International Data Group’s CIO magazine named an L.A. company to its list of the top 100 companies that use technology in innovative ways.
But it’s not a startup or telecommunications company. It’s a law firm.
Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker LLP was listed on the annual unranked list for its use of RIM’s BlackBerry device and its development of “unified messaging,” which combines voicemails, e-mails and faxes onto one access system. It is the second law firm in 14 years to make the list.
Using the BlackBerry – a 5-inch device that fits in your hand – lawyers can forward their e-mail to another person’s computer, which can then print out the document, said Guy Maisnik, partner of the firm and member of its technology committee. Lawyers can also respond to e-mails while in a meeting or in court, he said.
But there is one problem with the BlackBerry.
“We push it harder than technology permits,” Maisnik said. “We find it slow to keep up with us.”
Copyright Issues
The L.A. Copyright Society is kicking off its 2001-2002 year with new officers.
The 300-member organization is made up of copyright, entertainment and intellectual property attorneys with a minimum of five years experience in their field, said Paul Supnik, a solo practioner who was recently elected the new president.
Other officers recently elected are: President-elect Stacey Byrnes, sole practioner; Vice President Jeffrey Mausner of Berman Mausner & Resser; Secretary Jane Shay Wald of Irell & Manella; and Treasurer Lincoln Bandlow of Leopold Petrich and Smith.
Supnik expects to see some interesting First Amendment cases result from the Napster and Aimster litigation this year.
But he also expects some of the copyright holders – the artists and recording studios – to be selective about who they pursue on infringement grounds.
“Typically the rights holders of significant properties have often taken what is perceived as an overly aggressive position anytime an infringement is threatened,” he said. “Those companies are going to continue to take aggressive positions, but more likely they’ll become more sensitive to situations One of the problems these organizations are facing is that there can be a backlash by the public.”
Law Lease
Chicago-based Winston & Strawn signed a 10-year lease at the Wells Fargo Tower at 333 Grand Ave. in downtown Los Angeles.
The 49,774-square-foot lease takes space at the 38th and 39th floors of the tower and is twice the size of the firm’s original lease at 444 S. Flower St.
Pat McRoskey of MaguirePartners represented the owner of the building, and Nancy Pacher of U.S. Equities Realty in Chicago represented Winston & Strawn.
Amanda Bronstad covers the legal community and can be reached at 323-549-5225 ext. 225 or [email protected]
