While it’s obviously illegal for an ordinary citizen to, for example, fire a rocket into a building — even if you were shooting at the “bad guys” and looked really cool doing it — other anti-crime activities may actually be permissible in certain well-defined situations.

For amusement purposes, we offer the following questions and answers:

Can you fire missiles and lasers when chasing the bad guys? 

No. It’s that simple.

Federal law sharply restricts the ownership and use of “destructive devices” such as rocket launchers and devices of similar power. If you own one, you’re probably already on the wrong side of the law, nevermind actually using the weapon in public.

So what can I fire at the bad guys?

Before we get into that, let’s take a quick moment to explain when a person may use force against another person. Although specific laws vary by state, it may be permissible to use an appropriate amount of force to defend yourself, your property, or another person from harm. This is known as self-defense.

In general, the force used in self-defense must not be excessive. If a person harmlessly flings a paper clip at you, you may not, for example, stab them in response and call it self-defense. If, however, a person attacked you with a bat and you struck them with your hands to defend yourself, you probably haven’t done anything illegal.

Even so, if a person fires a gun at you, you generally may return fire in self-defense.  If you’re in a jewelry store, lawfully carrying a firearm, and a robber enters brandishing a gun and pointing it at you, you may be within your rights to fire upon them to defend yourself.

However, the specific laws regarding self-defense are different in each state. In some states, the right of self-defense is modified by a duty to seek a means of escape, where appropriate. You should familiarize yourself with the laws in your home state to understand what is permitted.

Fine. No missiles and lasers. Can I at least fly using a jet-powered suit of my own design?

Nope. Not even if you’re a wisecracking billionaire playboy.

Aerospace companies like Boeing spent a great deal of time and money to get aircraft carriers like the 747 approved by the FAA. And after the planes were cleared for takeoff, they could only be flown in accordance with tight aerospace regulations.

A person traveling at Iron Man’s speeds — unmonitored, uncleared, over state and national borders, in a suit they made in their own garage or penthouse laboratory, as applicable — would quickly violate a number of laws and regulations. It would not be long before such a person was face-to-face with a military fighter jet escort and at risk of total destruction.

Sorry. No jetsuit flying.

Note: You can use a Segway to pursue criminals, though. It’s kind of the same, right?   

Takeaways

In general, the authorities prefer that you take yourself to a secure location, and contact them if you encounter a criminal. Diving into vigilante activities is generally not advisable or safe. However, as described above, there may be cases where you are within your rights to get involved in order to protect yourself or others.

For those that are truly inspired to fight crime, however, the most appropriate route is probably the one found here.

Whether you’re preparing for an LLM in the U.S., or you just want to improve your English skills and understanding of the basics of U.S. law, a summer law program can be an excellent way to do it. Many of the top law schools in the U.S. offer such programs, and they typically take four to eight weeks to complete.

The programs generally include a variety of different courses. Some focus on improving students’ English writing, speaking, and comprehension skills, while others also include fundamental courses on the structure of the American legal system, and may also teach students about popular methods of legal research and advocacy in the U.S. In addition to these topics, many programs also explain that their program can help students become familiar with American law school culture, professor expectations, and student responsibilities. To this we add that students in these programs will also learn a great deal about U.S. culture in general while attending them.

What should I look for in a summer law program?

As with any educational endeavor, you should look for programs at highly ranked schools that have well-rounded curricula. Beyond that, your personal goals will determine which program is the best fit. If you intend to seek an LLM, especially one in a specific topic area, you should select a program that offers the specialized courses you seek. And if you would like to work in a particular city or region, a school located in that city or region is quite helpful to gaining employment in that geographic area.

What can I expect from a typical program?

Tuition costs are generally thousand of dollars, and vary widely by program. While some programs offer certificates for completion, others do not. As mentioned above, courses included in summer law programs typically include the following:

• Introduction to the American Legal System: Many countries around the world use a civil law system in which laws are codified, and in which the code is the primary source of law. In the U.S., on the other hand, common law systems are in place. This means that, in addition to some codified law, opinions issued by judges (referred to as “precedent” or “case law”) are a major source of legal authority. Summer law programs often introduce students to these concepts to provide the necessary background prior to studying American law in-depth.

• American Legal Research and Writing: Building on the information learned above, most programs offer workshops to help students gain the skills needed to use American legal research tools and methods (such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, as well as hardcopy resources).  Specific formats and rhetorical devices commonly used in American legal writing are also important, and are the focus of many programs.

• Other events: As cultural understanding and comfort with typical American interactions are key to a foreign attorney’s ability to practice law in the U.S. or in conjunction with U.S. parties, some programs offer social events, trips, and other outings to enhance cultural immersion and learning. Other programs will also offer courses to help students develop skills relevant to the American corporate workplace, such as corresponding by email and other related matters.

Which schools offer summer law programs?

Many law schools that offer LLM programs also offer summer law programs for foreign attorneys. While a comprehensive list is not available, students should consult the website of any school that offers LLM programs to learn about summer intensive courses.

To provide students with a sampling of typical programs, here are brief descriptions of four summer law programs offered by schools located in different major regions of the U.S.

• Washington University School of Law offers an online legal English course. The course is geared toward legal professionals who want to build proficiency in legal English including: engaging in dialogue using the Socratic Method, legal note taking, and analyzing and briefing court cases. Visit the legal English page for more information.

• USC Gould School of Law:  Courses offered include legal topics (e.g. corporate law, government and history, trial advocacy, intellectual property, entertainment law, and more), legal vocabulary, English speaking (practiced through case discussion), legal writing, and LLM course exam strategies.

• Vanderbilt: This intensive program takes place over four weeks, for about 20 hours each week.  The course covers LLM program preparation, oral and written English skill development, and also includes trips to courts and other legal venues.

• Michigan: In addition to the legal research and American law courses one might expect, Michigan offers courses in academic presentations, workshops on adjusting to U.S. culture, and law-related field trips.

• Syracuse: Syracuse’s program is focused on core competencies related to the English language such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but the program also addresses legal research techniques.

As you can see, programs vary quite a bit, and students should do research to find a program that is suited to their individual interests and needs. For foreign attorneys seeking more information on developing skills and credentials related to U.S. law, without the need to travel to the U.S., please visit a program site.

This post will explain the basic points as they stand today, and attempt to anticipate some of the questions and issues that will arise as the cost of 3D printers declines, and they start to appear in homes across the country.

What is a 3D printer?

A 3D printer is a manufacturing device that deposits a particular material, such as plastic, in successive layers until a desired shape is produced. The design for a shape can be drawn using certain software, or can employ a downloadable file from a shape library such as thingiverse.  3D printers are now available to the public for a few thousand dollars, and they can be used to create an endless variety of things, including decorations (such as scale models of famous monuments), as well as more useful items (such as a phone case featuring your own design).

What patent law issues will arise from the proliferation of 3D printers?

A patented invention generally cannot be manufactured by anyone but the patent-holder or licensees, by any means. Bringing a 3D printer into the mix doesn’t change that. What 3D printers do change, however, is that they might make creation of replacement parts much more easy.

One who purchases a patented item is permitted to replace its parts as they break down. In the current market, most people would return to the manufacturer for these parts. With 3D printing, they may opt to create the needed part at home.

And once online file libraries for parts become plentiful, while it will still be an infringement to assemble the complete item from its component parts, one can expect that this is exactly what some would be inclined to do.

Another issue that arises is that people will unintentionally infringe on others’ patents by using their 3D printers, especially if user-uploaded shape files are employed. Lack of knowledge about a patent is no defense to infringement, and intent is not controlling. The simple act of printing the patented item is generally an infringement, and many could run afoul of the law without even knowing it.

Of course, people have always had the ability to illegally infringe upon patents in their home workshop, but rightsholders would rarely find it practical to detect, investigate, and pursue litigation regarding such activity. 3D printers enable people to infringe patents with a degree of fidelity, ease, and numerosity heretofore only known by true industrial manufacturers.

In the U.S., in addition to patents on useful innovations, patents on certain ornamental design features can also be granted. It will only be a matter of time before infringing shapes are printed. In fact, given the popularity of many items subject to design patents (for example, designer sunglasses frames), such shapes may well be among the first printed by many who purchase 3D printers.

Scanning capabilities will exacerbate this issue tremendously. Even if patent-holders are able to successfully keep design files for their items off of the main Internet databases, people will be able to simply scan items, create the necessary design file, and begin duplication. And as with copyrighted works, one can expect there to be a thriving black market of peer-to-peer design file sharing.

In another similarity to copyrighted works, 3D printers will also enable illicit sales of patented items.  Some 3D printers can create multiple objects in a single production run, meaning that any garage can become a mini-factory for patented items that will then be sold online.

These matters will no doubt be litigated in dozens of landmark cases, discussed in legislative halls, and addressed in publications from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for years to come. And as printer capabilities increase, and costs decrease, they will only become more prevalent. The legal issues raised by 3D printing are not confined to the field of patent law, either. Other areas of intellectual property law, such as copyrights and trademarks, will be implicated, as will torts and various other legal fields.

For now, from a legal perspective, we can only wait and see what shape the law will take in response to this new technology.

Do your research

When possible, make sure your new multinational firm’s business culture is in line with the type of work environment you prefer. Business culture can vary widely between firms; for example: some multinational firms have begun using remote work environments, while others require strict in office presence. Checking to see that the office culture is in line with your ideal work environment will make the transition to a multinational firm much smoother.

In addition to knowing about the work environment, knowing a bit about your supervisors can also make the transition easier as well. LinkedIn profiles are a great source of information on your prospective supervisors and can help you see if your skills set will compliment theirs. This research will also give you the opportunity to learn a little more about the background of the people you will be working with. Knowing whether your colleagues are from across the world, right down the street or something in between will help you decide whether or not the firm is a good fit for you.

Communicate your expectations

Your role in a multinational law firm will be defined by the firms needs and your particular skill set. The fact that the firm is multinational doesn’t necessarily mean you will be involved in multinational business interactions. As a result, attorneys are regularly frustrated by the work they do at multinational firms as it may feel like they are really only practicing at a firm based in their home country. If working across borders is something you want to do, make sure you communicate those desires to your prospective employer during the interview process. You want to make sure your expectations and theirs line up before you accept the position.

Go in with a positive attitude

If you accept a position with a multinational firm, make sure you start your job with a positive attitude. Agreeing with the corporate culture and having your expectations met with be worthless if you don’t go into the new position with a positive attitude and an open mind.
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Transitioning from a U.S.-based firm to a multinational firm may involve a few bumps but if you do some research, communicate your expectations and have a positive attitude, it might be the best career move you have made to date!

While each practice area is unique, there are currently some popular LLM programs that provide beneficial knowledge for attorneys looking to practice in domestic law firms. The most noteworthy LLM types are:

LLM Tax Law

Taxation-focused LLMs allow students to understand the complexities of the U.S. tax code as it currently stands and interpret how future changes in the law will affect taxation rates for private citizens, as well as foreign and domestic businesses. Required taxation-based ethics courses also help students anticipate complications in a variety of situations related to taxation. An LLM in tax law is often a smart choice for attorneys interested in practicing in the United States, as laws related to taxation are always changing and are a hot topic in election cycles.

LLM International Business Law

As technology changes the way we do business and conduct ourselves within the world, many attorneys are turning to LLM programs in international business as a way to stay engaged in the business community. Specialized knowledge of international trade laws, taxation and business regulations allows an attorney to properly advise his or her clients on any number of business matters. An LLM in international business law (or related field) also helps American attorneys understand other business cultures, making them more effective advocates for their clients.

LLM with “Green” Focuses, like Environmental Law, Sustainability and Energy Law

LLM programs with focuses on “green” issues are particularly relevant today. Protecting the environment, advising clients on regulations they must comply with and promoting changes in the law are all tasks an attorney with an LLM in environmental law may be responsible for. In domestic firms, as we continue to see the effects of climate change on our communities and the world as a whole, having advocates who know how the law affects the actions of a private citizen or business is more important than ever.

LLM in National Security Law

As we all know, the legal and psychological climate in the United States has changed drastically since the events of September 11, 2001. Concerns relating to security of air travel, our international borders and our interests abroad have led to an increased need for attorneys who understand national security concerns, as well as import/export laws. Domestic firms benefit from having attorneys on staff who understand the complicated nature of U.S. laws related to national security as a result of having obtained an LLM in national security law.
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Ultimately, your desired practice area will help you select an appropriate LLM program. We encourage you to use the information above as a jumping-off point. Talk to people in your desired field, research the programs available to you and then get started. An LLM may open more doors for practice in a domestic firm than you anticipate.

This infographic explores the salaries of lawyers around the U.S., factoring in cost of living and offering a side-by-side comparison of legal incomes in the top 20 markets around the country. Not surprisingly, trial lawyers top the list in terms of income while non-tenure track law professors are the lowest earning.

This infographic does not include data on solo attorneys, partners or the unemployed. As a result, this infographic does not represent the entire legal profession, but rather reported attorney salaries of private practice, government, in-house and other employed lawyers.

This data was taken from Indeed.com, a job listings website which creates their salary information based on a rolling average of listed salaries on related job postings. Rather than being an authoritative source on all attorney salaries, we see this infographic as a jumping off point for a larger conversation on how much attorneys are paid.

What changes in legal salaries do you anticipate in 2013?

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<a href="http://llminfo.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lawyer Salaries in the U.S." src="http://llminfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/lawyer-salaries.jpg" width="600" border="0" /></a><br /> Via <a href="http://llminfo.com/">LLM Info</a>

Employers are often willing to absorb the cost of an employee’s continuing education because well-educated employees are tremendously valuable to an organization. In the case of international law firms, an employee with an LLM can open new practice area offerings for the firm, leading to the development of new business and more fulsome client services. In addition, having attorneys with LL.M.s on staff helps firms ensure they possess the most current and advanced legal expertise. For attorneys who work in-house at international companies, having LLMs — especially those obtained in the United States — helps the company’s legal team interact more effectively in contract negotiations with other businesses around the world.

Many large employers, including leading professional firms like Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase and Skadden, offer employees some form of education reimbursement. If your employer does not, however, you may still be able to discuss the possibility. Here are some positive points to raise when discussing LLM funding with your employer:

It will make you a better practitioner.
With your new skills and knowledge, you’ll have the expertise needed to provide advice on a wider range of issues.

It will help your employer develop new business.
Your LLM will enable you to reach out to new clients and to extend the scope of representation for current clients. By working on emerging issues, you can also help the firm position itself as a global leader on those matters.

It will help with recruiting and reputation.
An LLM-funding program will serve as an attractive benefit to prospective employees. Your interaction with other students will also allow you to make new contacts and serve as an ambassador for your company or firm. Some employers may even consider partnering with specific educational institutions to present lectures and publications or to undertake research, both of which serve to boost the employer’s standing and reputation in the legal community.

It won’t take you away from work.
Programs like @WashULaw, offered by top-ranked Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, are delivered entirely online. No travel is necessary.

It’s less expensive and disruptive than hiring another employee.
The cost of LLM funding for you may well be less than the cost of hiring a new employee who already has an LLM but who will require training to meet the specific needs of your employer.

You can commit to extended employment.
If needed, you can agree to continue working for your employer for a minimum period (e.g. one year) after obtaining your LLM. Please note that some employers may also impose a minimum GPA requirement before releasing LLM funding.
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When discussing the possibility of LLM funding with your employer, the key is to focus on the multitude of benefits that your new knowledge and skills will bring to your employer, and to emphasize that employee education is critical to maintaining and improving a company’s status and market position.

JDOasis.com

JDO is a place for discussion and sharing career advice between lawyers and prospective lawyers from all backgrounds. At the moment, the core of JDO is its forum posts, which are presented in a blog style: Users create posts on any topic related to legal careers and the law in general, and these posts are presented as an ongoing blog. Then, other users comment on and approve or disapprove of the posts. The most well-regarded posts surface in the Highest Ranked Discussions section of the site.

The main topics at JDO are:

• Big Law (click here for a sample post on how to transition from big law to alternative careers);
• Law School (click here for a sample post on picking classes in law school);
• Getting a Job (click here for a sample post about whether working in compliance can bar the way to certain career paths); and
• The Bar Exam (click here for a post on how to cope with the pressure of the exam).

In order to get robust participation from its user base, JDO rewards users for staying active, giving them rankings based on their activity level. To date, at least 600 users have scored points for interacting on the website

JDO has the potential to be a popular meeting place where attorneys and those interested in careers in law can connect and exchange information. The advantage of the JDO platform over other similar sites is that any user can pose a question and hear back from others who have experience in dealing with the issue at hand. This could be enormously useful for those seeking career advice.

To that end, JDO also features a job board where users can post jobs, browse open positions and submit résumés. Other features that are currently planned, but not yet developed, include:

1. Detailed industry and interview guides;
2. Mock interviews and career mentoring;
3. LSAT prep discounts; and
4. Professional legal resume review services.

We looked at attorney salaries across the world, from Germany and India to South Africa and Mexico, to see just where attorneys are best compensated for their work. Not surprisingly, China, with its exciting legal market and fast-moving trends, comes in ahead of the pack with the highest salaries and relatively low cost of living.

Read on below to find out where your country or region falls on the list. Then, start planning your next move!

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1. Things
This organizer app will make managing your daily tasks, case notes or deadlines a breeze. Create your own schedule for tasks, set a specific due date and prioritize each item according to importance, difficulty or even how long the task will take to complete. Decide which tasks you want to do today, and put them on your “Today” list to check them throughout the day. See what’s coming up next and what’s scheduled for later — you can even put tasks in “Someday” if you can’t work on them now. Use tags to assign contexts, priorities and times. Manage idea lists and to-do lists, and do it all efficiently by create repeating tasks.

Cost: $9.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch

2. Dragon Dictation
This app turns your speech into text or email messages up to five times faster than typing on a keyboard. Use this app when traveling to compose emails, text messages or social networking status updates on your mobile device completely hands free. Voice-to-text transcriptions can be sent as SMS, email or pasted into any application using the clipboard. It has a built-in feature to quickly submit text to social networking applications, specifically Twitter and Facebook. Convenient editing features provide a list of suggested words and include a voice-driven correction interface.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPad, iPhone, second- and third-generation iPod Touch

3. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage service. Use this app to access any document you’ve stored in its online servers from any device with Internet connect. Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage and more for a low fee. Documents that are compatible include Word, Excel, PDFs, photos and videos. If you want to be able to view files offline, merely add them to your “Favorites” list to make them accessible all the time. With this app, anything you save to Dropbox is protected, regardless of whether or not you lose your phone, tablet or laptop.

Cost: Free

Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android

4. Teleprompt+
A professional teleprompter at your fingertips! Includes a built-in text editor with cue points. Allows you to track progress with integrated timer display. Pause, play and adjust playback speed during prompting, and scroll through text with normal swipe gestures. You can even customize the auto-scrolling speed and start a countdown. Personalize the timer display, font type, font size, text and background color. Teleprompt+ can even improve focus your focus with reading guide arrow and shading. The app also allows your iPhone to be used as a “wired remote.”

Cost: $7.99

Compatible with: iPad, iPhone

5. Time Master + Billing
This app allows you to track the time you spend with a client and create timesheets for accounting and contracts. Track time by start, stop and/or duration. Sessions options can track “punch-in & out” for a single time entry and run multiple timers simultaneously. It can also track client-reimbursable expenses and may be used to create billing statements. Allows you to define billing rates by client, project, task or custom settings. It even accommodates dual taxes for when you’re out of the country!

Cost: $9.99

Compatible with: iPhone, iPad, Android