The Advisor

In civil and criminal cases, police reports are inadmissible when they contain improper multiple hearsay. In Jane IL DOE v. Brightstar Residential Incorporated (Mar. 10, 2022, No. B304084) __ Cal.App.5th __ [2022 WL 714127], the Court of Appeal explained that under proper conditions, statements in a police report can be admissible evidence. Read more

Hello, fellow Solo and Small Firm practitioners! As we enter the second quarter of 2022, we are confronted with wild weather swings (Is it spring? Is it still winter? Read more

The coronavirus has led to inconvenience, case backlogs, and court closures across the nation. Read more

At its meeting on February 25, the State Bar Board of Trustees approved changes to the makeup and charter of the Closing the Justice Gap Working Group, responding to concerns raised by Legislative partners and other stakeholders. Read more

We’ve all heard about the droves of employees leaving their jobs to rest, recuperate, and find their passion. As Solo and Small Firm practitioners, we don’t have the luxury of leaving a stressful job so easily. But many of you may know attorneys who have asked you for advice on how you started your solo/small firm career. Read more

Nondisparagement clauses are commonly used in settlement agreements. Some clauses are simple one-liners such as “The parties agree not to disparage each other.” Read more

The Solo and Small Firm Section (SSF) of the California Lawyers Association’s Mission is to foster a supportive community for solo and small firm practitioners across all areas of practice, to guide our members on their path to becoming strong, competent and ethical solo and small firm business owners Read more

At its meeting January 20 and 21, the State Bar Board of Trustees began work on the State Bar’s next five-year strategic plan, which is expected to continue at a February meeting and be finalized at the Board’s March meeting. Read more

Solo and Small Firm Practitioners everywhere – will you be my Valentine? Solo and small firm practitioners are close to my heart. We have the hardest jobs in the legal field and we are so much more than attorneys. Read more

There are many grounds for both mandatory and permissive withdrawal under the California Rules of Professional Conduct. When it's time to withdraw from representation in a civil case, the attorney should send the client a letter like one of these. Read more