Dear Mentor:
I’m having trouble with billing and meeting my billable hour requirement. Why am I at the office for 12 hours but only have 7 hours written down? I’m a second-year attorney and it still takes me a much longer than I think it should to finish projects. I feel like I can’t record all my time because it takes too long, but then I can’t meet my minimum hours. Help!
Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney” is your monthly invitation to laugh, commiserate, and connect with the real stories behind life in the law.
If you’ve spent any time around a courthouse, you know lawyers have a name for everything. We love labels. “Associate.” “Partner.” “Of counsel.” “Rainmaker.” But when it comes to new attorneys, the nicknames get especially creative. My friend Harrison recently told me that new attorneys are called “baby rattlesnakes.” Why? Because, just like their reptilian counterparts, new lawyers can’t regulate their venom.
Each year, the SDCBA Leadership Academy cultivates a cohort of legal professionals through an immersive six-month curriculum rooted in values-based leadership, emotional intelligence, community impact, and cross-sector collaboration.
There are approximately 190,000 active status licensed attorneys in California. Thankfully, the vast majority of us get through our entire careers without any disciplinary issue with the State Bar.
By Anne M. Rudolph
There are various situations that may arise where an attorney may be asked to allow a third party to pay a client’s attorney’s fees and costs. Examples include a parent paying for their child’s criminal defense attorney or divorce attorney. When a third party is paying the bills, it is particularly important that an attorney not conflate the client with the person paying the bills, and that an attorney maintain client confidentiality by not sharing confidential communications with the third party.[1]
By Stacey A. Kartchner
As Immediate Past President of the SDCBA and Chair of the Leadership Outreach Committee (“LOC”), I have the privilege of collaborating with an exceptionally talented and amazing group of individuals to recruit potential candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors election. If you want to dedicate your time and talent to creating real change and making a meaningful impact within the legal community, you can do so by serving on the Board.
When the tools of your profession suddenly change, how do you adapt? For Stella Gerson, staff attorney at the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program and vice president of the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association, it has meant forging a new path in advocacy and leadership.
By Stacy Plotkin-Wolff
Imagine you are in court for a Case Management Conference regarding Client A’s case. The court has a busy calendar, and Client A’s case is well into the docket. To stay productive, you open your laptop and start drafting a discovery motion for Client B. After waiting for an hour and a half, Client A’s case is finally called and you spend just a few minutes on the court appearance. When you return to the office, you bill Client A for one and a half hours for a “court appearance” and Client B for one hour of “motion drafting.”
As newly admitted attorneys in California, understanding and fulfilling Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) obligations is critical to maintaining an active license and avoiding disciplinary action. Recent updates to the State Bar’s requirements — including new fees for previously free programs — demand careful attention. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of compliance strategies, free credit opportunities, and recordkeeping protocols to ensure seamless adherence to these evolving professional responsibilities.
Introducing a new feature in For The Record: “Ask the Mentor” by attorney Lesa Christenson, CFLS. With nearly four decades of legal experience and a reputation for integrity, mentorship, and client advocacy, Attorney Christenson brings her practical wisdom directly to our readers. Each month, she’ll tackle the real questions and challenges faced by new and seasoned lawyers alike, offering candid advice and actionable tips for navigating the complexities of legal practice. Whether you’re stepping into the courtroom for the first time or looking to sharpen your professional skills, Attorney Christenson’s column is designed to support your growth and confidence as a legal professional. We’re excited to welcome her voice and expertise to our newsletter community.
ASK THE MENTOR