There’s a new, and frankly, an alarming trend many are beginning to notice in the U.S. Seems as though there’s a growing sentiment of college not being worth the investment. This sentiment is not reserved just for recently-graduated high school kids who want to do anything but commit to more education; some parents and studies are beginning to question whether the investment’s worth it. There are more than two million high school graduates who enroll in college courses each year, says A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and founder of EmploymentCrossing.com. One out of three will drop out after the first year. What does this mean in dollars and cents? More than $9 billion is wasted every year on tuition, books, dorm fees and everything else that goes with getting teens in college.

That’s not all, though. The EmploymentCrossing.com founder says these kids, who are nonplussed and have no sincere desire to get a college education are spending their time cutting classes and of all things – spending the lion’s share of their time on any number of social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. The course loads are getting lighter too and the courses these kids are signing up for are surprising, to say the least. Let’s face it, spending close to one hundred thousand dollars is a bit surreal when the degree is in surfing. Lest we forget the U.C. Berkeley course titled, “Arguing with Judge Judy”.

We asked A. Harrison Barnes to break the numbers down for us. Here ‘s his breakdown, based on statistics and available information:

• The cost for a single day in an average college costs a bit more than $150.
• More than 20% of college students have no concept of how to manage their finances or balance their checkbooks.
• College students average ten hours a week at keg parties while only sacrificing eight hours for their studies.

Take a deep breath before you read this next fact:

• The average college student spends more than nine hours each day on Facebook, electronic games, their cells and PDAs and watching television.

The EmploymentCrossing.com founder also says a full 45% of college graduates do not have strong enough credit to purchase a home after graduating. Again, speaking of the average student, each carries more than $3000 in credit card debt.

To be sure, these numbers are staggering and for many, and certainly for parents, it’s disheartening. So does this mean parents shouldn’t encourage their slacker teen to consider a college education? Barnes says no parent wants to do that; we all want the good things in life for our children. But if Mom and Dad are shelling out thousands of dollars each month in an effort of getting little Billy educated, only to have him skip entire semesters, then clearly, the purpose is defeated.

Frankly, some say those kids are show up at campus ready to party are likely to become one of the saddest statistics at all: 1,700 college kids die each year from alcohol related injuries.

It’s a tough call, to be sure. Careers don’t just happen; it takes commitment and dedication and it appears these two qualities are sorely lacking in some of these would-be college freshmen.

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For anyone who lives in New York City, it may feel as though Wall Street is the sure fire road to a successful career.  There’s one organization that is attempting to show new graduates there’s more to New York City’s employment opportunities and specifically, the hope is to encourage those graduating from college to consider computer science, math and other similar fields within Information Technology.  HackNY is a group of young IT professionals who want to steer some of the brightest minds away from the big companies in New York City and instead, spotlight those opportunities away from the financial sector and towards applied physics and mathematics.

One 2009 study of seniors at Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science revealed nearly 37% of its graduates went straight into the financial arena and specifically, many chose Wall Street.  Only 17% opted for software related and other IT roles.

The founders of HackNY say their efforts are already paying off.  Many students who interned with IT companies as part of the college careers said they are now considering this as a career choice and have abandoned their focus for those careers in finance.  A. Harrison Barnes, founder of EmploymentCrossing.com, says this is an idea that’s working – and working well, even though it is in its infancy.  It’s going to lead to great things for the IT industry as a whole.  With many young employees who chose Wall Street, there are some who are now saying they experience little or no job satisfaction.  One reason, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder, is that they likely entered into the job market during one of the worst economic times in the U.S. history.  It comes as little surprise, then, that there is a degree of burnout for some.

For those who are already in the IT business, the benefits because of HackNY’s efforts will mean more of the nation’s brightest minds will be focusing on their companies for employment.  A. Harrison Barnes says this trend will likely continue, especially because of the uncertainties of the global financial outlook.  “Graduates do want to make a difference and make their marks in this world, but they don’t want to walk into such unpredictable environments with no assurances of whether they’ll have a job next week”, says Barnes.  Others agree.  The outlook for the U.S. economy does look better, but there remain other variables that affect the overall financial health not only in the U.S., but on a global level.  The BP oil crisis and the growing tensions in North Korea are but two of those factors that can’t be discounted.

Finally, HackNY founders say another goal is to attract women.  Fewer women enter the IT market each year; ideally, these new efforts will change that trend and more women will begin considering these lucrative careers for themselves.

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Oprah Winfrey is the queen of providing impressive perks to her staff. She believes taking care of her employees is the best way of saying “good job’. If your manager came to you today and asked, “You get three perks – which ones would you like as part of your new contract?”, what would you say? Would it be a reserved parking space? Maybe an additional vacation day? As A. Harrison Barnes explains, “There are perks…and then there are those perks that equate to more money in your pocket”. Surprisingly, many people don’t stop to realize those differences, says the EmploymentCrossing.com founder.

You might think that reserved parking space, complete with a small placard that includes your name, is an added bonus, but what will that equate to in the long run? Not much when you stop to consider it. That parking space isn’t going to spell a bigger bonus at the end of the year and besides, not having reserved parking means you’re getting a bit of exercise when you trek through the employee parking lot.
An additional vacation day, however, is money in your pocket while also placing a percentage into your 401(k) plan. Consider the interest it draws until you retire. Its value, of course, is the fact you’re able to take a day off, receive your salary while also enriching another part of your life such as time spent with family. There’s a definitive value with a perk such as this, says A. Harrison Barnes.

It’s true many, if not most, employers began reining in their various bonus and perk programs during the economic downswing; however, now that the recession is becoming less of a factor, employers are once again reintroducing the many ways it lets employees know their worth to the company.
What if one of your options was an annual membership to a gym? Again, it has value on many levels. Not only are able to forego the annual fees you’re currently paying, but you’re also making an investment in your overall health. A company car adds a financial aspect, too. Leaving your own vehicle in the driveway saves your fuel costs and wear and tear on your personal transportation.

Most of us will never have the luxury of having options when it comes to company perks, just being acknowledged in some way goes a long way in how well our work days go and is always a great motivator. Remember, though, the biggest satisfaction any of us have is knowing we’ve done a great job at the end of the day and recognizing that we always have options. Changing our job is sometimes the best perk we can give ourselves. If you’re wondering what the job outlook is for your chosen career, don’t forget to visit EmploymentCrossing.com. All of the latest trends and most recent openings around the country can be found here. Perks or no, the choice is always our own.

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In a previous article, we discussed the debate over whether medical malpractice suits and the way they’re filed should be reformed. As we mentioned in the first article, there are already special courts that exist where bankruptcies, worker’s compensation cases and tax cases are handled by attorneys specializing in these areas. A. Harrison Barnes, attorney and founder of Law Crossing says the high number of physicians opting to err on the side of caution are on the rise. Further, Barnes reiterates the long held belief that cancer misdiagnoses are the most successful malpractice suits.

Malpractice lawyers work to ensure the rights of their clients who have suffered the consequences of wrong diagnoses. Most agree the both the medical and legal fields would benefit from a nationwide malpractice court system. The Obama Administration, along with many Democrats, remains opposed to the new regulations that are being tossed around. One of those arguments is that it would do nothing for the taxpayer. A. Harrison Barnes reiterates his earlier claim that health care costs would see a significant decline, which makes many wonder how the Obama Administration says it’s of no benefit. It’s not only the Law Crossing founder who has made these statements. The Congressional Budget Office calls the potential savings “huge”. Many analysts have even said more than $50 million could be saved over the next ten years in medical tort reforms. Health care costs lowered, lower malpractice insurance premiums for doctors and hospitals and savings to insurance companies since many physicians would no longer feel as though they had to order the whole realm of tests in their efforts of avoiding lawsuits: the justifications become clear.

These changes are long overdue; and yet very little has been done in recent months. The fact is, these changes should occur sooner rather than later. Now that the health care reform has passed, the time is now for these changes, at the foundational level, so that the new reform can better serve its purpose. Otherwise, we’re in for yet another big letdown in the health care sector.

The advice offered by A. Harrison Barnes hasn’t changed for lawyers wishing to make their mark in this ever-growing national debate. With the potential to forever change the way healthcare is administered in this country, this particular specialty promises to present challenges and rewards for those wishing to make a difference. As far as those closest to the reform measures agree the time has come.

It’s important to realize the Medicare program would benefit greatly from medical malpractice reform. Finally, those supporters of the reform measures are quick to point out the goal is not to protect those medical personnel who practice irresponsibly or illegally; and in fact, is intended to highlight those who jeopardize their patients’ lives to ensure they’re held accountable. The true goal of the reform is to guarantee medical treatment is made available to every American and to provide doctors the freedoms to practice medicine with fewer reservations with the decisions they make.

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Forensic psychiatry is a part of the medical field that combines the legalities of the judicial system and the mental health aspect of the medical system. Forensic psychiatrists will juggle both sectors and may be working with attorneys on a client’s mental status one day and prescribing a new medicine for a patient with schizophrenia the next. Because a psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a medical degree, those who combine it with forensics will sometimes have a law degree too. Although it’s not usually required, at the very least, these medical professionals will undergo additional training.

They will take their training in the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of mental disorders and provide consultation to lawyers, judges and others in the legal field. As with many cases that end up in front of a judge, a forensic psychiatrist will usually find himself on one side or another. Usually, though, he will represent that patient in an effort to ensure a mentally incapacitated persons needs are met. They are, of course, what is referred to as the “experts” in the court rooms, says A. Harrison Barnes, lawyer and founder of LawCrossing.com. Those forensic experts work from an ethical standpoint and focus on the evidence provided. They must remain objective and those who are exceptional in their jobs realize they are not testifying from a legal standpoint, but rather, a medical point of view.

Another interesting facet of forensic psychiatry is that these professionals do not always arrive at the same conclusion as the firms they are consulting with. It’s not uncommon for a firm to pay an expert for his time and efforts, and then not call them to testify in any court proceedings. Those ethical professionals know their goal is not to sugarcoat the truth, but to provide the best testimony that’s accurate and unbiased, says the LawCrossing.com founder. “It can be a fine line these experts walk”, says Barnes, “but the good ones know how to keep it in perspective while not compromising their oath or sense of right from wrong”.

One expert, when asked why he did not side with the attorney who hired him, was simple – yet clear – in his explanation. He said these professionals are paid for their time and not their testimony – and once this is understood, it becomes easy for these medical physicians to maintain perspective.

If you’re considering going into this field, A. Harrison Barnes says there are many programs across the country that are superb for fostering professionals with ethics and a clear understanding of their role in both the legal and medical fields. It’s a commitment, to be sure, but Barnes says it’s one worth making and those who are helped in the process should only reiterate the value of these professionals. And if you’ve already completed your education, be sure to visit the LawCrossing.com for more information on salaries and openings for forensic psychiatrists.

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In March, 2010, the New Jersey Supreme Court made a decision that sent ripples through the employment sector. In short, the ruling meant that an employee had a reasonable expectation of privacy in email communications with her lawyer that were sent through a private, personal web-based account, even though those communications were stored on a company-issued computer. Not only that, but to add even more to the ruling, the email communications were in regard to a claim against her employer.

A. Harrison Barnes, lawyer and founder of LawCrossing.com says that the Court opted to not limit its decision to the facts presented and went a step further by stating even a policy that banned all personal computer use and provided unambiguous notice that an employer could retrieve and read an employees’ attorney-client communications . . . would not be enforceable.” In short, New Jersey employers may not read their employees’ email exchanges with personal attorneys, even when stored on a company computer regardless of whether the employer’s electronic resources policy expressly grants the employer the right to do so.

The Case

Loving Care Agency, Inc. gave the plaintiff a laptop computer for use in the course of her job. She was also issued a work-related e-mail address. The plaintiff used this laptop to access her personal Yahoo email account, which is where she communicated with her lawyer about an employment discrimination lawsuit. After a forensics computer expert spent a few minutes with the laptop, he was able to recover those Yahoo emails and provide them to the companys legal counsel. In the course of discovery, the plaintiffs lawyers demanded that privilege was attached, even though the companys lawyers said it had been waived since it was on company property. One court ruled in favor of the company and the Appellate Division reversed that decision, reasoning that Loving Care’s policy was too ambiguous to defeat the plaintiff’s privacy expectations. The New Jersey Supreme Court upheld the Appellate Divisions decision and called the policy ambiguous and that it did not diminish the plaintiffs expectation of privacy with respect to her communications with her attorney.

So what does this mean for employers? One thing, says A. Harrison Barnes, which is crucial to understand is that the rulings implications will affect not only employers in New Jersey, but employers across the country, too. Its likely a new precedent has been set that will bring attorney client privilege to new heights, even when its stored on a computer that does not belong to either the attorney or the client.

Still, the LawCrossing.com warns employees to keep private information away from company computers. This case could have realistically gone either way, as evidenced by the two different rulings by two different courts. But for the footer that was included at the bottom of every email received or sent by the lawyers that stated all communications were personal and confidential, this case could have resulted in a very different outcome.

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So youve decided the field of law is where you belong and youre ready to apply to law school. You believe in first things first, but what exactly is that first thing? Relax. There are tons of resources available, including this article, and advice from some of the premiere lawyers and career coaches. Luckily for you, A. Harrison Barnes is both a well-respected and trust lawyer and a renowned career coach. He is also the founder of LawCrossing.com, an employment site youll want to incorporate after youve graduated and are looking for that perfect legal specialty or want to apply for an internship as youre pursuing your education. Here are a few tips from A. Harrison Barnes as you set out to choose which law schools to apply to:

Keep in mind, every law schools places a major importance on a number of factors, including your GPA and LSAT. These are very important and you should work hard to ensure high numbers. The higher the numbers, the more options youre afforded.

Cost matters. And costs vary. This is important when youre considering the financial aspects and law schools, contrary to popular belief, run the gamut in terms of affordability.

Dont forget the application costs. Expect to submit a check for each school you apply to, usually around $100. Choose wisely which schools you wish to apply to.

There is the time factor. Read: deadlines for applying. Be sure you have everything you need before you begin the process. This keeps frustration levels to a minimum and trust us, your stress levels will likely already be high.

Keep your focus and keep your faith. Youre going to discover the many levels of hope, fear and even rejection. Keep your eye on the ball, says the LawCrossing.com founder.

Have glamourized ideas of how law school will be? We hate to be the one to shatter your image, but you can expect to do a lot of reading of judicial opinions, rulings and anything else your professors deem necessary.

Expect to take a lot of notes, too. And exams. Lots of exams. Of course, the big daddy comes after youve completed the coursework and are preparing to set off into the world of legalities. That is, of course, after youve prepared for and passed your states bar exam.

So now that you know what to expect, youre ready to set off into the world of lengthy law school applications. A. Harrison Barnes says to go into it with an open mind. While its a grueling process, its also an important part of not on your career choices, but your life as a whole. Make it count, enjoy the ride and remember its just one of the many obstacles youre going to face as you pursue a legal career.
For more tips and information on applying to law school and locating the right job after graduation, be sure to visit LawCrossing.com. Its a one stop source for recent law school grads and seasoned professionals looking to broaden their horizons.

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We all can relate to being the new employee.  It’s awkward, we’re never sure where we fit in and if you’re a lawyer, you might walk into your new office on that first day and within thirty seconds, be handed your first case.  Add overwhelming to those emotions.  A. Harrison Barnes, lawyer and founder of LawCrossing.com says if possible, other more experienced lawyers in the office might consider mentoring the new kid.  “It’s truly one of the kindest courtesies you can offer a new lawyer, especially if he’s also a recent law school grad”, says Barnes.

Too many times, mentoring is equated to having someone follow you around all day, always in your presence and even sometimes an annoying presence, but that’s not the case at all, says the LawCrossing.com founder.  In fact, mentoring can be nothing more than approaching the young attorney, introducing your self and saying, “I’m at extension 5900 if you need anything”.   Interviewing a new client?  Ask the new lawyer if she’d like to sit in.  It’s a great way for her to get an idea of how the intricacies work within the office and it’ll make her feel as though she’s being accepted.  Afterwards, it’s an ideal time for a quick Q&A as you make your way back to your respective offices.  Ask her what she thought, how she would approach a situation or anything else that allows her to open up a bit.

Another easy way to mentor, says A. Harrison Barnes, is to ask the new lawyer to lunch.  This is a relaxed setting away from the office and you can easily discern a lot in terms of what his legal passions are, where he hopes to be in a few years and what drew him to your law firm.  These are all good conversations for both of you – you never know when his appreciation for contract law will come in handy and he knows there’s someone he can turn to for everything from who he can ask to type a memo to where he files an expense report.

Mentoring is good too in that it builds confidence and makes it that much easier for the new associate to settle in.  He was hired for a reason and the sooner he’s able to shine, the better it is for the firm in general.  Who knows?  Your kindness extended just might be returned ten years from now when your own son comes on board – as the new kid on the block with his brand new law degree and in search of someone he can turn to for help with finding a secretary to write the brief.  “It’s about give and take”, says Barnes – especially in fast moving and competitive law firms.

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If you have big dreams about the beautiful and sunny state of Florida, along with its huge real estate potential, and thought this would be a great place to build a law firm as you set out on your career, you might want to rethink it. In May 2010, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled banks no longer need an attorney during loan and mortgage closings.

LawCrossing.com founder A. Harrison Barnes says what initially began as a lawsuit claiming banks were practicing law illegally each time they closed a loan without an attorney present to handle the documents has now become an interesting legal quagmire. Some say the ruling is good for homeowners since legal fees are no longer considered part of the closing costs. But is it really benefitting homeowners? The LawCrossing.com founder says there are legitimate reasons legal representation is important in mortgage closings. For one thing, the title searches associated with ensuring land and property is free of encumbrances protects the buyer. When lawyers are a part of the closing process, the odds of potential problems is minimized too, says Barnes. “Often, bankers and loan officers are busy focusing on the financial aspects and they’re not experienced in the legalities associated with closings; or at least, not to the extent an attorney is”. Attorneys provide invaluable support for both parties. The legalities of the contract itself, the appraisals and even home inspections are often reviewed by an attorney prior to the closing. “Lawyers are the ideal people to have around so that non-biased advice can be given during the contract signings”. This will likely be a move that captures the attention of other states, too, says A. Harrison Barnes. Especially with the major mortgage meltdown of less than five years ago, covering the bases now is more important than ever.

Most in the Sunshine State have accepted the ruling, but many loan officers, mortgage companies and banks must now ensure they’re in state compliance and it may be they’re doing so without the benefit of an attorney. A. Harrison Barnes points, “It’s important to keep in mind, too, that just because legal representation isn’t necessary during loan closings, there remains an important role for legal minds whose specialties are in real estate law.

For now, it doesn’t look like the ruling will not be appealed; however, it’s also just recently been ruled on, so anything can happen. Right now, homeowners are more than happy with having fewer dollars in closing costs; it could be that some will realize the absence of an attorney will cost much more than legal fees at the time of closing.

For the latest in legal jobs throughout the state of Florida, whether it’s in real estate law or family law, be sure to visit LawCrossing.com. Here you’ll find thousands of jobs for attorneys, paralegals, court reporters and other roles filled throughout the legal profession, as well as articles and even help with your resume.

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A. Harrison Barnes is the founder and CEO of CareerMission, the parent company of more than 90 job-search websites, employment services, recruiting firms and student loan companies. CareerMission (originally Juriscape) employs several hundred employees in 14 offices throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. These companies were literally started from Harrison’s garage several years ago after Harrison quit his job.

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