“Good writing is lean writing.” For decades, Richard J. Blood drilled this mantra into the minds of his students in his notoriously grueling Reporting and Writing 1 class at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. The renown trainer of journalists…
Call to Action for Barristers Section or Committee Service – Applications Now Open
The Barristers Executive Committees are looking for new members to join in 2024. Becoming active in section leadership is a great way to build a network of valuable professional contacts and friendships within your practice or interest area and get…
Does Using a Social Media Ad Campaign to Market Legal Services Violate Ethics Rules?
Several social media sites, such as Meta and Twitter, have built-in ad managers that allow attorneys to pay to advertise their legal services using the social media platform. However, attorneys should proceed cautiously. Before using one of these social…
Meet Ryan Griffith, Member of BASF’s Basketball Executive Committee
This column allows us to get better acquainted with some of the big-hearted people serving BASF as members or staff. When asked for “nominees,” Allison Wang, co-chair of BASF’s Minority Bar Coalition board, recommended Ryan Griffith with tremendous enthusiasm. “For…
November 2023 Members in the News
Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger as Top-Tier Law Firm in Best Lawyers, 2024 Edition The Bar Association of San Francisco extends congratulations to Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for their remarkable achievement in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers. Their…
California State Paid Sick Time Rules to Change for 2024
It is that time of the year again, when the California legislature and governor come together to sign new laws into effect for the coming calendar year. Employment laws are always a focal point of the ever-changing legal landscape. This…
Outstanding Volunteers Recognized by the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco
On October 19th, The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) hosted its annual Outstanding Volunteers in Public Service Celebration at UC Law SF. More than 100 people gathered to celebrate the amazing work of volunteers who provide pro bono legal services…
October 2023 Members in the News
Hopkins & Carley Onboards Trio of Renowned Female Attorneys Hopkins & Carley is pleased to announce the addition of three accomplished female estate planning attorneys, Suzanne C. Farley, Jill K. Ernst, and Joanne J. Lue, to its Family Wealth &…
Recent Changes Regarding Noncompete Agreements
In 2023, both California and the federal government have sought to expand on a growing trend banning noncompete agreements. Although California has a longstanding prohibition against noncompete agreements, the Federal Trade Commission’s recently proposed rule banning noncompete agreements could nevertheless…
BASF Art Law Section Newsletter
Thank you for being a member of the BASF Art Law Section! We want to share a recap of our most recent event, our plans for the remainder of 2023, and an open application call for new members of the…
Ethical Considerations in Practice Transitions
An attorney who decides to close their practice should consult the “Guidelines for Closing or Selling a Law Practice” on the State Bar website, as well as the California Rules of Professional Conduct (“CRPC”), as amended. For example, CRPC 1.16…
Calling on colons
Consider using a colon to join two, closely related independent clauses when you want to emphasize the second. This year in the Legal Writing Tip column we have examined the use of two different punctuation marks—the comma and the semicolon—in forming…