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.

Jerry Sandusky, Casey Anthony and alleged terrorists … what’s a lawyer to do when representing an unpopular client? A panel of expert lawyers spoke to the issue at a meeting Thursday in Washington, D.C. The formal prohibitions on who a lawyer or firm can represent are quite narrow, said Thomas D. Morgan, professor, George Washington University Law School. However, it’s a moral issue and “we all make judgments on who we will represent.”

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz discussed the agency’s law enforcement actions and initiatives Nov. 17 at the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Law Section’s Fall Forum in Washington, D.C. The conference of antitrust lawyers, government enforcers and scholars also included a discussion of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The American Bar Association is front and center in an effort to make gender equality a national priority. The initiative, called Vision 2020, is organized by Drexel University College of Medicine’s Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership. The ABA is one of 46 national allies, representing more than 20 million women and girls. The movement is hoping to leverage those numbers to accelerate gender equality by the year 2020, the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage.

American Bar Association President Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III today announced that the association is now offering free continuing legal education programs to its members. “The ABA affirms its commitment to member service and education through our new CLE Premier Speaker Series,” Robinson said. “Each year, the series will provide ABA members up to 18 free continuing legal education credits through monthly programs.

Four lawyers who have broken down barriers for women, people of color and people with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, have been honored with Difference Maker Awards by the American Bar Association General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division. The Division presented the awards at the National Solo & Small Firm Conference in Denver Oct. 21.

A panther is reportedly on the loose in a southwest Ohio town today. Ohio’s scarce regulations and laws on owning exotic animals like these may get revised after Gov. John Kasich signed an executive order last Friday to crack down on ownership of sometimes dangerous critters. The new legislation was sparked after dozens of animals —including tigers, lions, and monkeys—escaped from a private farm.

A text message election law helpline will help Tunisian citizens on their upcoming Election Day. Today’s vote will be the first free election process that Tunisian citizens will have had in generations. Tunisians will elect local representatives to write a new constitution for the country. In order to ensure everything runs smoothly, volunteer lawyers will be available to directly answer citizen concerns via text message.