Year: 2024

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers 

On By krobinson

Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers

By Cassandra S. Koenig, Esq. 
Aloha Divorce 

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. Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

On By krobinson

Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

By Shubhra Sharma 
Associate Attorney at Global Legal Law Firm 

 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.  Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

On By krobinson

Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

By Lin Nguyen
California Western School of Law Class of ’25

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.   Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the RecordTags :

Tips from the Bench: Judge Roger Benitez 

On By krobinson

Tips from the Bench: Judge Roger Benitez 

By Matthew Spolsky
Clark Hill LLP

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.   Read More

Categories : For New Attorneys For the Record Law PracticeTags :

Ethics for New Lawyers: Changes to California’s Civil Discovery Rules Have Ethical Implications 

On By krobinson

Ethics for New Lawyers: Changes to California’s Civil Discovery Rules Have Ethical Implications

By Eric Deitz

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.”  Read More

Categories : Legal EthicsTags :

Ethics in Brief: The First Amendment on Trial in State Bar Court

On By krobinson

By David C. Carr

Introduction

The First Amendment guarantees free speech, which is one of our most cherished freedoms. Yet, as we all know, it is not absolute. Recently, the First Amendment has played a more significant role in the jurisprudence of lawyer discipline. Lawyers, after all, are speech warriors. Fueled by new and more effective modes of communication and the breakdown in norms of restraint, First Amendment issues are coming to the surface more often in State Bar Court. This leads to different results as the nuances of the First Amendment collide with the professional obligations of the lawyers. This edition of “Ethics in Brief” briefly examines three recent decisions of the State Bar Court where the First Amendment was raised as a defense. Read More

Categories : Law Practice Law Practice Management Law+Tech Technology

Ways to Create a Digital Signature

On By krobinson

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.  Read More

Categories : Law Practice Management Law+TechTags :

Understanding Microsoft Copilot: A Guide for Legal Professionals

On By krobinson

In this series of tips, we will explore how Microsoft 365 can help law firms be more efficient, secure, and efficient. Your firm’s software and service subscriptions are a valuable business resource that you should understand, just like your firm’s operating and trust accounts. Be sure to read our previous posts about Microsoft365 to be sure you are using the best account type for your law practice and understand which Microsoft subscription you are using. In this post, we will discuss your options for using and subscribing to Microsoft Copilot.  Read More