Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP has been through a lot this past year. The implosion of the mortgage-backed securities market has cost the firm millions and unflattering stories relating to the mass layoffs at its New York headquarters have been popping up all over the internet. Hoping to stem this tidal wave of bad news, the firm today unveiled its new mascot, a giant, walking salamander dressed as a golf caddy.
“Sal the Caddy” now appears prominently on the firm’s website and will be the focal point of a new print and television campaign designed to lure new business to the firm and reassure existing clients. A seemingly shell-shocked firm chairman, Phil Replin, read a prepared statement in announcing the new mascot.
“Sal will help Cadwalader remind the world that we are still a world leader in helping clients navigate life’s most challenging courses. No matter where you lie, Cadawalder can help you choose the right clubs to land on the green,” explained Replin before muttering “Lord help us” and storming out of the room past a smiling Sal.
Sal the Caddy is the result of a new branding strategy being implemented for Cadwalader by a New York advertising agency called Light My Brand On Fire. A spokesperson for Light My Brand stated that Sal was designed to meld the good feelings people have towards lizard-like mascots with the snake-like qualities people usually associate with lawyers.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Firm Hopes New Mascot Will Lure Clients
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Small Talk Temporarily Masks True Feelings
“Hey Jeff, how ya doing this morning,” beamed products liability defense attorney Marilyn Crestick as she strode into the conference room at Leak, Pulte, Crisp & Eckel LLP for a second day of depositions.
“Absolutely terrific, can you believe the weather this morning,” replied plaintiffs’ lawyer extraordinaire Malcom Walters.
“Did you get those rascally little ones of yours to bed at a good time last night?” Crestick inquired as she unloaded a veritable truckload of exhibits onto the table.
The conversation about weather and kids proceeded from there and additional lawyers joined in the mind-numbing banter as they piled in for the deposition of Evan Fiesley, the named plaintiff in the class action currently progressing in Texas federal court. To the outside observer, it would have been hard to detect the genuine disdain the attorneys held for each other.
Just last night, for example, Crestick had described Walters as more annoying than a root canal when replaying the highlights of the deposition to her fellow partner Carter Benton. Similarly, Walters routinely referred to Crestick as Governor Palin around the office. Once, he even told a co-worker that he wouldn’t let Crestick change his diaper; a remark that sent off a whirlwind of rumors that the fifty-five year old Walters wore adult diapers.
As the deposition resumed, it didn’t take long for the parties true feelings to bubble to the surface. Not five minutes had passed before Walters objected to the form of one of Crestick’s questions.
“What’s the problem with that one, Malcolm?” snapped Marilyn.
“Well, for one thing, it’s the worst question I’ve heard since yesterday afternoon. Second, you’re asking the client for expert testimony which is clearly objectionable.”
“Malcom, I don’t know if you got your law degree online, but asking Mr. Fiesley if he has any indigestion when he eats three bowls of chili and has a milkshake is clearly not confusing and it certainly won’t be covered by your so-called expert in this case.”
“You’re worse than my kids,” mumbled Walters and then the two were off on a back and forth that sounded more like a unsuccessful marriage counseling session than an argument among litigators.
Only a requested break by the appalled Fiesley saved the day. He had quickly grown tired of listening to these two go at it. “Stop it you two,” interjected the previously bashful Fiesley. “Seriously, I didn’t sign up for this when I called Malcolm’s 800 number. I barely have a claim here so the last thing I want to do is be a witness to WWF lawyer-style. Let’s keep this thing moving right along so I can milk a settlement or cut bait.”
Realizing they were still on the record, Walters immediately interjected that his client was flustered and saying things without thinking. He then quickly escorted Fiesely out of the room as Crestick howled that his whole career was built using smoke and mirrors.
The remaining attorneys in the room sat in a bit of stunned silence before counsel for another co-defendant noted that he’d heard that rain was in the forecast later that day. With that, the mind-numbing banter returned as if nothing had happened.
Associate Photo Caption
"Hello my precious, can I interest you in a domestic or offshore private investment fund?"
Monday, November 17, 2008
Small Shop Web Flop
Is a thank you note for a "patriotic frozen delight" really a testimonial?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wayne State University Switches to Pass/Pass System
While the debate as to whether tier one law schools should adopt Yale’s pass/fail grading system has been going on for years, few would have predicted today’s move by Detroit, Michigan based Wayne State University Law School. Inspired to act by a student campaign called “It Just Doesn’t Matter,” administrators this afternoon announced that the Law School had changed its grading to a pass/pass system. The announcement was made on the front steps of the school with a large banner hanging above that proclaimed “Professors to students: Let’s let bygones be bygones.”
“The way I see it, students with a Wayne State law degree will likely have to persevere through many difficult times like passing the bar and getting a job,” explained Dean of Students Michael Batterton. “With this new pass/pass or let bygones be bygones system, we can send everybody off to their next life challenge, or career, knowing that we support them regardless of their legal skills.”
In mentioning difficult times, Dean Batterton was likely referencing the school’s traditional problems with having its graduates pass the bar on the first try. In addition, while most students are employed upon graduation, there is no indication how many of these jobs are law-related or whether students even typically end up in the general vicinity of a courtroom or law firm.
In a press release, the “It Just Doesn’t Matter” campaign heralded the school’s move. “At Wayne State we have finally taken a stand that you won’t be judged on how hard you try while your professor is playing a semester long game of ‘hide the ball’ via the Socratic method. Instead, we’ll let the real world be the judge and jury on your career.”
In related news, U.S. News and World Report is considering a new fifth tier of law school rankings.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Associate Breaks Code of Silence
Today’s call started out like numerous others before. Platz had dialed the client’s in-house counsel and introduced Susan Card, the other partner on the case, while neglecting to introduce Ms. Alp. To make it easier on himself, he would then proceed to do his best not to look at Ms. Alp until the call was over. Ms. Alp, for her part, had become extremely skilled at channeling her inner court reporter and as soon as she heard the phone number dialed, she put her head down and started taking notes until the call ended.
During today’s call, Alp simply lost her focus. “I don’t know what I was thinking,” stated a clearly frazzled Alp to a fellow associate at the instant coffee station later that day. “The client was asking questions about the state of the law on a topic I researched and when Jeff paused, I started answering. I think because I finished the memo on this exact issue at 2AM last night I wasn’t able to recognize the difference between my inner and outer voice.”
Platz quickly covered Alp’s slip-up by stating that one of his associates on the case had just walked in to drop something off. When the client asked if that was the infamous Jill Alp that he had seen on the bills Platz said yes and then quickly added that she had just slipped out of the office to work on one of her many pro bono matters. Alp, for her part, lost all color in her face and as soon as the opportunity presented itself, muted the phone and apologized profusely.
Platz did not address the issue until the call was completed. He was not angry, but wanted to make sure that Alp understood that this should not happen again. “Look Jennifer [sic], I want you to know that I really value your memos and sometimes I read the long emails you send me, but I just don’t think the junior associate today, even the mid-level associate for that matter, is able to just start talking on the phone,” explained Platz before his cell phone rang and he lost focus. Ms. Card, the other partner in the room, simply shook her head while tapping away on her blackberry.
A couple of days later, in-house counsel called Alp directly. He told her that he’d like to cut out going through Platz for answers to save costs. Vindicated, Alp agreed and then pressed the mute button so that she could holler down the hall for her paralegal to come in and take notes without making a sound.
Associate Photo Captions
"Here at Century Toyota we think you'd look great behind the wheel of a brand new Camry."
Monday, November 10, 2008
Small Shop Web Flop
Based on their "About Us" photo, shouldn't this law firm's name really be Bert & Ernie, LLP?
Friday, November 7, 2008
This Week's Sign That There Are Too Many Lawyers
On the website for the Charleston Accident Lawyer the third listed practice area is "dog bites". No, Michael Vick is not listed as a client.
Read More......Thursday, November 6, 2008
Law & Order’s Sam Waterston Disbarred
According to investigative documents obtained by Litination reporters, Waterston has been repeatedly sanctioned for putting his own interests ahead of his clients. For example, Leslie Moltoy was allegedly raped and beaten by her ex-husband during a 1996 episode of Law & Order but lost the case when Waterston clearly let his emotions get the best of him during his closing argument. When the jury found for the defense, Ms. Moltoy, actually actress Maryann Beatridge from Cherry Hills, New Jersey, was devastated.
“As soon as we finished taping that day I went online and found out about how to register a formal complaint with the New York City bar,” explained Beatridge. “Sure, my initial complaint was laughed at, but a couple of years later after Sam sold himself and his reputation to a bank things suddenly seemed a whole lot more plausible.”
What Ms. Beatridge is referencing is the highly controversial decision by Waterston/McCoy to take on a role as the spokesperson for TD Waterhouse. The basic idea behind the controversial spots was to present potential investors with a familiar and trustworthy spokesperson. According to industry sources, Waterston took on the role even though intense pressure from the bar association led former Law & Order castmate Steven Hill to drop the same gig.
Waterson has also appeared in a recurring segment on The Colbert Report, called Sam Waterson Says Things You Should Never Believe In A Trustworthy Manner. The segments usually involve Waterson simply stating an obviously untrue film quote in a very convincing voice. According to the report issued by New York's Grievance Committee, these spots would only further confuse future fake Law & Order jurors. Specifically, the report said, even the writers won't be able to control how whether juries find Jack McCoy's closing arguments credible.
Fortunately for Waterston fans this move should not entirely hamper his ability to continue the fake practice of law. The move requires that Jack McCoy no longer practice on Law & Order or Law & Order: Trial By Jury, but no mention is made of Homicide: Life on the Street or Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Small Shop Web Flop
When you need a good divorce, child custody or DUI lawyer, make sure you pick based on whether your attorney likes nature, especially green trees...
Kevin J. Waite, P.C.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Silent Thomas Not the Only Oddity
“Honestly, I don’t see why people are focusing so much on Clarence’s refusal to ask questions,” said a distracted Chief Justice Roberts when pressed on the issue during his morning hair dressing session last week. “We all have our quirks, like how I just have to go to Friendly’s at least one a month since I clerked for the Honorable Henry J. Friendly of the Second Circuit,” explained Roberts. “Sure, some people think I’m quirky about constantly comparing my lightly feathered hair against the looks of John Edwards and Jimmy Johnson, but really, I’m just freaky about getting my fix of a Friendly’s Fribble.”
The oversights don’t stop there. Almost nothing has been written about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s continued use of bigger and bigger fake glasses to try to “make her look smart,” or John Paul Stevens’ increasing addiction to prescription Flomax. Why, you ask? According to MSNBC legal guru Dan “I’m gelling are you gellin?” Abrams, “I think the fascination with the Thomas story might center on how amazed people are that a lawyer can go a full hour without hearing the soothing sound of his own voice.”
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