The Justice & Diversity Center welcomes Tony Burchell as its new staff attorney for the Right to Civil Counsel Program (RTCC). Burchell will provide full-scope representation to defendants in unlawful detainer cases; help support volunteer attorneys serving low-income people in…
Is Your Client’s Case Ready for Mediation?
When considering mediation to resolve your client’s dispute, consider these points: 1. Are the Parties Really Ready for Settlement? Mediation works only if the parties really desire to resolve the matter, meet in good faith, and have a reasonable evaluation…
Attorney v. Client – Walking the Ethics Tightrope
As a legal ethics and risk management advisor, I am often asked whether litigation between an attorney and client is permitted during engagement on another matter. This situation often arises as to legal fee disputes; however, lawsuits between in-house or…
Legal Writing Tip: Choose the Active Voice
What is the difference between the passive and active voice in writing? In active voice, the subject of the clause or sentence does the acting. In passive voice, the subject does not perform the action of the verb. Instead, the…
December Bulletin Board: Our Members and Leaders Circle Firms Making Headlines
LRIS Panel Attorneys Give Pro Bono Advice to Veterans
Thanks to the three attorneys who gave free legal advice and referrals to veterans at an event on October 28. The attorneys, Joseph Lepera, Lepera & Associates; solo attorney Roger Rubin, and Kent Kirmaci, Law Offices of Kent Kirmaci, are…
Be A Tax Document Hoarder
However mundane, documents are key to reducing your firm’s taxable income. Be ready to claim every allowable expense at tax time, and respond to a tax inquiry later. Why be a hoarder First, taxpayers have the burden of proving deductions…
Golfers and Tournament Sponsors Raise $80,000 for Diversity Pipeline Programs
More than 100 golfers and sponsors attended the Seventh Annual Putting for the Pipeline Golf Tournament on October 23 at TPC Harding Park. The tournament raised funds for BASF and JDC’s diversity pipeline programs including School-To-College and Mock Trial. Congrats…
Award of Merit Recipients to be Honored at Annual Luncheon
BASF will honor the following attorneys with Awards of Merit for their dedication to the association: Tracy Salisbury Tracy Salisbury, Shartsis Friese, is receiving an Award of Merit for her service as chair of BASF’s Finance Committee from 2011 to…
Sebastian Kaplan Named Outstanding Barrister
The Barristers Club recently announced that Fenwick & West’s Sebastian Kaplan has been named the 2015 Outstanding Barrister. His dedication to the club over the years has been steadfast and includes several leadership roles. He served as a leader of the…