In today’s security landscape, there’s no such thing as “too careful.” With so many of us still working from home, devices scattered around cities and states, and malicious actors on the rise seeking to take advantage of the situation, it’s more important than ever for lawyers and law firms to be on top of their security game. One simple and effective step to take? Implement multifactor authentication (MFA).
As a solo practitioner specializing in family law at Aloha Divorce in California, my journey into the legal profession began with a leap of faith—moving to San Diego, California, from Buffalo, New York. Through this experience, I’ve gleaned invaluable personal and professional insights. Here are some key pieces of advice for law students and new lawyers.
Greetings NLD Members!
I hope this message finds you well as we dive into the lively month of April. As we embark on another exciting chapter with the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am delighted to share with you a preview of upcoming events and a glimpse into the spirit driving our division forward.
Before becoming the formidable plaintiff’s attorney and law firm partner that she is today, Jenn French began her career as a claims examiner at Mercury Insurance. There, Jenn resolved high-value injury cases and frequently interacted with attorneys. It was during this time that she heard parties complaining about the shortcomings in their legal representation and thought, “I could do better than that.” A pivotal moment came when an in-house counsel attorney at Mercury Insurance recognized Jenn’s potential and encouraged her to consider law school.
Judge Roger Benitez presides over Department 5A of United States Southern District Court in San Diego. Judge Benitez gives back to the San Diego legal community through his service on the board of directors for Thomas Jefferson School of Law. In addition to this, he was a member of De Anza Rescue Unit, an organization devoted to searching for and rescuing people lost or missing. He was also a member of the El Centro Planning Commission and was active in youth soccer and swimming organizations. He also served for nine years on the Judicial Conference Committee on Financial Disclosures, and now serves on the Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation. Judge Benitez serves the San Diego community in more ways than one.
Since the California Supreme Court approved comprehensive revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct in 2018, the duty of competence has been preeminent among the obligations imposed. Subdivision (b) of Rule 1.1 includes a two-part definition of competence: “For purposes of this rule, “competence” in any legal service shall mean to apply the (i) learning and skill, and (ii) mental, emotional, and physical ability reasonably necessary for the performance of such service.”
A digital signature is almost imperative for working remotely and online these days. Electronic signatures are a convenient, legally binding way to apply your consent to an electronic form or document. Having a copy of your digital signature handy can save time and money as you skip printing and mailing paper or printing, signing, and scanning documents.
By Edward McIntyre
Macbeth turned to Sara and Duncan “Pete Moore, a friend, and my go-to AI guru, asked if we could meet. Said it was urgent. I told him to come right over. Are you both free for a few minutes?”
Gaia T. Linehan, Esq., is a civil litigation attorney at the San Diego office of Freeman Mathis & Gary. LLP. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, employment law, and tort matters. She has handled many aspects of civil litigation from pre-litigation alternative dispute resolution through trial.
“There’s no right way to do the wrong thing.” Cynthia L. Stratton, managing partner of civil litigation and employment law firm Stratton & Green, ALC and SDCBA board member, was raised with this adage. But there are myriad ways to do the right thing. Stratton does the right thing by focusing on relationships and community.
