Partner William Brewer recently wrote an op-ed about legal industry compensation practices published by Law360. Titled “BigLaw’s Associate Salary Model is a Relic of a Bygone Era,” the commentary states that the traditional model of increasing associate salaries uniformly fails star associates, the firms they work for and, ultimately, the clients they serve.
“The BigLaw formula is broken – a relic of the out-of-touch apprenticeship model of a bygone era,” writes Brewer. “The reality is there should be a direct correlation between base compensation earned and the value an attorney provides to a firm and its clients.”
The article provides insights into the meritocracy system adopted by Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors – a model that rewards employees based on the value of their contributions. The article also discusses the firm’s multi-disciplinary practice, which employs professionals with backgrounds in business, investigations, computer science, and public relations.
National Review Piece Expresses Support of Firm Lawsuit
A commentary written by R.J. Lehmann published in the National Review on June 4, 2018, titled “New York’s Assault on the NRA Sets a Dangerous Precedent” expresses support for a lawsuit filed by the firm. The firm is representing the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a lawsuit filed against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state Department of Financial Services (DFS) and its Superintendent, Maria T. Vullo.
The suit alleges that the state violated the NRA’s First Amendment rights in connection with regulatory guidance issued to financial institutions urging them to not do business with the NRA. Lehmann writes that the DFS’ “behavior sets a dangerous precedent that should trouble citizens across the political spectrum.”
He adds: “Seeing regulators open this Pandora’s box should be deeply concerning to those on both the right and the left. One easily could imagine similar motivated prosecutions of financial-services firms that do business with Planned Parenthood, tobacco companies, tech firms, the solar industry, or even the political campaigns of rival parties. The precedent set by these blatantly political regulatory actions undermines not only the insurance market, but the rule of law.”
William A. Brewer III to Present at HAMA Spring Conference
Firm Partner William Brewer is scheduled to present at the HAMA (Hospitality Asset Managers Association) Spring 2018 conference, scheduled for April 12-13, 2018, in Leesburg, Virginia. Mr. Brewer will be a featured speaker on the topic of Franchise and Management Agreements – scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Friday, April 13.
His topic will address the following issues: When the market shifts, there are winners and losers. It’s important to know how to realistically protect your investment. What are today’s issues at the negotiation table and how can owners leverage their negotiating power?
Please visit the conference website to register and learn more: http://www.hamagroup.org/. HAMA is considered the "pre-eminent organization of professionals responsible proactively increasing asset values on behalf of hotel owners worldwide."
William Brewer to Speak at 2018 NYU Hospitality Conference
Firm partner William Brewer is scheduled to present at the 2018 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, scheduled for June 3 – 5, 2018, at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel in New York City. Mr. Brewer will be a featured panelist on the topic, “Latest from the Front Line: Hot-Button Issues on Franchise and Management Agreements.” The panel discussion will explore the increasingly complex regulatory environment for franchises, and the increasingly competitive landscape for hotel managers. What are today’s big issues when everyone sits at the table to negotiate the contracts? Where can managers and franchisors flex, and how can owners better understand and leverage their negotiating power?
Please visit the conference website to register and learn more: http://www.sps.nyu.edu/academics/departments/tisch/conferences-events/ihii-conference.html
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes Partner William Brewer in 2018 Edition
Firm Partner William Brewer was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Commercial Litigation. Brewer was recognized in both New York and Dallas.
Recognition is based entirely on peer review and aims to recognize the opinion of top lawyers about the professional ability of their colleagues within the same geographic region and practice area. Brewer has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007.
Partner William Brewer Writes about Litigation Finance in Crain’s New York Business
Partner William Brewer recently wrote an op-ed about litigation finance published in Crain’s New York Business. Titled “Great equalizer coming to New York law: Litigation finance is giving the little guy his day in court,” the piece posits that third-party financing has the potential to reconfigure the legal industry in New York City. He writes, “litigation finance enables smaller plaintiffs and boutique firms to surmount the obstacles put in their path by large corporations and defense counsel.” Brewer comments that such third-party financing can result in “pure, unaltered, merits-based litigation—the way it was always intended to be.” Brewer Consultant Matthew Harrison contributed to the piece, published in May 2017.
D CEO Profiles Managing Partner William Brewer in “My Office” Feature
D CEO magazine profiled Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and Managing Partner William A. Brewer III in its October 2016 issue. The “My Office” profile takes readers inside the offices of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, located on the top two floors (59 and 60) of Comerica Bank Tower in downtown Dallas.
Managing Partner William Brewer Writes About the Value of Debate
Managing Partner William Brewer recently wrote a commentary on LinkedIn about the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) competition, which he founded in 2001. The IPPF is the only high school debate competition that gives students from around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy.