California
Attorney Ethics Counsel

Fiduciary duties

May 15, 2024

Every Lawyer Should Access Legal Ethics Guidance for Generative AI

The legal world has been awash in headlines about the use and implications of generative AI, or artificial intelligence. Recent incidents involving the use of generative AI in court submissions—including citing incorrect or non-existent case authority to a court—have demonstrated that lawyers need to exert special care in using generative AI and that lawyers need […]

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March 29, 2022

Legal Ethics and Your Law Firm Partnership Agreement

You may agree that your firm’s partnership agreement, or shareholders’ agreement, and other firm governing documents, are critical to your firm’s business operations and success. And you would be right about that. But beyond business purposes, these firm agreements are critical to ensure compliance with your legal ethics duties. How so?  Well-developed and drafted firm […]

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June 16, 2021

Ethical Issues in Succession Planning at Your Firm

Planning for succession at your firm is a good idea for business reasons. It may mean that you can retire comfortably, having been compensated for the business you built, or it may mean that your family has a clear picture of what to expect if something unexpected should happen. Most importantly, however, a proper succession […]

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May 12, 2021

Check Yourself on Attorney-Client Trust Accounts

Legal headlines recently have been awash in tales of wrongdoing related to attorney-client trust accounts. While your own trust account issues are, hopefully, less serious than grand theft, it’s a reminder that California law firm partners and managers should periodically review the rules for attorney-client trust account and regularly review compliance with the Rules. Here’s […]

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December 31, 2020

12 Steps to a Healthier Law Practice in 2020: Step 12 – Begin How You Want To End

2020 has shown us that so much in life is unpredictable, but your client relationships don’t necessarily have to be.  Although you can’t foresee or control every aspect of your dealings with your clients, there are certain precautions you can take to better manage your risk of liability and other headaches.  Start the new year off right by making sure that your engagement agreements are not only compliant and up-to-date, but that you set the tone for happy and healthy attorney-client relationships.

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