Business Dispute Resolution: Best Practices in System Design and Case Management

Book Description

This text closely examines the topics, issues and challenges surrounding specific companies that have endeavored to creatively address business dispute resolution. The companies examined span a broad spectrum of size and industries, illustrating enlightening real-life applications of business dispute resolution. This text engages the reader through realistic examples and provides concise presentation of business dispute resolution. Each chapter highlights key terms and definitions, thus reinforcing important concepts. Tapping in to the valuable resources available on the Internet, Cavenagh encourages the reader to use the web by pinpointing pertinent sites.

Book Description

In the next few years, the world's senior generation will pass on some ten trillion dollars--more than the value of all the companies listed on today's stock exchange--to their heirs. Much of this unprecedented transfer of wealth will take the form of trusts. But the old Prudent Man Rule that trustees have followed for generations has been scrapped, and the new Prudent Investor Rule, which now applies in most states, drastically changes the way trusts must be operated. Trustees cannot hope to learn "on the job": today's investment principles and portfolio management techniques are too demanding. With Investing and Managing Trusts under the New Prudent Investor Rule, Train and Melfe show trustees how to manage trusts according to this important new Rule.

Many current and future trustees are unfamiliar with the far-reaching provisions of the new Prudent Investor Rule, which should soon govern trust investing in all fifty states. Investing and Managing Trusts under the New Prudent Investor Rule explains the investment and administrative obligations--as well as the new liberties--imposed by this stringent Rule.

John Train, an authority on building wealth, brings his deep knowledge and dry wit to this thorough guide, in collaboration with Thomas Melfe, eminent New York trusts and estates attorney. Train and Melfe also highlight the various forms of trusts and the major suitable and unsuitable types of investments, so that family trustees, as well as readers in the investment and trust business, law, and financial planning can understand the key strategic and managerial considerations.

This practical, straightforward guide--the first comprehensive discussion of the new Prudent Investor Rule for private trustees-comes complete with useful sample forms, management guidelines, checklists, and a glossary. It is an essential reference for all professional and family trustees as well as their legal and financial advisors.

Customer Reviews:

Finally a complete and easy to follow book on trusts.......1999-09-09

This is one of the few books of its type to explain all the important data points of managing trusts and investing. Its straight forward and comprehensive. This is written for lawyers and non-profressionals with an interest in this area.

Book Description

Provides accountants in small and medium sized firms the tool to expand services beyond attest and compliance functions.

Shows how to transition to other professional services that clients value.
Provides a pro-forma business plan for mapping a three to five year plan for the transition to a successful practice.
Positions consulting as an extension to traditional services, not just an alternative.
Includes many real world examples of accountants who have made a successful transition to new services, discussing the challenges and the results achieved.
Focuses on quality of life issues and how to get there.

Customer Reviews:

A truly paradigm-shifting work.......2006-05-15

Ron Baker is doing for the professional services firms what Columbus and Pythagoras did for the "Earth is Flat" proponents! "Paradigm-shifting" has become so over-used in our culture, but it is not mere hyperbole when describing this book. The work is quite thorough, implementing excerpts, quotes, and philosophies from dozens of well-respected scholars, economists, and management consultants. The work reminds me a lot of Tom Peters' seminal book, "In Search of Excellence" in the way in which the author sprinkles in so many great examples from other successful organizations and industries. In addition, he has many real-world examples (from firms around the world) of professional services firms that have successfully tranformed their practices. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to any professional who is trying to transform a professional services organization or who is wondering if there might be a more effective and profitable way to run a professional services firm.

The Essential Reference for Law Firm Leadership.......2006-02-08

I first read this book about 2 years ago. I keep it within arm's reach of my desk and refer to it often, still.

I've read one reviewer who stated that this book was the modern almanac of best business practices. I agree completely.

I run my own small law firm. We have implemented many of this book's practices with great success and profitablilty. Primary among them is fixed fee agreements. Yes, we are a law firm that has trashed its time sheets, due in large part to the inspiration and impetus of this book. And, we will never go back.

An earlier reviewer suggested that this book would be more useful for CPA's and not for lawyers. I disagree. Though I'm certain the message of this book is critical for CPA's, I think that any person in law firm leadership must read this book. I think it is particularly suited to small firms and solos who will have the ability to immediately take action in implementing these ideas and making them a reality in their practice.

However, if you are one of my competitors forget everything I said above and do not touch this book. My firm and my family will thank you.

Extremely helpful, well documented........2005-11-14

This is a very well-documented guide for any service firm. It's also very well written, very insightful and very well researched. It's real deep, complete and full of advice and wisdom from several great minds. I run a corporate reputation consulting firm in El Salvador and this is the most advice-rich book I've encountered in the last five years. I also recommend "the trusted advisor" by David Maister and specially "Managing the Profesional Service Firm" also by Maister.

Permission to Believe.......2004-12-14

The Firm of The Future coordinates both the theory and practical application of pricing concepts AND business service models in such a complelling manner that Baker & Dunn give Professional services organizations permission to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

While the Firm of The Future is geared to the legal and accounting professions the message and vision is applicable to Advertising agencies, Consulting Organizations, Marketing service firms and professional service providers of all shapes and sizes.

Cost plus pricing is short sighted and intellectually flawed.The intense pressure on increasing billable hours and driving down costs is destroying the creativity and core capabilities of Professional Service companies.Baker&Dunn explain the flaws of cost plus and hourly schemes and identify a road map which outlines how to move a professional services organization and it's customers to a healthier, happier, more productive and more mutually profitable business process

A great read---Inspirational and practical

Tom Finneran
Executive Vice President
American Association of Advertising Agencies

Must reading for the professional service provider!.......2003-12-04

After reading this book, you'll need to place it alongside your desktop dictionary, Thesaruas and Ron's first book "The Professional's Guide to Value Pricing. This is how strong of an impact their message has made on me.

After reading the first two editions of Ron's book, I didn't think he would be able to improve much on the message of switching to Value Pricing. Boy, was I wrong! He and Paul Dunn have done an amazing job of getting the reader to think differently. As with the radical theme of trashing the timesheet in "The Professional's Guide to Value Pricing", they do a masterful job of convincing you why the old "Revenue Equation" must be replaced with the forward-thinking "Profit Equation". They go on to introduce other new topics not found amongst professional services firms such as developing your Intellectual, Structural and Social Capital, emphasizing effectiveness over efficiency and of course Value Pricing. As is typical of Ron's writing style, and complemented by Paul, their reasoning for making this paradigm shift is well supported and well reasoned.

I've been using practicing Value Pricing for about 5 1/2 years now and I can tell you that it works. In my own firm, I've slowly begun implementing some of their new concepts but with a new perception. I'm convinced these principles will work for me and they can for you as well.

After reading this book, you'll definitely want to keep it handy as a useful reference guide!

Accounting And Finance for Lawyers in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)
Average customer rating:

Does its job: Teaches you accounting

Accounting And Finance for Lawyers in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)
Charles H. Meyer
Manufacturer: Thomson West
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Financial | Accounting | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Law | Subjects | Books
Nutshell | Series | Law | Subjects | Books
General | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Corporate Finance in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)

Mergers And Acquisitions in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)

Federal Income Taxation of Corporations and Stockholders in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)

The Law Of Corporations In A Nutshell (NUTSHELL SERIES)

Securities Regulations in a Nutshell,

ASIN: 031416295X

Book Description

The need for an understanding of accounting is now even more critical than ever for lawyers practicing in many areas including securities and corporate law and litigation. In addition, over the last several years, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has made some landmark changes in the accounting rules in areas of interest to lawyers, including the accounting for mergers and acquisitions. The Second Edition of Accounting and Finance For Lawyers includes important material on such areas as accounting for stock options and derivatives and the elimination of the pooling of interests method of accounting for acquisitions. There is a discussion of the accounting implications of the use of so-called special purpose entities. Finally, a chapter on international accounting issues reflects the increasing globalization of business and accounting. As in the First Edition, the basic building blocks of accounting are covered so that the material is accessible and useful to those with any level of accounting knowledge.

Customer Reviews:

Does its job: Teaches you accounting.......2004-12-08

After fruitlessly attempting to learn accounting from the truly awful casebook we were using in an "Accounting for Lawyers" class, I bought this book off of Amazon after hearing it made the subject approachable. I've generally been impressed by the quality of West's Nutshell series, and this one is no different. The subjects are arranged in a rational order, the book is edited well, and I understood the material after one read-through. This is a typical nutshell book- no superfluous examples or problem sets that no professor actually assigns, just straightforward doctrine. If you're taking an Accounting for Lawyers class or are a solo practicioner looking to delve into some financial statements without hiring an accountant, this should get you by just fine.

Winning Alternatives to the Billable Hour, 2nd Edition: Strategies That Work

Average customer rating:

Why should billing by the hour be "the rule"?

Winning Alternatives to the Billable Hour, 2nd Edition: Strategies That Work
James A. Calloway
Manufacturer: American Bar Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Courts | Procedures & Litigation | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

Reference | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

Legal Profession | One-L | Law | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This practical book details the economic and client service advantages of alternative law firm billing methods, the various billing methods currently available and how to select and implement the right alernative billing method for law firms of all sizes.

Customer Reviews:

Why should billing by the hour be "the rule"?.......2006-09-05

Why do so many lawyers simply bill by the hour?

In the increasingly competitive legal market, lawyers are searching for ways to bring their clients more value. This book encourages lawyers to break out of the hourly billing rut and try a variety of value-based billing strategies.

The book discusses how clients perceive the "value" of legal services. It also suggests how lawyers can assess such value--and bill accordingly. The book sets forth fifteen alternate billing structures and, most important, highlights the pros and cons of each.

As a coach and consultant to lawyers, I particularly liked the chapter on client communication through billing. This is critical: every client communication (including a legal bill) should be treated as a rainmaking tool. Legal bills need to describe the services rendered in a way that lets the client understand and appreciate the full value received.

Lawyers will enjoy the detailed appendix and attached CD full of sample fee agreements and other client correspondence.

How to Draft Bills Clients Rush to Pay, 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Short, Helpful, To The Point

How to Draft Bills Clients Rush to Pay, 2nd Edition
J. Harris Morgan , and Jay G. Foonberg
Manufacturer: American Bar Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Customer Service | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

Reference | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Collecting Your Fee: Getting Paid from Intake to Invoice
How to Start & Build a Law Practice, 5th Edition (Career Series / American Bar Association)
How to Capture and Keep Clients: Marketing Strategies for Lawyers
Rain Making: The Professional's Guide to Attracting New Clients
Letters for Lawyers, 2nd Edition: Essential Communication for Clients, Prospects, and Others,

ASIN: 159031252X

Book Description

This is a step-by step guide on drafting and formatting invoices that clients will fully understand, find reasonable, and be more likely to pay-on time and without complaint.

Customer Reviews:

Short, Helpful, To The Point.......2007-01-21

Brass tacks description of helpful billing. Would have been better if it suggested software that could be used to produce some of the bills they discussed.

Financial Statement Analysis and Business Valuation for the Practical Lawyer, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Not Bad

Financial Statement Analysis and Business Valuation for the Practical Lawyer, Second Edition
Robert Dickie
Manufacturer: American Bar Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Business Law | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Subjects | Books

Legal Profession | One-L | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

The M & A Process: A Practical Guide for the Business Lawyer
The Curmudgeon's Guide to Practicing Law
A Manual of Style for Contract Drafting
The Discovery Revolution: A Guide to the E-Discovery Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

ASIN: 1590314743

Book Description

Written expressly for business lawyers, this best-selling guide takes you step-by-step through the key principles of corporate finance and accounting. This Second Edition will update the title's content and provide additions to reflect post-Enron SEC and FASB rules and new rules regarding merger and acquisition accounting.

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad.......2000-04-25

May be too detailed for normal attorneys. Good use of real world examples but goes too quickly into higher level discussions. Could use a chapter or two on the fundamentals. Would recommend for beginning finance attorneys or "deal makers".

Average customer rating:

Basic Accounting for Lawyers
Doreen Lee , Antonette Colon , and Robert Whitman
Manufacturer: Ali-Aba Comm on Continuing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0831807911

Gilbert Law Summaries: Accounting & Finance for Lawyers

Average customer rating:

Gilbert Law Summaries: Accounting & Finance for Lawyers
Thomas L. Evans
Manufacturer: Gilberts Law Summaries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Law | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown1 | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accounting And Finance for Lawyers in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)
Financial Accounting: A Mercifully Brief Introduction
Gilbert Law Summaries Securities Regulation
Corporate Finance in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)
Gilbert Law Summaries Taxation of Business Entities

ASIN: 0159003822

Book Description

Gilbert Law Summaries are America's best selling outlines and have set the standard for excellence since they were introduced more than thirty-five years ago. It's Gilbert's unique combination of features that makes it the one study aid you'll turn to for all of your study needs! Walk into class prepared with a comprehensive outline of the law, a concise capsule summary perfect for a quick review before class, charts of every kind, a text correlation chart so that you can match your specific reading assignment to the relevant pages in the Gilbert outline, and an index and table of cases. Ace your final exams with a step-by-step approach to attack your exam, exam tips, and sample multiple choice, true-false, and essay questions.

Secrets of the Business of Law : Successful Practices for Increasing Your Profits!

Average customer rating:

a practical overview of how lawyers can make more money.

Secrets of the Business of Law : Successful Practices for Increasing Your Profits!
Edward Poll
Manufacturer: Lawbiz Pub. Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0965494837

Product Description

Secrets of the Business of Law will guide you to: *Raise your revenue & lower your overhead *Prepare for success by using a business plan *Recognize the top 8 requirements of success *Get and hold on to clients *Improve your client relations *Break through the time and income ceiling *Increase the value of your practice *Use compensation to stimulate team lawyering *Know if equipment leasing is right for you *Plan for business-interruption disasters *and much, much more!

Customer Reviews:

a practical overview of how lawyers can make more money........1999-06-02

This book is great: it's full of practical advice for lawyers who want to increase their bottom lines. The book is not overwhelming, the individual articles are short and to the point, and the writing style is friendly. I recommend it.

Results-Oriented Financial Management, 2nd Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide to Law Firm Profitability

Average customer rating:

The Basics - Clean and Simple

Results-Oriented Financial Management, 2nd Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide to Law Firm Profitability
John G. Iezzi
Manufacturer: American Bar Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

Office Administration | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

How to Start & Build a Law Practice, 5th Edition (Career Series / American Bar Association)
Managing The Professional Service Firm
Law Practice Management in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)
The First Great Myth of Legal Management is that It Exists: Tough Issues for Law Firm Managing Partners and Administrators

ASIN: 1590312384

Book Description

This hands-on, how-to book will provide law firms with budget and financial knowledge they need to make critical financial decisions.

Customer Reviews:

The Basics - Clean and Simple.......2007-03-20

This book is perfect for the attorney who doesn't have a financial background. It identifies key areas to monitor and provides help in establishing billing rates or fees. It explains the difference between cash flow and profit and a basic understanding of financial statements.
Attorneys don't have time to re-invent the wheel and this book is the wheel for Financial Management.

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