Letter from the Chair of the Forum

Ashley Peterson
Attorney at Law

Dear Colleagues,

One of the biggest concerns for new attorneys is finding a job. When I graduated law school in 2011, the job market was tough. I applied to so many positions and only received a handful of call backs. It is easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged when all your hard work in law school doesn’t translate to getting the job even though you may be qualified.

Legal Ethics for New Attorneys

State Bar Discipline: What the New Lawyer Needs to Know

David Cameron Carr
Law Office of David Cameron Carr PLC

Lawyers spend a lot of time and money to become a member of the State Bar of California and earn the privilege of practicing law. Attorneys may not consider the range of burdens attendant to that privilege, at least until they receive a letter from the State Bar asking them to respond to a complaint or investigation.

Tips from the Pros

Say “Goodbye” to the Generic Application: Targeting Your Materials to Enhance Marketability in a Competitive Market

Emily Hirsekorn
Career Advisor, University of San Diego School of Law

You likely used the same resume and cover letter to apply for most law school positions, as employers expect law students to have little relevant experience or widely varied experience. Once you enter the workforce after graduation, however, expectations change: application materials must demonstrate a focus, directly relevant to the position at hand.

Features

Preparing Emotionally and Physically for Court

Hilary Boyer
Alaimo & Boyer

Julie Wolff
Attorney at Law

Many new attorneys experience anticipatory anxiety at the thought of a court appearance. It is not unusual when you think about an upcoming hearing or trial for your thoughts to scatter in a million directions.

Features

Effective Communication with Clients

Renée Galente
Galente Law, APC

Lawyers express themselves on behalf of others for a living, whether the work is done in a courtroom or from behind a desk. As a result, some practitioners would likely be amused or offended at the notion that they might not be effectively communicating with their own clients. Yet, the No. 1 reason for client complaints to the State Bar of California revolves around lack of communication with their lawyer. 

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Security Series: Part I

Throughout the year, we will deliver practical tips you can use to easily update security in your firm. With the increase of cyber-crime and the associated risk to your firm, securing your assets is more important than ever.

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.