As attorneys, many of us earn our living representing people in conflict. We know, firsthand, that unresolved conflict can be expensive, emotionally depleting, and even detrimental to a person’s physical health. While conflict might be good for keeping lawyers busy,…
The Family Law Project’s Client Spotlight
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) is thrilled to share a pro bono client success story for the month of June. This month’s story centers around Jenny, who with the help of the Family Law Project was able to settle…
As COVID-19 Cases Surge, What Are Employee’s Rights to Privacy?
On December 1, 2021 the U.S. had its first case of COVID-19 ascribed to the omicron variant. Cases have surged with the omicron variants since then, and on May 9, 2022 the Biden Administration stated that it expects the U.S.…
JDC Welcomes 2022 AT&T Legal Services Summer Fellow, Cecilia Almaraz
The Justice & Diversity Center is excited to welcome our summer 2022 AT&T Legal Services Fellow, J.D. Candidate at Berkeley School of Law, Cecilia Almaraz. Almaraz is a member of La Alianza Law Students of Latin Descent and the Women…
Practical Ethics Tips for Remote Depositions
Before you conduct or defend your next remote deposition, be mindful of your ethical duties of Competence (Rule 1.1), Confidentiality (Rule 1.6), and Supervision (Rule 5.1), under the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Here are a few practical tips: 1.…
How Can Small and Solo Firms Comply with ADA Website Requirements Without Breaking the Bank
The number of ADA website accessibility lawsuits filed against businesses is steadily increasing with no signs of slowing down. In California alone, 359 federal lawsuits were filed in 2021, a 14% increase over the 2020 filings. New York, Florida, and…
Stay in Your Lane
I have been a solo/small firm attorney for almost five years, and a member of the BASF Solo/Small Firm section for more than four. For almost that entire time, my practice has focused on plaintiffs’ professional liability – specifically legal…
What Technology is the Best Fit for Your Law Firm?
As with most professional service providers, legal professionals have a tendency to fall into the “If it ain’t broke…” camp. But over the past two years, attorneys have been put in a position where choosing not to implement new legal…
Should Trial Court Factual Findings Based on Written Evidence Receive Deference Under the First Amendment “Independent Review” Standard?
A recent California Supreme Court calls into question the proper standard for reviewing factual findings made in First Amendment cases. If the only evidence submitted to the trial court was in writing, are the court’s factual findings entitled to deference…
How to Get the Raise You Deserve
Approaching your employer for a raise is not something anyone enjoys. But as the saying goes, “Don’t ask; don’t get.” Before you meet with your boss or bosses to ask for a raise, make sure you’re adequately prepared. Here are…
Representing Clients With Diminished Decision-Making Capacity
The State Bar of California Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility (COPRAC) recently published Formal Opinion 2021-207, addressing the ethical obligations of a lawyer who has a client with diminished decision-making capacity. Representing clients with diminished capacity involves unique challenges, including…
Legal Billing Dos and Don’ts: Your Quick Reference for Getting Paid
Whether you work for a large firm or you run your own private practice, getting your billing right is absolutely crucial. After all, your business can’t thrive without steady payments. Bad billing habits can lead to confused or frustrated clients…