Attraction is incomplete, that what was experienced in the film is (to quote Bob) "just the tip of the iceberg" compared to what is really involved. In addition he says that there are actually eleven laws. And these eleven have to work together. They should not be practiced alone if one expects his life to come together the way he wants.

Hence, Bob teamed up with Mary Morrissey and created twelve downloadable tracks, each one revealing one of the eleven laws and how it works. Mary is the author of two best-selling books: Building Your Field of Dreams and No Less Than Greatness. Building Your Field of Dreams was adapted into a PBS special. She has also worked with the Gandhi and King Foundations, addressing the United Nations when she served as co-chair for the Season of Nonviolence.

According to Bob, the Law of Attraction is only a tiny portion of the potential one has to be able to manifest the things wanted out of life and the life one dreams about having. Bob Proctor discovered this years ago. As he was learning and investigating these universal laws, he discovered a book titled Working with the Law, by Raymond Holliwell. Based on the knowledge that this book brought him, he realized that it is very easy for so-called teachers of the Law of Attraction to not understand it fully. Therefore, they only give a small part of the truth. And, according to Bob, if one only has part of the truth, that's all he'll get in terms of results.

Both Bob and Mary declare that in just one hour per day, anyone can discover all the eleven forgotten laws. As a result, we can take control of our lives; we can be successful. As stated before, there are 12 downloadable tracks or CDs. Each one is designated to a law. In addition, Bob and Mary are offering an online workbook to go along with the CDs, a membership to what Bob calls the community for peer learning and support, and Working with the Law eBook. In addition, there are bonuses.

The first CD is "Working with the Law", which is somewhat of an overview and introduction to the two types of human thought.

The second CD is the" Law of Thinking". Basically this one deals with the beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation, and that the beliefs should be changed.

The "Law of Supply" follows. Career advancement is the topic. Bob and Mary also reveal an exercise that acts as a devise to gain more abundance.

The fourth CD is the "Law of Attraction". On this one we discover the correct way to maximize the law by correct frequency tuning.

The "Law of Receiving" CD, teaches that the more given, the more received. In addition, a powerful technique that gives the keys to bounce back richer than before is revealed.

On the "Law of Increase" CD, praise is extremely important in terms of health as well as wealth.

Number seven is the "Law of Compensation". Here one can study how to get to the place he wants to be - where he belongs. Tips and tricks are shared to propel greater wealth, and another exercise to boost the life of our dreams.

The" Law of Non-Resistance" follows. This law deals with the ability to combat stress, how to accept nature, and how to have emotional freedom.

Law number nine is that of "Forgiveness". Anger management, learning how to forgive, and acquiring emotional freedom are the topics.

The" Law of Sacrifice" follows. Taking control of thinking, changing habits to better the position in the workplace, and making sure that we continue to personally grow are exposed.

Law number eleven is the" Law of Obedience". How to be joyful and at peace is the major topic of this track.

Finally the "Law of Success" is number twelve. It teaches how to turn a negative thought, immediately into a positive one, and how to conquer failure and turn it into success.

Those are just a few of the different lessons that are available on the different CDs in this course. There are so many more. And these lessons are so rich and full of useful information. One will actually want to listen to the CDs over and over, when given a chance to listen, because each time, it teaches something new. Each time a new technique, a new tip or trick to manifesting and creating a dream life is discovered.

In addition to the 12 CDs, there are some bonuses. The first one is from the "American Monk", aka Burt Goldman. Burt is a teacher-lecturer on consciousness elevation. He has developed a prosperity program that he delivers in four modules. The modules concentrate on prosperity and happiness. One module is called the Universal Bank Meditation which obviously is used to attract money.

The second bonus is an excerpt from Laura Silva's presentation at one of T. Harv Eker's seminars. Laura Silva, daughter of Jose Silva, the founder of the Silva Method, walks the listener through mind strengthening, taking charge of our destiny exercises, de-stressing exercises, and the "Mirror of the Mind" exercise. The third bonus is Silva's Centering Audio that brings the mind into the alpha level which enables inner peace and well-being.

Of course there are testimonials. Doug Wead, former special assistant to the President, John Assaraf , author and founder of OneCoach, Inc. and featured in The Secret, Vic Conant, President of Nightingale-Conant Corporation, and Cynthia Kersey, author of Unstoppable and Unstoppable Women are a few of the most well-known. Moreover, there is a 60 day, risk free guarantee that if you're not satisfied, you'll receive 100% of your money.

Sherrie Phillips
Law of Attraction and Self-Improvement enthusiast.
Get the 11 Forgotten Laws here
http://www.beeshee.com

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The Eleven Forgotten Laws - Free Bonus Package and Review

If you are looking for a review of The Eleven Forgotten Laws you may have tried "Googling" it. What you will most likely find are the sales pages that explain what is contained in the program and how they can improve your life experience. Here, instead, you can find a review of the 11 Forgotten Laws by an everyday person who has bought and used the program for themselves.

The complete review of the Eleven Forgotten Laws Program by Bob Proctor and Mary Morrissey covers four areas. This article covers the first two.

The Bonuses included with the program
What's Included in the program
How To Use The Eleven Forgotten Laws
What could be improved

The free bonus package of The Eleven Forgotten Laws includes:

Bonus #1: The Prosperity Program by Burt Goldman also known as the American Monk. This is a complete program consisting of:

#1 Make the Law of Attraction Work for You

#2 Do This to Attract Your Desires

#3 Lifting the Curse of Unfulfilled Desires

#4 The Miraculous Universal Bank Meditation (I just used this and two days later money and gifts literally came to my front porch anonymously)

The sense of empowerment and knowledge you can get just by using this free product in my opinion would be worth the cost of the Eleven Forgotten Laws program.

Bonus #2: Manifest Like a Millionaire by Laura Silva Quesada

Laura Silva Quesada is the daughter of Jose Silva, the man who developed the Silva Method. The Silva Method is the proven method developed by Jose Silva after decades of research. You'll receive 3 powerful videos of Laura's lectures.

Bonuses # 3 and # 4: The "Silva Centering Exercise" and the Silva "Mirror of the Mind" Exercise

The Silva Centering Exercise and The Mirror of the Mind exercise are powerful guided imagery and visualization mind exercises that are a part of the Silva Method of learning to enter the alpha level brain wave frequency. I have used these mind exercises many times as a part of the Silva Method. I can't say enough about these exercises. They have propelled my meditation practices into a different realm.

What is included in the Eleven Forgotten Laws Program:

You'll get 12 online digital CD's. Since they are digital you'll receive access to all the materials instantly. These are the lessons given by Bob Proctor and Mary Morrissey covering each of The Eleven Forgotten Laws in 12 Chapters on 12 CD's. Each CD consists of 6-8 tracks so you will receive a total of 95 tracks. You can listen to these online, save them to your computer, or you can download them to listen to on your iPod or MP3 player for instance.
A Digital copy of the book "Working with Law" by Raymond Holliwell. You can download this in PDF format, save it to your computer and print it out. This is the book that forms the basis for the program.
A digital downloadable copy of transcript/workbook. This is also in PDF format for saving to your computer and printing out.
The Free Bonus Package
A 60 day risk free money back guarantee. If you aren't satisfied with the program, you can receive all your money back no questions asked.

There are a few areas where the program could be improved. For instance, if you are looking for something that includes meditation or specific guided mind exercises these are not included with the basic course, although you will have the benefit of the exercises provided in the bonus package.

The Eleven Forgotten Laws are powerful Universal Laws of Life. These Laws are indispensable if you are ready to find out all you need to know to fulfill the promises of "The Secret".

Do yourself a favor and find out more from a comprehensive review which includes more of the areas in which the Eleven Forgotten Laws program could be improved. Get the information you need to make a decision for yourself about The Eleven Forgotten Laws program.

I have personally been studying and using the Bob Proctor 11 Forgotten Laws and I've written an extensive review of each one of the 11 Forgotten Laws.

If you are looking for more information about these lessons you can find them at The Eleven Forgotten Laws a review which includes the pros and cons and an inside look at the free bonus package that comes with the program.

My name is Gwen Phillips and I am an on-going student of spiritual principles and positive thought as well as sharing with others to improve lives. You can see more about the 11 Forgotten Laws and the power of your mind at my blog at New Perspective Today [http://www.newperspectivetoday.com/forgotten-laws/].

Also sign up for a free Affirmation Course. Affirmations are a powerful tool in using the power of your mind.

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Inside Straight: A Billable Life

Call me a step slow.  I’ve only recently stumbled across the memo prepared by Yale Law School warning students about the tyranny of the billable hour. As someone who billed hours for more than 25 years but no longer plays in that sandbox, I feel compelled to comment.

At the outset, let me type words that may startle lawyers just now beginning their careers:  I never felt burdened by the need to bill hours.  (Let the abuse begin!) After clerking, I started my career in the 1980s at a small firm that didn’t make a big deal about billing time.  I was instructed by one senior partner (and I very nearly quote):  “You learn the area of law that you’re researching; that’s what will make you a valuable lawyer some day.  I’ll take care of the bill, making sure that our client pays only a fair price for your work.”  (I later dedicated a book to that guy.)

I was told by another partner:  “We’re a small firm, so we’re not as prominent as the big firms are.  It’s part of your job to help raise the collective profile of this firm and its lawyers.  We don’t particularly care whether you join a bar association, write articles, or go on the board of a non-profit, but we do care that you do something to let people in the community know that we exist.  It’s part of your job.”

I thought those guys were right, and I took that attitude with me when I later (must have popped a gasket and) moved from a small firm in San Francisco to one of the world’s largest firms in Cleveland.  I continued to stay busy with client work, but I also made a point of helping to raise the firm’s profile in the world. I occasionally felt burdened by the crush of work, but I never felt burdened by the need to “bill hours.”  In the course of 25 years, while I practiced law at two different firms, no one ever said a word to me about the number of hours that I billed.

That cuts in both directions. On the one hand, no one ever asked me why I was foolishly wasting all that non-billable time teaching classes and working on non-profit boards. On the other hand (at least after I left San Francisco), no one ever said, “Congratulations for having written those books,” or, “Congratulations on getting that article published in the Wall Street Journal.”  But I, at least, took far more satisfaction in those accomplishments, and in the results that I achieved for clients, than I ever took in having billed a lot of hours (which seems to me like a uniquely unsatisfying professional goal).

How many hours did I bill?

I really don’t know.  In San Francisco, I never saw any record of my time, and in Cleveland I looked only occasionally.  But I’ll guess that I worked about 2400 to 2600 hours every year, of which I probably billed 1700 in my slowest year and 2500 in my toughest.  When I was frantically busy with client work (as in the 2500-billable-hour year), I basically eliminated all of my extracurricular dabblings, writing no articles, declining all invitations to speak, and cutting way back on professional reading.  (As readers of this column know, I also drafted my son to help with client administrative work.) When client times were slower (between large cases, for example), I renewed my extracurricular efforts to raise the firm’s profile, by giving talks, writing books and articles, working on bar or community activities, and teaching (Complex Litigation) at one of the local law schools. For my last three years in practice, I also co-hosted a blog, which required devoting a fair amount of time to drafting three or four short posts every week.

Those are my “credentials,” such as they are, to speak on this subject.

So what of the Yale memo?

To my eye, the Yale memo makes several (relatively minor) mistakes.  The memo assumes that lawyers take an hour for lunch every day.  For many lawyers, that’s not correct; lawyers will take an hour when they make lunch plans out of the office, but on other days often simply grab a quick sandwich or choose to eat at their desks.  The memo also assumes that lawyers spend a half hour every day “reading legal updates and reviewing general correspondence.”  In my experience, professional reading often gets done while the lawyer is eating that sandwich at his or her desk.

The Yale memo also assumes that lawyers working a 12-hour day will take an hour each for lunch and dinner.  That varies by lawyer (and, frankly, in my experience, by age).  Some young, single associates, filled with a desire to take the firm (or its clients) for every dollar that’s available, will in fact work until the time designated for a free dinner and then go out for the most expensive meal that the firm (or a client) will reimburse.  But more mature or sensible lawyers frequently do not.  In particular, a lawyer with young children at home will often choose to leave the office at a decent time, eat dinner with the kids (or, at a minimum, be home in time to tuck them into bed), and then work a couple of hours after the kids are asleep.  The “hour” taken for dinner in that situation is not at all an hour in the office.

Finally, the Yale memo adds commuting time for each day the lawyer works, including work time attributed to Saturdays.  Although this again varies with the individual, many lawyers believe that Saturdays were made for local coffee shops, which can cut the weekend “commute” to five minutes instead of the usual 35.

The general thrust of the Yale memo is thus accurate, although it misses the mark in certain small particulars.

And what of a life, such as mine now, working in-house, that is beyond the billable hour?

My workweek is far more predictable now than it was for the preceding 25 years.  I continue to occasionally feel burdened by work, but never feel burdened by the need to bill hours.  I continue to dabble in extracurricular professional activites, although not nearly as aggressively today as I did when I was in private practice, trying to attract clients.  For example, I now spend an hour or two every week at a keyboard, cranking out this column twice weekly for Above the Law.

Why do I do the extracurricular stuff, even though there’s no longer any payoff in the form of legal business?  I do some things simply to contribute to the community in which I live.  I write this column in part because my employer, Aon, is, among other things, the world’s leading insurance broker for law firms.  I continue to believe, as I learned in San Francisco a couple of light years ago, that one helps the cause by raising his employer’s and colleagues’ collective profile.  Perhaps I help the brokers a little bit by causing a quarter million lawyers to read the name “Aon” twice a week.

Also, although the law department at Aon doesn’t hire lawyers in droves, we do hire occasionally.  When prospective employees Google us, it doesn’t hurt for them to see that, if they’re lucky, they might have the chance to work with someone as hip and cool as I am.  (And I must admit that, for weird and inexplicable reasons, I also take some small satisfaction in having cranked out these semiweekly ditties.)

Finally, I still have one significant extracurricular chore that’s simply a holdover from my days in private practice.  My old blog, Drug and Device Law, attracted the eye of Oxford University Press, which solicited me to write a treatise about how to defend drug and medical device product liability cases.  I’ll confess that, after having written hundreds of blog posts about every conceivable issue in the drug and device space, I didn’t have a ton of unpublished ideas that I was itching to put into print in a book.  (To the contrary, I’d already published every mediocre thought that I’d ever had, and a bunch more things that didn’t clear even that low bar.)

Nonetheless, back in 2009, the publisher’s invitation was impossible to resist: (1) writing a book is one way to attract clients, which, in the drug and device (and therefore mass tort) field, can be worth a king’s ransom to a law firm, and (2) when Oxford University Press asks if you’ll write a book for its imprint, the correct answer is “yes.”  So I enlisted a (very talented) co-author, signed a contract to write a 500-page treatise, and then promptly left the private practice of law ten months later.  Even though publication of the book will no longer serve any business development purpose for me, I completed the manuscript.  Why?  Because I’m obligated to my publisher and my co-author, unwilling to quit a task once I’ve started it, and guardedly optimistic that I’ll get a tingle up my spine when Drug and Device Product Liability Litigation Strategy is released on December 2, and I finally hold a copy of the finished product in my hands.

I guarantee you this:  That tingle up my spine will come from a sense of accomplishment, not from a sense of having billed hours.

Mark Herrmann is the Vice President and Chief Counsel – Litigation at Aon, the world’s leading provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital and management consulting. He is the author of The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law (affiliate link). You can reach him by email at inhouse@abovethelaw.com.

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Lawsuit of the Day: Youngblood v. Irell & ManellaFormer partner alleges sexual harassment by Morgan Chu.

Morgan Chu

Legendary litigator Morgan Chu, former managing partner and current litigation chair at Irell & Manella, is one of the nation’s top intellectual-property attorneys and trial lawyers. He has tried multiple IP cases to nine-figure jury verdicts, and he has earned every professional accolade under the sun (see his Irell website bio). He is arguably the nation’s #1 IP litigator. (If you disagree, make your case for someone else in the comments.)

And now Morgan Chu is the subject of sexual-harassment allegations. In a lawsuit filed in California Superior Court on Friday, former Irell partner Juliette Youngblood alleges that Chu sexually harassed her, then retaliated against her after she rejected his advances.

Morgan Chu is widely admired — at Irell, where his rainmaking monsoon-making helps generate robust partner profits (over $2.9 million in PPP in 2010), as well as above-market associate bonuses; in IP litigation circles, where he is a fearsome adversary; and among Asian-American lawyers, where he stands as proof that we can excel at litigation as well as transactional work.

It’s hard to believe that such a beloved figure has been hit with such salacious allegations (which we must emphasize are mere allegations at this point, nothing more). But let’s forge ahead and check them out — along with the plaintiff who is making them….

Juliette Youngblood

According to the complaint in Youngblood v. Irell & Manella, plaintiff Juliette Youngblood, a 1990 graduate of Loyola Law School, joined Irell in 1992, as an associate. In 1997, she became a partner. Starting in 2003, she served as chair of the firm’s Entertainment Transactions Group.

Youngblood claims that she received many professional accolades and awards, including recognition from Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Martindale Hubbell, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. She further states that she was a strong rainmaker at Irell, with her business generation “plac[ing] her in the top 15% of firm partners in terms of individually generated receivables for years, including 2006-2009.”

During her time at Irell, Youngblood took three three-month maternity leaves (in 1997, 2000, and 2002). She claims that “[w]ith each child, [she] worked until the evening before the birth of her child. After each maternity leave, Plaintiff immediately returned to full-time work.”

The maternity leaves form an important part of her lawsuit against Irell. The allegations in Youngblood’s suit were summarized as follows by Courthouse News Service:

Firm partner was paid substantially less than similarly situated males. She was also punished for taking maternity leaves consistent with firm policy. Males who took approved leaves got credited 160 hours per month. Plaintiff got zero hours.

Plaintiff resisted sexual harassment from the firm’s highest income-producing partner at a “Happy Hour.” He got mad and stormed out. Later he falsely accused plaintiff of lying about a client’s payments.

That’s a rather tame version of the allegations — a version that also doesn’t acknowledge Morgan Chu’s superstar status. Let’s go directly to the complaint for more:

Wow. And in the paragraphs of the complaint that follow, Youngblood offers more-detailed allegations about the “negative turn” that Morgan Chu’s treatment of her allegedly took after the Not-So-Happy Hour.

According to Juliette Youngblood, Morgan Chu:

“falsely accused [her] of lying to him and the firm about a client’s payments on a prior bill”;kept her partnership point allocation “far below her similarly situated male counterparts”;“pressed for further reductions in [her] compensation, through a reduction in Plaintiff’s partnership points”;argued in favor of denying her a bonus;“repeatedly refused to approve Plaintiff’s new client matters, such that Plaintiff could not bill on matters, including urgent matters”; andcaused Irell to demand that Youngblood obtain “special conflict waivers” from her own clients, waivers that Youngblood alleges were (a) overbroad, i.e., not consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct, and (b) not sought from the clients of similarly situated partners.

This “special conflict waiver” situation was the last straw, in Youngblood’s account of events. She left the firm in August 2009 — a departure she characterizes in her lawsuit as a constructive termination, induced by Irell’s demand of the “special conflict waivers.”

Youngblood’s complaint contains eight causes of action, including violations of California labor laws, violations of the state’s Equal Pay Act, sex discrimination, wrongful termination, and breach of contract. In her prayer for relief, Youngblood seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as “reinstatement of the Plaintiff to the partnership position she held prior to her constructive termination.”

Pamela Teren

The complaint was filed for Youngblood by the energetic-looking Pamela McKibbin Teren, founder of the Teren Law Group. As you can see from her bio, Pamela Teren is a seasoned employment lawyer. She started her career at Paul Hastings, doing employer-side work — experience that she claims has informed her subsequent work for plaintiff-employees. (We’re guessing Teren knows Youngblood from law school. They both graduated from Loyola Law in 1990.)

Almost two years after leaving Irell, what is Juliette Youngblood up to now? In 2009, she started her own law firm in Santa Monica, Youngblood Group PC. (In addition to practicing entertainment law, she’s also making a foray into movie producing.)

In 2010, Youngblood was honored by the Century City Bar Association as Entertainment Lawyer of the Year. Note that her lengthy bio praises her 17 years at Irell and contains shout-outs to several Irell lawyers — “legal luminaries [such] as Arthur Manella, Werner Wolfen, and Richard Borow” — but not Morgan Chu.

Meanwhile, Morgan Chu continues to thrive as well. In May of this year, he scored a $500 million settlement for TiVo in its longstanding patent battle with DISH Network and EchoStar. In the same month, he was once again hailed as “one of the best trial lawyers in patent litigation.”

(And his two famous brothers are doing well too. One of his older brothers, Steven Chu, is a Nobel Prize winner who currently serves as President Obama’s Secretary of Energy. The oldest Chu brother, Gilbert Chu, is a professor of medicine and biochemistry at Stanford Medical School. In terms of their brilliance and their achievements, the Chu brothers are the Chinese-American version of the Emanuel brothers or the Foer brothers.)

We reached out to Irell for comment, over the weekend and once again this afternoon. The firm did not get back to us.

Recall, of course, that right now we’re just dealing with allegations. We will keep you updated on the progress of this lawsuit, including Irell’s response.

If you have any information you can share about this lawsuit or the parties to it, please email us (subject line: “Youngblood v. Irell & Manella”). We welcome all information, on either side or on neither side. Thanks.

UPDATE (7:10 PM): Am Law Daily has this report. Irell declined comment. Pam Teren told Am Law Daily, “I made many efforts to try to resolve this before we filed, but Irell didn’t give us that option.”

Youngblood v. Irell & Manella: Complaint [Superior Court of California - County of Los Angeles]
Juliette Youngblood: Entertainment Lawyer of the Year [Century City Bar Association]
Juliette Carolina Youngblood [Avvo]

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Non-Sequiturs: 07.25.11

* Now the “we patented buying things on your phone” guys, Lodsys, has amended their complaint to mess with Angry Birds. [TPM]

* Warren Jeffs, it’s time for your closeup. [WSJ Law Blog]

* Advice for law students: don’t sit around waiting for legal-education reform; instead, “[l]earn to stop worrying and love to blog.” [Tabulaw]

* Who doesn’t like crazy cover letters? [Trolling for Jobs]

* A useful lawyer blog dies so a person can get back to living his life. [Simple Justice]

* This looks like an awesome present to get somebody who has just taken the bar. Just make sure you get it for a person who is likely to pass the bar. [Approach the Bench]

* Congressman Peter King just said the dumbest thing ever. [New York 1]

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Reconsidering the Law of Attraction

I am reconsidering the law of attraction.

First, some background. I am a Christian, so two things tend to occur when I talk about the law of attraction - either, yes, excellent - law of attraction works for and is appropriate for Christians, and then the other response is...how can you believe in the law of attraction - God provides everything, so you don't need it.

Of course, there are many other responses, but I believe most of them are permutations on one of the two above thoughts.

So I am going to try to be clear here on both counts, and of course explain why I am beginning to discount the law of attraction.

For those of you who believe I shouldn't meddle with the law of attraction as a Christian - I ask that you will suspend criticism until you have read this. Remember - as a Christian YOU believe things other Christians believe you shouldn't. Although there is one God - and one Word, you and I both know that many Christians respectfully disagree on various topics.

Ok, my thoughts on law of attraction.

First of all, for a long time I have believed the concept that if you believe something strong enough, and you put the work into it to make it happen, generally speaking, you can get what you believe.

That is without the law of attraction as a guiding force, and that is without consideration of the Word of God - although the Bible is of course clear that "as a man thinketh, so is he" and "ask and ye shall receive".

And of course that is consistent with both the law of attraction and the Word of God, so not only does it work for me - but it passes both litmus tests.

Which allowed me morally to embrace it, not just because I believed it worked, but also it lined up with both teachings.

Of course where Christians develop a problem with the law of attraction is anytime that the train of thought or logic moves into the realm of "mysticism" or "a Source god (as opposed to the One God)", etc.

But I simply interpreted the law of attraction for me personally as being something of a rule, or law, like a physics law, that simple WORKED - God created it, we named it - but it works.

Make sense?

My logic was that God created it, it works - and it works for all, Christian or not - NOT because there is a Source god, but because the One God created a law - just like when the heathens prayed for rain, sometimes it rained, they assigned the source of the rain to their rain god, because they had prayed for rain.

With me? If not, read that over again, meditate on it, think on it, try to follow the logic.

Once you are with me - even if you don't agree - read on.

Now, the thing I have been seeing lately is a lot of comments about "the law of attraction doesn't work for me". And of course one common response is...you aren't believing strongly enough.

And then on the other end of the spectrum is people who are radically successful - but don't practice the "law of attraction"

So what gives?

Enter success. What causes success? If you read biographies of successful people, one common theme I believe you will find, as I have found, is that successful people believe they can achieve something, then they go out and do all the things that make the achievement possible.

They don't just believe and sit back and wait for the universe to manifest their dream for them.

They manifest it themselves by doing the steps necessary to achieve the result.

So I began to wonder - does the law of attraction work for some people because by believing the law of attraction, and believing that if they believe, the universe will make their dream come true, then it gives them the motivation to do the steps necessary to get the result.

The law of attraction is simply working as a motivating factor - the actual achievement comes from the work. Of course, in order to have the motivation to do the work - you need a driving force.

For some it is a painful childhood. For some it is being really poor and being willing to do anything to change that. Or for some it is practicing the law of attraction.

But that is just the motivation.

The actual result comes from doing the work, not the law of attraction.

Do you want to learn more?

Download my free guide here before I start charging for it: internet marketing answer

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Law and Culture in America Are Inseparable

Lawrence Friedman, an American law professor and expert in American legal history, once said, "Law is a massive vital presence in the United States. It is too important to be left to lawyers". This statement advocates the involvement of society in legal matters and subtly sums up the raison d'être of the Law and Society movement. This movement, representing an unchallenged relationship between law and culture, was initiated after the Second World War by some sociologists who took a keen interest in the study of law.

The Fusion of Law and Culture

Law cannot be made mutually exclusive of the culture that it operates in. This is because the law of a land is to a large extent defined by the socio-cultural norms and morals. This is the reason why the practice of law varies across countries. This relationship is further strengthened when law becomes interconnected with all aspects of life, from religion to education, medicine, horticulture and other fields.

Do you ever wonder why people feel fascinated by lawyers, judges, intricate legal cases and the judiciary? Why do writers feel the urge to write novels about law? Why do people get mesmerized while reading about lawsuits and legal issues? How do theatre actors transform themselves into subtle and witty attorneys? Because, law has such a strong hold over our society and it is almost impossible to segregate law and culture.

Law and Culture in American Context

American sociologists believe law to be itself a cultural form that is formulated, established and shaped by the society in which it operates. Similarly, the culture of a society is formed and modified by the disciplinary legal forces.

Moreover, the popular concept of law has now entered the domain of creative arts and media. Various plots and narratives revolve around legal actions that arouse the interest of the spectators, who by nature are always curious about the world of law. These concocted manifestations have changed the very way in which law operates. Today, law and culture mingle together to determine standards that are to be followed by the inhabitants of a particular society.

The Forum on Law, Culture & Society is a public humanities program that invites you to quench your thirst for knowledge on matters related to law and culture. The forum gives you the opportunity to converse with prominent artists and leading public figures. Visit http://www.forumonlawcultureandsociety.org/ and join the community. It is open to everyone and free!

To get more information and articles on law and culture, Visit us online at Forumonlawcultureandsociety.org.

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Mother-In-Laws - How to Be a Mother-In-Law to Your Daughter-In-Law

What can a mother-in-law do to have a positive relationship with her daughter-in-law? The following are some of the things we can do to enhance this important relationship and ensure that life does not become a battlefield.

- Don't interfere in your son and daughter-in-law's lives. This includes things such as: not dropping in unexpectedly, giving unasked for advice, overstepping the boundaries, or mentioning possible events to grandchildren without first confirming with their parents;

- Because most young families lead exceedingly busy lives, be aware of this and don't call when it is the children's bedtimes, their meal times or when you know they are rushing out the door to go to school, a soccer practice or music lessons;

- Be an involved fun grandparent but only as much as their parents want you to be. It will no doubt be appreciated also if you are available for occasional babysitting;

- If babysitting, try to follow the parents' rules and way of doing things. This may be more important with some families than with others. With one son and his family and with my daughter, they feel it's a grandparent's right to do things their way. But with two other sons and their families, they have very definite ways of doing things. In this case, it's particularly important to respect their wishes in order to avoid family conflicts;

- If offering help to your daughter-in-law, don't be offended or hurt if she asks her own mother or a friend instead. Each person has their own way of doing things and sometimes a daughter-in-law may not have the confidence to tell her mother-in-law that isn't how she wants something done;

- Be friendly and affectionate but don't expect that your daughter-in-law will have the same relationship with you that she has with her own mother; after all you are the mother-in-law, not the mother. To expect otherwise is only asking for heartache;

- However, do treat your daughter-in-law as lovingly as you do your son and grandchildren keeping in mind the boundaries each person establishes. All boundaries should be honored;

- Have open communication. Don't carry on conversations with your son and make your daughter-in-law feel left out. Be fair in all interactions with your daughter-in-law. Treat her as a daughter to ensure that she truly feels that she is part of the family;

- Be respectful of different opinions and attitudes - not all of us agree on everything and daughter-in-laws are no different;

- Be aware of what has not been said, and develop a thick skin, if necessary;

- Don't take it upon yourself to discipline your grandchildren when their parents are there to do it. If they don't, even if you think they should, they are their children and any discipline is their decision to make;

- Appreciate your daughter-in-law as the mother of your special grandchildren. She is also another daughter to love;

- Don't criticize your daughter-in-law to your son - most sons will side with their wives. After all, they have to live with them. This happened to my mother and she was alienated from the family of her son and daughter-in-law for two years. It is only natural that when your son marries, his wife and children become his first priority. As a mother/mother-in-law, you take a backseat. However, you won't be stuck in the backseat by yourself if you can have a good relationship with your daughter-in-law;

- Retain your sense of humor and keep your hurt feelings locked in the bathroom with you;

- Take an interest in your daughter-in-law and be complimentary;

- Don't be self-centered and talk only about your own interests, health, etc. And definitely, if you're having a grumpy day, do not go to the home of your son and daughter-in-law, stay home and grumble to your best friend, if necessary.

The most crucial thing to remember with a daughter-in-law relationship is respect. Although, like everything else, it does take two to make anything work properly. One, no matter how hard they try, is not going to be able to do it if the other is determined that the relationship will not work. I am, therefore, fortunate to have been blessed with excellent daughter-in-laws.

Sylvia Behnish has recently published her first non-fiction book entitled "Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)" and her first fiction novel entitled "His Sins", a three generation family saga. She has also had numerous articles published in newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States on subjects relating to family issues, brain injuries, motivational topics and travel.

"Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)" and "His Sins" can be ordered by e-mail at: http://www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com

Blog: http://www.sbehnish.blogspot.com

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How to Add Power to The Laws of Magic

Understanding the Laws of Magic is only a beginning. Now it's time to begin to apply them in your life. By adding Correspondences, Affirmations and Magical Gestures to your creative work, you will amp up the power and bring the Laws of the Universe more firmly into alignment with what you are creating.

The Four Magical Laws are:

The Law of Willpower
The Law of Correspondence
The Law of Astral Light
The Law of Imagination

The four Correspondences for these laws are:

The Law of Willpower- fire
The Law of Correspondence- water.
The law of Astral Light-air.
The Law of Imagination-earth

The four Affirmations for these laws are:

The Law of Willpower's affirmation is, I Will.
The Law of Correspondence's affirmation is, I Choose.
The Law of Astral Light's affirmation is, I Create.
The Law of Imagination's affirmation is, I See.

Here are the gestures/signs developed to be used when working with the magical laws

The Law of Willpower-The Sign of the Willing. As you state the affirmation, I Will, Touch your Third Eye with the first two fingers of your right hand. This gesture symbolizes your mental intent.
The Law of Correspondence-the Sign of Choosing. Symbolically gesture your choosing of specific forces and attributions in your magic work by stretching the right arm straight in front of you. Point into the future with your index finger and state the affirmation, I Choose.
The Law of Astral Light-The Sign of Creating. Create a power ball by cupping your hands in front of your Solar Plexus, right hand above the left hand. While making this gesture state the affirmation, I Create.
The Law of Imagination-The Sign of Seeing. With both hands, form a triangle from your thumbs and fingers, your fingers pointing upward. Hold the triangle over your Third Eye with your palms facing outward. As you make the affirmation of, I See, move your arms outward and slightly up above your head as though you were casting what you see out into the Universe.

To bring the greatest power into your magical work requires using your whole being, not just a chant or a wave of your wand. The Magical Laws along with their correspondences, affirmations and gestures help ignite your desires and empower the manifestation process. For even greater power, use these with the Triangle of Evocation. You can read more about the Triangle of Evocation in my article of the same title.

LILLIE RUBY is a 5th Generation Psychic/Medium. To find out more visit her website: http://www.lillieruby.org

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