Are Verbal Fee Splits Among California Law Firms Okay?
7/18/19
By: Greg Fayard
The answer to this question is now “no.” When different law firms split a legal fee–say a contingency fee–verbal “gentlemen’s agreements” are not permitted under California’s new ethics rules. The old ethics rules allowed different law offices …
Can a California Supervising Lawyer Be Disciplined for an Associate’s Misconduct?
6/28/19
By: Greg Fayard
The answer to this question is yes, in certain circumstances. This is a change under the current rules of professional conduct for lawyers compared to the prior rules, which expired last October 31, 2018.
Rule 5.1 says …
Can a California Lawyer be Disciplined for a Paralegal’s Misconduct?
3/27/19
By: Greg Fayard
In some circumstances, a California lawyer can be disciplined by the State Bar for a paralegal’s misconduct. This type of discipline was not possible under the State’s old lawyer-ethics rules. Rule 5.3 of the new rules requires …
Can California Associate Attorneys Be Disciplined For Their Boss’s Misconduct?
2/27/19
By: Gregory Fayard
The answer to this question is yes, in certain circumstances. In November 2018, after 29 years, California enacted new rules of professional conduct for lawyers. The new rules have some major changes from the old rules. One …
Cal. Attorney Sanctioned $50,000 for Reckless and Malicious Conduct at Deposition
2/18/19
By: Jenny Jin
A California Court of Appeal upheld a $50,000 sanction against an attorney based on conduct at a deposition.
On February 4, 2019, the Court of Appeal issued its opinion in the case Anna Anka v. Louis Yeager.…