We live in a "law-thick" world. For individuals and organizations in both the public and private sectors, navigating the large number of complex laws, rules, institutions, and procedures that pervade American life is virtually impossible without some assistance. Some argue that "there are too many lawyers." Others argue that the unmet need for legal services is so high that it constitutes a human rights crisis. This book exposes why it is easy to access legal services for some, while it is virtually impossible for others, and why some lawyers have successful careers, but others cannot. This book argues that the problems plaguing legal services in the US can be only be addressed by a radical overhaul of the rules that govern how legal services may be delivered, as well as radical changes to who exercises the power to make those rules. Through interviews with those with experience with alternative legal service providers, this book exposes the formidable obstacles that exist along the path to those changes, as well as the opportunities that await. More information can be found at: www.notjustforlawyers.com

Most people understand that regulations have a direct bearing on their access to things such as clean air and water and safe working environments. However, in the United States, few people make the connection between how legal services are regulated and how difficult it is for them to access legal services. Indeed, on the question of affordable and accessible civil justice, the World Justice Project ranks the US 94th out of 113 countries, behind Albania, Belarus, Myanmar, and Russia. For decades academics and others have debated whether the legal profession is self-regulated and, if it is, whether it should be. But is it the right debate? Self-regulation-or not-does not obviate the need for effective regulation. Independent, accountable, and transparent regulatory bodies, effective oversight of those bodies, the genuine engagement of citizens in the regulatory process, evidence-based research to fully assess the impact of regulation, and an approach to regulation that is proportionate and targeted to actual risks are essential for effective regulation. Through the lens of the adoption of alternative structures, this book explains how England, Wales, and Australia have, by embracing these essential elements, successfully modernized their regulatory environments for legal services, and how Canada has taken firm steps down its own path to the same. In contrast, by rejecting these elements, the United States remains paralyzed in an unproductive regulatory environment for legal services. This book provides a blueprint for how the US can take inspiration from its common law sisters to breathe new life into its regulatory environment for legal services. Ultimately, modernization will require more-and better-regulation that is financed publicly through equitable, progressive revenue sources.

We live in a "law-thick" world. For individuals and organizations in both the public and private sectors, navigating the large number of complex laws, rules, institutions, and procedures that pervade American life is virtually impossible without some assistance. Some argue that "there are too many lawyers." Others argue that the unmet need for legal services is so high that it constitutes a human rights crisis. This book exposes why it is easy to access legal services for some, while it is virtually impossible for others, and why some lawyers have successful careers, but others cannot. This book argues that the problems plaguing legal services in the US can be only be addressed by a radical overhaul of the rules that govern how legal services may be delivered, as well as radical changes to who exercises the power to make those rules. Through interviews with those with experience with alternative legal service providers, this book exposes the formidable obstacles that exist along the path to those changes, as well as the opportunities that await. More information can be found at: www.notjustforlawyers.com

"Laura on Life: Corn Dogs & Dust Bunnies" is a collection of Laura Snyder's most hilarious work including additional personal anecdotes flavored with her signature style.

Her writing will make you laugh out loud as you recognize your own life through Laura's eyes.

"Laura on Life: Corn Dogs & Dust Bunnies" is about the reality of family life in all its chaotic glory. It's about all the funny, quirky things that happen and all too often go unnoticed because of the tensions and responsibilities that are also realities in the twenty-first century.

Besides being an author, Ms. Snyder is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, a Class A Mom, and a lousy cook.

So while the kids are occupied, grab a jelly-encrusted chair, popcorn-coated sofa, or sit down amidst the stuffed animals in your hallway and read a book that will have you tittering, chortling, and chuckling about your life as Laura sees it.

Laura Snyder is the author of the "Laura On Life" humor column. She is a professional humor writer who writes for many newspapers, magazines and on-line websites. Thousands of overwhelmed mothers and wives, harassed fathers and husbands, desperate single parents, and self-satisfied bachelors and bachelorettes log on to her website every week to get the reassurance wrapped in humor that only Laura can provide.
The origin of the content of her columns comes from Experience: Twenty-four years of married life (all in a row) and 22 years of motherhood. Her children, ages 4, 7, 9, 18, and 22, have given her a sense of the bizarre imbedded in the mundane. She has consistently contributed laughter, sensitivity, and the feeling that you've just been hugged to those people who read her column. Laura Snyder has now put together a collection of some of her most hilarious columns for your enjoyment. Read on and let Laura put a chuckle into your day.