Firing a Client
It's difficult to end representation of a client when the relationship isn't working. Here are some ways to move through the process ethically.
Tagged: lawpracticemanagement
Financial Considerations for Law Practice Succession Planning
Baby Boomers are creating an "Exit Boom" as they prepare for the sale of their companies. Matt Hansen outlines strategies for the successful sale and/or transition of these businesses.
What to do When?
By Jan Maiden
In this new feature of San Diego Lawyer, Jan Maiden, former SDCBA Board member, recounts a situation in which a client threatened her license and how she addressed it.
The Attorney-Client Privilege for In-House Counsel
By Carole J. Buckner
An attorney working as in-house counsel must have a solid understanding of the attorney-client privilege. The application of the attorney-client privilege may differ for in-house counsel in several ways that are important for the attorney to bear in mind.
Won’t You Be My Civil Neighbor?
By George Brewster Jr.
Civility. In the practice of law, we know — we SHOULD know — what that means. What it entails, and the consequences for any uncivil behavior.
But do we behave civilly in real life?
Should we apply our rules of professional conduct to our private associations/encounters?
The San Diego County Bar Association has an Attorney Code of Conduct. Just altering the words a bit (say, duties owed to your neighbor rather than to the court, etc.), here are some rules of conduct that might be useful for our personal contacts and maybe even impersonal (i.e. social media) discussions:
Neighbors should always be courteous and respectful to each other.
Neighbors should always be candid with each other.
Neighbors should attempt to resolve, by agreement, their differences relating to neighborhood matters.
Treat neighbors who hold adverse opinions with common courtesy, good attitude, good manners, fairness and due consideration.
When asking a neighbor about an issue, proceed as though a judicial officer were present.
Neighbors should not arbitrarily or unreasonably withhold consent to a just and reasonable request for cooperation or accommodation.
Do not attribute to a neighbor a position not clearly taken by that neighbor.
Neighbors should conduct themselves so that they may conclude each matter with a handshake.
I can’t say that our national discourse is any worse than it was when the camps supporting Jefferson or Adams went after each other. But what is greatly different is that the uncivil commentary goes viral in an instant.
Lawyers are leaders in the community. We have the training to argue points without calling people names. Let us lead by example.
Just my humble opinion. Please don’t unfriend me on Facebook.
George Brewster Jr. is a retired attorney after 35 years of practice, including JAG, private practice and the last 30 with the County of San Diego, Office of County Counsel
