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Showing 8609–8624 of 10245 results
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Want to get paid in full and on time? Communicate, communicate, communicate
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: A typical law firm isn’t likely to ever receive payment on 100% of their bills. However, it can get close to that realization rate. The key is to carefully select clients and cases, and then communicate, communicate, communicate! This article discusses communication when setting a fee agreement, when working with clients when they first become delinquent, and in writing a formal collection policy. Regular communication with clients not only can help improve payment, but also can help lawyers gauge a client’s level of satisfaction with the firm’s representation.
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Foxes in the henhouse – How to combat occupational fraud
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1011
Abstract: In tough economic times, it’s not surprising that occupational fraud can become more common, but it’s a significant problem even in the best of times. The latest edition of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ fraud survey, which has expanded from a study of U.S. fraud to fraud on a global basis, indicates that the typical business worldwide loses approximately 5% of its annual revenues to fraud, for a potential total loss of over $2.9 trillion. This article looks at different types of fraud and the kind of environment that allows it, and shows preventive steps that can be taken. A sidebar lists behavioral “red flags” that may indicate fraud.
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How valuable is an outside expert in court? Recent decision offers an answer
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 622
Abstract: Many people believe that an outside damages expert can lend credibility and objectivity to a legal argument. But, every so often, this belief is put to the test. This article examines one court battle in which the plaintiff alleged misappropriation of trade secrets. In disputing liability for compensatory damages, the defendant argued that the damages expert provided insufficient evidence to support its lost profits calculation. But the court found that the expert’s assumptions were well supported by the evidence and testimony of several independent witnesses, and awarded the plaintiff the full amount of compensatory damages.
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Get real! – Using normalized earnings to clarify financial statements
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: In a time of great economic uncertainty, the estimated value of a given company can seemingly turn on a dime. To bring clarity to the situation, appraisers can calculate a company’s “normalized earnings.” This process allows them to determine, among other things, whether a struggling business is being mismanaged or whether a prosperous company is doing as well as it seems. This article looks at the different accounting methods that may lead to a need for adjustments, and examines the kinds of adjustments that valuators make.
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Computer fraud 101
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: As digital data has become indispensable in almost every industry, the incidence of computer fraud has climbed accordingly. Although the schemes can prove difficult to detect, it’s possible to help clients minimize their losses by understanding the typical methods of computer fraud and calling in qualified experts at the first sign of trouble. This article discusses three types of computer manipulation schemes.
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Impairment puts balance sheets to the test
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 894
Abstract: One challenge that companies face today is identifying assets acquired before the global financial crisis that have since declined in value. Once identified, management must quantify and report the amount of impairment. But estimating and reporting impairment is a complex process, and many in-house accounting personnel lack the requisite training to test for asset impairment — or to provide testing that can withstand outside scrutiny. This article provides an overview of impairment and shows why it’s imperative to hire a credentialed appraiser to get impairment testing done right. A sidebar looks at common impairment testing pitfalls.
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Valuing pass-through entities vs. C corporations
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Valuing interests in pass-through entities can be deceptively complex. This complexity stems from a mismatch between the data commonly used to value privately held companies and the tax benefits associated with pass-through entities. But, in recent years, several analytical models have been developed which provide a more accurate picture of a pass-through entity’s economic benefits.
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Single price quote supports $10 million lost profits award
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: A U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed a jury award of nearly $10 million in lost profits. Notably, the plaintiff’s damages expert based his calculation on a single price quote by the plaintiff that had never been accepted by the defendant. This case confirms that companies are entitled to compensatory damages not only for designs and other confidential information they develop, but also for the profits their intellectual property is expected to generate.
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Business contingencies – What are they and why should you care?
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 753
Abstract: In a perfect world, business contingencies — that is, gains or losses arising from an anticipated event — wouldn’t exist. In this imperfect world, however, they must be factored into many appraisals. In cases where a firm number is required, a valuator must use his or her best judgment to quantify contingent gains or losses. In other instances — such as business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, or divorce valuations — an appraiser can help the parties design provisions that adjust the terms once the contingency has been resolved.
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Zubulake revisited: New guidance on e-discovery
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Valuation & Litigation Briefing / Litigation & Valuation Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 935
Abstract: A recent court case shows that sanctions can not only be awarded for deliberate destruction of discoverable data, but also when a party is grossly negligent. The court found that “failure to issue a written litigation hold constitutes gross negligence….” A sidebar to this article lists specific examples of gross negligence.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your plan doesn’t name a backup guardian for your minor child
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 290
Abstract: Arguably the most important estate planning decision parents of minor children may have to make is choosing a guardian for their children should the unthinkable occur. This short article explains why it’s critical to also select a backup guardian and lists a few issues to consider when evaluating potential guardians.
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Is your spouse a U.S. citizen? If not, consider using a QDOT
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 560
Abstract: The marital deduction allows for the transfer of property, either through lifetime gifts or bequests at death, to a spouse gift- and estate-tax free. But transfers to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen may trigger immediate tax consequences. Fortunately, couples in this situation can take advantage of the deduction by using a qualified domestic trust (QDOT). This article looks at how QDOTs work and additional rules to be aware of. It also provides insights on how the 2010 estate tax repeal affects estate planning for noncitizen spouses.
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Ascertainable standards: Why you need to know about them
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 691
Abstract: To design an effective estate plan, it’s important to strike a balance between minimizing taxes and retaining control over how wealth is distributed. In doing so, the language used in wills, trusts and other estate planning documents is critical. One area that demands precision is the use of ascertainable standards, which limit distributions to amounts needed for a beneficiary’s health, education, support and maintenance. This article explains why it’s important that these standards be clearly and precisely defined and covers which standards are ascertainable.
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Gifting offers certainty in uncertain times
July / August 2010
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1036
Abstract: Uncertainty about the future of the estate tax makes planning a challenge. Planning based on the exemption amount is difficult when it’s not clear what that amount will be — or if there even will be an estate tax. Fortunately, gifting remains a powerful tool that can provide significant benefits regardless of what Congress does. This article discusses leveraging the annual gift tax exclusion, using trusts or family limited partnerships (FLPs), and making taxable gifts, while a sidebar shows how a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust can be used to hedge one’s bets.
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Practice notes – Incentive payments for “meaningful use” of EHR
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 509
Abstract: CMS is eager for physician practices to deploy electronic health record (EHR) technology as soon as possible. It has proposed two incentive-driven programs — one through Medicare and the other through Medicaid — to encourage “meaningful use” of EHR systems. Physicians are required to participate in one of the programs, and most are expected to choose the Medicare program. This article looks at the “meaningful use” provisions, and the stages in which they’re to be carried out.
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What’s their secret? – Why some practices thrive and others don’t
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: Top-performing physician practices don’t achieve their success by accident. Outstanding results are the product of regularly measuring financial and other practice performance and taking action to continually improve. Important areas to focus on include charges and collections; patient flow; referral sources; fee schedules; salaries and benefits; and gross collection percentages per payor.