It's a scenario many law firms know well. A significant matter lands on your desk. Discovery deadlines are approaching. A key associate is out on leave. Or a client unexpectedly...

Sometimes disclosure is required; sometimes it is simply smart client communication. The answer turns on the role, the expectations, and whether the change is significant. A firm hires a freelance...

Behind-the-scenes help from an attorney licensed outside your jurisdiction is ethically permissible and can be perfectly workable. The key is defining the assignment and keeping the licensed hiring lawyer in...

By Laurie Rowen I recently wrapped up eight years of service on the Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) Board, but I’m very happy to say I won’t be going...

Summer has a way of catching law firms off guard. One partner is finally taking that long-awaited family vacation. An associate is out on parental leave. Another lawyer is juggling...

Your law firm isn’t just a business; it is your most critically important work. These are your clients, and you have an ethical duty to protect their interests. This must...

Lawyers must be cautious with client work. We carry numerous duties to our clients that we must uphold. All of these duties are manageable once you understand the rules. Some...

I don’t know if you know this, but sometimes lawyers have strong personalities. That’s my little lawyer joke. I get it. We’re lawyers. We are cautious, justifiably so. That is...