The Duty of Candor and Issue Forfeiture: A Hard Lesson from the Court of Appeal
By Jeff Michalowski
Candor to the tribunal is among an attorney’s most basic responsibilities under the Rules of Professional Conduct. (See Rule 3.3(a) [“A Lawyer shall not . . . knowingly make a false statement of fact or law to a tribunal . . .”].). But it is also one of the most basic features of effective lawyering. Read More
By Omid Valinasab Ford, Walker, Haggerty & Behar LLP
As expected, the exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI) will change the future of humanity.[1] But what will be the effect of AI on the legal aspects of human life? This article provides a high-level overview of AI and its use within law, beginning with a general overview of AI and then turning to how AI is being used by lawyers in their practice, including litigation, transaction, and administrative law.Read More
Once a writer, always a writer, as Sara Gold likes to say. A former Orange County Register news reporter, Sara found that her love for research, interviewing, and writing enabled her to seamlessly transition from writing stories to writing briefs and motions. After graduating from the California Western School of Law in 2019 and starting her legal career at Eastman IP, Sara became the Editor of this very newsletter before starting her own law practice.Read More
Working Smarter Not Harder: Time Saving Organization Tips for New Lawyers
By Katherine Dishongh, Esq.
Undoubtedly, litigation operates at a rapid pace and demands a significant degree of effectiveness to achieve success. It’s easy to become ensnared in an extensive research endeavor or inadvertently overlook a novel case if one isn’t attentive. Employing a more strategic approach enhances an attorney’s capacity to effectively champion their clients’ cause, avoiding unnecessary time spent on redundant research or duplicative arguments. This article provides suggestions to effectively organize authority and stay up to date with changes in the law, the courts, and opposing counsel.Read More
For years, I did not know about the San Diego County Bar Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association. Of course, as became involved in SDCBA leadership I became aware of the Foundation and its vision. The Foundation’s core mission is to provide access to justice and promote public understanding by providing grants to organizations that advocate for people and communities in our region that are impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination.
The Foundation raises money and makes grants to local organizations that fulfill its mission of providing legal access and education. And as a testament to the Foundation’s commitment, it has given back over $5.5 million to the San Diego community. In 2022 alone, the Foundation gave a very impressive $448,500 to 24 local nonprofits. Click here to see a list of the organizations the Foundation helps support.
If you know of a legal aid or public interest nonprofit providing services within the county of San Diego, let them know that applications for the general grant cycle will be accepted through September 1, 2023. To be eligible for grant funds the applicant must (1) facilitate and expand the availability of legal services; (2) improve the administration of justice and the San Diego court system; and/or (3) promote public understanding of the law.
The Foundation’s funds come from the generous contributions of local legal and business communities directly or through various fundraising programs throughout the year, such as:
• Distinguished Lawyer Memorial • An Evening in La Jolla • Cy Pres Settlement Awards • Planned and Legacy Gifts • Give a Billable Hour Campaign • Other general Support
SDCBA members can donate to the Foundation when renewing membership by checking the box to give to the Foundation. If you auto-renew, like I do, you may never see the box that enables to you donate, so think about supporting the Foundation’s mission by giving in one of the ways listed above, or by going to the Foundation’s website to contribute.
And by the way, an Evening in La Jolla is a wonderful event which features great food and desserts, and a silent auction. This year’s event is on September 23, 2023, at the Scripps Aquarium. I hope to see you there.
Artificial Intelligence has long been imagined by both science and popular culture. With the release of ChatGPT to the public, AI is now reality and its potential application in every industry is evolving daily. The law is no exception. From applying AI to discovery, to allowing AI to argue in court, AI is here, as are the ethical issues that arise from its use. Thankfully, while the problems AI poses may be novel, at least some of the ethical answers appear to be comfortably traditional.Read More
