I don’t know about you, but I didn’t go to law school to become a banker.[1] However, when you raised your hand to become an attorney, you agreed to abide by a 150-page manual of accounting principles that applies to client trust accounts called the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA).
In civil cases, parties can use Requests for Production of Documents (RFP) to obtain documents. There is no limit on the number of RFPs. Keep your RFPs in mind when drafting other discovery devices to avoid wasting limited Special Interrogatories or Requests for Admission.
Hello Members,
Feeling a little gloomy? I know I am! Unfortunately, May Gray was all too real, and June Gloom is staying true to its name. “Sunny” San Diego did not have one clear day in May, according to data from the National Weather Service, and it appears June will trend gloomy as well. So if you are feeling a little down, I encourage you to set an intention to do something that brings you joy. Whether that’s going to the beach, hanging out with a friend, going on a hike or trying something new, get out and do something lift your mood. If you’re not sure what to do check out the SDCBA’s Wellness Wednesday.
Judge Joel Wohlfeil is proud to serve the San Diego community as a judge; when you first enter his courtroom, this is evident. He has chosen to hang artwork in his courtroom which show important memories in his legal career. His chambers are filled with photographs of things he values including his family, his memorial to his father, and his legal career. One hallmark of his chambers is the Daily Journal article which featured him and his work ethic as a judge throughout his career. When you meet Judge Wohlfeil, you feel he values both his work as a judge and what he continues to do for the community.
Deputy District Attorney James D. Koerber has served as a public servant in California for almost 40 years. First, he served as a Deputy District Attorney in Riverside County. He then went on to advocate for San Diegans as a Deputy District Attorney for over 35 years. He currently works at the Major Violator Unit in the Superior Court Division of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. As a veteran prosecutor, he epitomizes what it means to be a public servant.
Recently, the Delaware Court of Chancery has expanded the fiduciary duty of oversight to include corporate officers. This development arose from the Court of Chancery’s decision in In re McDonald’s Corp. Stockholder Derivative Litigation. Prior to this decision, it was unclear whether or not the duty of oversight applied to corporate officers in the same way it did to directors. However, that ambiguity is now resolved, and Delaware corporations will need to adjust their internal policies and procedures to reflect this expanded duty. As many of us here in California have clients who either are or are considering incorporating in Delaware, this is an important development to follow. This summary should give you a foundation to get started.
Nearly all new engagements for legal services should include a written agreement which spells out the terms and scope of the engagement, the fees to be charged and their means of computation if something other than a straight hourly or fixed-fee arrangement, the identity of the client, and any limitations on the engagement. When contingent fees are involved, Business & Professions Code section 6147 imposes a number of requirements, including a written agreement.
Tarina Mand was recently awarded with the 2023 SDCBA Service by a New Lawyer Award. A first-generation college student and lawyer, Tarina received a bachelor’s degree in literature from University of California San Diego and was a 2016 graduate of California Western School of Law. As an attorney at Dixon Diab & Chambers LLC, Tarina represents plaintiffs in class action, mass tort, and employment law cases. She has tried cases in both state and federal court and says she loves working on these types of cases because the issues are challenging and exciting.
As a new attorney, I’m always eager to find ways to give back to the community and make a positive impact. So, when I heard that the San Diego County High School Mock Trial Program was seeking attorney coaches, I jumped at the opportunity. Little did I know, this experience would be one of the most rewarding of my legal career.
My name is Elijah Gaglio, and I am honored to serve as the Vice Chair for the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD). As an attorney for about four years, NLD has been a great resource for advice, support, and a place where I can connect with new and more experienced attorneys alike. Below is a list of upcoming NLD events where attorneys can connect and give back to the San Diego community. I am dedicating this month’s message to some of the groups we honor in May.
