Solo and Small Firm Section
News from the Section
Skill Builder Webinars: Series II
Find out what they didn't teach you in law school. The Solo and Small Firm Section has developed a series of webinars with new lawyers in mind (but anyone will benefit from these great programs). Whether you are hanging out your own shingle or working in a firm, learn tips and techniques that will help you tackle your next project and bring more value to your clients.
Presentation Skills in the Courtroom
Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits (No Ethics)
Learn effective skills for presenting your client’s case at each step in the litigation process, from law and motion to trial. Learn what judges, mediators, and juries want and need to hear from you, whether you are arguing points of law or presenting the story of the case.
Speakers: Steve Mehta, Mediation Offices of Steven G. Mehta; Patricia McCabe
Bias in the Legal Profession
Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits, 1 of which may be applied toward Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession (No Ethics)
This webinar covers the basics of discrimination/harassment law focusing on spotting and avoiding such issues in the legal profession, complete with vignettes, cases, and time for questions.
Speaker: Beth K. Whittenbury, Beth K. Whittenbury and Associates
Drafting Savvy Arbitration Clauses
Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits (No Ethics)
Assessing the options and considerations when drafting arbitration clauses and agreements.
Speakers: Lisa Miller, Miller Consulting; John Marcin, Marcin Lambirth, LLP
From First Amendment to Facebook and Beyond: Social Media and the Employment Relationship
Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits (No Ethics)
The developing jurisprudence in the area of employee discipline for social media activity.
Speaker: Lisa Miller, Miller Consulting
Past Programs:
Programs that have already been given in the series will eventually be in our online catalog.
Your Client's Deposition: Preparation Tips and Strategies
Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits (No Ethics)
All litigators know that the client deposition is key events of the case. This webinar will discuss methods to develop confident and knowledgeable clients and attorneys who will be able to competently perform in deposition.
Speakers: Teresa McQueen, Pedersen Law & Dispute Resolution; Neil Pedersen, Pedersen Law & Dispute Resolution Corp.
Attorney Communication and the 1st Amendment
Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits, all of which may be applied toward Ethics
Explores the overlap between the Rules of Professional Conduct and the First Amendment freedoms for the attorneys.
Speaker: B. Austin Baillio, Associate, Marcin Lambirth, LLP
Mediation Strategies
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits (No Ethics)
This course will take you through the steps that lead to a successful mediation: deciding whether and when to mediate, selecting a mediator, preparing your client and your case, and what to expect during mediation.
Speaker: Steven Mehta, Mediation Offices of Steven G. Mehta
Judgment Debtor Exams
Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
1 Total Participatory MCLE Credits (No Ethics)
How-to-Guide to Uncovering Assets
Speakers: Price K. Kent, Marcin Lambirth, LLP; John R. Greenwall, Marcin Lambirth, LLP
Recent Online Programs from the Solo and Small Firm Section for Participatory CLE Credit
Some of the programs in our recent series are now in our selection of Solo and Small Firm Section programs in the online catalog. The online catalog is a great resource for getting participatory CLE credit in the area you need, when you need it.
Some of the recent programs now available are:
Contract Drafting Techniques
In law school you learned the basic principles of contract law, but not how to draft a contract. Learn tips and techniques that will help you write and negotiate a better contract for your client, and hear about some common pitfalls to avoid. With speakers Marilyn Monahan and Richard McDerby.
Online CLE / Podcast
Attorney-Client Fee Disputes: Getting the Best Results
You performed the work, and you want to get paid. Learn how to get the best results before, during and after the mandatory fee arbitration process. This course will discuss the details of the arbitration process, including when notice must be given, how to prepare for the arbitration, and the effect of the award. With speaker Myer J. Sankary.
Online CLE / Podcast
What Did He Just Say? Reinforcing Your Hearsay Rule Skills
Explores the developing law applying traditional First Amendment and other protections to employee conduct on social media, including litigation considerations. With speakers Lisa Miller and Price Kent.
Online Program / Podcast
Cross-Examination: How to Start, How to Proceed, How to Finish (Big!)
Many newer attorneys don`t know how to get started developing cross-examination questions for trial, and then might not be confident about where to take the examination. This seminar offers practical advice and guidance.With speaker Lisa Miller.
Online Porgram / Podcast
Starting Up a Law Practice – Incorporation vs. Sole Proprietorship
One of the first issues lawyers have to decide when starting up a solo practice is under what legal entity they want to practice – sole proprietorship or corporation. Find out how this decision can affect your personal liability, taxes, and even retirement. With speaker Shirish Gupta.
Online CLE / Podcast
CLE Toolbox
New Benefit: Free Section Membership for Non-Solo and 
Small Firm Section Members.
Note: If you are currently a member of the Solo and Small Firm Section, you can still take advantage of this special offer by accessing the FREE self-study CLE in our Members Only Area.
If you are not currently a Solo and Small Firm Section Member, you can take advantage of this special offer by ordering the Solo and Small Firm Section’s CLE Toolbox. order form. You’ll receive 6 Hours of Self-Study CLE Credit including:
- 4 Hours of Ethics – Self-Study
- 1 Hour of Elimination of Bias – Self-Study
- 1 Hour of Substance Abuse – Self Study
You’ll also receive a membership to the Solo and Small Firm Section valid for the current section year.
CD Toolbox Inside Cover and Programming Contents
Are you already a Solo and Small Firm Section Member? Members of the Solo and Small Firm Section can download the 6 hours of FREE self-study credit by visiting the Solo and Small Firm Section’s Members Only Area. There is no charge to our valued members and you do NOT need to purchase this CD.
The California Guide to Opening and Managing a Law Office
The California Guide to Opening and Managing a Law Office, newly written and published by the State Bar of California, is now available for purchase online. As a sole practitioner or the head of a small firm, you must act as so much more than just CEO; you also must also wear the hats of Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director, Chief Technology Officer, and more. This is the guide, created by experts, to help you with all the roles you must undertake and tasks you must accomplish to make your practice flourish. See the Sections Bookstore for more details.
Lawyer to Lawyer Network
As a member of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the State Bar of California you will be able to access the Lawyer to Lawyer Network through the members only page.
This directory is designed as a source for our members who have questions relating to specific areas of law as well as the everyday issues of running a solo or small firm. This directory provides networking, mentoring, education and referrals. Members who hold themselves out as qualified will be listed by category and county.
Members agree to only list themselves in areas in which they have significant experience. The Solo and Small Firm Section has not verified the qualifications of the attorneys listed.
This directory is a courtesy to our members and the listed attorneys agree to accept phone calls and answer emails that do not require extensive research or time commitments (in excess of fifteen minutes). Listed attorneys are encouraged to mentor young attorneys in their counties or practice areas in order to improve the quality of legal services offered to the public. This directory provides a unique opportunity for members to network and develop relationships throughout the state.
The Solo and Small Firm Section of the State Bar of California has compiled this list as a source to its members. This list is based on information supplied by the members and has not been reviewed, investigated, or evaluated the authenticity, accuracy, or completeness of the information received. The Solo and Small Firm Section makes no representation as to the qualifications or competence of those listed and does not recommend or endorse the services of those listed. To access the list, sign into your State Bar Profile and go to the Solo and Small Firm Section's Members Only Area.
Solo and Small Firm Section Member Discounts
Save Money with CEB
Continuing Education of the Bar, California (CEB) is extending some special discount offers to our section. As a member of the Solo and Small Firm Section, you're eligible for:
- 10% off selected CEB print or online books
- A rebate on your section dues that can be applied to the cost of a CEB Gold CLE Passport or a CLE program ticket
A complete list of the products eligible for a discount is available on a CEB web page accessible through our Members Only Area. Information about the section dues rebate program can be found on the CEB Web site.
Contact Us
Solo and Small Firm Section
The State Bar of California
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1639
415-538-2350
FAX 415-538-2368