When considering mediation to resolve your client’s dispute, consider these points: 1. Are the Parties Really Ready for Settlement? Mediation works only if the parties really desire to resolve the matter, meet in good faith, and have a reasonable evaluation…
December Bulletin Board: Our Members and Leaders Circle Firms Making Headlines
Legal Writing Tip: Choose the Active Voice
What is the difference between the passive and active voice in writing? In active voice, the subject of the clause or sentence does the acting. In passive voice, the subject does not perform the action of the verb. Instead, the…
Attorney v. Client – Walking the Ethics Tightrope
As a legal ethics and risk management advisor, I am often asked whether litigation between an attorney and client is permitted during engagement on another matter. This situation often arises as to legal fee disputes; however, lawsuits between in-house or…
Golfers and Tournament Sponsors Raise $80,000 for Diversity Pipeline Programs
More than 100 golfers and sponsors attended the Seventh Annual Putting for the Pipeline Golf Tournament on October 23 at TPC Harding Park. The tournament raised funds for BASF and JDC’s diversity pipeline programs including School-To-College and Mock Trial. Congrats…
Be A Tax Document Hoarder
However mundane, documents are key to reducing your firm’s taxable income. Be ready to claim every allowable expense at tax time, and respond to a tax inquiry later. Why be a hoarder First, taxpayers have the burden of proving deductions…
LRIS Panel Attorneys Give Pro Bono Advice to Veterans
Thanks to the three attorneys who gave free legal advice and referrals to veterans at an event on October 28. The attorneys, Joseph Lepera, Lepera & Associates; solo attorney Roger Rubin, and Kent Kirmaci, Law Offices of Kent Kirmaci, are…
Sebastian Kaplan Named Outstanding Barrister
The Barristers Club recently announced that Fenwick & West’s Sebastian Kaplan has been named the 2015 Outstanding Barrister. His dedication to the club over the years has been steadfast and includes several leadership roles. He served as a leader of the…
Award of Merit Recipients to be Honored at Annual Luncheon
BASF will honor the following attorneys with Awards of Merit for their dedication to the association: Tracy Salisbury Tracy Salisbury, Shartsis Friese, is receiving an Award of Merit for her service as chair of BASF’s Finance Committee from 2011 to…
Help Build Justice & Diversity
California Creates "Transfer on Death Deed" for Real Estate
The California legislature has created a new “transfer on death deed” for real property. On Monday, November 9, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 139 into law, allowing for deeds that provide for a transfer upon the death of the owner.…
The San Francisco Law Library is Ready to Help You
The San Francisco Law Library wants to offer a reminder to San Francisco attorneys and firms about the Library’s extensive services and databases available to support their legal research needs, especially now that the Mills Law Library and Boalt Express…