By Jason Fischbein and Joss Teal
On June 27, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued perhaps the most significant decision to impact collective bargaining this century in Janus v. American Federation of State, City, and Municipal Employees, Council 31 (AFSCME).1
By Patrick Kearns
We’re almost there! For regular readers of Ethics in Brief, or for that matter anyone who follows legal ethics in some manner, you’re seeing a lot of articles and information about our new rules of professional conduct. On November 1, 2018, these new rules will go into effect and replace, supplement, and in some instances change our existing rules entirely.
By David Carr
There is probably no bad time to discuss the ethics of extortionate demand letters, but this time may be better than most. These ethics may seem a little paradoxical, much like the crime of extortion itself – how can I be criminally liable for threatening to do something that is perfectly legal for me to do? But a close reading of authority shows that lines can be drawn that an attorney should not cross.
By Alex Kannan
Starting out on our own can be challenging. Building your contacts, referral sources, and eventual client base will take time. As a solo practitioner, you always have to be willing to adapt to any given situation and be willing to re-brand yourself given the changes in the law, in your firm and in your personal life. The SDCBA’s Lawyer Referral Information Service (LRIS) is a wonderful resource for both new and experienced attorneys who are out on their own. LRIS offers a panel where attorneys can apply to receive cases based on their respective areas of law in which they practice.
For various reasons, parents may need to establish paternity of their child. Here is some basic information and key terms to help you out:
We asked a local reporter to recommend journalists for attorneys to follow on Twitter. Here’s what they shared:
We talk a lot about wellness, but what are the true benefits to our practice of getting fit? This infographic explains.
By Michael Dallo
For certified tax law specialists in California such as myself, it is imperative to stay up to date and at the forefront of emerging tax issues. One major emerging sector is cryptocurrency, which brings new questions and issues along with the potential opportunities.
By Denise Davila
What fascinates me the most about being a lawyer is the versatility aspect of the career. As a lawyer you can do more than just work at a law firm. While starting at a law firm is often the recommended path due to the fundamental amount of experience it offers, embarking as in-house counsel for a company can also expose you to a variety of legal areas despite having only one client — the company. Both paths have their perks and drawbacks but choosing the right course will ultimately depend on your skills and lifestyle expectations.
By Carole Buckner
Properly withdrawing from representation pursuant to applicable rules, ethics opinions and case law can reduce the risk of a legal malpractice claim. On November 1, 2018, California’s revised Rules of Professional Conduct will become effective, and the current Rule 3-700 governing withdrawal will be replaced with new Rule 1.16.
