Recent government success in merger cases brings many lessons to firms and general counsel alike, namely that those successes have emboldened the Department of Justice. Trends in merger enforcement were the topic of a recent ABA CLE, “United States v. AT&T: Tips for Antitrust Lawyers and Litigators.” In the AT&T case, AT&T sought to acquire T-Mobile, with the parties citing efficiencies in pursuing the merger.

While the job market is not lacking for lawyers, there are many times specialization — either in field of law or nation — is required. In his article, “The Globalization of American Law Firms: A Quick Guide to Attorney Immigration,” Gregory Siskind outlines available visas and their purposes.

The American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) will honor Peter J. Neeson of Philadelphia with its James K. Carroll Leadership Award, which honors members who have shown outstanding leadership qualities and service to the section. The award will be presented to Neeson Feb. 4 during the TIPS Joint Reception with the International Law Section and Judicial Division of the 2012 ABA Midyear Meeting.

Cook County, Ill., State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez has made human trafficking a priority. At a recent program in Chicago sponsored by the Human Rights Committee of the American Bar Association Section of International Law, she told the audience made up of representatives from law enforcement, social service agencies and advocacy groups that Chicago has become a crossroads for commercial sexual exploitation.

Trading in casebooks for clients and real cases can be tough enough for young lawyers, but experts caution that a primary concern for newcomers to the profession is to avoid disciplinary trouble. This was a topic of an ABA Young Lawyers Division teleconference, “Making the Transition from Student to Attorney.”

To be a good lawyer, it is virtually required to be a good public speaker. Panelists during a free ABA CLE webinar Dec. 19 offered three tips for lawyers to enhance their speaking skills in or out of court: understand your audience, use this knowledge to outline a cohesive message, and improve delivery through demeanor and vocal techniques.

The law is an “underutilized tool” in sustainable development around the world, said James Silkenat, partner, Sullivan & Worcester, as he introduced a recent panel program cosponsored by the ABA Section of International Law. The panel titled “Achieving Sustainable Development: The Lawyer’s Key Role,” discussed the importance of lawyers partnering with other professionals on projects and initiatives that support sustainability. Working at the local level, lawyers can use assessments to guide policy decisions in nations around the world, and legislative reforms to enhance access to justice.

Executive compensation agreements covering different aspects of recompense entail myriad rules and regulations. The result of these intricacies and varying governing bodies can lead to unexpected consequences. In “Avoiding Unknown (and Fatal) Foot Faults in Executive Compensation Arrangements,” a panel of experts spoke about new rules on executive compensation and tax issues relative to deferred compensation and severance.

If you’re hunting for a book for the outdoorsman or woman in your life or fishing for the prize-winning holiday gift, The Little Book of Hunting and Fishing Law is sure to hit the mark. Even though Bambi is one of my family’s all-time favorite holiday movies, I found this light-hearted take on two favorite national pastimes captivating. I never knew there was so much drama that could unfold in the workings of hunting and fishing law. Cases that seemed clear cut often diverged into muddy waters of decisions.

The presentation on Saturday of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a symbol of the overall optimism about the country’s recovery efforts, implemented since she first took office in 2005. A period of prolonged conflict that includes civil war, instability and violence that swept the country between 1989 and 2003 destroyed much of Liberia’s infrastructure and institutions, including the country’s justice system.

The nationwide struggle to provide adequate access to court services continues, as states contend with cuts to already underfunded judicial budgets, say the results of a new survey released on Nov. 29. The budget survey, conducted by the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Va., shows that 42 states had their funding reduced.

Consumers will soon flock to online stores in search of the perfect holiday gifts at affordable prices. To help shoppers protect themselves from cyber theft, consumer protection law specialists from the American Bar Association created Safeshopping.org. The website explores topics such as avoiding viruses when installing software, protecting yourself when making payments and preventing identity theft.