Lawyer launches new social media network
A barrister who found that social media didn’t offer what he wanted has launched his own network aimed at anyone with an interest in the law. Bill Braithwaite QC of the Exchange Chambers in London created Mootis to allow lawyers and others with an interest in the profession to network, keep up with trending legal topics and to give opinions. However, the site specifically warns that it is “not the place for long, boring essays". Unlike Twitter, with its 140 character limit for each tweet, users of Mootis can post ‘moots’ up to 500 words.
New Vietnam managing partner for Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells has expanded its South East Asia practice with the hire of a new managing partner in its Vietnam office. Samantha Campbell will join the firm in March from Gide Loyrette Nouel and will head the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offices.
Patent law suits drop in US
The number of lawsuits involving disputed patents dropped last year by 17 per cent. Figures from Unified Patents show that there were 5002 patent lawsuits in the US last year with hardware, software and networking firms accounting for 63 per cent of those cases.
New compliance expert for Eversheds
Eversheds has appointed a new partner to its global compliance and crisis management practice. Maria Hernandez was previously with industrial manufacturing firm Pentair as head of legal and will be based in Eversheds’ Madrid office.
Broadchurch slated by lawyers
If you enjoyed the first series of British-based crime drama Broadchurch then here’s a warning; the second series may get you annoyed. The second series has just started airing on UK television and legal professionals have taken to social media to vent their anger and disbelief at the courtroom scenes. Everything from the timeline of the case coming to trial, to the presence of witnesses in the courtroom before they give evidence has prompted lawyers to brand the show unrealistic ‘twaddle’. Producers say they took legal advice to make the show as realistic as possible but that “creative decisions are made to heighten the dramatic effect". The second series premiered on TVNZ last night and will be on ABC from next month.
