New Lawyers Section

Q: WHAT TYPES OF CASES DO ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES (ALJS) TYPICALLY HEAR? A: A wide variety, depending on if the matter is state or federal. Some states, like California, have a central panel of administrative law judges with general jurisdiction over many agencies. The cases they hear include professional license discipline, disability appeals and teacher dismissals. Federal administrative law judges are employed by one agency and preside over matters for that agency only; like the Social Security Administration, the Securities… Read more

I sat down with newly appointed Commissioner Michele Castillo to get her “tips from the bench.” Commissioner Castillo manages and presides over a high-volume family law courtroom, hearing matters involving child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, civil harassment, workplace violence restraining orders, and emergency protective orders. Q. WHAT IS THE COMMON MISTAKE YOU SEE NEW LAWYERS MAKE, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO PREVENT IT? A. Very common I see attorneys not being procedurally prepared. … Read more

A Question-and-Answer Session with Judge Joan P. Weber of the San Diego County Superior Court and 2014–2015 President of the California Judges Association, as told to Alex Calero What is the number one mistake you see new lawyers make in the courtroom?The number one mistake new lawyers make in the courtroom is inadequate preparation.  Remember this may well be your first appearance in front of this particular judge.  You want to make a good impression by being fully conversant on… Read more

Roey Z. Rahmil Despite continued improvement in the legal job market, competition for many entry-level and lateral positions remains fierce. While the resumé is only one part of a typical job application, it is likely the document that potential employers will review first; their impressions of a job candidate’s resumé will likely color their evaluation of the rest of that candidate’s application materials. The following tips for improving your resumé, collected from senior hiring attorneys and young lawyers alike, can… Read more

Kyle W. Nageotte Over 80% of California’s new lawyers enter the workforce with some kind of student loan debt.  This debt, which in many cases is in excess of $100,000, can be crippling on a young attorney’s finances, and significantly influences the profession’s ability to provide legal services to California’s diverse population. While discussing student loan debt may be uncomfortable, it’s important for new attorneys to do their research, make a plan, and act swiftly to ensure they receive the… Read more

Renee Ross When I was in law school, no one taught me what networking was or how to do it. But I figured, if I wanted to “network,” I should attend some of those networking events and maybe I would meet someone who would help me find a job. But it was a trip to the dog park where I learned that networking is not about who you meet or whether these events will help lead you to a job… Read more

Before I reveal the secrets passed onto me from our esteemed judiciary, let me tell you what I learned while researching this article: I started by researching the Judges and Commissioners around the State of California, including a review of articles written, accolades given, and outreach programs they participate in. Judges don’t just simply sit on the bench and hear cases, issue rulings, and render judgment. They are actively involved in their communities and in the advancement of the profession. In… Read more

Be Prepared Know the facts of your case, know the law, understand and know the strengths and weaknesses of your argument. Anticipate the arguments from the opposition. When appearing in Court, bring your file, all pleadings (for all parties involved), and be ready to provide the Court with a copy. Advise your client – in advance – that he or she must tell you the truth about the issues or the underlying facts lest you be blindsided at counsel table. Know the Rules of Evidence… Read more

In this edition, Judge Rebecca Riley of the Ventura County Superior Court provides her tips to new lawyers: What is one piece of advice that you would like to give to young lawyers? I encourage all new attorneys to get as much courtroom experience as they can. Often young attorneys are nervous and intimidated making court appearances. The only way to decide what kind of law to practice is to try it. Young lawyers often learn whether they love or hate a… Read more

In this edition, Justice Douglas P. Miller of the 4th District Court of Appeal, Division 2, provides tips to new lawyers: What is one piece of advice that you give to young lawyers?The easy answer, of course, is to be prepared.  However, there is really much more to it.  Being fully prepared is paramount, but I always tell young lawyers that in addition to doing your homework, “being prepared,” also includes becoming experienced.  With “experience,” you gain knowledge, wisdom, insight… Read more