Category: Law Practice Management

Building Your Contacts and Referrals with the Lawyer Referral & Information Service

By Alex Kannan

Starting out on our own can be challenging. Building your contacts, referral sources, and eventual client base will take time. As a solo practitioner, you always have to be willing to adapt to any given situation and be willing to re-brand yourself given the changes in the law, in your firm and in your personal life. The SDCBA’s Lawyer Referral Information Service (LRIS) is a wonderful resource for both new and experienced attorneys who are out on their own. LRIS offers a panel where attorneys can apply to receive cases based on their respective areas of law in which they practice. Read More

Starting In-House: Pros and Cons

By Denise Davila

What fascinates me the most about being a lawyer is the versatility aspect of the career. As a lawyer you can do more than just work at a law firm. While starting at a law firm is often the recommended path due to the fundamental amount of experience it offers, embarking as in-house counsel for a company can also expose you to a variety of legal areas despite having only one client — the company. Both paths have their perks and drawbacks but choosing the right course will ultimately depend on your skills and lifestyle expectations. Read More

Arbitration Provisions and the Impact of the Epic Systems Decision

By Sreelekha Haridas Maruthur

In a recent (and long-awaited) decision, the Supreme Court ruled on the enforceability of arbitration agreements containing class and collective action waivers of wage and hour disputes. In Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis, the majority in a 5-to-4 ruling held that the Federal Arbitration Act (the “Arbitration Act”) mandates the enforcement of arbitration agreements and that the right to pursue class or collective relief is not a protected concerted activity under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”). Read More

Growing Your Network & Your Business

The Importance of Being a Great Lawyer and a Great Networker

By Teresa Warren

When it comes to lawyers, the old saying “it’s not what you know but rather who you know” can be double edged. You won’t get far in the legal profession if you are not well educated and skilled at your craft. However, if you don’t know people, building your practice will be difficult. Read More