On Tuesday, October 9 Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship donors, recipients, board members of the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) and the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) gathered to celebrate and honor 2018 scholarship donors and recipients Sallia Wilkins,…
Members Honored by Minority Bar Coalition
Congratulations to the following Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) members who are being honored by the Minority Bar Coalition with Unity Awards: Marisa Chun, McDermott Will & Emery, was selected for the award by the Justice & Diversity Center…
Strengthening the Network of San Francisco Lawyers Practicing Cannabis Law
On October 4, the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Cannabis Law section presented the first BASF Cannabis Conference, bringing together more than 140 lawyers and clients, professors and students, and leaders in the California cannabis movement, for a half-day of…
New Rules of Professional Conduct Effective November 1
The State Bar of California’s nearly 70 new and amended Rules of Professional Conduct take effect today, November 1, 2018. The new rules apply to the more than 250,000 attorneys licensed in California. This marks the first overhaul of ethics rules for…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…