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…
Executive Committee Members Recruitment
The Cybersecurity and Privacy Section is searching for new leaders for its Executive Committee! If you’re interested or know of attorneys who might be interested in serving on the executive committee, please let us know. The Executive Committee is responsible…
February 2022 Members in the News
51 BASF Members of Farella + Braun Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Carly O. Alameda: Real Estate Law; George T. Argyris: Trusts and Estates; Jerome I. Braun: Appellate Law; Amy…
For Working Parents, Balance IS Possible!
As the debate over paid family leave swirls around as a “hot topic” debate in our country, this seemed like the most appropriate time to share my personal experience with being a working professional, a new mom, and trying to…
ABA Offers Tips for Effective Client-Lawyer Communications
On October 6, 2021, the American Bar Association issued Formal Opinion 500 addressing language access in the client-lawyer relationship. The Opinion notes: “Communication between a lawyer and a client is necessary for the client to participate effectively in the representation…
Sitting Where You Are Not Licensed
In California and most other jurisdictions, lawyers are allowed to temporarily sit and work in a jurisdiction where they are not licensed pursuant to certain restrictions. See California Rules of Court (CRC) Rule 9.40-9.49.1. However, if a lawyer overstays this…
Conflict of Interest- Informed Written Consent
Conflicts of interest between current clients is an issue that warrants the constant attention of lawyers. The California Rules of Professional Conduct (CRPC) require the lawyer to obtain informed written consent from both clients if the lawyer is representing a…