Month: November 2021

Categories : Legal EthicsTags :

Efferin Deans and the Boundaries and Evolution of the Practice of Law

On By sdcountybar

By Jessica Park and Andrew Servais

The California State Bar recently seized the client files of Efferin Deans, a man with a 25-year history of impersonating attorneys and two prior convictions of identity theft.[1] On Oct. 27, 2021, a criminal complaint was filed in Los Angeles County naming Efferin Deans and twenty-two aliases that Deans utilized to impersonate a lawyer and appear on the record as a licensed attorney for family law and personal injury cases from January 2019 to September 2021 (See People v. Deans, Los Angeles County Superior Court,Case No: BA499952).  Read More

Categories : President's MessageTags :

President’s Message: November 29, 2021

On By sdcountybar

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but before we leave November, there are two more days of the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge and I’m determined to end strong. Today’s challenge is to call or text someone and share a reason I’m grateful for them (the tough part will be narrowing down whom to send that message to), and tomorrow’s challenge (spoiler alert) is to start a gratitude journal. I’ve been meaning to do that, so this was just the prompt that I needed. If you keep one, I’d love to hear if you fill it out in the morning or in the evening, and why. Read More

Categories : President's MessageTags :

President’s Message: November 22, 2021

On By sdcountybar

This week many of us are, or will be, focused on the meal-planning for Thursday’s food fest. The tryptophan and carb comas are coming, and creative left-over makeovers will make up the rest of the weekend. So, I was a little surprised to read that today’s action item in the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge, the Monday before Thanksgiving, is to cook a meal for someone who is stressed or tired. More cooking?? Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the Record Law Practice Legal EthicsTags :

Ethical Considerations for Pro Bono Representation

On By sdcountybar

Ethical Considerations for Pro Bono Representation

By Irean Zhang, Esq.

One of the most rewarding aspects of an attorney’s job is providing pro bono services to those in need.[1] Though not required, lawyers are encouraged to provide pro bono legal services during their legal careers.[2] Pro bono work is also a great way for new attorneys to gain experience, develop new skills, and handle their own cases from start to finish. Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Message from the Chair of the New Lawyer Division

On By sdcountybar

Message from the Chair of the New Lawyer Division

By Stephanie Atkinson

Greetings NLD!

We have a lot of congratulating and celebrating to do this week! First, huge congratulations to our newest bar passers! You did it! For those of you who did not pass, don’t forget this is literally the hardest bar exam in the country, and you are not alone. For anyone wanting bar prep pro tips (first time or repeat takers), I am always happy to share some tried and tested pro tips and/or give pep talks along the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing me at stephanie.atkinson@bipc.com, or find me on LinkedIn and we’ll set up a call! Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

The Intersection of California and Federal Leave of Absence Laws Amidst COVID-19

On By sdcountybar

The Intersection of California and Federal Leave of Absence Laws Amidst COVID-19

By Rosario R. Stoliker
CDF Labor Law LLP

There are many laws that provide for time off, paid or unpaid, with some providing job protection during leaves of absence. These laws include the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Family Leave, California Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL), California Paid Sick Leave, Workers’ Compensation and more. Understanding and applying these various laws is a challenge, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Breaking Out of the Socially Distanced Comfort Zone

On By sdcountybar

Breaking Out of the Socially Distanced Comfort Zone

By Gracie Pollard
Balestreri, Potocki & Holmes

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a solid routine. Routines help me stay on task and accomplish goals. However, being so stuck in your ways that you cannot diverge from routines can have negative effects. This was clearly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people were content in their routine. Then, when faced with COVID-19 obstacles that not only encouraged change, but required it, some people panicked. They let it be a reason not to do something. On the other hand, some people saw an opportunity. A chance to try something new, and perhaps better. Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Equal Pay Transparency Initiative: Harnessing Community Data to Close the Wage Gap

On By sdcountybar

Equal Pay Transparency Initiative: Harnessing Community Data to Close the Wage Gap

By Tarina Mand
Dixon Diab & Chambers

It’s hard to advocate for equal pay when we don’t know how much our colleagues are making. As of now, most of us rely on awkward conversations or close friends in the legal field who are willing to share how much they make a year. Wage transparency is key to be able to advocate for equal pay across race, gender, and other minorities. Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

The SDCBA Impacts State Legislative Process

On By sdcountybar

The SDCBA Impacts State Legislative Process

By Ben Rudin
Attorney & Counselor at Law

Eight out of 12 SDCBA legislative proposals were approved by the Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA) at this year’s annual CCBA conference. The CCBA, a statewide organization of attorneys representing over 30 metropolitan, regional, and specialty bar associations, comprises volunteer attorneys from all legal practice areas dedicated to serving justice in California by developing creative, non-partisan solutions to law-related issues. Read More