“Hello December! You’re the last one, so be the best one!” Not only is it the last month of the year, but it is also the last month of my term as President of the SDCBA. What a ride it has been, and I’m so grateful to have taken the journey with you all.Read More
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
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
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
Ethical Considerations for Pro Bono Representation
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
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
The Intersection of California and Federal Leave of Absence Laws Amidst COVID-19
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
Breaking Out of the Socially Distanced Comfort Zone
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
Equal Pay Transparency Initiative: Harnessing Community Data to Close the Wage Gap
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