Lawline.com

This week we are kicking the friday five to the curb.  But don't fret.....we have something else in store.

Recently, we were announced as a finalist for the Customer Service category of the  New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards of 2009.  In celebration of this achievement we decided to amp our normal Friday Five to a Friday Ten.  Customer service is our passion.  Here are the top ten things you may or may not have known about Customer Service at Lawline.com.

1)    Customer support messages (through phone and e-mail) are checked and answered regularly by the friendly Lawline.com team during weeknights and weekends.

2)    Support e-mails are answered on average within fifteen minutes of submission on weekdays.

3)    In the past month three of our customers loved us so much that they joined our faculty! (Click here to find out more about becoming a faculty member.)

4)    We do our best to get to know every customer we speak to on a personal level.  It's important you know that you can rely on us in any situation, especially when those deadlines are approaching.

5)    Not a phone person?   Don’t worry about it! If you need customer support, you can also access us via LivePerson, an live online chat system where you can talk to someone on the Lawline.com support team instantly.  Don’t worry, we all type fast.

6)    Our customer service staff is awesome.  We promise you.  (Just give us a call and find out!)

7)    We hear you. We review course comments and recommendations on a regular basis.  If customers have a complaint, we address it.  When a customer makes a recommendation, we add it to a list and analyze and consider these recommendations.

8)    We follow up.  Seriously…we can’t sleep unless we know your issue was resolved.

9)    You won’t have to tell us again!  If you called or e-mailed us before about an issue, we already have it recorded.  The next time you need to ask us a question, the team member will know your technical problem before you even dial the number (okay, not quite, but we’re getting there).

10)     Best of all…our product is so seamless that chances are that you will never have to talk to us.  But you know….we are here if you need us.
 
If you have any comments or suggestions don't hesitate to contact us at support@lawline.com or 1-800-LAWLINE.

Today is Friday.  It is the second Friday in the month of May.  And it is the first Friday of the rest of your life.  I got an email last night with the subject line, 21 Secrets of a Happy Life: Each New Day Means Something.  As I read through the list, most of the items are the same little tidbits of knowledge you hear from time to time.  But some of them jumped out, and the fact that they were listed all together made them meaningful.  So I have comprised five of them here as things that you should do every Friday.  If everyone followed these tips at least one day a week, we’d all be better off.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO EVERY SINGLE FRIDAY OF YOUR LIFE

1. Do Something Unexpected for Someone.  This includes giving someone a gift, helping them out with a task or chore, or letting them do something they really want to do.  It should be someone new every Friday.  You will find that as you start doing unexpected things like this, the action will spread.  Everyone loves a surprise, and you will feel good for doing it.

2. Call an Old Friend or Acquaintance You Haven’t Spoken To in a While Just to Chat.  When you have some time, think of a relationship that you really have not kept up with as much as you would like.  Again, a new person every Friday will help keep the spirit going.  When they answer, be genuinely excited to hear their voice.  Don’t have an agenda, just casually catch up and ask questions like how they are doing and what they have been up to.

3. Tell Someone in Your Day to Day Life that You Appreciate Everything they Do and Mean it.  This can be someone you work with, a family member, or even someone you see casually in passing like the woman who sells you coffee every morning.  Look them in the eyes and tell them they do a great job.  Though they may be caught off guard, that will stick with them the rest of the day.

4. Take 30 Minutes and Just Relax By Yourself.  This is always a good idea.  Leave the distractions and pressures behind and just sit.  Whether it be outside, in your office, or in your home, just be alone with your thoughts.  Don’t concentrate on anything in particular, just let your mind wander.

5. Laugh.  No explanation needed.  It is amazing what laughter can do to the way you are feeling.  Just the physical act of smiling and laughing has been proven to elevate the worst of moods.  Laugh by yourself, laugh at yourself, laugh with others, it does not matter as long as you are laughing and enjoying the moment.

Welcome back to Friday and the return of the Friday Five.  After a week off, we decided that it was time to get back to the old ball game.  Being located in New York City has its advantages, just not when the Pope is in town.  Try getting from point A to point B when all points are closed.  Difficult is an understatement.  Anyways, today the Pope spoke before the UN and addressed some pressing international issues.  I feel he may leave the U.S. without addressing some of our most pressing issues.  What issues am I speaking of, find out below.

TOP 5 ISSUES NOT ADDRESSED BY THE POPE DURING HIS U.S. VISIT

1. Steroids in baseball.
2. Whether or not Barack Obama is an elitist.
3. Polygamist compounds.
4. The credit crunch.
5. Mandatory CLE.

Now, I know most of you are used to seeing a longer description for each of the items on the list, but if the Pope is too busy to mention them, then so am I.  Happy Friday!

Spring is here.  Yesterday officially marked the start of a new season.  And it could not have come soon enough.  I think we are all looking for a little relief from the struggles of winter.  And we can all be thankful that it is Friday once again.  But today is Good Friday, so some of you may already be enjoying the beginnings of a long weekend.  If so, good for you.  But I am here to remind everybody that every Friday is Good Friday, and this is why!

TOP FIVE REASONS FRIDAYS ARE GOOD (I WOULD SAY GREAT BUT THAT DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF THIS THEME)

1. Tomorrow is Saturday.  Call me Captain Obvious, but this is a big plus in my head.  Knowing that the next day I can sleep in and wake up to do whatever it is that I want to get done is an incredible feeling.  And although some of us work on Saturdays, it’s never a bad time for a weekend.

2. The Ride Home. Whether you drive, walk, run, train, or bus to and from work, the commute home on Friday has got to be amazing.  It is like the weight of the world is lifted off your shoulders for the next 48 hours.  You can relax and unwind, mentally preparing yourself for the great weekend that lies ahead.

3. Paychecks. Though the pay schedule varies depending on where you work, I think it is safe to say that Friday is Pay Day.  It’s the day when all of that hard work finally gets rewarded, and the bank account gets a well deserved boost.  Now you can pay off those bills, go out to a nice dinner, or just save up from something a little bigger down the road.

4. Casual Dress. Now this may not go for everyone out there, but who can ignore the classic Casual Friday dress code on a discussion of Friday perks.  Depending on where you work, who you work for, and what your schedule is like, maybe you can get away with jeans, or at least get out of that suit today.  It makes everything that much easier to deal with.

5. The Friday Five.  Last but not least, how can I leave off the best part about every single Friday, at least for the past 23 weeks.  The Friday Five, keeping your work week exciting now for 6 months, has to make the list.  And I hope you continue to enjoy it for another 6 months and beyond.

Happy Friday, Happy Easter, Happy March Madness…catch ya next week!

March means a number of different things to a number of different people.  For accountants, it means a lot of work.  For basketball enthusiasts, it means the greatest three weeks of the year.  And for the Irish, it means holiday festivities.  And this weekend into Monday, we can all be Irish.  This very special Friday Five is all about St. Patrick’s Day.

TOP 5 REASONS TO TAKE MONDAY OFF

1. Parades.  Many towns and cities will be having parades on Monday.  A parade is always a good time and a great way to keep your mind off of work on your day off.  Take the wife, the girlfriend, or the kids and enjoy the festivities.

2. Guinness.  Taking the day off for St. Patrick’s Day means plenty of time to enjoy a quality Irish beer.  Guinness makes a strong campaign every year, including millions of promotions at bars and around major cities.  They keep track of all the beer they sell every St. Patrick’s Day and continue to set records year after year.  They are one of a group of companies trying to get St. Patrick’s Day recognized as a federal holiday.  Good for them.

3. Wear Green.  Since many of us would be ridiculed, suspended, or fired for breaking the company dress code, and you know you want to wear green more than anything else in the world on Monday, do it somewhere other than work.  It’s that easy.  But if you do go in, may I suggest a green suit.

4. It’s Monday.  Even if it wasn’t St. Patrick’s Day, why not take advantage of a long weekend.  It’s starting to get warmer as Spring approaches.  Take the day off and enjoy something outdoors instead of spending the entire day in the office.

5. Catch Up on CLE.  We are in the middle of yet another month where many of you have CLE deadlines.  It may be your birthday coming up, the month you were admitted, or even the late filing deadline.  Whatever the reason that you need to complete CLE, why not take the holiday off to fulfill all your requirements quickly and easily.  Do all of your CLE right from your home computer with online CLE.

So even if you aren’t Irish, you can enjoy this weekend with those of us who are.  Because luck is on your side.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

It’s March.  Already I can hear the talk of March Madness down the road.  Meanwhile, the country is encountering a little of its own version of March Madness with the state of the economy.  Everywhere you look you are bombarded with messages of doom and gloom.  And today the new job report came out for February, with data that fully supports recession concerns.  But do not panic, because when people panic, that is when the real problems begin.  Luckily, we have a Friday Five full of advice to help you avoid the media craze.  Enjoy.

TOP 5 WAYS TO AVOID THE RECESSION PANIC

1. Turn off your TV.  Recently it seems that every single channel on TV worth watching has news shows and updates.  You cannot watch the news without negative economic reports, and since you cannot watch TV without watching the news, avoid it altogether.  The only TV allowed will be movies, or anything pre-recorded without the commercial breaks.

2. Turn off your radio.  See #1.  The only radio allowed are satellite stations with non-stop music and no commercial breaks, which permit brief news updates that you do not want, or need, to hear.

3. Turn off your computer. I would say just stay off of your internet browser on this one but I know most of us will check our email constantly.  Not even your email is safe from news updates these days.  And the news media is the enemy here.

4. Work Hard.  This suggestion comes from two different angles.  The harder you work, the less you will be able to think about anything else, especially the terrible state of the economy around you.  In addition, it will help you avoid becoming a statistic on next month’s job report.

5. Keep Smiling.  If you are going to buy into the media frenzy that is being stirred up, keep a smile on your face so you do not spread it around.  Panic is like a disease, a very contagious one at that.  So keep smiling and you won’t get those around you as depressed as you are.

So there it is, take it or leave it.  Remember this, recessions are temporary, and the media is greedy.  Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Leap Day everyone!  It’s the one day every four years that begs the question, “Why isn’t it March yet?”  Don’t worry all of you March fans out there, your day will come tomorrow.  But for now, why not sit back and enjoy the extra 24 hours that you just got added to your year.

TOP FIVE REASON LAWYERS SHOULD LEAP

1. It’s Friday.  Since you are reading the Friday Five, you already know that it is Friday, but you can still celebrate.  Another grueling week behind you, it’s time to enjoy a few days off.

2. $$ Billable Hour $$.  Sure, the price of a gallon of gas will soon be $4, but the hourly rate for attorneys is rising at an ever faster rate.  With $1000/hr guys walking the streets, you can rest assured that you are well worth the money.

3. Your Job.  With the state of the economy where it is, you are lucky to be comfortably employed.  Either your firm sees your value or you are a solo practitioner still able to find and keep clients.  However, if in fact you have been laid off, skip to #4.

4. Your Free Time.  For those of you that have lost your job, you can take solace in the fact that more firms are laying people off now than ever before.  Now you have some free time to evaluate where you are at.  Maybe there is something you would rather be doing?  Maybe you want to start your own practice?

5. Cheap, Easy Online CLE. I’d be lying if this fifth one wasn’t a little selfish, but why not leap for CLE?  A bad economy means your time is very valuable.  So now, you don’t have to worry about fitting in big, expensive CLE conferences and seminars.  It’s all right at your computer anytime you need.

Whatever your reason, take this added day to enjoy yourself.  After all, it’s not every year you get this kind of time, only every four.

The internet is a quickly becoming the main focus of advertising and marketing for every industry, including the law.  There is no substitute for online exposure, as many professionals are learning the hard way.  You have to stay one step ahead of your colleagues if you are going to attract more potential clients your way.  At Lawline.com, we have worked with numerous attorneys to help them build their “internet brand recognition”.  The goal is to get your name out there as many places as possible to begin to develop your own online network.  Here are some tips.

TOP FIVE WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR ONLINE EXPOSURE

1. Write Articles.  One of the best ways to associate your name with a particular topic or area of expertise is to write about it.  Attorneys are always trying to get published, and the internet makes it easier than ever.  There are hundreds of websites out there that will take article submission from people in their network.  Most of them are free to join.  Submit your articles for people to read and your name will begin to gain exposure.

2. Join Networks and Directories.  Martindale-Hubbell, FindLaw, Lexis Nexis, and the Lawline.com Featured Attorney Directory are just a few of the popular attorney directories online.  There are many more like them and it is important to have yourself listed in as many as possible.  You may have to spend some money on a subscription fee but the value is well worth the cost.  These directories are well known and visited often.

3. Write a Blog.  Blogs are a great way to get your name and ideas out into the online world.  They are easy to start with many websites offering free blog hosting and templates.  The only trick is you have to commit some time to stick with it.  Add to it often, write about interesting news and trends that apply to your practice area, and people will read it.  It is a great way to boost your search engine visibility.

4. Update Your Website.  Websites today have begun to move away from the traditional one page information source, where all you see is a picture, an attorney bio, and a contact number.  Many attorneys are starting to add more to their website to make it engaging and interactive.  People visiting the site want to be interested.  You have to stand out from the crowd to truly make a name for yourself online.

5. Continuing Legal Education Programs.  CLE is moving online, and it is becoming much more of a marketing tool than ever before.  If you speak on a topic that directly relates to your practice area, others will see it and hear about it.  At Lawline.com, our faculty members gain immediate online exposure related to their Continuing Legal Education course.  These courses are displayed online and show up in search engines.  They are a great source of personal networking and referrals.

These are only a few of the ways attorneys can begin to market themselves on the internet.  The best thing about the world of online marketing, you can be as creative as you want.  The goal is to have your name associated with your individual area of expertise anywhere someone might look.

On the Friday leading into Presidents’ Day Weekend, it only seems fitting to think about the oval office.  Who’s been there, who’s going to be there next year, and what you are going to be doing on Monday instead of coming into work.  And, as lawyers, it is important to note that of the 43 leaders this nation has had to date, 25 of them have been lawyers.  This is a staggering number, one that does not go unnoticed.  There are many reasons that a lawyer would make a good president, but only five that made our list below.  Enjoy!

TOP 5 REASONS LAWYERS MAKE GOOD PRESIDENTS

1. Good Negotiators.  Negotiation plays a key role in many aspects of a President’s responsibilities.  You have to be able to negotiate with lawmakers to pass certain bills, as well as deal with other world leaders to work out deals and international laws.  Negotiation is a give and take where both sides end up happy with the result, and lawyers have a lot of experience in this type of interaction.

2. Confident Speakers.  Lawyers have to be able to convey their thoughts clearly in front of a group of people.  They have to sound knowledgeable and accurate at all times.  This is important in a President because a good speaker can have a calming effect on the country.  In addition, the speeches that a President makes can have a lasting effect on the nation’s policies and affairs so it is vital to send the right message at all times.
 
3. Knowledge of the Law.  This one is pretty obvious, as lawyers of course you will have a strong knowledge of the law, especially the area you practice.  When a President has a knowledge of the law it adds to his ability to govern.  Key areas such as constitutional law, international laws, and business and corporate law will play a huge role in policy decisions of any president.  And we have seen what happens when a president takes action with no regard for the law whatsoever.

4. Problem Solving.  Lawyers have the ability to see a problem from a number of different angles.  As a trial attorney, it is key to learn all the facts of a case and choose the best course of action in order to win a case.  As president, it is important to gather all the necessary information about every decision that needs to be made and choose based on the greater good of the people.  Presidents need to be able to see all the possible solutions and outcomes, and then choose the best option.

5. Bullsh*t Ability.  Let’s face it, the President will get into a tough spot from time to time.  They all have.  Most of the time it cannot be avoided, especially because of the constant media bombardment.  It is important for a President to think and act on the fly in order to keep the nation’s confidence and support through the tougher times.

In the end, who’s to say what really makes a good president.  Law has definitely proved to be a good launching point for a Presidential Nominee.  25 men have made it from the law office to the oval office, and we may see yet another one do it this year.

As an Online CLE provider, Lawline.com deals a lot with legal assistants and paralegals who are interested in our Continuing Legal Education programs.  That got us to thinking, what makes a good paralegal or personal assistant?  Attorneys, like any employer, should know the fundamental skills and talents they are looking for when they decide to hire.  A bad hire, whether it is a personal assistant, secretary, or paralegal, can cost you unnecessary time, money, and stress.  This week’s Friday Five is our guide to a successful hire.

TOP FIVE THINGS ATTORNEYS SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING HELP

1. Communication Skills.  This is crucial.  The ability to communicate in person, on the phone, and through email is as important as any other skill.  To limit wasted time and effort on your part, you need to be able to rely on your assistants to communicate with clients and other personnel as if it was you the whole time.  The more they can do and say on their own, the less time you will have to spend clearing up mistakes or dealing with insignificant tasks.

2. Professionalism.  These people that you hire will be interacting with your clients on a daily basis.  In a way, they represent you and your practice just as much as you do.  You need to make sure that they appear professional and well-mannered at all times in order to give the people they see the right impression.  That all starts with how they dress and act on the initial interview, so pay attention.

3. Career Goals and Aspirations. This does not necessarily mean that they are using the job as a stepping stone to bigger and better things, but a good employee should be able to tell you about their goals.  If they have a clear vision of what they desire in a job and future positions, you know that they are confident and determined workers.  They will be more likely to put in the extra effort to get things done.

4. Proven Analytical Skills.  This is obviously very important in the legal profession.  Employees need to be detail oriented and willing to do some in depth research.  Even the smallest mistakes can be costly if you are working on a case, so make sure whoever you hire understands that.  This can be hard to identify in the interview process, but experience with some type of research is always a good thing to look for.

5. Experience/Interest in your Practice Area.  Experience in the legal profession is definitely preferred for the simple fact that is cuts down costly training.  The less you have to coach and train someone, the more you can get done.  Even better is if someone has experience in your particular practice area, because they will be familiar with certain types of cases, forms, procedures, etc.

In the end, it is not easy to say what makes a person a good employee.  A lot of employers use trial and error techniques, basically hoping that they get the type of worker they need.  Hopefully the tips above will give you a basic starting point to build off of.  But just like anything else, you learn from experience, and the more people you hire, the clearer it will be exactly what you are looking for.

It’s the one weekend a year where everyone is a football fan, and the NFL reigns supreme over everything.  Not even the primary elections can compete with the attention that the Superbowl will get over the next few days.  Even today’s Friday Five is all about this year’s Superbowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.  The Patriots, coming in at 18-0, are trying to become the only team to go undefeated and win the Superbowl since the Miami Dolphins did it in 1972.  The Giants will be trying to pull off the upset and complete a magical run through the postseason.  And, being that we are a New York based company, guess who I’ll be rooting for?

TOP FIVE REASONS THE GIANTS WILL PULL OFF THE UPSET

1. Eli Manning has no idea where he is.  I think it is pretty clear when you watch Eli Manning speak that he is lost to the world.  Now most people might think that would hurt his chances on Sunday.  I beg to differ.  He has an uncanny ability to remain calm and cool in pressure situations, never showing too much emotion.  That will help him control the game against a sterling Patriots defense.

2. Tom Brady broke a bone in his foot (I suspect).  I know we have all seen the video and heard the news by now.  Tom Brady has been wearing a walking cast on his foot over the last week or so.  He has been very limited in practice, and even though he will most likely play, it is very probable that his injury will limit his effectiveness this weekend.

3. Week 17.  In the final game of the regular season, the Giants just missed an opportunity to end the Patriots run at perfection.  Now, they get a chance to do it again.  Now they are more confident and have more experience facing Tom Brady and the Patriots offense.  This will prove to be valuable and could increase their odds of success this time around.

4. Spygate.  Back in week 2, the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick got caught cheating by “spying” on the other team’s sideline to learn signals and play calls.  Now, even though the NFL basically dismissed this with a minor slap on the wrist, the football gods took notice.  There is no way that they would allow the greatest season in history to be marked with an asterisk.  So, that is why this will not go down as the greatest season in history, but as the biggest upset of all time.

5. Heart.  Let’s face it, even given the fact that the Patriots are playing for perfection, the Giants have to want this win more.  They have not been to the Superbowl since 2000 and have not won it since 1990.  The Patriots, on the other hand, have won it 3 times in 6 years.  Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, Michael Strahan and the group must finally be feeling that this is their time and it will show on the field.

If you are lucky enough, or rich enough, to be attending this game, you will be sure to witness one of the best Superbowls ever.  For the rest of us sitting at home or at the bar, watching it on the big screens and diving into our (insert Superbowl party food here) will have to do.  Either way, I’m excited!

Big news for Lawline.com today.  This weekend, The Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas will be the site of the annual ACLEA (Association of Continuing Legal Education Organizations Conference.  As an online CLE provider, of course we will be in attendance.  But even better than that, our President, David Schnurman will be giving a presentation entitled, How to Write a Business Plan for your CLE Organization.  So, in honor of that, this week the Friday Five is all about why you need to go see this presentation.

TOP FIVE REASONS TO SEE DAVID SCHNURMAN SPEAK AT THE ACLEA CONFERENCE

1. It doesn’t matter what you do in life, the fundamentals of planning and setting goals will hold true.  This presentation is as much about the basics of a business plan, as it is about the important of such things as laying out your goals and projections, and following a vision.  It can help any professional to think about their approach to business, investments, and life in general.

2. David will be presenting with a representative from New York County Lawyers Association, our new partner.  This is a great chance to discuss the Continuing Legal Education world from two different points of view, online and offline.  It will be interesting to compare and contrast the missions of the organizations and the basic strategies they use in day to day business.

3. Not only did David write the business plan for Lawline.com, he founded another company called TrueNYC.  You will be getting advice from someone with experience writing business plans that have been successfully put into action.  He will walk you through the do’s and don’ts in addition to general strategy.  It will be an hour jam packed with information.

4. I wrote and prepared the entire presentation so you know it will be good.  I stayed up many a cold January night to get this presentation set up and finished before the conference and I think you need to be there to give me the respect that I deserve.

5. It’s Vegas Baby!

If you can’t make it out to Vegas this weekend, that is a real shame.  You will be missing a once in a lifetime event.   Maybe, if you’re lucky, we’ll tape it and let you watch it on the website.  Happy Friday!

At Lawline.com, you know that we are always paying attention to the newest and best technologies available.  It is quite obvious that the more technologies available to lawyers, the easier it is to manage the many obligations of the legal profession.  In this edition of the Friday Five, I want to pay special attention to the latest and greatest mobile devices and how they can help make the life of an attorney a little easier.

TOP 5 WAYS TO USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE OR PDA FOR LAWYERS

1. TRACK BILLING TIME.  Many of the latest mobile devices have time trackers and stop watches built in that are perfect to use anytime you are working on a case.  Simply stop and start every time you are in a meeting, on the web, or on the phone with clients.  This way you have an exact time instead of trying to remember your hours later.

2. ACCESS DOCUMENTS FROM ANYWHERE.  With the ability to access the internet and store documents, newer smart phones allow you to carry everything you need everywhere you go.  Instead of lugging around physical files and folders, or a laptop, you can access anything you need in the palm of your hand.

3. DO RESEARCH ON THE GO.  Again, the ability to get on the web from any location can come in handy if you need to do some research on a case out of the office.  This is great for commuters and travelers who spend a lot of time on the move.  You are no longer constricted to your office when it comes to researching case files.

4. MANAGE CLIENTS.  Wireless access to email and messaging services allows you to keep in touch with your most important clients no matter what.  Clients will appreciate this and it will help you retain more clients at one time with the ease and mobility of communication.

5. MANAGE YOURSELF.  With the countless personal organization tools on every Smartphone, it will be easier than ever to manage the many obligations you have.  Some examples of useful tools are calendars, phone books, schedules, alarms, reminders, maps, and GPS.  Use them wisely and you may find that you can juggle all your responsibilities and then some.

In addition, many new phones have multimedia abilities built in, making it possible to listen to Continuing Legal Education on the go.  That makes sense, especially for lawyers with busy schedules (most, if not all) who need to complete CLE requirements on their own time.  With these phones getting better, smaller, and more affordable, it makes sense to take advantage of all the tools that they provide.  It can make anyone’s life much more manageable.

As a Continuing Legal Education provider, Lawline.com maintains a constant communication with the many bar associations and CLE boards across the country.  It is important to note when there is a rule change, a reporting cycle update, or a deadline is approaching.  And in January, there are many deadlines for attorneys in a number of different states.  So to help remind attorneys that time is running out, below is a list of the five biggest deadlines to meet this January 31st.

TOP FIVE CLE DEADLINES THIS MONTH

1. Oregon.  Attorneys in the Beaver State have to complete 45 credit hours every three years.  This requirement includes 5 hours of Ethics, 3 hours of Elimination of Bias, and 1 hour of Child Abuse Reporting Obligations.  Oregon allows attorneys to take all 45 credits online, and Lawline.com offers discounted Oregon CLE Bundles for up to 41 credits.

2. California. Staying out on the west coast, California attorneys also have a deadline this month.  California requires 25 credits every two years, of which 4 hours have to be in the area of Legal Ethics, 1 hour in Substance Abuse, and 1 final hour in the area of Elimination of Bias.  Lawline.com offers a number of California CLE Bundles that include 23 credits for less than $400.

3. Georgia. As opposed to the previous two states, Georgia attorneys have a deadline every January.  They require 12 credit hours each year, including 7 general credits, 3 hours of trial skills, 1 hour of ethics, and 1 hour of professionalism.  Lawyers in Georgia are only permitted to take 6 of their credits online.  You can see a list of courses offered for Georgia on Lawline.com here.

4. South Carolina. Just like Georgia, South Carolina requires that attorneys complete CLE on a yearly basis.  They require 14 credits, including 2 hours of Ethics.  In addition, South Carolina also limits the amount of credits that can be earned online to 6.  Lawline.com offers a 6 credit South Carolina CLE Bundle for $175.

5. Wyoming. The final January 31 deadline here is Wyoming.  Attorneys in Wyoming have to complete 15 credits every year, including 1 hour of Ethics.  Lawline.com offers a 5 credit Wyoming CLE Bundle, the maximum amount of online credits permitted by the state, for $125.

In addition to these deadlines, attorneys in Florida, Texas, and New York have CLE deadlines every month depending on their birthdays and date of admission.  To all those with upcoming deadlines, we wish you good luck.  It can be hard to fit in the time to complete your Continuing Legal Education, which is why Lawline.com is trying to make the process as easy as possible.

Happy New Year!  We move boldly into a new year with new possibilities.  As lawyers and businessmen alike, it is important to use the new year to develop new strategies of growth and success.  2008 marks the year that new internet technologies and increased market awareness should lead to many new and effective ways of marketing.  Technologies that once seemed too difficult to master or too futuristic to be effective are now intuitive and efficient.  To kick off the new year of the Lawline.com Friday Five, here is a list of new technologies that you can use to help jump start a year of business development.  Enjoy!

TOP 5 TECHNOLOGIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IN 2008

1. Email.  Today the traditional uses of email as a means of communication have become so commonplace that it has become vital to the day to day activities of many individuals.  More and more, email is becoming a marketing tool favored by many to communicate with current and potential clients/customers.  Surveys, promotions, newsletters, and other email mechanisms can be automated to provide customers with information easily and efficiently.

2. Blogging.  Everywhere you look, people are blogging.  It is important to see that blogging has emerged out of a way for a few web users to write down their opinions on certain topics, and into a way that companies and clients alike discuss the most important aspects of any industry.  Blogging can be used to let people know what is going on behind closed doors, and to encourage an interactivity between businesses and their customers.  It takes the companies goals and values and helps match them up with their customers.

3. Video.  Online video has become mainstream.  Videos can be used in a number of ways as a marketing tool.  Websites like YouTube, Google Video, and the like make it easy to upload and host videos anywhere.  Videos can be used to share offerings, discuss values, showcase talents or highlight expertise.

4. Social Networking.  Networking sites are everywhere.  For every tiny niche or industry, there is a social network of people online ready to share their ideas and experiences.  Along with that, there are social bookmarking sites that allow users to share things they find on the internet.  It is important to take advantage of the communication channels there.  Companies can take an active role in discussions, listen to what people are saying, and mold the way they approach new clients based on that information.  It is a great way to create a brand name that appeals to the masses.

5. Podcasting.  News, opinions, lectures, and ideas are all being shared in the form of podcasts across the internet.  It’s just another form of online media that allows internet users to really listen to things they are interested in.  Just like online video, this can be a great way to showcase talents and experience on a given subject.  For lawyers, you can feature yourself on a podcast that reveals your knowledge of a certain practice area to potential clients on many online forums.

It does not matter what you use it for, only that online media and marketing technologies are for everyone.  Treat your practice like a business, and take advantage of everything available to grow that business.  We wish everyone the greatest success in 2008.

Hello all.  I know you have become very accustomed to reading a top five list every single friday.  Unfortunately, this week is so hectic that we could not produce one of any quality for you.  So instead of leaving you with nothing to read, I thought I would give you my own personal excuses to enjoy.

TOP FIVE REASONS THERE IS NO FRIDAY FIVE

1. It's Friday.  I know that might sound counter-intuitive, but today was just not the day to do any writing.

2. It's Rainy.  Even though I am in the shelter of my office, the rain has made everything in and around New York City so dull.  It does not put me in the mood to write.

3. It's a Holiday.  Looking forward to the long weekend has put me in a rest and relaxation mode.  That does not bode well for writing a Friday Five.

4. I am Too Focused on CLE.  And now there is a new holiday special, so it gets people even more excited about continuing legal education.  To check out the holiday special, click here.

5. I was too busy stealing this from UPS.

It’s the end of a crazy week.  Why do I say it was crazy?  So many things happened in and around the legal community this week that it is hard to even keep up.  If you are like me, you have had your eyes glued to TV screens or newspaper articles for the past few days.  Sometimes it can be difficult to try to comprehend it all at once.  That is why this Friday I have decided to sum it all up in Lawline.com’s Friday Five.  Enjoy!

TOP FIVE STORIES LEGAL STORIES IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

1) The Mitchell Report.  Congressman George Mitchell finally completed his two year investigation into steroid use in Major League Baseball yesterday.  In my opinion, the report was very thorough but offered limited insight into the underlying issue.  Sure some big players were named, but now what?  What does it all mean?  The one good thing that came from it is a detailed suggestion of future steroid testing that should be applied to all the major sports in the years to come.

2) New Jersey Outlaws Capital Punishment.  New Jersey voted to pass a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in the state.  That makes it the first state in over forty years to outlaw capital punishment.  The bill is awaiting signing by the governor, but he has already stated that he is in favor of it.

3) Law Firm Layoffs.  As if we needed another reminder of how bad the economy is doing right now, some major law firms have announced cutbacks and layoffs for the first time in years.  That is an event that is almost unheard of the legal community, especially among the more prominent firms.  And this is all happening just when there are more graduates coming out of law school than ever before.

4) Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Erased.  Federal courts ruled earlier this week against sentencing guidelines for criminal convictions.  Prior to this there were mandatory sentences for certain major crimes such as crack trafficking.  Now, judges will have more flexibility in handing down sentences in these types of cases.  The next step is to see whether or not the ruling is retroactive.

5) Depressed Attorneys.  Dan Lukasik, an attorney in Buffalo, NY, started a website and a support group for depressed attorneys.  This brought to light the fact that lawyers are among the most miserable people, according to some studies.  This website, and other movements like it across the country are opening up the lines of communication and help attorneys get the help they’ve needed but were previously afraid to look for.

And that wraps up an exciting week in the news surround legal issues.  I hope you will take the time to further investigate these stories, as some of them will have lasting affects for the foreseeable future.  Catch you again soon.

Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish readers out there.  We are right in the middle of 8 crazy nights on this, the first Friday of December.  This week, the Friday Five would like honor the holiday that lasts 8 full days by asking, “What else should be eight days long?”  And I think we came up with some pretty good answers for your reading pleasure.  Enjoy!

TOP 5 EVENTS/ACTIVITIES/THINGS THAT SHOULD ALSO BE 8 DAYS LONG

1) Election Day.  I apologize for being so serious for a second but this one is really something that I think is true.  The fact that elections in this country last only one day and takes place only at random designated locations makes it near impossible for many people to vote.  It discourages a huge portion of the working class, single parents, college students, and anyone else with time and location restrictions from even attempting to vote.  In a country where Election Day turnouts continue to drop, maybe it is time to take another look at the system.

2) Happy Hour.  Okay, now we are back on track.  Happy hour specials at your local bars are all well and good, but a lot of times they are too early to get the full enjoyment.  Imagine a magical bar, picture yourself at the door.  “What time is your happy hour,” you ask.  “Well it starts now, and lasts for eight days,” says the bouncer.  Perfect.

3) The Weekend.  I am not saying that we should just take all the weekdays and turn them into weekends.  No, I am saying that maybe we should rethink the whole calendar establishment in general people.  I mean, who says there are only seven days in a week.  Furthermore, who says we have to work at least five of them.  I say we make the week 13 days long, and we take off at least 8 of them.

4) The NHL Season.  I have to apologize for all you hockey fans out there for this one, but it’s time to face the facts.  There are many reasons why the sport is slowing dying a miserable death in the United States.  One major reason, the season is way too long.  This isn’t baseball people, let’s get straight to the point.  I say, just start out with the playoffs, which are the only games actually on national TV in the first place.

5) Winter.  Being this is the first Friday Five in December, it’s time we talk about how cold it is getting.  There is no reason to have a whole season for cold weather.  I think you can cram everything into one week and we would all be happier.  Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and one big snowstorm for winter sports enthusiasts.  That’s all that is really necessary.  Get that groundhog out here as early as possible please.

And so ends another edition of the Friday Five.  I hope I didn’t hurt too many people’s feelings this time.  On behalf of all us here at Lawline.com, have a safe and happy holiday season.

Well, we reached the end of the month, November is almost gone.  The shopping craze for Christmas began last Friday and is going strong.  With four weeks to go before the big day, I am sure everyone out there is stressing to find the right gift for all those special people on your list.   Here at Lawline.com we are all about relieving your stress, so we thought we could help you out a bit.  This week’s edition of the Friday Five is all about the best gifts this holiday season.

TOP 5 GIFTS FOR YOUR FELLOW ATTORNEYS AND CO-WORKERS

1. Paralegals.  Sick of your paralegals? Give them away!  We all know that paralegals and assistants screw things up from time to time.  You don’t need them wasting your time doing something wrong anymore.  Pass them on to another attorney in the firm.  Tell them how hard they work, and how much fun they are, but that you just don’t need them anymore.  That way you don’t have to fire anyone, but you can still replace them with someone better.

2. CLE Credits.  Now I don’t mean actually giving them the certification they need for the year, that would be against the rules in every single state.  I mean you can log on to Lawline.com and sign up for a block of credits with the Law Firm Discount plan.  Then say, “Hey Bob, want to share some of my CLE credits.”  This way, you are giving the gift of education, and getting a discount for yourself.  Selfish? Yes. Smart? Of course.

3. Billable Hours Counter.  See also: stopwatch.  This will make it easy to clock in and out of working on a case without tallying it all up everyday.  Your friend will easily be able to track all the hours spent on a case with the push of a couple of buttons.  How nice is that?

4. Breath Mints.  Let’s face it, the majority of attorneys spend most of each day talking.  Whether it is to clients, potential clients, witnesses, judges or juries, it would help to make sure your breath is as fresh as possible.  May I recommend a whole case of whatever minty delights you can get your hands on.  Buying in bulk saves money.

5. A Law Suit.  I have to admit, I stole this idea from the movie Philadelphia.  Take an old suit that you are never going to wear again, rip out the pages of a law book you are never going to read again, attach with glue or tape, and wrap.  You have just given one of the funniest gag gifts that money can’t buy.

While I understand that you may look at each one of these ideas and think they are stupid, remember, it’s the thought that counts.  I am trying to keep you out of the stores and out of the crowds.  So before brushing these ideas out of your mind, just make sure you realize that I am always trying to help.  Happy December!

I know, I know, it’s only Wednesday.  But it’s a special week.  With Thanksgiving tomorrow, we thought it would be better for everyone if this week’s Friday Five turned into the Wednesday Five.  This way you can sleep in on Friday to nurse the full belly, instead of excitedly waking up to see the top five list you have been thinking about all week.

TOP 5 REASONS FOR LAWYERS TO GIVE THANKS

1) ONLINE CLE.  The fact of the matter is that CLE is now mandatory in 41 states nationwide.  Soon, that number will increase to 50.  It is already in the works.  And even though this is an important step toward furthering the knowledge of every attorney, it can still be a hassle to get all those hours done on time.  Thankfully, now you can complete almost all of your CLE credits online with the use of new media.  This makes the CLE experience easier and less time consuming, so you can focus the rest of your time on your clients.

2) THE BILLABLE HOUR.  The average hourly wages for attorneys is rising.  In New York City this year some of the top attorneys in certain fields just topped $1000/hour.  That means that the lower wages are going to start to come up as well.  This is one reason that anyone seeking an attorney might not be so thankful.  But for you lawyers out there, its money to be made.

3) STUPID COMPANIES.  Even the smartest and most knowledgeable corporations in the world are bound to screw up from time to time.  And as a lawyer, that makes it easier to go after them with lawsuit after lawsuit.  Some of the big name companies that were in court in the past year are Apple, Merck, Mattel, Microsoft, and many, many more.  Almost every company who did anything this year faced some legal issues because of it.

4) STUPID JURIES.  Lawyers and Weathermen are the only two professionals that I know of that can be very successful without ever being right.  A talented lawyer has the ability to win cases whether or not he is correct.  And since the legal system in the US puts 12 average citizens in charge, you just have to be the most convincing lawyer in the room.  With simple tools and tricks you learn along the way, you can become a better lawyer by learning how to talk.

5) STUPID CLIENTS.  There are so many people out there looking for legal advice.  People are willing to pay you incredible amounts of money to help them out of a jam, try to win a chunk of change, or just assist them with legal things they know nothing about.  Most clients can be so ignorant that you can drag them along for as long as you like if you convince them good things are coming for them.  Again, you can control the outcome of a situation that is generating you more money.

So basically it wraps up like this.  Thank the world for being imperfect, thank people for being ignorant, and thank Lawline.com for Stress-Free CLE.  Thank you for reading.  Happy Thanksgiving!

We are now officially more than halfway through the football season and the NFL playoffs are starting to take shape.  There has been some incredible action already and it is sure to continue down the stretch.  Here at Lawline.com, we like to take a look at everything from a lawyerly point of view.  In that regard, here is a special Friday Five look at some interesting football related cases.  Enjoy. 

TOP 5 NFL LAWSUITS THAT NEVER HAPPENED

1)      GUS FEROTTE V. THE WALL.  I am sorry to say that I was at this game.  The Giants were on the road taking on the Redskins.  Gus Ferotte was the quarterback in Washington at the time (don’t ask me why), and he miraculously found the endzone on a short scramble to the outside.  But somehow, he didn’t know it was time to stop running and he gave the back wall a head butt.  And this act of stupidity sidelined him for the rest of the game and the next couple of weeks with a pinched nerve.  Now that I think about it, a better lawsuit would have been the fans vs. the players in this game, which featured a 7-7 tie and the NFL record for most punts.

2)      BILL GRAMATICA V. GRAVITY.  One half of the Gramatica brothers is a kicker, the other half was a kicker.  Bill was famed for jumping up in the air like an idiot to celebrate every field goal try that went successfully through the posts.  And most of the time it was how stupid he looked that would draw attention.  But one infamous day, his landing did not go as planned and he tore his ACL, sidelining him for the rest of the season and basically costing him his career in the NFL.  Oops.

3)      JOE THEISMAN V. LAWRENCE TAYLOR.  This one is difficult to talk about because it makes me think about the brutal image of Theisman’s leg being snapped in half when LT landed on it.  And even though it ended Joe’s career, I think it is more important for this one to be settled out of court.  Just for the simple reason that an entire court room would have to watch video evidence of that play over and over again.  Besides, LT has been in enough legal trouble over the years.

4)      LEON LETT V. DON BEEBE.  This case is a little more serious than the others.  The charge here is Grand Theft Pigskin.  When Don Bebee miraculously caught Leon Lett and knocked the ball away as he was dancing his way into the endzone, he stole the football, a touchdown, Leon’s dignity and his manhood.  Nobody (besides Bill Gramatica) has ever looked so stupid on a football field.  And this one was in a Super Bowl, so practically the entire country saw it.  Though I do feel bad, many defensive linemen never get a chance to score a touchdown.  So, it’s tough to say better luck next time.

5)    **  ’72 DOLPHINS V. ’07 PATRIOTS.  I put an asterisk next to this one because it is based on future events turning out as I predict.  The Patriots will most likely go undefeated this year, making only the second time in the history of the league that a team has done that.  And if I am not mistaken, the 1972 Miami Dolphins trademarked 17-0.  So I smell an infringement case brewing.

Since this was a fictional look at some lawsuits that did not, and could not happen, we realize we had to leave out some real law related issues surrounding football.  We apologize to Mike Vick, Pacman Jones, Orlando Brown (the guy who got blinded by a penalty flag thrown in his eye), and everyone being investigated for steroids.  Hopefully they are not too upset about not making the list.  Game on!

Week in and week out, we are working hard to produce the most recent and highest quality CLE lectures for you.  In this special edition of the Lawline.com Friday Five, I wanted to share with you some of the most recent courses we put together.  These courses are available on the website and are featured as a part of our state bundle packages.  Enjoy.

FIVE NEWEST CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION COURSES ON LAWLINE.COM

1)    Intellectual Property from a Lender’s Perspective.  In this course, Bryan Sugar covers the entire scope of Intellectual Property as it relates to the lender.  He discusses the many different categories of intellectual property, as well as the many pitfalls associated with intellectual property collateral.  The course will give any lawyer an in depth understanding of the rules and regulations associated with IP.

2)    What’s Up with Prenups, Postnups & Cohabs.  This CLE lecture covers all aspects of the laws surrounding prenuptial agreements, as well as postnuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements.  Arlene Dubin, a prominent Matrimonial Law attorney as well as the author of “Prenups for Lovers”, discusses the different marital agreements thoroughly, while also providing examples of actual agreements made by celebrities and their significant others.

3)    Basics of Operating an Online Business.   Operating an business online has never been more popular than it is today.  In this lecture, Olivera Medenica, introduces some of the major rules and regulations surrounding e-commerce.  Drawing on her experience as an International Business and Intellectual Property attorney, Ms. Medenica discusses the opportunities and pitfalls found in introducing a business online.  Included in the lecture are real life examples and cases that demonstrate the laws and regulations that govern internet business.

4)    Fundamentals of Personal Injury Practice.  Ron Katter, Esq. gives a step by step explanation of how to run a personal injury law firm.  The online CLE video covers everything from obtaining clients to handling the investigation and bringing a case to trial.  Throughout the program he gives numerous examples of personal injury law updates and he cites specific examples of personal injury torts.  A terrific nuts and bolts lecture for the personal injury litigator.

5)    Strategies for Litigation Communications. This course provides an overview to litigation communications.  Litigation communications is about protecting and providing counsel to corporations and individuals facing litigation. Emerging media trends have made litigation communications that much more complex, as well as increased their importance.  This lecture covers the emergence of 24 hour news, online journalism, blogs and global media.  It goes over a simple 3 stage process to dealing with public relations communications and counsel that will help insure a more positive result.

Each of these five courses is offered in online streaming audio/video format as well as in downloadable MP3 format.  This makes for a very Stress-Free CLE experience.  Happy watching.

We made it through one whole month.  The Friday Five has officially left October and is entering November for the first time.  There is a few things to look forward to this month.  First of all, you are in for five of the best Friday Five blog postings you’ve ever seen.  Second, Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  And also, November contains one of the best non-holiday days to take off of the year.  Here are the top 5 days to call in sick.

TOP FIVE DAYS OF THE YEAR TO TAKE OFF

1) The Day after Thanksgiving - Turkey is not the best food to eat if you want to be in a get up and go mood - I think we all know that.  So do yourself a favor and take the day off after you stuff your face with all the Turkey you can carve.  Better yet, just eat it off the bone and enjoy your four day weekend.

2) January 2^nd - There is no way you should go to work on a day that you will be nursing the only two-day hangover of the year.  After all, you just rang in the New Year.  There are still 363 more days that you can set the alarm and head into the office.  Not today, do yourself a favor and sleep until at least 9:30.

3) July 5^th - Fireworks and barbeques galore will take you right through the night, so you should just consider the 4th of July a two day holiday.  This is my prediction for the next national holiday to be named by Congress.  Get out and enjoy nice summer weather and forget about work for an extra day.

4) Your Birthday - This is one of the most important days of the year.  Let’s face it, most likely no one at the office knows or cares that this is the anniversary of you coming into the world.  Maybe they know, maybe they’ll bring in cupcakes, and maybe they’ll sing.  That still can’t beat a nice day lounging around the house and then a night out with friends.  It’s your day and only your day, so ease through it.

5) The Day after your Birthday.  While the rest of the days on this list are spread out through the year, I had to throw this one in to give you two days in a row.  It’s one thing to take a day off that everyone else gets off too.  It’s another thing all together to take a day off knowing that everyone else is killing themselves at work.  I would even prank call the office just to make sure they are as miserable as you thought they would be.  Make it count.

While you’re enjoying the day off, for any reason you can come up with, why not watch an online video or two?  As long as you are watching an online video, why not make it count toward CLE credit?  And as long as it counts toward CLE credit, why not do it with Lawline.com?  Happy November!

Halloween is just around the bend, and since most people will be celebrating it this weekend, I thought I would celebrate it right now.  Here is a special Friday Five dedicated to the massive amounts of candy that will purchased, given away, and eaten in recognition of this oddity of a holiday.

TOP 5 CANDIES FOR LAWYERS

1)    NERDS.  With all the studying you guys did in school, and still do with continuing case analysis and CLE, this one should need no explanation.  Next item please.

2)    ONE HUNDRED GRAND BARS.  I saw mentioned in an article earlier this month that the first few attorney’s topped the $1000/hour mark this year.  This means that to get $100,000 on a particular case is no stretch.  For this candy, maybe it would make sense to get the fun size, because you will be giving your lawyer a few “hundred grands”.  See also, PayDay and those little gold coin chocolates.

3)    JAWBREAKERS.  This is for all of those people that have an attorney out there they wish to see fail.  Here at Lawline.com we do not advocate violence, hatred, or anything ill-willed in nature.  However, giving a jawbreaker to an attorney could wind up eliminating his ability to carry out those long-winded speeches necessary for him to operate.  After all the pain he will be in when he tries to bite into one of these candies, he will have to resort to doing more research, and leave the talking to everyone around him for awhile.

4)    KIT KATS.  This one is more for the theme song than the actual candy.  “Gimme a break” could be the theme song of any lawyer out there.  With so much work to be done, every minor issue can become a major hassle.  If you ever feel the need to go off on a hysterical fit because there is so much to be done and people keep asking for your help, just remember the motto made catchy by the good people at Hershey’s.  Even eat one, chocolate calms you down.

5)    LIFESAVERS.  Lawyers take a lot of heat from the general public.  People sometimes see lawyers as evil or detrimental to society.  However, most of the time this is only because people are judging lawyers based on a lack of knowledge of the legal system and all the work that goes into it.  The truth is, when you are in a bind, a lawyer can be the best friend you have.

And so ends the sweetest version of the Friday Five to date.  I hope everyone enjoys Halloween, however you celebrate.  Just remember to save that candy for that much needed late afternoon sugar rush.

Don’t look now, but I think we just made it through another week.  Since last Friday so many incredible things have happened.  Al Gore won a Nobel Prize.  The Rockies made the World Series.  And you all probably did some work on a case.  I was also hard at work on another fantastic top 5 list for your viewing pleasure.  Please enjoy.
 
TOP 5 EXCUSES TO TELL YOUR STATE IF YOU MISS THE CLE DEADLINE
 
1) I AM TOO SUCCESSFUL.  With so many clients, and so many cases, there is no extra time to fit in those pesky CLE courses.  The schedule is too packed and there is not enough time in the day as it is.  What are you gonna do, sue me?

2) I ALREADY KNOW EVERYTHING IN THOSE COURSES.  The Allen Iverson “I am so good I don’t need to practice” approach.  There is nobody out there that knows more about the law than I do.  I learn more by listening to the thoughts in my own head than I ever would by taking courses taught by other people.

3) MY DOG ATE MY CERTIFICATES.  The classic elementary school excuse.  I could have sworn I left those darned things on my desk to fax in the morning.  Oh well, I guess Sparky got a little hungry last night.  Maybe I can get copies sent to you in a couple of weeks.  Is that okay?

4) THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR.  The Chicago Cubs approach.  I know the deadline was yesterday, but these things come around once a year.  So it seems that in about 364 more days, there will be another deadline for me to meet.  Well as long as I get that one I will be up to date right?

5) IT’S THE PROVIDER’S FAULT.  The blame game.  I did all my required courses with one provider.  Didn’t they send you the certificates?  I thought they were supposed to give me the credits for those courses themselves.  I apologize so much for putting my faith in them.  I will never use that company again.

Any way you decide to do it, do it well.  Sell it.  And sit there and take it like a man when you are forced to pay the penalty.

Welcome to first installment of the Lawline.com Friday Five, the weekly countdown of the best of the best in every topic imaginable. The Friday Five is a top five list on topics that vary from law and CLE to weekend and vacation plans and activities. You never know what you are going to get. To start it off, we have a top 5 list that every one of you lawyers out there are sure to love.

TOP 5 PLACES TO LISTEN TO CLE ON YOUR MP3 PLAYER OR IPOD

1) AT HOME. Nothing beats a little down time at your home after a hard day’s work or over the course of a nice relaxing weekend. Why not make it even more worthwhile by getting caught up on some extra Continuing Legal Education. Whether you are out in the yard, relaxing on the couch, or lying in bed at night, the home can provide the ideal atmosphere to absorb as much as you can about new rules and regulations pertaining to your practice area.

2) ON THE ROAD. I do not advocate driving with headphones on, but a car ride is a great time to listen to a good CLE lecture. The reason is, you’ve got nothing else to do, and you can focus. There is no reason you can’t plug an IPod or some other device into your car’s stereo system, granted you have the capabilities to do that, and rock out to the classic tunes of Personal Injury or Litigation.

3) AN AIRPLANE. Do you have some travel in your future? A long airplane ride can be almost unbearable. That is why I would suggest bringing your mp3 player along so you can listen to some CLE while you fly. You will be soaring through the clouds and cruising through this year’s mandatory credit requirements at the same time. That is some trick. You know one thing, wherever you land, you will be that much closer to knowing everything there is to know about the legal profession.

4) A BORING SOCIAL EVENT. We have all been dragged to a gathering that we wished was over before it even started. Whether it is a family reunion, a corporate bonding activity, or a party that never really got off the ground, it can be a real drag. No need to worry, you’ve got an mp3 player loaded up with CLE courses. Not only can you complete some of your requirements, but you can pretend to be having the time of your life while you listen to a great lecture. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

5) AT WORK. There is nothing worse than a boring meeting, or the busy work required in a big case. Sometimes work can be so dull that you question those years in law school and think, “If only I were an astronaut”. That will never happen again if you fill every dull moment with the excitement waiting for you in your CLE downloads. Simply pop in the head phones, cover your ears, and continue to look interested and hard at work. Billable hours never seemed so productive. And just think, if your boss or client catches you in the act, they can’t say you weren’t working. Because hey, you couldn’t be a lawyer without your CLE.