California
Attorney Ethics Counsel

Virtual practice and outsourcing

April 04, 2024

Does Your Law Firm Have New Reporting Requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act?

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), effective January 1, 2024, includes new potential reporting requirements and rules for California law firms and for their clients. In general, the CTA is a new federal reporting requirement for companies to provide Beneficial Ownership Information (“BOI”)—the individuals who ultimately own or control the company— and “company applicants”—the individual who […]

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October 10, 2022

Be Warned: CA In-House Corporate Counsel Must Register With State Bar

Remote practice and multistate jurisdictional practice (MJP) have been hot topics highlighted by the pandemic.  However, we cannot discuss these subjects without considering the unauthorized practice of law (UPL).  UPL is not just an issue for non-lawyers.  Unfortunately, under California’s (and most other states’) rules and laws, it is also a concern for lawyers who […]

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April 01, 2021

Ethics Guidance For the New Normal of Attorney Work

As optimism grows for a return to some semblance of normal life, and the potential end of the pandemic may be in sight, California law firms are starting to face questions related to the details of their attorneys’ post-pandemic work life. Many of the questions related to attorneys working remotely already have come up. And […]

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May 22, 2020

12 Steps To A Healthier Law Practice In 2020: Step 5 – Sharing Is Caring

This article comprehensively explores California's Rule of Professional Conduct 5.4 and the access to justice debate in California and around the country concerning whether lawyers should be permitted to share legal fees and law firm ownership with nonlawyers as highlighted by the recent California litigation involving LegalMatch.com and the antiquated rules and regulations of lawyer referral services.

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July 12, 2016

Tracking Proposed Revisions to California’s Rules of Professional Responsibility

California’s Commission for the Revision of the Rules of Professional Responsibility has proposed 68 new and amended rules for attorneys, and is seeking public comment on the  proposed rules.  California is the only state that whose professional responsibility rules do not track the ABA Model Rules.  The Commission has issued an Executive Summary detailing the proposed and […]

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