The Solo Advisor

On June 26, Governor Newsom approved Assembly Bill 692, which amended the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Act to toll the statute of limitations governing a client’s action for malpractice or professional misconduct while an arbitration over a fee dispute is pending. Specifically, the legislation amended sections 6206 of the Business and Professions Code (governing the MFAA) and 340.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure (governing the statute of limitations for professional misconduct). Read more

When writing a letter to the opposing side or your client, the most important goal is to be clear and understood. You can’t be effective in making your point if your writing style obscures your message. Read more

Last month, I talked about Fastcase, which is a free member benefit to any member of the CLA. This month, I will walk you through the initial steps for using Fastcase. By the way, I hope you know this member benefit is worth $695 per year!! Read more

Welcome to August. You’re going to see California Lawyers Association through a new lens with its official Brand Launch rolling out on August 6. Despite the fabulous new, modern look, you’ll get the same great CLA that you’re used to. Read more

The Solo and Small Firm Section has two publications: The Practitioner, our quarterly magazine; and the ePractioner, our monthly electronic newsletter. We are always looking for content. Read more

CLA will be submitting formal comments to the Legislature on the proposed fee increase, pursuant to directions from the CLA Board given in closed session at its meeting on June 21, 2019. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the LAO report on these comments. Read more

The State Bar of California has several options when administering discipline in ethics investigations where the lawyer is found to be running afoul of the ethics rules. Some of the disciplinary actions the State of Bar of California may take are private or public reprimand, sanctions, suspension, and disbarment. Additionally, the California Bar also has the discretion of placing a lawyer on probation. Read more

Regardless of the subject matter and whether it’s a criminal or civil issue, these four tips will help you draft the strongest brief possible. Read more

I am recently back from the first annual CLA Solo and Small Firm Summit. This year it was held in Huntington Beach and was a terrific event. It was intimate even with approximately 250 people attending. There was education, networking, sharing of business cards, vendors and a lovely environment in which to learn. The Solo and Small Firm section hosted an outdoor cocktail reception on Friday evening and sponsored a mobile truck providing free professional head shots. Read more

As in previous years, we have sought to recognize excellence among the many California lawyers practicing as solos or in small firms. The year, we launched the 2019 inaugural Excellence Awards to afford special recognition. The Award is especially meaningful as it is given to those practitioners whose work has been recognized by their peers. Read more