In this series of tips, we will explore how Microsoft 365 can help law firms be more efficient, secure, and effective. To start, you need to know what kind of account you and/or your firm have. Your firm’s software and service subscriptions are a valuable business resource that you should understand well, just like your operating and trust accounts.
By Jim Eischen, Co-Chair, San Diego County Bar Association Wellness Committee
By Andrew Servias
In a lawsuit against a School District involving a sexual assault, a video potentially relevant to the litigation was not preserved by the defendant. As a result, the plaintiff sought terminating sanctions. The trial court granted evidentiary, issue, and monetary sanctions, but refused terminating sanctions relying on an exception in Code of Civil Procedure section 2023.030 (f)(1) which provides that:
Ethical Issues “On the Side” Employment Raises
By Charles Berwanger
The all-important Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to guide our lives as attorneys, and in some instances our personal lives, and with this new year it behooves all of us to re-familiarize ourselves with the Rules. The purposes of the Rules are to “protect the public, the courts, and the legal profession, protect the integrity of the legal system; and promote the administration of justice and confidence in the legal profession.” Rule 1.10. It continues that “the Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to establish the standards for lawyers for purposes of discipline….Therefore, failure to comply with an obligation or prohibition imposed by Rule is a basis for invoking the disciplinary process.”
By Tatiana Kline
“When are you going to have children?” It seems like an innocent question. But for many, the thought of answering the question drums up anxiety, stress, insecurities, and maybe even grief.
By Charles Berwanger
A December 6, 2023 New York Times’ edition’s first page’s headline announced “Nations Losing Race to Control Dangers of A. I.” The article continues with an internal headline: “Losing The Race to Control A. I.’s Perils – Alarmed by the power of artificial intelligence, Europe, the United States and others are trying to respond – but the technology is evolving more rapidly than their policies.” The article explains that “‘no one, not even the creators of these systems, know what they will be able to do,’ said Matt Clifford, an adviser to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain, who presided over an A. I. Safety Summit last month with 28 countries. ‘The urgency comes from there being a real question of whether governments are equipped to deal with and mitigate the risks.’
By Anne Rudolph
Lana Lawyer has a plaintiff’s personal injury practice. She does not maintain an internet web site and does not otherwise engage in advertising. However, her e-mail address is published on the State Bar of California membership records website accessible to the public.
By Heidi Weaver
What does it mean to be a joiner? Here are some informal definitions of “joiner” that I found:
By Eric Deitz
A recent ABA ethics opinion addresses the demands that arise when preparing a client to testify and during their testimony. The ABA issued Formal Opinion 508 on August 5, 2023.
