Letter from the Chair of the Forum

By Mellania E. Safarian
Clark Hill LLP

It was an absolute pleasure meeting all of you at our February Meet-Up, Game Night. It was a great way to unwind and get to know some of our new members. We hope you will continue to join us at future events. But for those of you who couldn’t join us, the NLF will be hosting a meet-up every third Thursday of the month, a CLE once per quarter, in addition to several community service based activities. The goal of these events is to engage members, facilitate relationships, and establish support systems by offering a wide range of networking opportunities specifically designed for new lawyers.

Special Feature on Mediation

How to Make a Strong--And Realistic--Opening Offer in Negotiation

By Gregg F. Relyea
Mediation Offices of Gregg F. Relyea, Esq.

One of the most difficult jobs of an advocate is making a strong opening offer that generates a reasonable counter-offer.  There are no standard formulas, so how is a strong and realistic opening offer calculated?  In the context of litigation, when should an opening offer be conveyed? 

Why Mediation?

By Lawrence A. Huerta
Huerta Mediation

Mediation works.  It is an effective means of dispute resolution for any dispute not requiring a judicial or third party determination.  It provides a forum and an atmosphere in which parties gain understanding, become understood, and work together to explore options for resolution.  By resolving disputes in mediation, parties determine for themselves what is important and, ultimately the outcome of the situation.  While the benefits of mediation vary somewhat depending upon the nature of the dispute, and model of mediation applied, the following are some of the benefits typically associated with mediation:

Preparing for your First Mediation

By Steven P. McDonald
The McDonald Law Firm, L.C.

You are a new lawyer and involved in your first litigation.  You have researched your client’s case and are convinced that the case has real merit.  At the first case management conference you will have laid out to the Court the main issues in the case, planned discovery, probable motions.

Tips for Preparing for a Successful Mediation

By Kirk Yake
ADR Services, Inc.

You have agreed to mediation.  What should you do now?  Below is a list of considerations.  While it is not exhaustive and might not apply to your specific matter, it will cover many of the basics.  I hope you find it useful.

Features

The Attorney-Client Privilege for In-House Counsel

By Carole J. Buckner
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

An attorney working as in-house counsel must have a solid understanding of the attorney-client privilege.  The application of the attorney-client privilege may differ for in-house counsel in several ways that are important for the attorney to bear in mind.

Scene At

Have you been "Scene At" the latest events? Check out pics of recent happenings. If you have photos of SDCBA emerging attorney members at recent events, submit them to bar@sdcba.org.