Today, September 8, is National Ampersand Day. In addition to sharing a few fun facts about this squiggly symbol, we will discuss a not-so-recent but still-so-trendy practice in the naming of law firms. Over the last 15 years or so, BigLaw has adopted a more polished, less conventional approach to branding. Instead of the more traditional practice of identifying all named partners in the title of the firm, larger firms have opted for more airy austerity. In 2010, just three Am Law 100 firms officially used a single surname, but in 2023, these abbreviated brands are the rule more than the exception. Shortened names may help build stronger brand identity, as those in favor of the trend like to point out, but these elegant eponyms, according to others, lack a critical element – the ampersand, a most elegant emblem itself.
Read moreAALL Recognizes the Harris County Law Library
The Harris County Law Library is honored to be awarded the American Association of Law Libraries 2017 Excellence in Marketing Award for the second consecutive year. The award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in public relations activities, was previously granted, in 2016, for the promotion of the Law Library's centennial celebration, A Century of Service. This year, AALL recognized the Law Library for the comprehensive marketing campaign designed to promote its three-part lecture series, Immigration Law and Internment Camps in Texas: Legal Perspectives on The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell. The Law Library is grateful for the recognition!
Deputy Director Joseph Lawson was also recognized by the American Association of Law Libraries as a well-deserving recipient of the 2017 Emerging Leader Award, a distinction granted to newer members of AALL who, early in their careers, have made significant contributions to the field of law librarianship, and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and service within the Association. Congratulations, Joe!