New Lawyers Section

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

Many of us grew up watching reruns of Perry Masonand The Practice in which the protagonist attorneys use a take-no-prisoners approach with their opponents and wrap up a case in 60 minutes, including the commercials.  However, as young lawyers, we quickly realize that day-to-day litigating is not so sensational.  The reality is that most cases last months, sometimes years, and throughout that time, attorneys must work with opposing counsel to accomplish the necessary steps of a case.  Litigating a case as a war… Read more

I think everyone can agree that we have become an electronic society. Email has quickly turned into the preferred method of communication between friends and colleagues. The job application process has sort of lagged behind the digital revolution somewhat over the years, but I think it’s now safe to say that most employers prefer to receive candidates’ materials through email. The problem with this new shift is that some applicants seem to believe the required formalities that exist in paper… Read more

Here are some tips for young lawyers from the Honorable Judge David M. Rubin. Judge Rubin is a California Superior Court Judge in San Diego and is the president-elect of the California Judges Association’s. Judge Rubin will be sworn into a one-year term as the association’s president on September 18, 2011. 1. What is one piece of advice that  you give to young lawyers ? Try to have fun in your new profession while keeping balance in your life. You will find… Read more

This material is reproduced from Julie Brook’s May 3, 2010 blog entry, 11 Steps to Preparing Your Trial Notebook, CEB Blog, copyright 2010 by the Regents of the University of California.  Reproduced with permission of Continuing Education of the Bar – California.  (For information about CEB publications, telephone toll free 1-800-CEB-3444 or visit our Web site, CEB.com). One of the most important tasks when preparing a case for trial is to prepare a trial notebook with everything you’ll need or want during… Read more