Category: Law Practice

Ethics in Brief: Rule of Professional Conduct 5.6: It Is Unethical to Restrict the Right of a Lawyer to Practice

By Charles Berwanger

The reader is asked to picture a fictional settlement conference of a lawsuit. Present is the client representative, defendant Ajax Corporation’s General Counsel, and Ajax’s Defense Counsel. They are in a breakout room while the mediator talks with Plaintiff’s Counsel and plaintiff in another breakout room. Read More

Mindful Minute: Wellness for New Lawyers and Law Students

By Elijah T. Gaglio

All lawyers are at a higher risk of experiencing substance abuse, loneliness, depression, and suicide, which was confirmed in a 2020 in-depth study by the California Lawyers Association and D.C. Bar Association.[1] Many lawyers “are expected to work long hours, meet tight deadlines, and handle complex legal issues, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and client satisfaction.”[2]  New lawyers generally experience this high level of stress for the first time when they are starting their practice. Now, the State Bar of California requires new attorneys to complete a 1.5-hour course on competency (substance abuse, mental health issues) as part of its
New Attorney Training for MCLE compliance Read More

Tech Tip in a Tenth: Word Dictation and Transcribe

By Adriana Linares

Hello, this is Adriana Linares. I’m your Technology and Practice Management Advisor for the San Diego County bar. Today we’re going to do a Tech Tip in a Tenth, about two features that I really appreciate in Microsoft Word and hope you do too. As a reminder, if you’re a member of the SDCBA, you can always make an appointment to meet with me and ask your questions or get a little bit of help with anything related to technology and practice management. So, let’s get started.  Read More

Ethics in Brief: The “Snitch Rule” is now the Law, Under the Rules of Professional Conduct

By Michael J. Crowley

Blame it on former torts megastar Tom Girardi and his confederates, coupled with his wife, Erika Jayne, star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Girardi’s alleged theft of millions from clients’ trust accounts led to adverse publicity, and a push from the California legislature which led to action by the State Bar instituting the so-called “snitch rule.” Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3. We all suffer due to the actions of a few. Read More

On the Path to Success

On the Path to Success

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

Gomez Trial Attorneys recently hosted an inspiring event, the Shades of Success Summit, at their office on 755 Front St. This unique event was created in collaboration with various aspiring networks and diversity bars of San Diego County. It provided a platform for renowned local attorneys to share their experiences and inspire future law students, current law students, and new attorneys in training. Read More

Message From the Co-Editor in Chief

Message From the Co-Editor in Chief

By Lillian Glenister, Esq.
Judicial Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Hello! My name is Lillian (Lilly) Glenister and I am currently the Co-Editor in Chief of the New Lawyer Division’s (“NLD”) monthly newsletter, For the Record.  I want to thank each of our readers for their continued support, as well as our NLD and San Diego County Bar Association members who have contributed amazing content this year.  Read More

Ethics for New Lawyers: The Appearance of Impropriety

Ethics for New Lawyers: The Appearance of Impropriety

By David C. Carr

Recent events have inspired discussion about the concept of the “appearance of impropriety” by both legal ethics lawyers and in the mainstream media. Those events include the motion to disqualify Fani Willis, the District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, whose hearing was broadcast live to the nation, and recent news stories concerning the controversial flags flown at the homes of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.  Read More

Empowering the Innocent: The Third Mission of The Innocence Center

Empowering the Innocent: The Third Mission of The Innocence Center

By Claudia Salinas
The Innocence Center
Staff Attorney and NLD Vice Chair

The Innocence Center (“TIC”) stands as a beacon of hope and justice, tirelessly working to free innocent individuals from the confines of wrongful imprisonment. This independent non-profit law firm employs cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and automation, to identify and pursue cases of wrongful conviction. Beyond its critical role in freeing the innocent and educating the public about the causes of wrongful convictions, TIC is profoundly committed to supporting their clients as they navigate the daunting process of reentry into society. Read More

Tech Tip in a Tenth: New vs Old Outlook

Transcription

Hi, I’m Adriana Linares, San Diego County bar associations, technology and practice management advisor. Don’t forget that as a member you can always make an appointment to meet with me to have your questions answered about technology, case management, practice management, little bit of marketing, and sometimes I can answer some basic questions about accounting and finance. Read More

Wellness: Self-Advocacy is Not Optional

By Tatiana Kline

As a Public Defender, I have become skilled at advocating on behalf of others. I take pride in my ability to fight for what is right and not back down until a just outcome is obtained for my clients. But when it comes to advocating for myself, that skill seems to vanish. I find myself unable to advocate in the same zealous manner when it comes to my needs.   Read More