The Barristers Club recently hosted Phoenix-based attorney/ ABA Legal Rebel/ blogger/ author Ruth Carter at a seminar to inspire attorneys to think outside of the box in terms of finding their practice niche and beyond. Carter discussed her own off-the-beaten-path to…
I've Been Hacked. Have I Been Damaged?
Pleading computer fraud damages Computer fraud has been a hot topic in the news with seemingly new lawsuits everyday. Nevertheless, plaintiffs seem to have difficulty pleading damages. Although there is some nuance, pleading damages is a fairly straightforward process as…
Mock Trial Coach Looks Back at Great Year
Coaching high schoolers feels a lot like making popcorn: you add heat and agitation, then pray that everything “pops” in the end. Despite months of editing scripts, running objection drills, and repeating “slow down and speak up” like a shamanistic…
Walk, Run or Pedal Your Way to Raise Funds for Underserved on June 6
Join us on Saturday, June 6 at Crissy Field for the 8th annual Bike-a-Thon/Walk-a-Thon for the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) of The Bar Association of San Francisco. Cyclists and walkers will raise funds to support JDC’s legal services programs,…
To 1099 or Not to 1099: Proper Reporting of Client Settlements
With tax season nearly upon us, many lawyers are now asking themselves (and their CPAs) whether they have accurately reported funds received on a client’s behalf. This issue is particularly relevant to attorneys who earn their fees on a contingency…
Mediation as a Mirror: Using the Process to Help Clients Find Clarity
Sometimes, parties will seek mediation in search of clarity. The stated reason for scheduling a session may be very different from the desired result. In these cases, the mediator’s role should be one of gentle probing and guidance to help…
Engage Your Summer Associates in Pro Bono Service With the Justice & Diversity Center
Registration is open for the Justice & Diversity Center’s (JDC) Homeless Advocacy Project’s (HAP) Summer Associates in Public Service Program. The program enables firms to provide crucial legal services to low-income and homeless San Francisco residents, while summer associates learn…
The Barristers Club Open House is April 28
The Barristers Club invites law students and attorneys to its annual Open House on April 28. The Open House is a unique opportunity for new lawyers to learn how to get involved and meet the leaders of the club. Each…
Magna Carta Celebrates Its 800th Anniversary
Eight hundred years ago, the sealing of Magna Carta on a grassy English meadow at Runnymeade by the Thames took place when barons coerced King John of England into granting a number of rights and liberties. Magna Carta (Latin: “the…
Focus on Pro Bono: Firms and Attorneys Encouraged to Sign on to Pledge
The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) Board of Directors recently issued a call to action encouraging members and law firms to give back with pro bono service. A set of pro bono pledges, one aimed at law firms and…
Estate Planning Tip: Don’t Make Bill Graham’s Mistake
In 1991, legendary rock concert promoter Bill Graham perished in a Northern California helicopter crash at the age of 60. Graham’s will named his longtime friend and business partner, Nicholas Clainos, as executor of his $36 million estate. In 1995,…
Mark Burton Establishes Grant for First-Year Law Students
Mark Burton, a BASF member, is looking out for the future of the legal profession. Thanks to the newly created Mark E. Burton Grant for Professional Engagement, first-year law students at Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law) can…