I’ve heard the hot topic from the AALL conference was wonderful. Since I wasn’t registered for that day, I wasn’t able to attend. However! The session was videotaped and will be available for free. I’m hoping this happens soon! Until then, here the program description:
AALL Conference Hot Topic Program: The New Economic Reality: Opportunity or Catastrophe?
This program will identify the challenges facing different segments of the legal community in the current economic crisis. Panelists will examine how the difficulties realized at their individual organizations are related to each other and predict changes to the legal landscape through a series of focused Q & As.
As of May 8, 2009 there were 3,741 lawyers and 5,851 staff, including librarians, laid off from major U.S. law firms. Firms have deferred start dates for new associates. Bonuses and salaries have been cut or frozen. Summer associate classes are smaller and programs shorter. Law schools are scrambling to find employment for recent graduates and alum left jobless. Clients are challenging the use of the billable hour and classifying Lexis and Westlaw as overhead. No strata of legal community is unaffected.
Moderator:
Elaine Eagan, Legal Information Manager, Mayer Brown LLP
Panelists
James W. Jones, Managing Director, Hildebrandt International
Frank M. “Rusty” Conner III, Managing Partner, DC Office, DLA Piper
Victoria Szymczak, Library Director & Assistant Professor of Law, Brooklyn Law School
Linda-Jean Schneider, Director, Libraries & Research Services, Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP
Co-Coordinators:
Caren J. Biberman, Director of Library Services, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
June Berger, Director of Library Services, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP
Christina Rattiner, Library Manager, Herrick Feinstein LLP
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