Since being introduced in 2011, Google+ has been alternately viewed as either the social network destined to usurp Facebook or a dismal failure that few people use. In truth, the real value of Google+ may not be tied to its number of active users or the level of their engagement, but to its ability to […]

I’ve blogged in the past about how a Charitable Remainder Trust can help avoid the 3.8% Medicare surcharge and the 20% income tax bracket for capital gain / dividend income. It does so by spreading income out and paying it out when the taxpayer is in a lower income tax bracket. So, too, life insurance […]

Whether looking for a new dentist, contractor, plumber or even a pet sitter, millions of consumers visit Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List and other consumer advocate-oriented websites to read comments and reviews before making a decision. Even more consumers will ask their friends and neighbors for referrals – all because they need advice and want […]

Careful estate planning may help avoid later conflicts and challenges among the beneficiaries and heirs of a person after their death. It is not always easy for a person to discuss these matters with adult children. While communicating with one’s children ahead of time and expressing wishes about distribution of assets may be the ideal […]

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the case concerning the validity of California’s Proposition 8. A link to the audio and transcript of the oral argument is here. The California Supreme Court had held marriage was a fundamental right for all couples in California, without regard to gender. Thus, same-sex […]

Attorneys typically use professional headshots in their email and social media marketing campaigns. Headshots are great and they certainly have a place in your marketing collateral (with submissions for a prestigious award, for example). But a very strong case could be made for replacing professional headshots with a variety of candid photos in your email […]

I started using Evernote and I’m so stoked. I have it on my laptop, my iPad, and my iPhone. I haven’t gone crazy inventing folders or tags because the search is so amazing. I have the Skitch and also a food app that goes with it so that all of my recipes are in Evernote […]

Grantor trusts are a thing of beauty (well, for a tax geek, anyway). All of the income of a grantor trust is taxed to the grantor of the trust, even if it is distributed to the beneficiaries. A non-grantor trust, by comparison, is taxed to the trust itself or to the beneficiaries (if there are […]

The Academy is often known for its innovative practice building systems and cutting edge software. However, another unique characteristic of Academy Membership is our annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirement. The Academy holds its legal education requirement for Membership to a very high standard. Not only are our Members cutting edge in their businesses, they […]

The Wall Street Journal reported on a move from Jacoby & Meyers to break into the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) marketplace. As we all know, the DIY industry is all around us. This is an interesting move for Jacoby & Meyers, which bills itself as “America’s most familiar law firm.” The leading firm is about […]