X

OC Lawyer / Ethically Speaking

March 2024 Ethically Speaking - An (Attorney’s) Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Competency, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse

Mental health is a key component to competency in the practice of law.

 Read More..

February 2024 Ethically Speaking - No One Likes a Snitch: Other Than the State Bar!

Ethical scenarios that may help lawyers understand when they are required to report conduct by other lawyers.

 Read More..

January 2024 Ethically Speaking - Ethics Update: 2023 Year in Review

A review of some significant cases from last year.

 Read More..

December 2023 Ethically Speaking - Navigating the Endless Ethical Issues for Estate Planners When Preparing Trusts

An overview of how to spot legal issues when preparing a trust.

 Read More..

November 2023 Ethically Speaking - The Secret’s Out: Re-examining Client Confidentiality in the Aftermath of Covington

An SEC ruling gives attorneys pause.

 Read More..

October 2023 Ethically Speaking - The Ethical Parameters of Disputes Among Successive Attorneys Over Lien Rights and Contingent Fees

There are different ways contingent fee disputes can be resolved.

 Read More..

September 2023 Ethically Speaking - Ethical Issues Arising From Attorneys Testifying as Expert Witnesses

May an attorney testify as an expert in a matter adverse to a client or former client?

 Read More..

August 2023 Ethically Speaking - The Uncodified Exceptions to the Duty of Confidentiality in California

Analyzing case law can help us understand when we can reveal client information.

 Read More..

July 2023 Ethically Speaking - Ethical Considerations for Attorneys Before Speaking to the Media

Make sure you speak with your client before speaking with the media.

 Read More..

June 2023 Ethically Speaking - To Make (or Not Make) a Frivolous Argument: What if It Turns Out Not to Be Frivolous?

What the rules say about making every possible argument on behalf of your client.

 Read More..

May 2023 Ethically Speaking - When You Can (And Can’t) Contact a Represented Party

Nuanced rules for represented parties.

 Read More..

April 2023 Ethically Speaking - California’s Proposed New Tattletale Rule

Following Model Rule 8.3, California likely will require reporting other attorneys’ bad ats to the State Bar.

 Read More..

March 2023 Ethically Speaking - The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice

What you need to know to avoid violating ethical rules.

 Read More..

February 2023 Ethically Speaking - Will Attorneys Soon Be Subject to Discipline for Incivility?

California’s proposal for enforcing civility guidelines.

 Read More..

January 2023 Ethically Speaking - 2022: The Ethics Year in Review

In case you missed one, an overview of some of the most significant ethics opinions of the last year.

 Read More..

December 2022 Ethically Speaking - The Credit Card Conundrum: Passing Credit Card Processing Fees on to Clients

Beware of losing more than you gain if you decide to pass along fees.
 

 Read More..

November 2022 Ethically Speaking - All Lawyers Should Render Pro Bono Legal Services—Ethically

All Lawyers Should Render Pro Bono Legal Services—Ethically

 Read More..

October 2022 Ethically Speaking - The Secrets of Success: Crafting Attorney Bios While Safeguarding Client Confidentiality

The OCBA’s new ethics opinion covers the type of client information you can include in your professional bio.

 Read More..

September 2022 Ethically Speaking - Navigating the Boundaries of the “Hot Potato” Rule

Important case law that explains how to navigate certain conflicts of interest.

 Read More..

August 2022 Ethically Speaking - Avoiding Pitfalls When Making a Referral to Another Lawyer

Relevant California rules to consider before making a referral.

 Read More..