The next lecture of the CIPA Informals Foundation Lecture series will be held on Monday 31st January at 5:30pm. The topic will be Novelty and Inventive Step, delivered by Bethan Halliwell from Withers & Rogers. The direct link to join the webinar is here. Alternatively, go to https://zoom.us/join and input the webinar ID 926 2380 9299 and passcode 141291. All of the lectures are recorded, so that you can listen to them at your leisure and as often as you like. The recordings and slides are available via the Lecture Archive on the CIPA website (see https://bit.ly/3nBaTKt).
Monday, January 31, 2022
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Foundation Lecture on Monday: Novelty and Inventive Step
The next lecture of the CIPA Informals Foundation Lecture series will be held on Monday 31st January at 5:30pm. The topic will be Novelty and Inventive Step, delivered by Bethan Halliwell from Withers & Rogers. The direct link to join the webinar is here. Alternatively, go to https://zoom.us/join and input the webinar ID 926 2380 9299 and passcode 141291. All of the lectures are recorded, so that you can listen to them at your leisure and as often as you like. The recordings and slides are available via the Lecture Archive on the CIPA website (see https://bit.ly/3nBaTKt).
Foundation Lecture on Monday: Novelty and Inventive Step
click hereFriday, January 28, 2022
Help for 1Ls: Rebounding From First-Semester Law School Grades
First semester grades got you down? Wondering how you can work with your current circumstances to make the most of the rest of your 1L year? The ABA and Themis have teamed up to go over what you might do to rebound from a first semester report card that didn’t quite meet the mark.
Hosted by Themis Bar Review Director, Rebecca Petrilli.
Panelists
- Christopher Ide-Don, Assistant Dean for Academic Success Program, UC Davis School of Law
- Kirsha Trychta, Teaching Professor and Director of the Academic Excellence Center, West Virginia University College of Law
- Dawn Young, Director of Academic Skills, Adjunct Professor, and Writing Specialist, Chicago-Kent College of Law
Additional Resources
- Fall Semester Assessment Worksheet
- Legal Writing Formula Referenced by Kirsha Trychta: X test requires P to prove Element A, Element B and Element C. Here, Element A is/is not established because xxx. Element B is /is not established because yyy. Element C is / is not established because zzz.
The post Help for 1Ls: Rebounding From First-Semester Law School Grades appeared first on ABA for Law Students.
Help for 1Ls: Rebounding From First-Semester Law School Grades
click hereWhy every aspiring construction lawyer should join the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law
As discussed in “5 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Construction Lawyer,” construction law is the practice of law dealing with design and construction-related issues on public and private projects, ranging from homes to skyscrapers, railroads to airports, and everything in between. Despite the complexity of the industry, the legal practice, somewhat surprisingly, builds upon basic principles that we learn in law school: contracts, property, torts, and administrative law. Using those skills, construction lawyers generally carry out a cradle-to-grave practice that includes advising clients from project inception (with contract negotiation) through the building stages (project counseling) and project closeout (which often involves dispute resolution processes). The practice gives construction lawyers the unique opportunity to develop transactional and litigation skills, likely because the construction process has created unique customs, practices, and even vocabulary, leading courts and legislatures to develop legal principles consistent with the industry’s realities.
The uniqueness of construction law further bolsters the importance of camaraderie amongst the industry lawyers, and the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law is the perfect vehicle for that.
What is the Forum on Construction Law?
We’re glad you asked! The ABA’s Forum on Construction Law (the Forum) is the largest organization of construction lawyers in the United States and abroad. More than 6,000 members come from all practice settings: large firms, small firms, solo practitioners, government lawyers, and corporate in-house counsel. Members represent all segments of the construction industry: owners, design professionals, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, suppliers, insurers, and sureties. The Forum’s mission is to serve the construction industry through education and leadership, with the motto “Building the Best Construction Lawyers!” The Forum sponsors several seminars each year on different topics and publishes a scholarly journal on construction law topics four times each year, a newsletter three times each year, and several treatises on construction law topics.
Sounds really cool, but do I have to be a construction lawyer?
No. Law students are provided with a free membership to the Forum and heavily discounted registration fees to annual meetings and the like. And if you’re wondering if you need to have any experience in construction, the answer is also no. While many construction lawyers have experience in the field as engineers or majored in construction-related topics in undergrad, such knowledge is by no means a prerequisite to entry. Most construction lawyers were placed on a case and stuck with it.
Ok, I’m in. How can I get involved in the Forum?
There are many fun and easy ways to start getting involved in the Forum. For example, all law students are welcome to attend Forum meetings. This year, the Fall Meeting was in Seattle. We had the privilege of networking with accomplished industry professionals and the Forum leadership atop the Columbia Center—of all places—which overlooks Seattle’s breathtaking cityscape. Attendees gained unparalleled insight into the secrets to success as construction lawyers and had the opportunity to develop enduring relationships. Tyler says it best: “most importantly, at the Seattle meeting I discovered that the Forum is ‘my people’ . . . and that construction law is my future.”
Indeed, experiences with the Forum often ignite true passions for the practice of construction law. For example, we both regularly write about and coordinate events on construction issues. For example, in just a few weeks, the law review at Tyler’s law school will host a “Construction Law Symposium,” at which many of the Forum leaders who attended the Seattle meeting will be both panelists and attendees. The Forum is home to many law students like us, and we are excited to welcome more law students. Here are some of the best ways to start getting involved:
Get Published.
You can write an article for Division 1’s The Dispute Resolver. Reach out to someone on the Editorial Board (Catherine Delorey at cdelorey@grsm.com or Lexie Pereira at pereirle@bc.edu) and share your ideas for an article. If you can’t think of a topic, we’ll be happy to brainstorm with you—just reach out! For inspiration, you can check out a recent post on The Interplay of Arbitration Agreements and Flow-Down Provisions called Flow-Down Showdown.
Join a Division.
Divisions, or smaller groups of the Forum specializing in different construction areas, are the lifeblood of the Forum and a great way to get involved. We suggest joining the monthly calls as a first step. Learn about the Forum’s 14 Divisions, and contact the listed chair to get involved—Tyler and Lexie are both members of the YLD group. Additionally, Tyler is a member of D13—Government Contracts and Lexie is a member of D1—Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
Enter the Annual Law Student Writing Competition.
To enter, you need to write an article or essay on any topical issue of interest to the construction industry. It can even be a paper you have already submitted for academic credit. Your entry can be as long as a law review article or as short as a thousand words. The submission deadline is typically mid-July each year. Details will be released on the Forum’s webpage once the competition goes live. Tyler won the competition in 2021, despite having little to no experience with construction law beforehand—reach out to him (tylmlaka@gmail.com) for advice!
Connect with Fellow Law Students.
ABA Communities is a place to network and a way to gain exclusive member access to the ABA Member Directory.
Attend a Meeting.
The Forum on Construction Law holds events a few times a year, and regularly presents virtual programs as well. Check out the slate of upcoming meetings and programs, as well as some other important dates on the ABA Forum on Construction Law website.
Construction law is both an exciting and challenging practice of law, which makes it all the more important to stay connected with others who have a similar interest—and the Forum is a great place to start! Reach out with any questions.
The post Why every aspiring construction lawyer should join the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law appeared first on ABA for Law Students.
Why every aspiring construction lawyer should join the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law
click hereThursday, January 27, 2022
What Doesn’t Kill Section 230 Makes it Stronger
By: Marissa Train Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the federal law providing social media platforms with immunity from liability for user generated content, has recently faced objections from politicians on both sides of the aisle. Both parties’ issues stem with the law largely stem from the protection it offers under 230(c), which gives platforms leeway to maintain their own content moderation policies. Democrats largely view those policies as too permissive, causing misinformation to run wild, while Republicans often view the same policies as too restrictive, ‘censoring’ conservative speakers and content. While many federal proposals to change Section 230 have been introduced, only FOSTA-SESTA, an attempt to stop online sex trafficking, became law. Instead, most of the legislative action has been at the state level, particularly in conservative states. Florida Goes First In May 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill…
What Doesn’t Kill Section 230 Makes it Stronger
click hereSaturday, January 22, 2022
NFTs: Coming Soon to a Patent Portfolio Near You?
Photo by Sharefaith on Pexels.comBy: Hannah Avery At this point the craze surrounding NFTs is far from breaking news. NFTs (“non-fungible tokens”) have been created for everything from the “Disaster Girl” meme to the world’s first tweet. They have been the subject of numerous articles, publications, and blogs, including this blog by the Washington Journal of Law, Technology, and the Arts’ Associate Editor-in-Chief Joanna Mirsch, discussing video game-related NFTs. Despite NFTs’ widespread popularity, early “NFT craze” trends seemed at odds with established American intellectual property rights, with many works being minted as NFTs without the consent of the original creator. At the very least, ownership of NFTs was widely regarded as independent of ownership of the underlying intellectual property rights. But… what if they weren’t? While the sale of an NFT by itself does not automatically confer the…
NFTs: Coming Soon to a Patent Portfolio Near You?
click hereFriday, January 21, 2022
16 Top Landlord Certificates Near Me in London EC2V 8BB UK
Getting an electrical certificate is an important part of being a landlord or if you are selling your home. To schedule an inspection, approach a well-known and recommended gas and electrical certificates engineer. An electric underfloor heating system is one of the best and the most economical ways to heat the rooms in a house. Other heating systems consume lots of electricity or need excessive remodeling and efforts to set up before they can be operated. The underfloor heating cost is quite competitive as compared to the other systems, so it won’t break your bank. These systems are best for all those who live in the colder regions and find other heating methods cumbersome. All those who are still using the traditional heating methods like fireplaces often report breathing troubles, lung and eye problems due to smoke and cinders. They are also not eco-friendly solutions as they involve cutting of trees.
All electrical installations will deteriorate over time, but we often overlook this fact because the wiring is hidden away inside the walls and ceilings and under flooring, so we never see it. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” very definitely applies in this case. How fast it deteriorates will depend on the amount of use it gets, the working environment, and the maintenance schedule, if any.
In order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, the electrical installation should be inspected at appropriate intervals as part of a preventive maintenance programme. Not only does this prove that your premises are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it also resolves any issues with insurance if there should a fire or any other electrical issue, because the inspector will have issued you with an EICR certificate – an Electrical Installation Condition Report – which shows that everything was in order.
Indeed, more and more commercial insurance companies are insisting that testing is carried out on a regular basis. If there should be a fire or other accident involving electricity and you are found to be at fault you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence, and insurers will not pay any compensation or fines resulting.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require an employer to ensure the safety of equipment used, whether fixed or portable, that requires the use of electrical energy. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the employer to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, and that includes customers, visitors, any contractors, or the general public. Finally, the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to carry out risk assessments to ensure the lowest level of danger for employees and “ensure the safety of the workplace as far as is possible.” So you can see that there are quite a number of laws covering safety and security.
As far as an EICR certificate is concerned, the electrical industry has come up with some guidelines that say that industrial premises should have the wiring checked every three years, other commercial premises every five, and domestic premises every ten years. Additionally, an inspection should be carried out every time the occupancy of premises changes.
There are, however, reasons why an EICR should be carried out more frequently, one of these being the age of the installation. Older installations should be checked more often. Environmental conditions may also have an effect. If the property has a swimming pool an EICR should be carried out yearly, but only in regard to the parts relating to the pool. If vandalism has occurred, an EICR should be carried out, and also if a homeowner has any concerns about the electrical installation.
Furthermore, an EICR will show up any situation that may deteriorate and result in considerably more expense later than if any alterations are carried out straight away.
Best 13 Landlord Certificates
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11 Best Expert Landlord Certificates
21 Top Landlord Certificates
Best 22 Landlord Certificates
16 Top Landlord Certificates Near Me in London EC2V 8BB UK
Author:
16 Top Landlord Certificates Near Me in London EC2V 8BB UK
click hereBest 21 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Castle Baynard EC4A 1DE England
Gas training courses are open to nearly anyone. A usual student may be somebody that is already working with a friend in the gas or plumbing type of industry. Or may perhaps be someone looking for a change in career and do not have any previous experience. No matter who you are, everyone should be capable of finishing at least one of our gas courses which will help you to obtain a gas certification. An electric underfloor heating system is one of the best and the most economical ways to heat the rooms in a house. Other heating systems consume lots of electricity or need excessive remodeling and efforts to set up before they can be operated. The underfloor heating cost is quite competitive as compared to the other systems, so it won’t break your bank. These systems are best for all those who live in the colder regions and find other heating methods cumbersome. All those who are still using the traditional heating methods like fireplaces often report breathing troubles, lung and eye problems due to smoke and cinders. They are also not eco-friendly solutions as they involve cutting of trees.
All electrical installations will deteriorate over time, but we often overlook this fact because the wiring is hidden away inside the walls and ceilings and under flooring, so we never see it. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” very definitely applies in this case. How fast it deteriorates will depend on the amount of use it gets, the working environment, and the maintenance schedule, if any.
In order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, the electrical installation should be inspected at appropriate intervals as part of a preventive maintenance programme. Not only does this prove that your premises are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it also resolves any issues with insurance if there should a fire or any other electrical issue, because the inspector will have issued you with an EICR certificate – an Electrical Installation Condition Report – which shows that everything was in order.
Indeed, more and more commercial insurance companies are insisting that testing is carried out on a regular basis. If there should be a fire or other accident involving electricity and you are found to be at fault you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence, and insurers will not pay any compensation or fines resulting.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require an employer to ensure the safety of equipment used, whether fixed or portable, that requires the use of electrical energy. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the employer to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, and that includes customers, visitors, any contractors, or the general public. Finally, the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to carry out risk assessments to ensure the lowest level of danger for employees and “ensure the safety of the workplace as far as is possible.” So you can see that there are quite a number of laws covering safety and security.
As far as an EICR certificate is concerned, the electrical industry has come up with some guidelines that say that industrial premises should have the wiring checked every three years, other commercial premises every five, and domestic premises every ten years. Additionally, an inspection should be carried out every time the occupancy of premises changes.
There are, however, reasons why an EICR should be carried out more frequently, one of these being the age of the installation. Older installations should be checked more often. Environmental conditions may also have an effect. If the property has a swimming pool an EICR should be carried out yearly, but only in regard to the parts relating to the pool. If vandalism has occurred, an EICR should be carried out, and also if a homeowner has any concerns about the electrical installation.
Furthermore, an EICR will show up any situation that may deteriorate and result in considerably more expense later than if any alterations are carried out straight away.
11 First-Class Landlord Certificates
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Best 21 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Castle Baynard EC4A 1DE England
Author:
Best 21 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Castle Baynard EC4A 1DE England
click hereBalancing Labor Law and Client Confidentiality in the Social Media Age
By: Kimberly Shely It is common knowledge that lawyers have a professional duty to reasonably ensure their employees abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs). This ethical duty includes training their employees on how to maintain client confidences. Lawyers need to address proper social media etiquette with their nonlawyer employees to ensure that they understand that “confidential client information” cannot be discussed or shared on their personal social media platforms. However, lawyers must balance these ethical obligations with employees’ legal rights under labor laws. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) provides employees protection in engaging in concerted activity to better their working environment, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has extended this to include social media posts. Lawyers can balance protecting client confidences with their employees’ rights under the NLRA. Lawyer’s Duties Under the ABA…
Balancing Labor Law and Client Confidentiality in the Social Media Age
click here16 Top Landlord Certificates Near Me in London EC2V 8BB UK
Getting an electrical certificate is an important part of being a landlord or if you are selling your home. To schedule an inspection, approach a well-known and recommended gas and electrical certificates engineer. An electric underfloor heating system is one of the best and the most economical ways to heat the rooms in a house. Other heating systems consume lots of electricity or need excessive remodeling and efforts to set up before they can be operated. The underfloor heating cost is quite competitive as compared to the other systems, so it won’t break your bank. These systems are best for all those who live in the colder regions and find other heating methods cumbersome. All those who are still using the traditional heating methods like fireplaces often report breathing troubles, lung and eye problems due to smoke and cinders. They are also not eco-friendly solutions as they involve cutting of trees.
All electrical installations will deteriorate over time, but we often overlook this fact because the wiring is hidden away inside the walls and ceilings and under flooring, so we never see it. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” very definitely applies in this case. How fast it deteriorates will depend on the amount of use it gets, the working environment, and the maintenance schedule, if any.
In order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, the electrical installation should be inspected at appropriate intervals as part of a preventive maintenance programme. Not only does this prove that your premises are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it also resolves any issues with insurance if there should a fire or any other electrical issue, because the inspector will have issued you with an EICR certificate – an Electrical Installation Condition Report – which shows that everything was in order.
Indeed, more and more commercial insurance companies are insisting that testing is carried out on a regular basis. If there should be a fire or other accident involving electricity and you are found to be at fault you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence, and insurers will not pay any compensation or fines resulting.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require an employer to ensure the safety of equipment used, whether fixed or portable, that requires the use of electrical energy. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the employer to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, and that includes customers, visitors, any contractors, or the general public. Finally, the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to carry out risk assessments to ensure the lowest level of danger for employees and “ensure the safety of the workplace as far as is possible.” So you can see that there are quite a number of laws covering safety and security.
As far as an EICR certificate is concerned, the electrical industry has come up with some guidelines that say that industrial premises should have the wiring checked every three years, other commercial premises every five, and domestic premises every ten years. Additionally, an inspection should be carried out every time the occupancy of premises changes.
There are, however, reasons why an EICR should be carried out more frequently, one of these being the age of the installation. Older installations should be checked more often. Environmental conditions may also have an effect. If the property has a swimming pool an EICR should be carried out yearly, but only in regard to the parts relating to the pool. If vandalism has occurred, an EICR should be carried out, and also if a homeowner has any concerns about the electrical installation.
Furthermore, an EICR will show up any situation that may deteriorate and result in considerably more expense later than if any alterations are carried out straight away.
Best 13 Landlord Certificates
15 Top-Notch Landlord Certificates
11 Best Expert Landlord Certificates
21 Top Landlord Certificates
Best 22 Landlord Certificates
16 Top Landlord Certificates Near Me in London EC2V 8BB UK
Author:
16 Top Landlord Certificates Near Me in London EC2V 8BB UK
click hereBest 21 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Castle Baynard EC4A 1DE England
Gas training courses are open to nearly anyone. A usual student may be somebody that is already working with a friend in the gas or plumbing type of industry. Or may perhaps be someone looking for a change in career and do not have any previous experience. No matter who you are, everyone should be capable of finishing at least one of our gas courses which will help you to obtain a gas certification. An electric underfloor heating system is one of the best and the most economical ways to heat the rooms in a house. Other heating systems consume lots of electricity or need excessive remodeling and efforts to set up before they can be operated. The underfloor heating cost is quite competitive as compared to the other systems, so it won’t break your bank. These systems are best for all those who live in the colder regions and find other heating methods cumbersome. All those who are still using the traditional heating methods like fireplaces often report breathing troubles, lung and eye problems due to smoke and cinders. They are also not eco-friendly solutions as they involve cutting of trees.
All electrical installations will deteriorate over time, but we often overlook this fact because the wiring is hidden away inside the walls and ceilings and under flooring, so we never see it. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” very definitely applies in this case. How fast it deteriorates will depend on the amount of use it gets, the working environment, and the maintenance schedule, if any.
In order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, the electrical installation should be inspected at appropriate intervals as part of a preventive maintenance programme. Not only does this prove that your premises are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it also resolves any issues with insurance if there should a fire or any other electrical issue, because the inspector will have issued you with an EICR certificate – an Electrical Installation Condition Report – which shows that everything was in order.
Indeed, more and more commercial insurance companies are insisting that testing is carried out on a regular basis. If there should be a fire or other accident involving electricity and you are found to be at fault you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence, and insurers will not pay any compensation or fines resulting.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require an employer to ensure the safety of equipment used, whether fixed or portable, that requires the use of electrical energy. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the employer to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, and that includes customers, visitors, any contractors, or the general public. Finally, the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to carry out risk assessments to ensure the lowest level of danger for employees and “ensure the safety of the workplace as far as is possible.” So you can see that there are quite a number of laws covering safety and security.
As far as an EICR certificate is concerned, the electrical industry has come up with some guidelines that say that industrial premises should have the wiring checked every three years, other commercial premises every five, and domestic premises every ten years. Additionally, an inspection should be carried out every time the occupancy of premises changes.
There are, however, reasons why an EICR should be carried out more frequently, one of these being the age of the installation. Older installations should be checked more often. Environmental conditions may also have an effect. If the property has a swimming pool an EICR should be carried out yearly, but only in regard to the parts relating to the pool. If vandalism has occurred, an EICR should be carried out, and also if a homeowner has any concerns about the electrical installation.
Furthermore, an EICR will show up any situation that may deteriorate and result in considerably more expense later than if any alterations are carried out straight away.
11 First-Class Landlord Certificates
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Author:
Best 21 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Castle Baynard EC4A 1DE England
click hereTop 3 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Aldgate EC3A 5AP England
When you choose to let out your home, there are various things that you have to do before it is suitable to let out. These include getting the home in a good condition, working out how you will accept rent and there are also various certificates that you will need for legal reasons. It is not just as simple as finding tenants, moving them in and collecting the rent. Not so good news on another electrical price hike from the power provider upsets a number of people like myself. Are you too? If you are, then you must be interested to read this report on how you can generate inexpensive electricity out of a homemade magnetic electric generator. It may possibly be the answer to the high-cost of power fuel and the catalyst to the air pollution problem of our habitat.
All electrical installations will deteriorate over time, but we often overlook this fact because the wiring is hidden away inside the walls and ceilings and under flooring, so we never see it. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” very definitely applies in this case. How fast it deteriorates will depend on the amount of use it gets, the working environment, and the maintenance schedule, if any.
In order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, the electrical installation should be inspected at appropriate intervals as part of a preventive maintenance programme. Not only does this prove that your premises are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it also resolves any issues with insurance if there should a fire or any other electrical issue, because the inspector will have issued you with an EICR certificate – an Electrical Installation Condition Report – which shows that everything was in order.
Indeed, more and more commercial insurance companies are insisting that testing is carried out on a regular basis. If there should be a fire or other accident involving electricity and you are found to be at fault you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence, and insurers will not pay any compensation or fines resulting.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require an employer to ensure the safety of equipment used, whether fixed or portable, that requires the use of electrical energy. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the employer to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, and that includes customers, visitors, any contractors, or the general public. Finally, the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to carry out risk assessments to ensure the lowest level of danger for employees and “ensure the safety of the workplace as far as is possible.” So you can see that there are quite a number of laws covering safety and security.
As far as an EICR certificate is concerned, the electrical industry has come up with some guidelines that say that industrial premises should have the wiring checked every three years, other commercial premises every five, and domestic premises every ten years. Additionally, an inspection should be carried out every time the occupancy of premises changes.
There are, however, reasons why an EICR should be carried out more frequently, one of these being the age of the installation. Older installations should be checked more often. Environmental conditions may also have an effect. If the property has a swimming pool an EICR should be carried out yearly, but only in regard to the parts relating to the pool. If vandalism has occurred, an EICR should be carried out, and also if a homeowner has any concerns about the electrical installation.
Furthermore, an EICR will show up any situation that may deteriorate and result in considerably more expense later than if any alterations are carried out straight away.
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Top 3 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Aldgate EC3A 5AP England
Author:
Top 3 Landlord Certificates Near Me in Aldgate EC3A 5AP England
click hereTop Best 11 Landlord Certificates Near London EC3R 5DL UK
In 1996 it became a legal requirement for Landlords to ensure that any rental property has a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate carried out annually, on all gas appliances. Landlords must ensure that all gas appliances and flues fitted in any property have an annual landlord gas safety check by a gas safe registered engineer. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a safety check of all the electrical wiring, including accessories, in a caravan. Electrical wiring deteriorates over time, and a periodic inspection and report is needed to make sure that the electrical installation in a caravan remains safe. The report follows a Periodic Inspection and Test.
All electrical installations will deteriorate over time, but we often overlook this fact because the wiring is hidden away inside the walls and ceilings and under flooring, so we never see it. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” very definitely applies in this case. How fast it deteriorates will depend on the amount of use it gets, the working environment, and the maintenance schedule, if any.
In order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, the electrical installation should be inspected at appropriate intervals as part of a preventive maintenance programme. Not only does this prove that your premises are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it also resolves any issues with insurance if there should a fire or any other electrical issue, because the inspector will have issued you with an EICR certificate – an Electrical Installation Condition Report – which shows that everything was in order.
Indeed, more and more commercial insurance companies are insisting that testing is carried out on a regular basis. If there should be a fire or other accident involving electricity and you are found to be at fault you will be deemed to have committed a criminal offence, and insurers will not pay any compensation or fines resulting.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require an employer to ensure the safety of equipment used, whether fixed or portable, that requires the use of electrical energy. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires the employer to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace, and that includes customers, visitors, any contractors, or the general public. Finally, the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999 require an employer to carry out risk assessments to ensure the lowest level of danger for employees and “ensure the safety of the workplace as far as is possible.” So you can see that there are quite a number of laws covering safety and security.
As far as an EICR certificate is concerned, the electrical industry has come up with some guidelines that say that industrial premises should have the wiring checked every three years, other commercial premises every five, and domestic premises every ten years. Additionally, an inspection should be carried out every time the occupancy of premises changes.
There are, however, reasons why an EICR should be carried out more frequently, one of these being the age of the installation. Older installations should be checked more often. Environmental conditions may also have an effect. If the property has a swimming pool an EICR should be carried out yearly, but only in regard to the parts relating to the pool. If vandalism has occurred, an EICR should be carried out, and also if a homeowner has any concerns about the electrical installation.
Furthermore, an EICR will show up any situation that may deteriorate and result in considerably more expense later than if any alterations are carried out straight away.
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Top Best 11 Landlord Certificates Near London EC3R 5DL UK
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Top Best 11 Landlord Certificates Near London EC3R 5DL UK
click hereThursday, January 20, 2022
15 Top-Notch Landlord Certificates Near Me in Broad Street EC2N 1AT England
Moving house can be a very exciting time for many, especially those who are leaving their parents home for the first time. For others, it is an unfortunate consequence of the recession, with many renting their own home and moving to smaller properties. What both groups have in common is their haste, and this is what makes them vulnerable to landlords who do not comply with current UK gas safety legislation. The electrical industry is rapidly developing and reaching the heights. The electrical market is totally getting technological based industry. It fetters the occupations across electro-technology, communications, refrigeration, computer systems, air conditioning, and security systems. It creates an impact on every aspect of daily life.
The fact is that all electrical installations will require inspection and testing at regular intervals as they will deteriorate with age, the type of use, possible damage, and even any alterations or adaptions by persons not qualified to carry out such work.
According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Regulation 621.1 states that “where required, periodic inspection and testing of every electrical installation shall be carried out in accordance with regulations 621.2 to 621.5 in order to determine as far as reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service”.
It is very important to note that Regulation 621.2 requires the installation to have a “detailed examination” and that examination is to be “supplemented by appropriate tests”. This means that the inspection is more important than testing, which is an additional activity to the inspection. When carrying out an inspection, the person doing so must compare the wiring with BS 7671.
What you cannot do is to assume that because wiring conformed to an earlier edition of the regulations that it is necessarily safe. As an example, until 1966 it was acceptable for Class 1 light fittings not to be earthed, and it was also OK to use a public water pipe as a means of earthing. That is not the case today, so if that is what is found on an inspection it is no longer compliant and must be changed.
Furthermore, the inspector carrying out the inspection has to be a “competent person”. Regulation 621.5 of BS 7671 requires: “Periodic inspection and testing shall be undertaken by a skilled person or persons, competent in such work”. Any inspector needs to possess a high level of knowledge and experience of the type of installation to be inspected. He or she also has to possess a copy of the current edition of BS 7671, or at the very least have access to one for reference purposes.
An inspector will also need a certain amount of test equipment in order to carry out tests. A multi-function tester will be sufficient for small installations such as domestic premises, but for larger installations more complex equipment will be needed. This has to comply with BS EN 61557 standard and be in good condition. It must also be regularly calibrated.
It is also essential that an electrical inspection condition report makes absolutely clear what has and has not been inspected. For instance, it might be the case that only the ground floor wiring and installations in an office block have been inspected, and the report should make this abundantly clear. This could very well be because the business owner on the ground floor requires an inspection, and that there are different businesses or offices on the upper floors which are not owned by him.
There are codes which the inspector must use on the report. Code C1 is for use where an immediate danger is present such as an exposed live wire. The inspector must inform the client so that immediate action can be taken. Code C2 is for something which is “potentially dangerous”, while Code C3 means that an improvement is recommended: for instance, warning labels could be missing.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a complete check of your wiring, fuses, switchboards, sockets, and so on, together with anything that is directly wired into the system – i.e. without a plug – such as an electric cooker, heated towel rail, etc.
The unfortunate fact is that electrical wiring systems can and do wear. As with anything else, the more they are used the faster they will wear. They do not need testing as often as portable electrical equipment, but in an industrial situation they should be tested every three years. In other commercial premises you should have an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years, while in domestic premises it should be every ten years. A report should also be carried out whenever there is a change of occupancy of the premises.
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15 Top-Notch Landlord Certificates Near Me in Broad Street EC2N 1AT England
click hereTop 5 Landlord Certificates Near in Bishopsgate EC2N 4AL England
Gas training courses are open to nearly anyone. A usual student may be somebody that is already working with a friend in the gas or plumbing type of industry. Or may perhaps be someone looking for a change in career and do not have any previous experience. No matter who you are, everyone should be capable of finishing at least one of our gas courses which will help you to obtain a gas certification. Not so good news on another electrical price hike from the power provider upsets a number of people like myself. Are you too? If you are, then you must be interested to read this report on how you can generate inexpensive electricity out of a homemade magnetic electric generator. It may possibly be the answer to the high-cost of power fuel and the catalyst to the air pollution problem of our habitat.
The fact is that all electrical installations will require inspection and testing at regular intervals as they will deteriorate with age, the type of use, possible damage, and even any alterations or adaptions by persons not qualified to carry out such work.
According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Regulation 621.1 states that “where required, periodic inspection and testing of every electrical installation shall be carried out in accordance with regulations 621.2 to 621.5 in order to determine as far as reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service”.
It is very important to note that Regulation 621.2 requires the installation to have a “detailed examination” and that examination is to be “supplemented by appropriate tests”. This means that the inspection is more important than testing, which is an additional activity to the inspection. When carrying out an inspection, the person doing so must compare the wiring with BS 7671.
What you cannot do is to assume that because wiring conformed to an earlier edition of the regulations that it is necessarily safe. As an example, until 1966 it was acceptable for Class 1 light fittings not to be earthed, and it was also OK to use a public water pipe as a means of earthing. That is not the case today, so if that is what is found on an inspection it is no longer compliant and must be changed.
Furthermore, the inspector carrying out the inspection has to be a “competent person”. Regulation 621.5 of BS 7671 requires: “Periodic inspection and testing shall be undertaken by a skilled person or persons, competent in such work”. Any inspector needs to possess a high level of knowledge and experience of the type of installation to be inspected. He or she also has to possess a copy of the current edition of BS 7671, or at the very least have access to one for reference purposes.
An inspector will also need a certain amount of test equipment in order to carry out tests. A multi-function tester will be sufficient for small installations such as domestic premises, but for larger installations more complex equipment will be needed. This has to comply with BS EN 61557 standard and be in good condition. It must also be regularly calibrated.
It is also essential that an electrical inspection condition report makes absolutely clear what has and has not been inspected. For instance, it might be the case that only the ground floor wiring and installations in an office block have been inspected, and the report should make this abundantly clear. This could very well be because the business owner on the ground floor requires an inspection, and that there are different businesses or offices on the upper floors which are not owned by him.
There are codes which the inspector must use on the report. Code C1 is for use where an immediate danger is present such as an exposed live wire. The inspector must inform the client so that immediate action can be taken. Code C2 is for something which is “potentially dangerous”, while Code C3 means that an improvement is recommended: for instance, warning labels could be missing.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a complete check of your wiring, fuses, switchboards, sockets, and so on, together with anything that is directly wired into the system – i.e. without a plug – such as an electric cooker, heated towel rail, etc.
The unfortunate fact is that electrical wiring systems can and do wear. As with anything else, the more they are used the faster they will wear. They do not need testing as often as portable electrical equipment, but in an industrial situation they should be tested every three years. In other commercial premises you should have an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years, while in domestic premises it should be every ten years. A report should also be carried out whenever there is a change of occupancy of the premises.
Best 19 Landlord Certificates
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Top 5 Landlord Certificates Near in Bishopsgate EC2N 4AL England
click hereTuesday, January 18, 2022
Top-Rated Landlord Property Certificates
Landlord Property Certificates
Landlord Property Certificates
+442081239487
27 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AX, United Kingdom
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Top-Rated Landlord Property Certificates
Landlord Property Certificates.
Our company provides Landlord Safety Certificates after a thorough inspection of the property within a minimal duration of time through our certified engineers.
The work of our team is to ensure people’s safety at their homes and make great efforts to provide quality work at the best prices.
We offer a wide range of landlord safety certificates including Electrical Safety Certificate – EICR, Gas Safety Certificate, Energy Performance Certificate – EPC, Portable Appliance Test – PAT Testing, Fire Alarm Certificate, and Emergency Lighting Certificate.
Furthermore, we also offer Gas Boiler Service, Installation of new Gas Boilers, and Fuse boxes or Consumer Units.
We stand for quality, safety, and credibility so you can be sure about our work whether you’re a landlord, businessman or a homeowner.
We cover all across London and M25 areas.
Our Engineers are officially accredited and licensed with all the major governing bodies which cover Gas Safe Registered, NAPIT, NICEIE, and STROMA.
A landlord is someone who owns property and rents it out to other people for a profit.
That, in and of itself, is not a job.
It makes you money, sure, but it’s not a “job”, any more than owning a stock is a job.
Do you need to be registered to issue an EICR? Legally, anyone can.
If they should or not depends on their competence.
If the result has legally binding significance, then you ought to make sure your insurance covers you for that type of work in advance.
Is it illegal to rent a property without a gas safety certificate? Landlords are required to repeat this gas inspection every year.
It’s the only way to legally obtain a gas safety certificate, which is only valid for 12 months.
Without it, the property cannot be let.
…
Letting a property that doesn’t safely use gas is absolutely illegal and can be viewed as a criminal offence.
How long does a landlord electrical certificate take? An electrical safety check takes between 3-4 hours to complete.
Nevertheless, this depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits that need testing.
Do tenants need a copy of electrical certificate? You must get a copy of the report (which will usually be an EICR).
You’ll need this for: Your records – you should keep hold of a copy as evidence of the inspection, and to give to the inspector when you next have the house checked.
Your tenants – you’ll need to give them with a copy within 28 days of the inspection.
Landlord Property Certificates
Landlord Property Certificates
+442081239487
27 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AX, United Kingdom
Top-Rated Landlord Property Certificates
click hereQueen Mary PGCert – student representatives
David Musker from Queen Mary has been in touch to ask us to promote the opportunity for current attendees of the QM PGCert in IP to attend an upcoming meeting with the course organisers and management. This will be an opportunity to provide feedback on the course, and suggest any improvements that may help with next year’s course. I did this myself last year, and it was a great to be able to pass comments directly to those who are able to try and act on any issues, and to thank them for their teaching and support during the course. If you would like to be involved, please contact David directly: d.musker@qmul.ac.uk
Queen Mary PGCert – student representatives
click hereFoundation Lecture today: Patent Searching
The second lecture of the CIPA Informals Foundation Lecture series will be held today (Monday 17th January) at 5:30pm. The topic will be Patent Searching, delivered by Matthew Hall from the UKIPO. The direct link to join the webinar is here: https://bit.ly/3AcQGzn. Alternatively, go to https://zoom.us/join and input the webinar ID 956 1237 9476 and passcode 884865. All of the lectures are recorded, so that you can listen to them at your leisure and as often as you like. The recordings and slides are available via the Lecture Archive on the CIPA website (see https://bit.ly/3nBaTKt).
Foundation Lecture today: Patent Searching
click hereSaturday, January 15, 2022
Applying Learnings From COVID-19 to Disseminating Climate Change Technology Solutions
By: Jason Anterasian COVID-19 vaccines and new technologies fighting climate change face the same perils. COVID-19 has upended the world and we are entering our third year of the pandemic. When the pandemic first emerged, private biopharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson quickly developed COVID-19 vaccines. Such rapid vaccine development was possible in part because these companies benefited from receiving government funding for COVID-19 vaccine research and development, advanced purchase orders from the government for the vaccines, or both. COVID-19 vaccines also built on prior decades of mRNA vaccine research that had been largely funded by the government. The biopharmaceutical companies now have patents on the vaccines and trade secrets on the manufacturing and commercializing of the vaccines, which have been cited as causes of the inequitable vaccine rollout throughout the world. According to the…
Applying Learnings From COVID-19 to Disseminating Climate Change Technology Solutions
click hereFriday, January 14, 2022
Student Lawyer: What is Justice?
As Student Lawyer turns 50, we take a look at how law students can pursue justice in their careers. This includes career paths big and small, such as legislative work, public interest, and working in pro bono.
Celebrating 50 Years of Student Lawyer
While the specific advice on the usual hurdles law students face has advanced with the times, the thread that remains common to Student Lawyer through the decades is the wealth of practical advice our writers have provided.
How the legislative lawyer changes the world
Few people understand how lawyers who specialize in lawmaking can do groundbreaking and vital work. Here’s a primer on the role of the legislative lawyer in moving policies that can promote social justice.
So you want to work in the public interest?
Law school is a place to explore and learn about the universe of law in all its breadth and depth. It’s where you can seek advice from mentors and narrow in on the type of law to practice. Given the high cost of law school, it’s more important than ever to find a way to explore the practice areas in which you’ll best thrive.
Pro bono experiences these lawyers won’t forget
You’ve heard it over and over: Do pro bono. It’ll give you great experience, and you’ll enjoy it. That’s certainly true, but it doesn’t convey the depth of the satisfaction you can get from helping someone who can’t afford it achieve justice. Here, lawyers share their stories of what, for them, were almost routine legal matters but, for their clients, were life-altering.
7 ways you can improve justice
Justice is such a broad term and a seemingly lofty goal. But improving justice for others doesn’t have to mean only a win before the U.S. Supreme Court on a case that changes lives. Lawyers nationwide are working to provide justice. Here are their suggestions for how you can begin taking action during your law school career to have a greater impact during your legal career.
The anatomy of our oath as attorneys
The road to becoming a practicing attorney is a long and arduous one. After years of law school and months of studying for the bar exam, one more step remains before we’re officially licensed to practice: Every lawyer in the country must be sworn in and take their state’s oath of attorney.
2022 Summer Study Abroad Guide
One of the most rewarding ways to spend your summer as a law student is a study abroad program. Here you’ll find our comprehensive directory of study abroad options for law students. Please check with each school to ensure the program is still scheduled.
How the ABA drives careers
Seeking to learn more about the profession I was about to enter, I joined the ABA. At the time, I didn’t understand how my ABA experience would shape and enhance my career prospects. But it did, and I’m encouraging you to jump into the ABA, too.
Your Money
Student loan policy: Where do we stand now?
In March 2021, I laid out the state of play for federal student loan policy regarding things like debt cancellation, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and income-driven repayment. Since that time, there has been a mix of action and stagnation on the part of Congress and the Biden administration. So where do we stand?
Careers
What happens when a legal career path isn’t right choice for you?
If you choose not to pursue a career in justice, remember that the law isn’t bad—and you’re not bad—it’s just that the fit is wrong. Figure out where you do fit, and then use the amazing skills you gained on the way to becoming a JD to pursue most any path you like.
I Wish I’d Known
Tommy Sangchompuphen: Seeking Help Shows Strength
There needs to be a similar shift in the narrative of mental health in the legal profession. Lawyers and law professors, like me, can help normalize conversations about mental health in the legal profession through leading by example. By sharing my personal story of vulnerability, I hope I can touch just one law student needing help and prevent that person from saying, “I wish I’d known.”
Bar Passage
Why it helps to craft a personal mission statement and declare your law school purpose
We have much to work on as a profession. But we also have much to be proud of. What are you committed to working on? And what would make you most proud of if you were looking back on your legal career 20 years from now? What’s in your mission statement?
The post Student Lawyer: What is Justice? appeared first on ABA for Law Students.
Student Lawyer: What is Justice?
click hereSo you want to work in the public interest?
Law school is a place to explore and learn about the universe of law in all its breadth and depth. It’s where you can seek advice from mentors and narrow in on the type of law to practice. Given the high cost of law school, it’s more important than ever to find a way to explore the practice areas in which you’ll best thrive.
For students who want to work in the public interest law arena, choices can be particularly daunting. We’ve talked to some experts to help guide you through the process.
Public interest law defined
This practice runs the gamut from litigation and class action to policy development, legislative work, and community organizing. Public interest lawyers work at legal service providers on impact litigation that can help large numbers of people.
They’re family law attorneys working one-on-one with clients in desperate need. They work in nonprofit organizations, federal, state, and local governments, public defender, and prosecutor offices. The areas of practice include immigration, healthcare, education, elder law, energy, veterans’ rights, and housing law, to name only a few.
The public interest law arena, in other words, is vast. So it’s up to you to ask questions, seek mentors, and look for opportunities for experiential learning to narrow in on whether to practice in this area.
Start with an investigation
When you’re exploring whether to pursue a public interest law career, first research the support services your law school offers. Research available financial support and scholarships, along with what’s offered in terms of guidance, alumni connections, and clinic experience.
Susan Curry, senior director of public interest law and policy at the University of Chicago Law School, has found that virtually every law student considers a public interest career. Some incoming students might know they want to focus on wealth management, but most applicants write essays about championing things like civil rights.
“Someone contemplating law school is almost always thinking about some kind of way to help,” Curry said. “But by the third year, we know a huge percentage will go into private-sector law. The question we should ask is what happens in the interim.”
One thing that happens is that first-year students often spend an inordinate amount of time getting used to the rigors of law school. Curry suggests that—as early as possible—first years should get accustomed to the language of law, the workload, and their own way of managing work. By adapting to the law school world early, you can start exploring how and what you want to practice.
Michael Bergmann, executive director of the Public Interest Law Initiative in Chicago, said one of the best ways to choose a path is to get as much exposure as possible to different kinds of practice.
“Approaching law school with an open mind and being exposed to different experiences while in school is really important,” Bergmann said. “Most folks come to law school one to two years after college and haven’t been exposed to the vast array of work and communities to work in.”
What to consider
Curry and Bergmann also agree on other points. Here are seven things to think about while exploring:
1. Rule out nothing as you investigate. The three or four years of law school and summers in between are really important, Curry said. Use summers and elective courses to decide in what kind of sector in which to practice.
“The core law school classes students take in the first years of law school are often not enough to help you decide,” Curry said. “For example, I worked with a student who knew from the beginning that he wanted to practice disability law. Up until his third year, he worked for organizations that specialized in disability rights. He interviewed for a post graduate fellowship and received an offer. That same student took a bankruptcy course late in his third year, fell in love with it, and went on to practice in bankruptcy.”
While it at first appeared that the student’s time working in the disability arena was wasted, it occurred to Curry that finding love for a certain kind of practice was exactly what law school is for. “You don’t always know what you’ll want, even if you think you know,” Curry said. “My advice for all law students is to not be closed off to other possibilities.”
2. Seek advice from many different people. One of the most effective ways to test what will make you thrive is to seek out the advice of practicing attorneys. Career paths don’t always reveal themselves through classes and summer jobs, so it’s important to talk to mentors, professors, clinicians, and practitioners.
3. Start early learning the language of law school and practice types. “In addition to understanding the different types of legal practice, it’s important to understand the workload, to know when you feel most focused, and to know what motivates you,” said Curry. “Understanding these things help you understand if a particular public interest law practice is a good fit.”
Bergmann said that by taking a class in family law, an area he didn’t think he was particularly interested in, he discovered he was really good at it. “Through exploration, you reaffirm those things that you think you may not like,” he said, “but are also introduced to places you’d have otherwise dismissed for some reason.”
4. Consider a judicial clerkship. “Judges’ chambers actively seek out students who are public service directed,” Curry said. “And public service includes everything from zoning, environmental law, child protection, housing, family law, and the government.”
She noted that a major advantage to clerking is that students learn firsthand, by reading briefs, what good and bad lawyering looks like. “Understanding this difference is a helpful skill to learn for both the private and public sectors,” Curry said.
5. Know the value of experiential learning. Get in there and join a clinic. If your perfect clinic isn’t available, look into doing other pro bono work. Or do both. “Once students find out the value of experiential learning, they often want to do more of this work in different ways,” said Curry.
6. Know your debt-to-income ratio and funding sources. No matter what practice you choose, it’s vital to understand how going to law school will affect your debt-to-income ratio. Like any debt, student loans are part of that calculation. According to various experts, your fixed expenses—including housing costs—should be at or below 41 percent of your monthly income.
Be sure to explore federal and state grants, private foundation grants, and loan forgiveness programs. Bergmann also suggested looking to state and local bar foundations for loan repayment assistance.
“The options for grants and loan forgiveness have gotten better in the past decade, and there’s currently promise under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that’s being reinvigorated in the Biden administration,” Bergmann said.
7. Split the difference and explore both BigLaw and public interest in school. All experience helps and is never wasted. Consider splitting your summers between firms and public interest organizations. During the school year, take on pro bono projects to explore what interests you most.
By experiencing both the private and public sectors while in school, you can prepare for a job that can pay the bills and garner invaluable experience while building inroads to a public interest job that may not pay as well. Many attorneys make the switch to public service later in their careers, taking paths they built early on through mindful exploration.
The post So you want to work in the public interest? appeared first on ABA for Law Students.
So you want to work in the public interest?
click hereThursday, January 13, 2022
Pro bono experiences these lawyers won’t forget
You’ve heard it over and over: Do pro bono. It’ll give you great experience, and you’ll enjoy it.
That’s certainly true, but it doesn’t convey the depth of the satisfaction you can get from helping someone who can’t afford it achieve justice.
Here, lawyers share their stories of what, for them, were almost routine legal matters but, for their clients, were life-altering. They also share their advice on how to get the most out of volunteering your legal skills for others.
Judge, may I have more cases?
I went to handle a traffic ticket for a client at a local justice of the peace court, where the judge asked me to represent a gentleman pro bono. The man was stuck in a vicious cycle where he couldn’t renew his license due to unpaid tickets, and he couldn’t get a job to pay for the tickets due to not having a valid license.
I was less than a year into my career, practicing primarily personal injury law, though I had some experience with traffic tickets. However, I didn’t have any experience representing indigent defendants in traffic court, which is very different than handling typical traffic cases.
I helped my client fill out some paperwork to prove up his inability to pay. The judge allowed him to do community service to pay off his $4,000-plus in tickets at a rate of $67 per hour! My client was so grateful, and so was the judge.
After that, my client asked me how he was going to get home. It was then that I learned he was hauled into court by the county constable. I was happy to order him a ride, and he was so appreciative of everything.
I learned that there’s so much more value in pro bono work than the cost of the legal services. While clients may save money, the real impact is the outcome the legal work has on their lives.
And personally, it made me feel great that I’m privileged enough to represent people in a manner that can be truly life-changing. It was a really rewarding experience, and I asked the judge for more cases, which he was happy to send my way.
Eric Ramos, Law Office of Eric A. Ramos, San Antonio, Texas
It’ll take only a day
Many years ago, when I’d been practicing about 15 years, I was in the Bergen County Courthouse and saw a young woman crying in the hallway. I saw she didn’t have an attorney, so I asked her what was happening. She was in the middle of a custody battle with her ex-boyfriend and was unable to return to California with her daughter. She needed an attorney to represent her for a domestic violence case her ex-boyfriend filed against her for harassment, preventing her and her daughter from leaving New Jersey.
The woman had no money, was living with her sister temporarily, and didn’t have the right to be with her daughter overnight. I agreed to represent her pro bono. I felt it was an important way to give back, and I wanted to stand up to bullies and men who were taking advantage of women.
I also thought it would require only one day in court—but it took four-plus weeks. We had three trial days, and I examined several witnesses, including the police officers and the ex-boyfriend and his family.
After the third day of trial, the judge ruled that there may have been harassment but that the ex-boyfriend didn’t prove that he was afraid of my client. Therefore, the judge ruled there was no basis to enter a final restraining order against my client. She was permitted to leave New Jersey with her daughter.
I’ve always been open to pro bono work, and this case confirmed the importance of helping others. I also learned that helping others isn’t always easy, and it can be very time consuming.
But there are times when we must find the time and energy to help people when they’re in desperate situations.
Andrew Bronsnick, partner, Mandelbaum Salsburg, Roseland, N.J.
Limited, targeted work is key
Most pro bono work I do is relatively minor. I tend not to take on any major projects. When it comes to rewarding pro bono work, two cases come to mind.
The first was helping a 19-year-old woman who was on felony probation. She had a really bad heroin problem and desperately wanted rehab, but she couldn’t afford it. We got her probation reinstated with a special condition that she complete a rehab paid for by the state.
It has been quite a while since I represented her, and I hear from her every once in a while. She’s still clean. She was a good person who deserved another chance. I was happy to help her.
The second case involved an elderly woman who was being abused and exploited. I was initially going to charge her, but it was going to take a few days for her to get me payment, and her case couldn’t wait. We needed to do something immediately.
In the beginning, we got a restraining order to protect my client. Then a family member stepped in as her guardian, and I stepped out. It was one of those moments where I thought, “How would I want somebody to treat my mother if she were in this situation?”
My advice is to pick your pro bono work carefully. Don’t take on a huge case that’s going to required hundreds of hours of work. Take on a few small matters here and there.
Also, there’s an expression: No good deed goes unpunished. That can be true with pro bono. Make sure you and the client know exactly what you’re going to do. Your representation shouldn’t be open ended. Limit your role, or you may wind up inextricably intertwined with a never-ending nightmare.
Michael Dye, The Law Offices of Michael A. Dye, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Happy ending, with a caution
I did the first trial in Hunterdon County, N.J., in a divorce where the sole issue was custody of two elderly chihuahua dogs. An unhappy husband kept the dogs from his estranged wife, who fled the home due to his abuse. He refused to return the dogs to her despite our efforts, so we had to have a judge decide who owned the dogs.
Unfortunately, dogs are still considered personal property in New Jersey, so the trial turned on proof of ownership. I represented the wife, and she was able to prove she had better “title” to the dogs. The husband was ordered to return the dogs to my office, where my client was waiting for them. Her reunion with her pups was like watching a mother being reunited with her children.
You have to do what’s in your heart to help people. Not everyone can afford to pay to vindicate their rights. I can’t help everybody, but everybody can help somebody.
That said, be prepared for the long run. Sometimes clients who don’t pay for legal services have a mindset that allows them to fight for things they might let go if they had to pay for their lawyer. In other words, because pro bono clients lack “skin in the game,” they can fall victim to taking unreasonable positions. Your job may include constraining the tendency of pro bono clients to overreach.
Also, do pro bono work only if it’s truly in your heart to do so. Lawyering is tough enough without adding not getting paid to the mix. If you’re passionate about the clients’ rights or their cause, the money doesn’t matter.
Rosanne DeTorres, managing partner/co-founder, DeTorres & DeGeorge, Clinton, N.J.
A few hours, a big difference
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus sponsors the tenant advocacy project, through which LASC and private attorneys represent indigent tenants in eviction court. I was assigned a case in which a tenant was set to be evicted.
I met with the client, who’d lived in the property for a number of years and wanted to work out a rent catch-up so he could remain in the home. I thought I had a deal worked out with the landlord, who then announced she’d rather proceed with eviction than “kick the can down the road.”
Having checked the property records, I knew the plaintiff, who’d filed the case in her individual capacity pro se, owned the property through a family trust. I told her the case wouldn’t proceed that day since I’d ask for dismissal based on standing. Following dismissal, she could start the process over and pay an attorney.
“How did you know that?” she asked. Then we finalized the settlement for the rent catch-up, and the tenant remained in his home.
Without counsel, no one would have been the wiser that the proper plaintiff was the trust, not the person herself. The tenant would have been given notice that very morning that he must vacate his home. Giving him a couple hours of my time made a huge difference in his life.
It’s important to adopt a servant’s attitude early in your career. We live lives of abundance. Through our special training and experience, we have so much to offer to people who would otherwise be denied access to justice. We make a difference. You can, too.
Nita Hanson, associate, Dinsmore & Shohl, Columbus, Ohio
A fight that couldn’t be won?
During my first year of practice, through Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, I assisted a photographer who specialized in landscape and cityscape photos. A large tourism company in another country had begun using his photos for marketing and advertising purposes on their website without his permission or compensation.
It was so rewarding to have a hand in settling a matter the client believed had little to no possibility of being resolved. Treat these cases not as an obligation or requirement to be admitted to the bar but as an opportunity to hone your skills in an area you’re passionate about.
Paolo De Jesus, junior managing attorney, Romano Law, New York
Benefits you can’t anticipate
The most rewarding pro bono experience I’ve ever had was my representation of a mother in a domestic violence restraining order case. My client was from Mexico, and English wasn’t her first language. She was married and had a child with a man who took her pay and often left her with little or no money to pay the rent and buy food.
He verbally and physically abused my client. He told her that if she ever tried to leave, he’d take their son away.
She was terrified. When she recounted her experience to me through an interpreter, I told her she was being abused and that it was unacceptable. She had tears streaming down her face because it was in that moment that she realized she was being abused. Like many victims of domestic abuse, her abuser told her she was crazy, and she’d adjusted to this horrible way of life.
We obtained a restraining order and housing for her. I heard from the client a few years ago. She’d met a wonderful man with a young daughter, and they were engaged to be married. I’m so proud of the client for having the courage to leave.
Volunteer in an area you’re passionate about even if it’s not the area you practice in. Local bar associations and nonprofits provide excellent training for lawyers who volunteer in a specialty in which they don’t practice.
I’ve taken on pro bono work in landlord/tenant cases and immigration and asylum cases—both of which are outside of my area of practice. And each time I take a case outside my practice area, I learn something that inevitably provides useful in my practice area.
Monica Mazzei, partner, Sideman & Bancroft, San Francisco
The post Pro bono experiences these lawyers won’t forget appeared first on ABA for Law Students.
Pro bono experiences these lawyers won’t forget
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