CLA eNews

Lawyers, and sometimes courts, struggle with complicated questions about conflicts of interest. What constitutes adversity? When are two representations “substantially related”? When is informed consent curative? When will the inappropriate receipt of confidential information (received from, for example, an inadvertent communication or by virtue of improper contact with a represented party) warrant disqualification of counsel? Read more

The California Lawyers Association is awarding the prestigious Bernard E. Witkin Medal to outgoing Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin and bestowing other awards on others who represent the best of the legal profession. Read more

With all that has gone on in 2020, it is time that we take a fresh look at how we are feeling about the changes in our world and how we have responded to loss and uncertainty. All of us feel the stress and anxiety of loss, change and uncertainty and many of us need help to readjust, adapt or reset. The size and scope of what we are collectively feeling is big and it feels different than anything we have previously experienced. Read more

Regardless of your religious affiliation or beliefs, this time of year is often a time of celebration, family togetherness … and the exchange of gifts. However, for those of us who are members of the California State Bar, the receipt of gifts can be problematic if the gift-giver is a client. Yes, there’s a rule on that! Read more

Martin J. Jenkins was confirmed last month to the California Supreme Court, making him the first openly gay justice on the court and only the third African American man to serve on the state’s highest court. Read more

On the heels of last month’s consequential election for federal, state and local governments, we think it’s important to recognize the contributions of all of the people working behind the scenes. Just as clerks and bailiffs help enable fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law in our courtrooms, so too do the efforts of election workers ensure that our balloting process remains free and fair where every legal vote is counted. In that way, too, the voice of the people is heard on issues important to fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law that are the cornerstone of our republic and of our association. Read more

Could there be a worse year than 2020 to graduate from law school? The COVID-19 pandemic meant that the graduating class of 2020 couldn’t have a traditional graduation. Most jurisdictions didn’t have a July bar exam. In California, the earliest opportunity to sit for the exam was in October and, as was the case with other jurisdictions, there was a period of uncertainty about whether the exam would be online or in person. Taking the bar exam is stressful under the best circumstances. Read more

Along with turkey and football, this time of year at the California Lawyers Association tends to bring renewed focus on membership recruiting. While many members may not spend a lot of time thinking about membership outside of renewal season, our professional membership and marketing team wake up every day thinking about how we can create more value for our members and what we can do to grow membership. And they have some pretty sophisticated marketing and social media tools at their disposal. Read more

With pro bono work an integral part of the legal community, last month's national recognition week was a way to not only spotlight opportunities but celebrate the widespread benefits for both clients and attorneys. Read more

Recent demographic data shows that the California legal profession has made significant progress since 2006 in adding more women and people of color to the bench and bar. However, more advancement is needed to reflect the state’s diversity, the data shows. Read more