In California Self-Insurers’ Security Fund v. Superior Court, (2018) 19 Cal.App.5th 1065, the Court of Appeal held that disqualification of an entire firm was not mandatory where an attorney from one firm “switched sides” and joined another firm during litigation,…
Legal Writing Tip: Introduce Block Quotes
Occasionally, you will need to quote four or more lines (50 or more words) of text from a key source, such as when the precise wording matters of say, a particular statute or regulation. And, every now and then, a…
Get Certified: The California Certified Paralegal Exam
In February of this year, 30 paralegals from across the state – myself included – took the first California Certified Paralegal (CCP) exam sponsored by the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) This exam tests a paralegal’s knowledge in the…
Pro Bono for the Soul
Chances are you do not want your bar association to ask only what you can do for us, but you also want to know what your bar association can do for you. We get it, and we think the answer…
Let’s Move the Profession Forward
Some of the most important discussions we can have as members of the legal community involve how to make progress as a profession. Topics like how to better serve our clients, provide access to legal services, and embrace innovation and…
A Conversation with Presiding Judge Teri L. Jackson
San Francisco Superior Court Presiding Judge Teri L. Jackson is a fantastic judge and a wonderful person. She is also a strong supporter of the Barristers Club and the Bar Association of San Francisco. This year, the Barristers Club is…
Vote Yes on Prop F [VIDEO]
Thousands of tenants are evicted each year in San Francisco and many face the eviction and the possibility of homelessness, without a lawyer. Nationally, 90% of landlords go into an eviction proceeding with an attorney, while only 10% of tenants…
The Limits of Advance Waivers
Law firms have aggressively pursued advance waivers to represent concurrent clients whose interests conflict in unrelated matters. For example, Law Firm represents Client A in an action against Client B. Normally, this representation would preclude Law Firm from representing Client…
Prisoner Denied Medical Care Accesses Justice Through Law Firm’s Pro Bono Representation
A prison left ‘Mr. S’ in debilitating pain for weeks after another inmate attacked him. Despite having four fractured ribs, Mr. S received no medical attention for over three weeks, during which time he was unable to walk, sleep, eat,…
Plan Ahead If You Want Kids Conceived After Death To Inherit
These days, fertility science can bring the joy of parenthood to those surviving a deceased partner. But what about the inheritance rights for such miracle progeny? Well, there are limits. That’s the decision of the U.S. Second Circuit Court of…
Avoid block quotations; use only the “hearts” of quotes
Effective legal writers avoid block quotations and quote supporting authorities sparingly. They do not create their briefs by stringing together a list of long quotes. Instead, they make the arguments and points in their own words—blending the heart of a…
Orrick Attorneys and UC Hastings Students Step Up to Help Homeless San Franciscans
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) thanks Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe attorneys Penni Takade and Matteo Daste for volunteering with the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP), engaging UC Hastings students in their work as well. Penni and Matteo volunteer at HAP’s…