The Solo Advisor

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

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 California Supreme Court and the State Bar are now accepting applications for their joint Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of the California Bar Exam. The commission, anticipated to have 15 to 20 members, will develop recommendations concerning whether and what changes to make to the California Bar Exam, and whether to adopt alternative or additional testing or tools to ensure minimum competence to practice law. The commission will explore issues to ensure that the exam is an effective tool for determining whether applicants are prepared to practice law ethically and competently at a level appropriate for an entry-level attorney. Read more

The California Supreme Court announced in October that it approved the State Bar’s proposal for the provisional licensure of 2020 law school graduates. New Rule of Court 9.49 will be effective November 17, 2020, and the State Bar is slated to begin accepting applications on that day. Read more

Before moving to compel discovery responses, California law requires that the parties “meet and confer.” But what do you actually have to do to meet that requirement? Read more

Prior to COVID-19 working remotely was not a common-place occurrence for businesses; however, with the concerns surrounding returning to work in this COVID-19 era, working remotely may be an option for employees that continues for some time. There are numerous factors that should be taken into consideration when dealing with a remote work force. Read more

It is November, the end of the year is near, and a great deal has happened in just a week. As I write this, we have a new President Elect and Pfizer has a vaccine, BNT162b2, that is apparently more than 90% effective against Covid-19 and that could start to be available by December giving hope against the virus that is surging everywhere in our country. Read more