Sometimes the relationship between client and counsel becomes so difficult and fraught with misunderstandings that counsel wants to depart from the situation. Sometimes also, the departure may not be as easy as counsel hoped. For example, Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct requires that “subject to rule 1.2.1, a lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation and, as required by rule 1.4, shall reasonably consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued.” At the same time, counsel cannot assist in or advise the violation of a law[1] and must use reasonable diligence in representing the client.[2] So what happens when the attorney-client relationship has deteriorated to the point where the lawyer feels he or she must get out?Read More
As the oftentimes lone vegan in the office, I’ve had many coworkers tell me they’re interested in incorporating more plant-based eating into their lives, but that it’s just too hard and too confusing — they don’t know where to start. Countless times, I’ve heard the “but where will I get my protein?” concern. With this brief overview, I hope to not only provide a simple template for incorporating this nutrient-dense way of eating into your busy life, but also offer inspiration from my own journey.Read More
Balancing Acts: Professionalism, Volunteerism, and Motherhood
By Stacey L. Fode Managing Partner of Nukk-Freeman & Cerra’s West Coast Office
In the world of women in law, successfully juggling competing priorities is a perpetual topic, akin to the pursuit of happiness. Like happiness, “balance” isn’t an innate state; it’s a destination created through daily deliberate actions that give you the space to do what you want to do while also doing what you need to do.Read More
By Dani Glazer Signaigo Attorney at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, PC
SDCBA Members,
I am excited to be writing this message as one of the Community Outreach Co-Chairs of the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (“NLD”). If you’re not familiar, the Community Outreach team coordinates pro bono and volunteer events for new lawyers and law students across San Diego County. Read More
The SDCBA 125th Anniversary Celebration — Event Recap
By Elijah Gaglio NLD Chair and Associate Attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
I recently had the privilege of attending the San Diego County Bar Association’s (“SDCBA”) 125th Anniversary Party. Founded in 1899, the SDCBA is one the oldest and largest bar associations in the region. In addition, this year marks the opening of SDCBA’s new home of the bar, located a 330 A Street, which was also celebrated at the Bar’s 125th Anniversary. Read More
Debunking Three Common Trademark Myths and Understanding the Benefits of Trademarking
By Jasmine K. Bond, J.D. Thomas Jefferson School of Law Class of 2024
For any entrepreneur looking to protect their brand name or logo, three common trademark myths must be debunked. Along with clearing up these misconceptions, I offer a few tips when navigating the trademark process.Read More
Legal Ethics for New Lawyers: Do Not Be Drawn Into Criminal Activity: Guidance from ABA Formal Opinion 513
By Edward J. McIntyre
The last thing a lawyer wants to learn is that the lawyer has been providing legal services to a client who has used those services to commit fraud or a crime. No lawyer wants to have to deal with a grand jury subpoena, or have a couple of FBI agents on the doorstep. At the same time, we all need clients with problems who come to us looking for solutions.Read More
As a lawyer, you may question the prudence of representing someone with whom you are romantically involved. Even if the relationship is going well, and you are confident in your competence to handle the representation, you may be concerned about the ethical considerations. Upon conducting some research you discover: Read More
The fourth Friday of this month, we celebrate California Native American Day. The date has been well known among the California Tribal community for decades — commemorated with community events and closed Tribal government offices. The day was first recognized in 1939 when Governor Culbert Olson dedicated October 1st as “Indian Day.” Twenty-nine years later in 1968, Governor Ronald Reagan declared the fourth of September as “California Indian Day.” It was not until another 30 years, that the day became an official State holiday under Governor Pete Wilson. Then in 2021, legislation passed marking the date as an official judicial holiday. Read More
A lot of business before the State Bar Court consists of dealing with lawyers convicted of crimes. It is an area that does not receive a lot of attention from the public or even lawyers. These so-called “C” cases (after the letter that appears in the middle of the case designation after the year) travel down a different procedural path than “O” cases, cases that result from complaints filed with the Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) of the State Bar, or other information acquired by the OCTC that leads to the opening of an investigation. Read More
