October 2018

It’s Who You Know: Can California’s trade secret law protect social media connections?

Businesses and entrepreneurs have spent much of the past decade building their social media presences. Companies now know that a strong social media following can help them broaden their reach, target specific demographics, and build customer loyalty. As the value…

Passion for Peace and Justice Brings Social Work Student to Homeless Advocacy Project

The Justice & Diversity Center’s Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, where every year JDC staffers and volunteers serve more than 1,500 individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk…

Legal Writing Tip: Know When to Capitalize the “C” in Court

The issue may seem trivial, but it is not. Knowing when to capitalize the “c” in court and when to leave it in lower case is a matter of legal literacy. Rule 7.3.1. and Rule 8 of The Bluebook: A…

A Widow’s Unwelcome Surprise Makes New Spousal Rights Law

When Shu Hsun Tai lied and told his wife their property was “all hers,” the dying Los Angeles man couldn’t possibly have known his treachery would lead to a milestone for spousal rights. He and Francine Yeh bought their condo…

General Counsel Tip: Responding To a Complaint

Last month, this column addressed steps that a firm can take to avoid disputes with and claims by clients. Unfortunately, some claims are unavoidable. Below are four tips for general counsel to consider when their law firm receives a demand…

What, Me Worry? The One Thing You Need for the Young Risk-Takers in Your Life

It’s not just older adults who need to think about putting their wishes in writing. Young people are known for their risk-taking, with motorcycle riding, reckless driving, outdoor adventures, and campus antics. So it’s never too early to think about…

Quinn Arntsen Joins Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board of Directors

BASF Leader Circle firm member Quinn Arntsen, Farella Braun + Martel, has joined the board of directors of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance. Arntsen is a senior associate in the firm’s Real Estate and Land Use Department.

Douglas Young Named President-Elect of the American College of Trial Lawyers

BASF Leader Circle firm partner Douglas Young, Farella Braun + Martel, was elected President-Elect of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers at its Annual Meeting in New Orleans. He most recently served as its Treasurer. Young is a former president of the Bar Association of San…

Legal Ethics Corner: New Rule of Professional Conduct 1.4 Regarding Communication with Clients

On May 10, 2018, the California Supreme Court adopted sweeping changes to the California Rules of Professional Conduct (“CRPC” or “Rules”). These changes will go into effect on November 1, 2018. One Rule that will change significantly is CRPC 3-500…

BASF Welcomes Kevin Haroff to the Bay Area Mediation Services Panel

Kevin T. Haroff is the San Francisco managing partner of the national environmental and business litigation firm Marten Law. A litigator and mediator, he holds degrees from Cornell University’s Law School and Graduate School of Management. Haroff has helped resolve…

BASF Members Recognized as Cannabis Law Trailblazers by the National Law Journal

The following BASF members were included in the National Law Journal’s 2018 list of Cannabis Law Trailblazers: Amanda Conley, Brand & Branch; BASF Cannabis Law Section co-chair Ryan Lowther, Farella Braun + Martel; Shabnam Malek, Brand & Branch; BASF Cannabis Law Section secretary Nicole Howell Neubert, Clark Neubert.

Grow Your Contact List While Keeping Robocallers and Spammers at Bay

We yoke the law to ethical standards because ethics serve both the cause of justice and the efficacy of the work. However, ethical standards—such as the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct—present a variety of challenges, especially when it comes…

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