Category: Law Practice

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

Tips from the Bench: Judge Tamila Ipema

Tips from the Bench: Judge Tamila Ipema

By Linda Nelte
Miller, Monson, Peshel, Polacek & Hoshaw

Judge Tamila Ebrahimi Ipema is the first Iranian-American Judge appointed to the bench of the California Superior Court in San Diego. She was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. Her father, a human rights activist and lawyer, instilled the importance of education in his children, including Judge Ipema. Her parents gave her the choice of marrying young, as her mother and grandmother had done before her, or pursuing an education. Judge Ipema chose the latter and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Damavand College in Tehran, Iran, by the age of 20. Read More

Law Practice

Lawyers’ Obligation of Candor to Opposing Parties and Third Parties

By Deborah Wolfe

Lawyers have always had a duty to be honest and truthful pursuant to general ethical principles, as well as the State Bar Act. The newest version of the Rules of Professional Conduct, effective November 1, 2018, provides more specific guidance to lawyers relative to this duty. Rules 1.2.1, 1.6, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,7.1 through 7.5, and 8.4 are all implicated in this duty, as well as Business & Professions Code (“B&P”) sections 6068(d), 6106, and 6128, among others. This discussion will focus on the B&P Code sections, violations of which constitute cause for disbarment or other State Bar sanction, including but not limited to suspension, fines, and re-taking the Professional Responsibility examination. Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice / Legal Ethics

When Does a Demand Letter Constitute Extortion?

When Does a Demand Letter Constitute Extortion?

By Carole J. Buckner
Partner and General Counsel, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

The court’s decision in Falcon Brands, Inc. v. Mousavi & Lee, LLP, 2022 WL 246851 (Jan. 27, 2022) provides insight for all lawyers regarding when settlement demands “cross the line and become professional misconduct.”  Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

Message from the Vice Chair of the NLD

Message from the Vice Chair of the NLD

By Stephanie Pengilley
Bickel Sannipoli APC

Greeting NLD Members, 

It is a pleasure to serve as your vice chair this year! I am excited to be a part of this year’s Executive Committee bringing NLD exciting and creative events to further new lawyers’ careers and provide opportunities. As vice chair I hope to provide ample opportunities for our members to get involved in the legal community, connect with experienced attorneys, and have the chance to give back. Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

The MLB’s Collective Bargaining Approach: Short-Term Gain Versus Long-Term Pain?

The MLB’s Collective Bargaining Approach: Short-Term Gain Versus Long-Term Pain?

By Matthew Spolsky
Ford, Walker, Haggerty & Behar LLP

Major League Baseball (MLB) concluded its 2021 season on a high note with the Atlanta Braves taking down the widely hated Houston Astros. What happened next was something a lot of fans hoped would have been avoided. Read More