On a recent cool afternoon on Coronado, John L. Pittman III was proudly sporting his Pepperdine Law sweatshirt when he struck up a conversation with a stranger about his legal education. Read More
When I passed the bar in 2009, the economy was in deep recession, and the public defender’s office where I had hoped to work (and most such offices statewide) froze hiring. I hung out my shingle, temporarily, I thought. Thirteen years later, I have always worked for myself, never straying from my mission of defending the criminally accused. I have helped over 150 incarcerated folks, mostly lifers in California prisons, gain their freedom. I’ve guided hundreds more along their journey towards freedom. Read More
Picture this: you are cruising down California Highway 163 on a clear morning with your windows down, music blasting. You are driving to the gym, trying to hype yourself up for a killer workout to kick off the morning. Then, suddenly, you look in your rear-view mirror and see bright red and blue lights flashing. Your heart suddenly drops out of your chest and you quickly lower the music. Many thoughts race through your head: what did you do? What will the police officer say to you? And what can you do to expedite this unpleasant encounter as quickly as possible? The officer starts by asking you, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” You feel pressured to answer quickly and honestly. For most people, these series of questions come rapid-fire before you are sent on your way with a court date for a traffic infraction. The whole encounter feels like a blur, but you go on about your day. Read More
Negotiations and settlements are an everyday occurrence in the legal profession. Tax implications are often overlooked in settlement discussions and negotiations yet often play a large part of the overall settlement. Read More
Mark Simpliciano is a resilient young attorney who is currently an Associate Attorney with Garcia Hong Law APC, a San Diego civil law firm that focuses on business litigation, employment, professional liability, legal ethics, and personal injury. With Mark’s experience in employment law, he has been given a more active role on handling some of the firm’s employment matters, which includes assisting business clients with consultation and formation. Read More
8 Tidbits of Advice from an International Student Turned U.S. Lawyer
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Tips from the Bench: Hon. Jill L. Burkhardt
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Application of CRPC 1.15 to Government Lawyers
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