Tagged: #newattorneys

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

Conflicts – More Than Just Adverse Parties

Conflicts – More Than Just Adverse Parties

By Edward J. McIntyre

The State Bar of California just released two separate and sobering reports about its own failure to open any public discipline investigation of Los Angeles attorney Thomas Girardi, despite more than one hundred complaints against him between 1982 to January 2021. These reports highlight not only failures at the State Bar, but also underscore the need to carefully consider a sometimes-overlooked aspect of the conflict-of-interest rules. 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

Fresh Eyes May Require Fresh Disclosures

Fresh Eyes May Require Fresh Disclosures

By Mallory H. Chase

Whether newly admitted or highly experienced, working in a small firm or a large firm, or practicing in litigation or transactional law — an attorney in a law firm is likely to become involved in the handling of an existing matter for a firm client at some point. In the process of becoming familiar with the history of the file, the newly added attorney may find they are acting as a Monday morning quarterback, which may include questioning the positions and actions of others involved in the litigation, including the opposing party, other counsel, the Court — or perhaps another attorney within their own firm. When concerns arise regarding this latter category, attorneys must remain mindful of their professional obligations and the ethical limitations pertaining to client disclosures and conflicts of interest. Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

Message from the Chair of the NLD

Message from the Chair of the NLD

Happy New Year NLD Members!

Stephanie Pengilley here, NLD’s Chair for the 2023 year. I am excited for what this year holds and the events that are to come. Last year, NLD coordinated several engaging events and received the SDCBA’s Section Recognition and Achievement certificate for Variety of Activities. As Chair, I hope to continue NLD’s accomplishments of putting on intriguing and thoughtful events. Read More

For New Attorneys / For the Record / Law Practice

Ethical Considerations When “Specially Appearing” for Another Lawyer

Ethical Considerations When “Specially Appearing” for Another Lawyer

By Alara T. Chilton

If you are a litigator, you have likely been in court and heard another lawyer enter her appearance by stating her name, followed by the phrase “specially appearing.” Or, perhaps you have received a telephone call from another lawyer who requests you “specially appear” at a hearing for a client you have never met. Such appearances are not uncommon in California Superior Court in both civil and criminal matters.  Read More