Solo & Small Firm Section

An appellate brief is a way to convey the facts, legal questions, law that you want the court to apply, and how you want it applied. It’s also an exercise in persuasion, and should be written for readers who have only a short time to read it. Read more

In December of 2020, there were reports of a huge hack by Russia of US computer networks. The exact extent of the breach is not yet known. Some reports indicate it included the Treasury Dept., the Dept. of Homeland Security, parts of the Pentagon, and programs we use daily such as Microsoft. The question is this: what can you do to protect your computer and your client’s information? Read more

Happy New Year Solo Small Firm Members!!! I know I am thrilled to put 2020 behind me. Unfortunately, 2021 appears to be off to a rough start and while it is hard to watch our country and our citizens struggle on so many fronts, it has been amazing to see how the CLA and SSF communities have come together to support each other. Read more

M.A. is a transactional attorney practicing intellectual property and business/corporate law, including working with entrepreneurs and start-ups on their patents, trademarks, copyrights, protection of trade secrets, and compliance training of employees. Before coming to law, she spent 13 years doing biomedical research, including co-authoring a dozen publications of original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Read more

An introduction to court supervised and out of court options for small businesses in financial distress. The discussion will include the benefits of Chapter 11 and a highlight of the new small business provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Small Business Reorganization Act, which became effective on February 19, 2020 and is intended to streamline and make less expensive the bankruptcy option for small businesses. Read more

At its meeting on November 19, the Board of Trustees set in motion a new commission to conduct an in-depth examination of the State Bar’s attorney discipline process system, a core function of the State Bar, and recommend how to further improve its effectiveness and fairness. The Board approved the charter and composition for the Ad Hoc Commission on the Discipline System. Read more

The technology used for showing evidence at trial has changed greatly over the years, but the purpose of demonstrative evidence remains unchanged: it breaks the pattern of the trial, clarifies issues, maintains jury interest, and persuades. The challenge for attorneys is to capitalize on new technological resources without causing juror distraction, confusion, and frustration. Here are seven expert tips for meeting this challenge. Read more

When I was in law school, my torts professor explained the economic impact of tort law. Back then, I was too naïve to understand. After practicing law as a plaintiff’s lawyer for over 25 years, I learned how tort law and the economy are deeply intertwined. Now, this issue is playing out before our eyes because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

As difficult as this year was, it has made me very thankful for my family, friends and my practice. I am also very thankful to the SSF executive committee and its section coordinator who worked tirelessly this year to provide solos and small firms across California the materials to adapt, manage and even thrive through the pandemic. And on that note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the solo small firm community, for giving us the opportunity to serve. Read more

The Covid-19 crisis has broad impact on all businesses and the world economy. This webinar focuses on the 8 strategies for solo and small law firms to survive and thrive during the crisis. Read more