In the recent case of Kaushansky v. Stonecroft Attorneys, APC, (Cal. Ct. App., Mar. 14, 2025, No. B317069) 2025 WL 814965, reh’g denied (Mar. 27, 2025), the court addressed a crucial aspect of professional conduct by examining the emotional distress suffered by a client due to the conduct of their attorney. Plaintiff, Kaushansky, filed a breach of fiduciary duty action (amongst others) against her former attorney, Stonecroft Attorneys, APC, after the attorney withdrew from representation.Read More
Volunteer with NLD at the 41st Annual Children’s Book Party
By Shubhra Sharma, Esq. Witham Mahoney & Abbott, LLP
As the Co-Chair for NLD’s Community Outreach events, I would like to invite you to participate in the 41st Annual Children’s Book Party, taking place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, between 7:00 a.m.and 10:30 a.m., at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. This impactful event, led by Roosevelt Brown, has promoted literacy and community engagement for over four decades. Mr. Brown was recently honored with a medal of recognition for his lifelong dedication to this cause.Read More
For the Record Monthly Column: Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney
By Stephanie S. Germani, Esq. Germani Law
Welcome to “Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney,” a new monthly “For The Record” column. This collaborative effort brings together the voices of our New Lawyer Division members to share the real, unfiltered experiences of life in the legal profession.Read More
San Diego Law Library Welcomes First Female Director in 135-Year History: Gina Catalano Charts New Course with Innovation and Community Focus
By Stephanie S. Germani, Esq. Germani Law
The San Diego Law Library, a cornerstone legal resource approaching its 135th anniversary, has appointed its first female director in its long history. Gina Catalano, who brings a unique background as both a practicing attorney and veteran law librarian, stepped into her new role this month with ambitious plans to blend technological innovation with traditional library services while strengthening community partnerships. Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the institution while promising exciting developments for attorneys and self-represented litigants alike.Read More
By Robert K. Shawhan Associate Attorney at Klinedinst PC
Howdy NLD Members,
My name is Robert Shawhan, and I’m a proud native of Nevada—born in Las Vegas and raised in the Carson Valley, where I split time between the neon lights of Sin City and the rugged charm of ranches, the snowcapped Sierra Mountains, and the ever blue Lake Tahoe.Read More
As new attorneys, you should set the standard early in your career to practice law in a manner that promotes civility. What does that mean? Be nice, argue your points calmly, and freely provide relevant facts. I would argue (calmly) that this will serve you well in establishing your professional reputation, will lead to success in your practice, and will help you maintain a low stress level. Oh yes, one more thing: civility is the law you must abide by as a licensed attorney.Read More
“But I love her,” cried the hapless attorney before the disciplinary panel, “and she expressly agreed that I could represent her in her divorce. Besides, we’ve been going together for over a year now, and we’ve never had sexual intercourse.” Regrettably, for the attorney, love cannot serve to waive conflicts of interest or the rules!Read More
