The California Rules of Professional Conduct (“CRPC”) included a new rule in 2018 that prohibits attorneys from participating in discrimination, harassment and retaliation in representing a client. It also prohibits discrimination in the law firm’s operations. Specifically, CRPC 8.4.1 provides:…
3 Reasons to Join Our Register of Experts
All of us have some type of expertise, even if we don’t use it in our everyday jobs. Sharing that expertise in The Bar Association of San Francisco’s (BASF) Register of Experts (ROE) can provide new opportunities professionally and financially.…
Considerations When Growing Your Solo or Small Law Firm
Solo and small law firms are subject to the same employment laws as any other type of employer. Consequently, when you grow your firm by adding attorneys and staff you need to pay attention to several considerations. First, will this…
MPBF Wins Spring 2023 BASF Basketball League
On February 1st, the Spring 2023 Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) Basketball League tipped off for the first time since 2016. Hosted at the “Lowest Court in the Land” at UC Law SF, the league is open to lawyers,…
Nondisparagement and Confidentiality Provisions in Employee Severance Agreements
Both locally and nationally, a growing trend continues that disfavors confidentiality, nondisclosure, and nondisparagement provisions in settlement agreements and releases – even if such terms are part of a bargained-for-exchange between the parties. Most recently on February 21, 2023, the…
JDC Client Spotlight: Kids In Nutrition
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) recently partnered with a pro bono client, the nonprofit Kids In Nutrition (KIN). Through the Community Organization Representation Project (CORP), KIN has been able to work with volunteer attorneys on a variety of legal…
JDC Highlights Patterson as Volunteer of the Month
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) advances equality to low-income communities in San Francisco, an effort that is made possible with our devoted volunteers’ selfless contribution of time. This month we are recognizing Kayla Patterson, a volunteer with the Legal…
Jabbour Leads Family Law Project Client to Success
The Justice & Diversity Center’s (JDC) Family Law Project successfully helped a client facing a number of challenges, under the representation of volunteer attorney Omar Jabbour. Jane was referred to JDC by the family law court advisor, and she was…
JDC Client Spotlight: NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
The Justice & Diversity Center is highlighting a client from our Community Organization Representation Project (CORP), the non-profit NICOS Chinese Health Coalition. To learn about NICOS and the support they have received through CORP, we reached out to Michael S.…
Pulling Up Stakes: Issues to Consider in Seeking to Terminate an Office Lease
As lawyers and firms continue to evaluate whether they should work in a conventional office, work from home, or use a hybrid model, one problem they must confront is what to do about their existing office lease. In a typical…
New Year, New Rules: What You Need to Know About CTAPP
Following high-profile scandals involving misuse and misappropriation of client trust funds, the California State Bar implemented the Client Trust Account Protection Program, or CTAPP – a series of new rules governing the handling of funds and reporting compliance. In the…
How Lawyers Get Paid
One of the top business struggles lawyers face is getting paid. Law firm profitability depends on receiving prompt payment from clients. When clients fail to pay their legal bills, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially as you’re working towards closing…