Our insights into key legal developments, strategies and trends.
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At a law firm, each and every communication, internal and external, about an office matter (formal or otherwise) is discoverable. Whenever sending an email or a text message, treat it as if it will be shown to and read by a judge and jury. The advent of the Internet and smartphones brought an explosion of electronic documentary evidence. Electron... More +
What happens when someone says, “You’re going to fail”? Is it honest advice or does it discourage a person before even beginning? iStock photo by Seamartini We often share guidance with good intentions, but the words we choose may shape how that message is received — and remembered. Take Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-Man. His own publis... More +
You may have utilized ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or another AI tool to conduct some level of research. Or perhaps you described a personal problem on one of these platforms and asked for advice. AI tools are fast, they are available at midnight when you’re anxious and can’t sleep, and they feel private — almost as if your conversations... More +
In the past 24 months, I have successfully tried seven cases to verdict or resolution, across subject matters that had almost nothing in common. An elder abuse case. A breach of contract over unpaid fees. A three-month criminal case with a defendant facing life imprisonment. Four were jury trials, two were bench trials, and one was an arbitration... More +
Artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced extraordinary innovations across industries, but it has also created new dangers—none more pressing for the legal system than the rise of “deepfakes.” These AI generated images, audio recordings, and videos can convincingly mimic real people, blurring the line between fact and fabrication. For cou... More +
The other day, I caught myself asking AI to help me find a human. I don’t know if AI didn’t want to ask a human for assistance, or if I’d been watching too many sci-fi movies. iStock Image by Barbara It’s funny to think about now, but not when you are in a fast-food drive-thru during lunch hour, where the fast food chain recently decided ... More +
The courtroom of the future is already here—it is digital, dynamic, and demanding. The rise of technology has reshaped courtroom operations—online hearings, digital evidence presentation, and even virtual reality are reshaping how trials unfold. These tools make justice more efficient and accessible, but they also demand caution, security, an... More +
The Santa Clara County Bar Association hosted a panel event— “Meet the Civil Trial Judges”—featuring judges from the Santa Clara County Superior Court (SCCSC) civil division. The SCCSC has been working tirelessly to reduce the court’s case backlog. Once your trial judge is assigned, expect your case to go to trial. A motion to continue ... More +
Parenting children is a challenge for any couple, but navigating parenting during a divorce presents a whole new level of complexity. While you are dealing with emotional stress, unfamiliar legal territory, and ever-changing routines, it is easy to lose sight of what matters most: your children. Talking to Your Kids Divorce is not a process that ... More +
A receptionist oversees all activities at the front office reception and they are the first point of contact for clients, counsel, and vendors who visit a law firm. Receptionists are often the beginning of a client’s experience and relationship with a firm that can boost confidence in the firm’s services. Many people will think of the well-kn... More +
In 2025, California is continuing to spearhead efforts to expand employees’ rights. Assembly Bill 2499 (AB 2499), Assembly Bill 2123 (AB 2123), and Senate Bill 1090 (SB 1090) are prime examples of these efforts, providing employees with new and expanded benefits when going on leave. Whether they are caring for an ill family member or were a vic... More +
“Time flies when you’re having fun.” Unfortunately, time also flies when you aren’t having fun. Between balancing work, birthday parties, family vacations, and your household chores, planning for day-to-day tasks is a task. For any legal professional, calendaring and keeping track of dates and deadlines is an important skill to master —... More +
In California, trustees have a fiduciary duty to act impartially and in the interest of all beneficiaries.1 But what happens when a trustee uses trust funds to finance litigation that benefits only certain beneficiaries—or worse, targets others? Courts have drawn a clear line: a trustee may not use trust assets to litigate against beneficiaries... More +
The Santa Clara County Bar Association (SCCBA) brought together members of the legal community for its annual “2025 Evening with the Civil Bench” panel event. This continuing legal education (CLE) event provided insights into new and upcoming changes to the Civil Division. Judges and civil case managers from the Santa Clara County Superior Co... More +
If you are searching for a lawyer, odds are you are in a challenging situation and you need help. You may be anxious about what the future may hold, and you may be nervous at the thought of going through a legal process. Before you pick up the phone to call a law firm, it’s important to organize the details pertaining to your case. Having this ... More +
Divorces can be highly charged and emotionally challenging. California’s legislature is considering a bill that will further streamline the process for many divorces. Currently, the dissolution and legal separation proceedings begin with one spouse filing a petition with the court and arranging for the other spouse to be personally served with ... More +
California’s legislative session nears its end in the next few weeks, and as usual, state legislators have introduced several bills that will surely affect employers if they become law. Although this session had fewer employment legislation than those of previous years, there are still a handful of proposed laws of which you should be aware as ... More +
Oral argument is an integral part of the judicial process. Before the advent of case law and written opinions, lawyers relied primarily on oral argument to advocate for their clients. Today, judges and lawyers alike will tell you that the legal briefs, i.e., a lawyer’s written arguments, are more important than oral argument. This explains why ... More +
In December of 2023, Federal Rule of Evidence 702 was amended. This provision is commonly known as the Daubert standard. The Advisory Comments state the amendment is only intended to clarify the standard and promote uniformity across courts. In practice, however, this amendment may have changed the way federal judges evaluate expert testimony. Ac... More +
For you aspiring law students, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) may be an intimidating obstacle as you begin the journey to law school. It may possibly seem like the source of many heartaches and sleepless nights, especially for those working full-time. However, with the proper discipline, motivation, and healthy habits, the LSAT obstacle can... More +
For lawyers preparing to go to trial, the two weeks before trial are critical. That is when you check off the final items on your to-do list and finalize your trial plan. After months of hard work, your research and preparation will be put to the test. Fourteen days until trial Finalize your strategy and visualize how you want the trial to play o... More +
It’s that time of year again. The weather gets cold and rainy, the calendar turns from December to January, and new employment laws go into effect that could shake up your workplace. The California legislature is always forward-thinking when it comes to employment laws, and 2023 was no different. As numerous key bills cleared Governor Gavin... More +
With a new year come new laws. Below are five employment laws that will take effect in California in 2024. Paid Sick Leave Increases Effective January 1, 2024, Assembly Bill (“AB”) 616 will, require employers to provide at least 40 hours or 5 days, whichever is more, in paid sick leave (“PSL”) to employees who work at least 30 days with a... More +
Law students are some of the busiest people in the world. Between working, attending class, and making time for family, who has time for networking? Along with everything else you need to do, networking can become a chore that gets pushed down the list of priorities. Networking must be prioritized. It can lead to job referrals and other professio... More +
Trial is fast approaching. With 30 days left before the starting date, how will you accomplish all the tasks that remain? It’s time to work together and utilize your support staff to get you successfully through the final push to trial. 30 days until trial Schedule regular meetings with your trial team. Your trial team will include all attorne... More +