Law New: How to Get Legal Work That Makes a Difference
The practice of law is one that is constantly evolving. For many lawyers, that means taking on new clients, embracing technology, and using a different approach to legal services than what has been used in the past. These new strategies are sometimes referred to as “New Law,” and they are gaining momentum throughout the legal industry. This term can be hard to define, but it typically means working with underserved communities, developing innovative practices, and employing a leadership structure that is not the same as what would be found in standard practice.
For example, in recent years, many legal companies have been referred to as “alternative legal service providers” (ALSPs). While these firms offer different types of legal services, the main thing they all have in common is that their business model focuses on offering legal help outside of a traditional law firm setting. The idea is that these companies are able to provide a more efficient, cost-effective way to get legal help than traditional law firms.
Similarly, in the world of law, it’s also become popular for large corporations to hire attorneys directly from law school or who have left big-firm legal jobs to take on more independent client matters. Some of these independent lawyers are known as “lawyer entrepreneurs.” For them, this type of law practice offers a chance to build their own practice and pursue legal work that they are passionate about.
A new law in California will bring a bit more transparency to the workplace by requiring employers to publish salary ranges for positions in job postings. But intense business opposition has blocked provisions that would have made the law more comprehensive, and some specialists question whether it will really make much of a difference.
In other local news, a new law will require City agencies to give employees and job applicants information about student loan forgiveness programs. It also expands paid safe leave for victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, stalking and human trafficking, and their family members.
The other big development in local law is that the City will soon require all food service establishments to post menu items and prices in English. It’s a move that the Mayor says will ensure the City is a leader in consumer protection.
This week, the City Council approved several laws and rules that will affect businesses, employees and consumers. To see a complete list of law and rule changes, check the New York City Council Legislation website and NYC Rules. To learn more about a particular bill, click on its name. Then, for more detailed analysis, read the full text of the bill. DCWP is a City agency that enforces City laws and regulations on behalf of the people of New York City. For more on this and other issues of interest, visit DCWP’s New York Law Weekly blog.