Law is a fast-changing industry. What works one quarter might not work the next, and as new challenges arise, it is important for lawyers to remain flexible. One way to do that is by embracing the idea of “new law.” While this concept can be difficult to define, it generally refers to a form of legal practice that is innovative and provides different services than those typically offered in standard law firms.
This month, a number of new laws go into effect in California, including recognition of Juneteenth as a state holiday, new requirements for firearm dealers and changes to how criminal records are handled. New York City also passed several pieces of legislation. These include requiring contractors to have worker’s compensation insurance and imposing a fine on bounties hunters who don’t have the required license.
The lawmaking branch of the federal government is Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The process of creating a bill in either body is similar, but the details vary. A bill is introduced by a legislator and then assigned to a committee, which will research the proposal, discuss it, make changes and vote on it. If the bill passes, it is sent to the other chamber, where it goes through a similar process. If the bill passes in both chambers, it is signed by the president and becomes a law.
Despite the differences in the process, both processes have their benefits. It is important for attorneys to understand the nuances of each so that they can leverage the ideas of new law to help their clients. A well-thought out plan that uses new law techniques can provide a lucrative source of revenue for a firm while providing the kinds of legal assistance that many clients need without compromising other areas of the firm’s primary focus. This is why it’s important for all legal firms to consider incorporating the idea of new law into their strategies.