Category: Law Practice

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

A Possible Blow Coming to Consumers of Previously Owned Vehicles: Looming Changes to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act

A Possible Blow Coming to Consumers of Previously Owned Vehicles: Looming Changes to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act

By John Myers
Partner at Pengilley Myers APC

A recent appellate opinion from the Fourth District, Division Two, Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC (2022) 77 Cal.App.5th 209, changes the definition of a “new motor vehicle” in California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (“Act”) thereby limiting the number of consumers who can avail themselves of the Act. Courts have previously held that the Act is “manifestly a remedial measure, intended for the protection of the consumer; it should be given a construction calculated to bring its benefits into action.” Murillo v. Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. (1998) 17 Cal.4th 985, 990. Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

So You’ve Just Finished Taking the Bar Exam … Now What?

So You’ve Just Finished Taking the Bar Exam … Now What?

By Alex Mann
Mission Consultants, Inc.

Five minutes remained. The second hand on my watch stubbornly kept turning, along with my stomach. Three quarters of the California Bar Exam were finished, and my insides had decided to rebel right before the last push. But enough was enough. Despite my body’s objections, I hoisted myself to the sink, dabbed my face with paper, and lurched back to the exam room for another hundred multiple choice questions.  Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

NLD Event Recap: Federal Court Practice Series

NLD Event Recap: Federal Court Practice Series

By Stephanie Pengilley
Partner at Pengilley Myers APC

On February 15, 2023, the New Lawyer Division was honored to be joined by Chief Judge Dana M. Sabraw of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California for the first of its biannual court practice series programming. Judge Sabraw was nominated by George W. Bush to the federal bench on May 1, 2003, and then unanimously confirmed by the Senate. He became chief judge on January 22, 2021. Judge Sabraw provided insightful tips and guidance on best practices in federal court, including his thoughts on Complaints, FRCP 12(b)(6) motions (motions to dismiss), FRCP 56 (c) motions (motions for summary judgement), briefings, oral arguments, and advice on obtaining judicial clerkships. Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

The Benefits of Serving as a Court Appointed Attorney in Probate Court

The Benefits of Serving as a Court Appointed Attorney in Probate Court

By Anne M. Rudolph

New and newer attorneys are often eager to get in the courtroom. One way to gain invaluable experience — while at the same time assisting clients who may have nobody else advocating for them — is to sign up to serve as a court-appointed attorney in conservatorship cases. In these cases, the role of a court-appointed attorney is critical to ensuring a person’s wishes are heard and considered by a judge who is tasked with making rulings that may result in the loss of the client’s right of free will to make their own decisions. Read More