Thinking Like a Lawyer: What is Law New?

Whether you’re an attorney or not, you may have heard of “law new.” This is a term used to describe the different ways legal services companies and law firms are changing how they deliver their services. But despite its popularity, the term “law new” doesn’t really have an official definition.

Generally speaking, it means that the traditional legal practice is evolving in new ways to meet the needs of clients and the marketplace. This evolution can be seen in the way firms are organized and managed, in the types of work they do, and in the legal technology tools that they use.

Some of this change is happening through mergers and acquisitions, which is driving consolidation in the biglaw sector. It’s also happening through the launch of new services and the creation of new business models that challenge traditional assumptions about what a lawyer does. And it’s happening at a pace that makes it hard to keep up with the latest developments.

A good source of information about what’s going on in the law is the news. But to make sense of it all, you need to understand some legal terms and concepts. This week’s episode of Thinking Like A Lawyer explores some of the important ones you need to know to follow the legal news.

consolidation of actions

When at least two cases that involve the same issues of law are put together and become one case. This allows the court to give one judgment that will cover all parties.

commitment order

A court order that says a person must be kept in custody, usually in a jail or mental institution.

citation: A summons or other notice that tells someone to go to court on a certain day and/or to post bail. Lawyers often cite cases in their arguments in order to support their points.

court of appeals

The highest federal appellate court in the United States, located in Washington D.C.

constitution: The basic law of a country that establishes its rules and principles, describes the government’s power, and gives citizens their main rights.

district court

A lower level court that hears non-felony criminal and civil cases, but does not have the power to try people for capital crimes or other serious felonies.

local law 53 of 2024

This bill would require general vendors and mobile food vendors to obtain a tax clearance certificate. It also prohibits vendor-related activity from occupying bicycle lanes.