Moritz Legal Information Blog

The New York Times links to a podcast episode about copyright ownership, creative control, and money. The podcast explores the following: Will there be a new understanding of who should control and profit from the last century of pop music? And aside from how the law may become reshaped in favor of older songwriters, what does it mean for the creative process of newer songwriters in a time of a different kind of borrowing and adapting?

Perhaps Liza Minnelli said it best in Cabaret: " Money makes the world go around." While that's not necessarily true all the time, money does seem to be a driving force in the legal world. And it's not all about litigation. For example, if you do transactional work, you need to really have a sense of how much something is "worth" in order to draft a contract that properly accounts for financial and legal risk your client might face. Consider the questions, "How likely is X to happen?," and "How much can my client expect to lose if it does?" Similarly, if you are a professional arbitrator, you need to know the stakes to properly evaluate the deals you may make on behalf of your client. Check back at the blog Wednesday and Friday for scenarios where money and the law intersect. In the mean time, consider reviewing a few of our many books in the library that explore financial value: Construction Damages and Remedies Expert Witnesses, Va

It seems folks who come to Columbus for law school (and for undergrad for that matter) love it so much it's hard to leave. If you have CBus pride in a big way, consider being counsel to the city itself . While the search phrase " municipal law " may give you some results in the law library catalog, your best bet to prep for work representing a city is to research labor law, torts, employment law, and land use. For example, sidewalks aren't just for tripping on , they may also be the subject of a takings claim. And construction projects aren't always halted due to unforeseen land issues . Most of our labor/union law materials can be found on the top (i.e., 3rd) floor of the library and in the reserve room between the call numbers KF 3350 and KF 3370. Most of our employment law materials can be found on the top (i.e., 3rd) floor of the library and in the reserve room between the call numbers KF 3300 and KF 3300. (For specifics about Ohio, check out the State/Nat

School uniforms are a hot topic . While some kids would love the same old outfit to wear every day to school, other kids loathe any perceived attempts to tamp down their individual expression. If you have children or plan to represent families or school districts, it is important to know the parameters of permissible restrictions on school attire. Here are several books and quick videos exploring the topic: School Uniforms and School Violence (video) Teen Rights (and Responsibilities): A Legal Guide for Teens and the Adults in their Lives High School Graduate Denied Diploma for Wearing a Bolo Tie to the Ceremony (video) Law Proposed on Pants: Pull Up or Pay Up (video) School Policies Teachers and the Law School Uniforms

The ABA Journal has identified its 2013 Legal Rebels . If you're not so interested in the classic lawyer career path (e.g., small general practice, big firm), read up on the work of some innovative attorneys with fulfilling careers doing things their way .

We've written in the past about getting help with law school stress. Sometimes, it helps to have the message come from someone in recovery and who happens to be a likeable comic. Marc Maron recently spoke to an addiction medicine specialist about his path to sobriety and just how hard it is. (Note: the interview transcript is not without swear words.) Long story short, if you're having trouble with the pressures of law school or law practice, get help. On the flip side, if you represent a client with addiction issues, take a minute to read Mr. Maron's interview for some insights on working with clients like him.

Google Glass enables people to have online data in front of their eyes at any given second rather than requiring a phone or desktop to look things up. As described by Tech Radar, "Essentially, Google Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, take pictures, search and translate on the go." Technophiles are thrilled and are seeing extraordinary uses for the new device. One such technophile is an Ohio State surgeon who is exploring how Google Glass can aid doctors in the midst of surgery . As aspiring lawyers, you might start considering the legal implications from live streaming and recording surgery specifically from the physician's point of view. For example, if you are counsel for a hospital, you should consider whether the standard waivers and consent forms need to be updated. If you're plaintiff's counsel in med mal cases, you may need to dig in to