This month, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) officially turns 70 years old. The dynamic growth and changes to the program over the last seven decades are a reflection of trends and changes in law, society, communications and demographics.…
Former School-To-College Student Shines as First-Generation College Student
High school is one of the most difficult transitions for young people. There are social, academic and family dynamics that add to the pressures of being in a new learning community. The transition sometimes derails young students’ dream of college, with every…
Estate Planning Corner: Prince Has Left the Building, But Did He Leave a Will?
When inimitable superstar Prince died in April at the age of 57, he left behind millions of grieving fans and a majestic artistic legacy. But it’s still unknown whether he left a will indicating who inherits his estimated $250 million…
Barristers Club Open House
The Barristers Club held its annual Open House on April 21. Over 100 attorneys and law students came to BASF to learn about the various sections and committees of the Barristers Club. There were lots of new faces interested in…
IOLTA Basics: What You Need to Know
If you are thinking about going solo, make sure you have the appropriate bank accounts set up from the beginning. You will need at least two accounts to start. One is an operating account where you conduct the daily business…
Need Quality Referrals? Join the SF-Marin Lawyer Referral Service
The Bar Association of San Francisco’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Recently renamed to reflect its expansion into Marin County, there is no better time to become a member of the long running,…
Paralegal Section Member Spotlight: Mitzi Wortman
In my interview of BASF Paralegal Section’s Mitzi Wortman, she shares her path to becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and the deepest influences in her life: family, community and creative expression. Education and certifications I received my Associate of…
Former Staff and Interns Continue to Give Back Through Volunteering
Thank you to former staff members and interns who continue to support the important work of the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) through volunteering! Big shout outs to 2015 Outstanding Volunteers in Public Service recipients Kyle Bassman, Nick Baran, Serene…
Legal Writing Tip: Watch Out for Common Usage Errors
Since writing last month’s column on the importance of regularly consulting a usage guide, I’ve become more aware of the prevalence of particular mistakes in word choice. It seems like they’re everywhere these days—especially on the Internet where articles and…
Charlie Sheen Needs “Two and a Half Men” to Pay His Child Support
Charlie Sheen’s exes are claiming he knew exactly what he was doing when he sold his rights to his hit show “Two and a Half Men.” Sheen recently sold his profit participation rights to “Two and a Half Men” for…
Electronically Stored Information and the Duty of Competence
California Rule of Professional Conduct 3-110 (“Rule 3-110”) states that “ member shall not intentionally, recklessly, or repeatedly fail to perform legal services with competence.” Every attorney considers this duty on a daily basis in the practice of law. While…
The Problem with Unpaid Interns
As summer approaches, many small law firms receive emails from students interested in summer internships. Some students offer to work for free to gain experience. Law firms may be tempted to accept such offers, or even to advertise unpaid internships…