Year: 2025

When Will They Ever Learn: Attorneys Continue To Misuse Generative AI

When Will They Ever Learn: Attorneys Continue To Misuse Generative AI

By Charley Berwanger

The use of generative AI has not only introduced efficiencies in the practice of law, but also major risks. Much has been written about these benefits and risks; the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California have provided major guidance to attorneys to avoid those risks; and courts impose sanctions when those risks are realized, yet attorneys continue to use generative AI in preparing briefs with resulting blatantly incorrect statements of the law. This article is intended to provide both a reminder of the ethical risks when generative AI is misused but also the ill- consequences which may befall attorneys who misuse generative AI. Read More

For the Record Monthly Column: Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney

For the Record Monthly Column: Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney

By Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Germani Law

March is National Criminal Justice Month—a time to reflect on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as strategies for prevention and response. But as we recognize this month, let’s also acknowledge a critical piece of the justice system that often goes overlooked: the people fighting to ensure fairness for those who would otherwise stand alone. Read More

Message from the Board

Message from the Board

By Varun Sabharwal, Esq.
NLD Member at Large and Of Counsel at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Hello. Greetings. Salutations.

My name is Varun Sabharwal. I’m a former public defender recently turned civil defense attorney, and a Member at Large for the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division. It is very nice to meet your epistolary acquaintance, and report on the upcoming events for our Spring season.  Read More

Public Defenders: We Don’t Thank You Enough! 

Public Defenders: We Don’t Thank You Enough!

By Claudia Salinas, Esq.
NLD Chair and Staff Attorney at The Innocence Center

March is National Criminal Justice Month—a time to reflect on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as strategies for prevention and response. But as we recognize this month, let’s also acknowledge a critical piece of the justice system that often goes overlooked: the people fighting to ensure fairness for those who would otherwise stand alone. Read More

The Overlooked Diversity: Addressing Ageism in the Legal Profession

The Overlooked Diversity: Addressing Ageism in the Legal Profession

By Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Germani Law

By Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.

In a society where diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are increasingly prominent, one form of discrimination remains largely overlooked: ageism. The recent webinar “Dialogue on Diversity: The Overlooked Diversity—Age,” hosted by the San Diego County Bar Association, shed light on this critical issue within the legal profession. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by senior lawyers, the value they bring to the table, and the importance of integrating age into DEI frameworks. Read More

Mindful Minute: Spring Into Wellness by Spring Cleaning

By Koryn Sheppard

We are all probably familiar with the term “spring cleaning.” You may also be familiar with Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant known for advising those interested in decluttering: “The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’” Read More

Ethics in Brief: Criticizing Judges — Proposed Amendment to a Rule of Professional Conduct

By Edward J. McIntyre

The State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (COPRAC) is recommending to the Board of Trustees that the Board recommend to the Supreme Court a change in Rule 8.2 (Judicial Officials), by the addition of a new Comment [1]. The California Judges Association requested the change in response to increased public criticism of judges resulting in threats and violence against judges due to their rulings. This endangers judicial independence, public trust in the legal system, and ultimately the rule of law. Read More

Understand Your Audience: Highlights of the California Code of Judicial Ethics

By Charles V. Berwanger

Much has been written about the California Rules of Professional Conduct in this column. There is another set of rules of professional conduct regarding the ethical requirements of judges. A competent lawyer who complies with California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 will necessarily understand that the judge before whom appearances are made will also have ethical imperatives and constraints which the judge must follow and which affect the practice of law. Read More