Legal Employment

With forty seven million Americans without health insurance, the FTC and approximately twenty state law enforcement officials are announcing a crackdown on those who target unemployed, uninsured and underinsured people. The medical discount plans that are fraudulently marketed as discount health insurance plans has resulted in millions of dollars being scammed from unsuspecting or desperate Americans who face health crises, says lawyer and LegalAuthority.com founder A. Harrison Barnes. The problem continues to grow and a recent surge in complaints has prompted government officials to move forward in their investigations.

This is certainly one legal battle that will be closely monitored in the coming months.

At its core, the sweep is focused on those health cards that promise affordable doctors visits and prescriptions, as well as flat rates for certain medical procedures and/or tests. It’s estimated up to four million Americans have purchased these health care discount cards only to discover when they try to use them that their physician’s offices, hospitals or medical facilities do not accept them. Some of the advertisements might read as:

Affordable Health Care Plan! Pre existing conditions? No problem! No deductible or co pays! Thousands of providers in our PPO network! Discounts up to 60%!

It’s easy to understand why so many continue to get swept into these false advertisements. The more desperate we are, the more prone we are to fall prey to such unethical practices, says A. Harrison Barnes. “Attorneys, for years, have tried to rein in some of these fraudulent companies, be there medical discount plans or roofing contractors”, says the LegalAuthority.com founder.

So what can consumers do in the meantime? A. Harrison Barnes offers a few tips that include asking for a list of providers who participate in a particular plan. If a company refuses to do so, consider contacting your attorney or the Better Business Bureau. Another plan of action many lawyers, including Barnes, suggest is that you ask for a web address where you can gather more information and possibly forward to your physician or dentist. Also, these companies are legally bound to provide details. It’s the consumer’s right to ask for them and if they refuse, report them.

Finally, Barnes reminds consumers that sometimes, a legal course of action is the only remedy. As the FTC and its attorneys continue to work out the details on how the sweeps will occur, it’s up to consumers and their lawyers to ensure their interests are protected.

More attorneys are choosing legal careers that are in the consumer protection sector. It is little wonder since there appears to be an explosion of scams in this country. From Hurricane Katrina scams that swept the southeast in 2005 and 2006 to the current efforts to take advantage of families who are struggling with medical illnesses, there appears to be a growing problem with no easy solutions at the ready.

There’s a new trend these days and it includes many students opting to pursue their business and legal educations overseas and more specifically, they’re choosing Asia. The Wall Street Journal is reporting more American college kids are applying to schools in both Asia and Europe. Lawyer and LawCrossing.com founder A. Harrison Barnes says while this trend in itself isn’t indicative of the level of education American law schools offer, it is, however, a tell tale sign that more young adults are wanting to take advantage of what will likely be their only chance to see the world before their own children are raised. “Today’s young adults have an uncanny ability to see what their futures hold and unlike past generations, instead of embracing it, they’re choosing to redefine it”, says the LawCrossing.com founder.

The Graduate Management Admission Council, which oversees the GMAT, says nearly 7,800 American students were sent to colleges outside the U.S. in 2009 alone. For contrast, in 2005, that number was right at 5,000. The WSJ also reports 2009 marked the first time China had made the list of top ten countries that Americans sent their GMAT scores to. China is no doubt appreciating the influx of new visitors, but does this mean America has anything to worry about? “Not at all”, insists the LawCrossing.com founder. It’s important to remember many of China’s college students are opting to come to America to study, so in a lot of ways, it often balances out just right.

So why Asia? Many say it’s all about the appeal of the many opportunities they’re offered in China. While the educational possibilities are often the deciding factor, the truth is, many prefer the fast moving business climate. The China Europe International Business School in Shanghai says its class of 2009 graduates included 8% Americans. Parents should expect to pay more for their globe trotting offspring. As one might expect, there are considerable expenses that go into allowing your teen to finish law school abroad. Not only that, but because American law is specific and definitive, it can be difficult to find those foreign schools that offer the necessary courses. In fact, many law students bring it full circle by taking online courses when possible and when a needed course is not available via the foreign institution.

Does this mean Asia is offering better educational experiences in terms of one’s aspirations of a legal career? Most say it has nothing to do with that; A. Harrison Barnes is quick to reiterate that it truly does come down to taking advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. “Today’s contemporary generation is interested in becoming multi-lingual (Mandarin is the most sought after foreign language class among Americans) as well as keeping their options always open, even if they’re halfway around the world.

Finally, many students are saying the international degree opens doors the more traditional degrees might be able to do. “Everyone likes a worldly and diverse personality”, says Barnes. Traveling the world is the best way to ensure both.

Anyone who’s an animal lover and specifically pet owners might have a golden opportunity to make their passion a career option. The National Pet Owners Survey discovered almost 63% of every American home has a pet. That’s just over 71 million families who share their space with Fido; many even have more than one pet. That’s quite the clientele for anyone wishing to make their mark in the pet industry – and it’s a fast growing sector, too.

In fact, many dog trainers and other pet professionals who hang their own welcome signs out in an effort to draw others who are interested in this specialized sector are reporting impressive turnouts and a lot of interest in these fields, says A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and EmploymentCrossing.com founder.

“While it’s not usually the first thing that pops into one’s mind when he’s pondering his career options, it’s very quickly proving to be a satisfying and lucrative choice for animal lovers across the nation”, says Barnes.  And if the only job you can think of that includes other people’s pets is a dog walking gig, think again. Veterinary technicians, bloggers, new product testers (no, you won’t be required to taste the dog food, but you will be required to record any reaction your pet has towards it) and pet chauffeurs are just a few of the many options. This, coupled with the ability to opt for full time or part time employment is enough to cause many to seriously consider it. Still, there are those pesky business considerations, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder.

“There are always potential pitfalls”, says A. Harrison Barnes. There are many organizations on a national level that welcome the opportunity to provide all the information one could need to set up shop. You’ll need to know the basics, of course, your bookkeeping efforts, IRS issues and insurance considerations are all very important. You’ll also need to know where to find your first customers, how to determine your rates and your responsibilities to any employees you might choose to hire.

Still, even if the legalities are a bit overwhelming, you can find experts to provide assistance in those technical areas. After all, you’re focused on being the best pet care business in your area. Your investment will vary too, cautions Barnes. “Depending on what services you want to offer, your investment can easily rise quickly; this is one reason many experts suggest taking a more conservative approach to building a business such as this”.

It’s hard work, no doubt, but when it’s right, that hard work will certainly pay off on many levels. Stay at home moms, part time employees and those who are underemployed are all excellent candidates for a business venture such as this. And if you’re not sure about whether or not it’s the right business opportunity for you, Barnes recommends volunteering some of your time at your local vet’s office in an effort to get a true sense of what a typical day would be like. Even the most passionate animal lovers and pet owners can realize a little barking goes a long way and as we know, barking is an all day event in a veterinarian’s office.

For years, courts across the country have been overburdened with cases that have been pending for months, or even years. It’s not limited to just one area, either, says A. Harrison Barnes, attorney and founder of the legal job site LawCrossing.com. It’s in criminal and civil courts, he says. Not only that, but rising legal costs for clients have taken a toll on the entire judicial system. People in need of legal representation for any number of matters simply don’t have access to the funds to secure that representation.  One solution – and a successful one, at that – is mediation.

Mediators have been consistently growing in numbers over the past several years. It’s eased the already overwhelmed court dockets and it’s provided a solution for cash strapped consumers. But what does a mediator do and what’s it take to become one? Of course, we asked our resident career coach, A. Harrison Barnes, and here’s what he had to say:

First things first, says Barnes. There are a couple other titles that are synonymous with a mediator. Arbitrator is one and more recently, the title of ADR, which stands for alternative dispute resolution, is being used. Regardless of the title, the goal and role of a mediator is straightforward: to facilitate a “win win” solution for disputing parties. This includes providing guidance, working with both parties in an effort of leaving the animosity behind long enough to discern the right solution for all and putting the compromises to paper so that they can properly documented and recorded. The goal, of course, is to reach a satisfactory conclusion so that both parties can move forward with their lives.

Interestingly, there are few, if any, formal licensing requirements in any state. One doesn’t need a law degree – or any degree, for that matter. Training is sure to get a candidate moved to the top of the list and experience counts, too. The LawCrossing.com says there are other skills a successful mediator possesses, including the ability to communicate, remain calm in stressful situations and the ability to remain ethical, regardless the circumstances. Even if your jurisdiction doesn’t require a specific educational background, there are organizations that are worth looking into that will allow members to become certified. Barnes encourages this and says it can only help as you move through your career.

According to BLS, the earnings are impressive. As with all careers, the salary expectations will vary based on experience, education and the region of the country you live in. Hourly rates might include a starting wage of near $14 and salaries will average around $48,000 annually. It gets better – the job outlook is impressive as more jurisdictions expand their legal offerings to include mediation as a viable option.

Ready to begin a new career? Be sure to surf over to LawCrossing.com to see the latest in mediation jobs around the country. Get help with your resume and get a feel for the legal environment. Always open and always with the most current job openings in the industry – what could be better?

In today’s environment where every penny is counted and costs are cut to the core, the only thing there seems to be an abundance of is creativity and good intentions. Local police departments are protecting their communities with less and law firms are hoping their teams are open to multi-tasking as their case loads continue to grow. A. Harrison Barnes, lawyer and LawCrossing.com founder, says it could take years for different governmental agencies and even the private sector to recoup the cuts made during the recent economic meltdown. Even as businesses are looking to rehire laid off employees or hire new employees, they’re running into problems of the financial kind.

The LawCrossing.com founder says there are ways to recoup, though. For instance, police departments, law firms and other law enforcement agencies might benefit from any of the hundreds of government grants reserved for the training of new employees, improvements to their facilities and upgrades to their technological arsenals. The problem is many aren’t aware of their existence.

Here are just a few of the grants that are available right now for businesses in the legal field:

• The Department of Justice offers grants for mentoring programs. Focused towards reducing juvenile delinquency rates, officials can not only better serve their kids and teens, but they can improve their overall communities.
• Police departments can apply for grants to purchase new computers that will be used to investigate internet predators. Another grant geared towards juveniles is the “Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Initiative”. As the title suggests, the goal of this grant is to allow courts and law enforcement to focus on rehabilitation instead of harsh punishments.
• Still another grant can be applied for that will better serve victims of crimes in communities.
• The National Institute of Justice offers a grant for hiring new employees willing to undergo forensic science training.

Of course, these are just a few of the hundreds of grants available. A. Harrison Barnes says that while there are guidelines that must be adhered to, these grants are there for a reason: to improve the lives of Americans throughout the country, whether directly or indirectly. These monies will allow for new police officers, paralegals and other professionals to be hired, but they don’t serve their purpose if no one is willing to do the work to secure the funds. Barnes advises an organized approach, incorporating a checklist for the various documents that usually must be submitted with the application and complete disclosure will keep the entire process streamlined while eliminating much of the frustrating red tape.

Finding the applications packages is easy, too. A search for “government grants” or “government grants for hiring employees” will provide links to the government’s many grants pages. Once you’ve secured the funds, be sure to visit LawCrossing.com to find those new employees who stand ready to fill those new positions.

We all have them: those excruciating days when everything is so mundane, we would rather eat nails than stare at the walls in our offices for another minute.  Still, despite your sudden craving for nails, you know you have to get that filing caught up or the computer backed up or that new manual proofread.  So what’s the solution for surviving?  A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and founder of EmploymentCrossing.com has a few suggestions.  He says the solution is all in the way you approach it.

• Break the monotony.  Tackle that filing or begin the performance reviews and commit to one half hour of uninterrupted time devoted to that one tedious task.  Once you’ve completed that half hour, go to lunch, take a quick walk or check your email.  “Most people don’t realize many of these mundane tasks only take a few minutes, but because we tend to drag them out, it only feels as though it’s an hours-long project”, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder.
• If there are three or four smaller projects that you know will only take a few minutes, combine them into your half hour allotment.  Commit to at least knocking the smaller projects out.  The sense of knowing it’s behind you is motivational.
• Is there an assistant who’s always looking for ways to get a better understanding of certain processes within the company?  As long as you don’t take advantage and provided it doesn’t result in any problems, you might consider reaching out to her for help.  She gets a better idea of the business and you get the help you need.  If you know you’re offering her a raw deal, tell her so.  Then sweeten the pot with an offer to take her to lunch in exchange for her help.  Keep in mind – this isn’t suggested if it’s frowned up on by your company’s management.
• Think back to that sense of satisfaction the last time you completed one of those dreaded projects.  Try to keep that sense of accomplishment in the back of your mind as inspiration to get it finished.

Remember, says A. Harrison Barnes, bottom line is you have a job to do; and at some point, you’re going to have to just bite the bullet and get the project knocked out.  If you can approach it with just a bit of optimism, odds are you’ll realize it didn’t eat up the majority of the day and once it’s finished, you can finally move on to those more rewarding aspects of your career.  Finally, if it begins to take its toll and you believe it’s time to move on, don’t forget to visit EmploymentCrossing.com for the latest in every employment sector.  New trends, tips for landing the job and of course, the most complete job aggregate board to be found – it’s all waiting for you.

Imagine graduating law school, passing the bar and then setting out to make a mark in the legal world. You have such grand ideas of how you want to change the world; make a difference and ensure you leave it a better place. You’re certain that passion comes through the professional resume you’re sending out and the networking contacts you’ve made since passing the bar. Four months later, you’ve yet to land anything more than the occasional interview with a law firm, none of which have panned out.

Now imagine having someone on your side who, in a way, goes to bat for you. This person helps you polish your interview skills, points out and then corrects any weaknesses in your resume and keeps you current on the latest in legal employment. This person has an extensive network and is willing to make introductions. That is how an employment advocate is defined. Within weeks, you’ve not only aced more interviews that the previous four months combined, but you’ve received offers, as well.

A. Harrison Barnes, a well known and respected legal mind as well as founder of LegalAuthority.com, knows well the importance of perfecting even the seemingly tiniest details to ensure his clients rise to the top. He has been on both sides of fence, both as a lawyer looking for that inspirational position that would allow him to thrive as well as the consummate employment advocate who recognizes that same drive in those leaving law school, degree in hand and ready to change the world. This is exactly the reason Barnes founded LegalAuthority.com.

So what can LegalAuthority.com do for you? Its streamlined access to the latest legal openings anywhere in the country is a start. Barnes wanted to do more, though. He knew that before those openings could be filled, a candidate would need to be armed with more than an ideology of how he was going to change the world. He also needed a strong resume that was flawless in its presentation and that also allowed a young lawyer’s passion to shine through. Enter the LegalAuthority.com resume service. With a group of talented and dedicated employment professionals who work to provide head turning resumes, candidates suddenly had a strong weapon the competition missed out on.

Fast forward several years. Barnes’ revolutionary legal sites have quickly outpaced other similar sites. It remains at the top due to its quality services and dedication to providing thousands of jobs that are available in real time. It’s the ideal first stop for new graduates and seasoned attorneys as well. Now, though, legal secretaries and paralegals are included. LegalAuthority.com brings together those law firms searching for brilliant legal minds.

For more information or to see for yourself the difference A. Harrison Barnes and his sites represent, visit LegalAuthority.com or LawCrossing.com today. And while you’re there, take advantage of the extensive article database for even more career tips.

It doesnt happen often, but it has happened more in the past thirty six months than over the past three decades: the dreaded rescission of a job offer. More lawyers are reporting that their first choice, and the one who offered a position, has sent letters explaining that for reasons out of their control, but most likely due to the recession, they must withdraw the recent job offering. A. Harrison Barnes, attorney and founder of LegalAuthority.com, says what makes this especially grueling is that the candidates have usually already declined offers from other firms.

Making it even more difficult is the varied responses youre likely to receive to the question of, Should I contact those firms I turned down to see if the position is still available? Many career coaches say you should absolutely not contact those firms while others say there is a graceful way of doing it. So, with that thought in mind, and assuming youre going to contact those you declined, here are a few tips of the best way of doing it. Keep in mind, if you ask twenty attorneys their thoughts on whether this is a good idea, youre like to get twenty different answers, says the LegalAuthority.com founder.

Be honest. This cant be stressed enough, says Barnes. You will need to decide if a letter or phone call is best, but regardless of which vehicle you use to reconnect, you owe it to them to be honest. Something along the lines of, I appreciate the offer you extended last month and while I had accepted another position, I find myself now in the job search once again. I realize youve likely already chosen another candidate; however, I would appreciate your consideration should another position come available.

Keep in mind you may or may not receive a response and even if you do, it may or may not be promising. You very well could receive a cold reply, but by the same token, you may receive a letter from someone whos been in your position and isnt as offended as youre expecting.

The job market is competitive and aggressive, says A. Harrison Barnes. Fair warning: even if you are offered the position again, dont be surprised if youve lost some of your negotiation rights. Its not uncommon for a new package to be offered. You need to decide before you approach the firm again if youre willing to compromise. Otherwise, you may find yourself accepting a position out of guilt that you already resent because its not paying enough or youll find yourself declining yet another offer.

Finally, Barnes says to not underestimate an entirely new job search. Odds are, thats where youre likely to find yourself anyway. Sometimes a fresh start is just whats needed and who knows, you may find yourself face to face with your second choice yet again; this time, the playing field will look different than had you approached them cold.

Are you really going to get paid for what you are worth? Chances are good that if you are looking for a job in this economy, the answer is going to be a solid no! While negotiating for more money, whether you are new to the job or not, you may find that you are feeling quite unnerved, but the truth of the matter is that it can be done quite easily. Take a moment to consider the following ten tips to get you the money that you deserve.

1. Make the Decision to Negotiate

This can be all that it takes to put you ahead. There are actually remarkably few people who make this decision in the first place. If you are ready to negotiate and if you are in a place where you like the idea of moving forward and getting the right amount of money, you are already ahead of the game.

2. Make Trades

There will come a point in the negotiation where you are told something that they would like you to give them. If you feel that is a bit much, remember to ask for something in exchange. For instance, use if/then statements, as in, “If I give you this, then you should be able to give me that.”

3. Question Company Policy

If you can’t get something you want, ask why. If it is policy, ask why the policy is in place. It can at least give you a better understanding of what is going on.

4. Discuss Money before Ending

When you are hashing out your job, remember that salary should come near the end, but not at the end. You need to make sure that your pay package continues looking good no matter what, and remember that you should not simply say yes to everything that they ask of you. Be open to talking and make sure that you say that things are possible, not definite.

5. Get it in Writing

When you want to make sure that you are getting the right kind of offers, ask them to write it down for you. Possessing something in writing doesn’t mean the offer is permanent, it can help you compare things.

6. Know What You are Worth

Are you experienced? Do you have expertise that other people lack? Remember that if you are in a field that needs your work, you can negotiate effectively. Know what someone in your job tends to get paid and see what kind of choices are open to you.

7. Be Genial

There is no reason not to be polite and cheerful.

8. Make Sure that Your No means No.

If you say a flat “no” to something, don’t go back on it. Adjusting it is fine, but if you have an inflexible limit, stick with it.

9. Do your Research

Know about the company, what it offers, and what people who work there say. You never know when something is going to be important.

10. Know When to say Yes and No

Know what your needs are and remember that sometimes, you can’t have everything. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try for the best, though!