For Lawyers, Court Orders Are Meant to Be Obeyed
A recent State Bar Court discipline opinion underscores that we, lawyers, should take a court’s order seriously — very seriously — at our peril. The facts of the case drive the point.
Category: Legal Ethics
For Lawyers, Court Orders Are Meant to Be Obeyed
By Edward McIntyre A recent State Bar Court discipline opinion underscores that we, lawyers, should take a court’s order seriously — very seriously — at our peril.[1] The facts of the case drive the...
Ethical Considerations When Joining a Networking Organization
You ask yourself — “Can I abide by the policies in light of my ethical obligations under the new California Rules of Professional Conduct, effective November 2018?”
Conflict Cautions: What Might the New Rules Require in a Conflict Check System
By Edward McIntyre Sara ushered two young women into Macbeth’s office. “My friends, Samantha and Fiona, are opening their own firm.” “Congratulations. A great adventure. Let’s move to the conference table.” When all were...
Ethical Considerations When Joining a Networking Organization
By Alara Chilton You are an ambitious family law attorney who wants to increase your client base. After exploring several marketing options, you decide the best way to increase your business is to obtain...
Rule 5.1 and the Solo Lawyer
Part of California’s new revised Rules of Professional Conduct is entirely new Rule 5.1(a) that addresses the responsibilities of a managing lawyer in a law firm.
Rule 5.1 and the Solo Lawyer
By David C. Carr Part of California’s new revised Rules of Professional Conduct is entirely new Rule 5.1(a) that addresses the responsibilities of a managing lawyer in a law firm. It provides, A lawyer...
Take Note — Courts Have Dictionaries
The case in question serves as a graphic reminder that ad hominem attacks on judicial officers, even seemingly clever ones, not only fail, but carry professional responsibility jeopardy
Take Note — Courts Have Dictionaries
By Edward McIntyre Benjamin Pavone represented his client in an employment-related lawsuit. The trial court denied class-action certification—a decision the court of appeal affirmed. The jury trial was successful, but perhaps a pyrrhic victory—$1,080 in...
When is Presenting False Testimony Permitted Under the Ethics Rules?
You are a young prosecutor preparing for your first domestic violence trial. Fortunately it’s “only” a misdemeanor charge—domestic battery—Penal Code § 243 (c)(1) …