admin, Author at The Bar Association of San Francisco

Legal Writing Tip: Learning to Convey Your Expertise

You’re a lawyer, not an academic. In briefs, opinion letters and client communications, you must convey your expertise simply, even when describing something complex. Consider yourself a technical writer, a knowledge expert just like a software manual writer, whose job…

It Started with a Day! 2014 Volunteer Initiative Launched January 25

The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) of The Bar Association of San Francisco kicked off the 2014 “It Starts With a Day” community service campaign on January 25 with its monthly Legal Advice and Referral Clinic (LARC) in Bayview-Hunters Point.…

Legal Ethics Corner: What is Confidential?

All attorneys know what a client tells them, in private, is confidential and is protected by the attorney-client privilege. (Evid. Code §§950, et seq., especially 952.) However, what about other information that an attorney learns about a client from sources…

A Week at the Justice & Diversity Center [INFOGRAPHIC]

Do you ever wonder what’s going on at the Justice & Diversity Center? Check out the infographic below to get a behind-the-scenes snapshot of a sample week in the life of JDC staff and volunteers.

A Week at BASF [INFOGRAPHIC]

Do you ever wonder what’s going on at your bar association? Check out the infographic below to get a behind-the-scenes snapshot of a week in the life of BASF.

Your Referral Helps the Community We Serve [Infographic]

Your referrals to BASF’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) support pro bono legal services and diversity education programs of the Justice & Diversity Center, including the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program. If your caseload is full or if…

United States Supreme Court Hears Argument on Legality of Firearm Possession by People Convicted of Domestic Violence Misdemeanors

On January 15, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court heard argument in United States v. Castleman, on whether a person who has been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor should be allowed to possess guns. In 2001, James Castleman was convicted…

The Power Of One: Accommodating Caregivers Under The San Francisco Family Friendly Ordinance

Whether you employ 20 people in Vacaville, Virginia or on Venus, the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance will affect you if one of those employees: is a caregiver of a child, parent over the age 65, or relative with a serious…

Our Members Make a Difference… BASF Makes It Easier!

BASF’s 2014 membership theme is “You Make a Difference. We Make It Easier.” Rob Edesess, a BASF member, who is an in-house attorney at Thoratec Corporation is making a difference in the lives of those in our community. Leonard Lun,…

Homeless Advocate Awarded First Annual Brosnahan Fellowship

The James Brosnahan Fellowship was established through resolution of the then Volunteer Legal Services Program (now known as the Justice & Diversity Center ) board in December of 2012. Creation of the fellowship was made possible because of the generosity…

Consider Mediating Fee Disputes Gracefully

Sometimes clients will fail to pay or dispute your bill because they are disappointed at the outcome of litigation, or, whilst your work was properly performed, your billing methods lack transparency, leaving the client unable to understand the bill, frustrated…