Can’t raise salaries? Raise flexibility

Just like our favorite teams, law firms are drawing up new playbooks to stay competitive. Today, we’re breaking down the X’s and O’s of law practice strategy: some firms that can’t win on salary are finding success by running a different formation—offering more flexible schedules as they compete for talent. 

We’ll also point you toward a sports law podcast that even casual fans can appreciate. And we’ll close with some reasons why your firm might want to sponsor a local sports team, and how to measure the impact of those dollars.

But first, check out this football-themed fit that will have you channeling Elle Woods. Bend and snap it up!

A robot didn’t write this one. Idaho Law Prof. Jessica R. Gunder discusses the new Bluebook rule for citing AI. 

She “Just Shine” -ed on The Late Show. Justice Sotomayor has authored a new children’s book (in both English and Spanish). She talked about the inspiration behind it, as well as ICE raids and the shadow docket, with Stephen Colbert. 

Sworn yapper. This Instagram post from @atty.kunsel about the futility of client prep hits a little too close to home. 

Who owns the number 8? Athletes are starting to trademark their numbers and fight one another over them. 

What we’re (re)watching. The old "Frontline" episode about the NFL’s concussion cover-up, and how doctors and lawyers teamed up to expose it. Looking at the latest data on claims and payouts on the official NFL concussion settlement website really puts this into perspective.  

Work from home for the win

Can’t compete with Cravath on salaries? Law.com’s latest survey of mid-level associates found that flexible work schedules can even the playing field. Firms without in-office mandates are attracting high-performing attorneys who want more control over their schedules. And firms that want everyone in-office every day are having to pay up.

Why this matters: Compensation isn’t the only factor current and potential employees are considering as they weigh their employment options. Allowing attorneys to work remotely is good for everyone if it keeps people happy and costs down. (Law.com)

Hallucination fault

A California appeals court fined a lawyer $10,000 for filing briefs full of AI-generated fake citations. But the twist? It denied attorneys’ fees to the opposing counsel — because they didn’t catch or report the errors. 

Why this matters: This case may mark a turning point in how courts view professional diligence in the age of AI. Lawyers have always been expected to check their own work—now they may be expected to review their opponent’s filings just as closely. (California Court of Appeals)

The legal playbook

Gabe Feldman—Director of the Tulane Sports Law Program and a legal analyst on the NFL Network—explains on his podcast, SportWise: A Podcast About Sports and the Law: "Most of the rules in sports—from salary caps to free agency restrictions to television deals to franchise relocation requirements to NCAA amateurism rules—are the way they are because of the law, and not simply because teams, leagues or players want them that way.” This podcast tells those behind-the-scenes stories and opens your eyes to the laws driving the latest sports news. 

Why this matters: Whether you’re a hardcore sports fan or a casual observer, this podcast is a great listen. It’s as entertaining as it is educational, and it gives you a lot of insight into the way sports, law and popular culture are intertwined. (SportsWise)

• Attorney fired after posting about Charlie Kirk’s death
  
• Are Trump’s strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean legal?
  
• Deep dive on the SCOTUS shadow/emergency docket
  
• A look at originalism’s broad impact on the legal system
  
• Private rights of action turn Texans into legal bounty hunters

Your next client might be sitting in the bleachers

Sponsoring a local sports team can be a smart business decision for law firms looking to strengthen their brand and reach new clients. Local teams, whether youth leagues, school-based programs, or professional or semi-pro clubs, often command loyal followings. By attaching your firm’s name to a team, you put your brand in front of community members who may one day need legal services. Beyond exposure, sponsorships signal that your firm is invested in the community, which can build trust and goodwill in a way traditional advertising often cannot. 

Why this matters: Sponsoring a local team can be a great way to reach your target clients. By incorporating this spending into your law firm’s broader marketing strategy, you can ensure you’re getting both the goodwill and the measurable returns that justify the investment. 

You're all caught up!

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 Raise the Bar is written and curated by Emily Kelchen and edited by Bianca Prieto.