Monterey hosts 75th Annual Meeting
With offerings ranging from a world-renowned aquarium to the breathtaking 17-mile scenic drive, the Monterey Peninsula beckons visitors to one of the prettiest tourist destinations in California.

Fast track: 'Bad apples' now face fast discipline
Northern California attorney Milton Lathan admitted on the witness stand in State Bar Court that he was unaware of some federal regulations governing the Social Security disability checks he obtained for his clients. He thought he could cash those checks and keep the money as his fee, he told Judge Patrice McElroy, just as he thought he could submit a change of address form to the post office so he would receive his clients' mail.

Rulings muddy waters on 1st Amendment
It's time once again for a quick look back at a few of the more interesting and important decisions from our state's high court. This year, I highlight a few First Amendment cases, the court's interpretation of the Personal Responsibility Law of 1998, and the courts re-burial of the "single subject rule."

Legal Heritage Institute: Students experience law and courts
Twenty-four high school juniors from throughout California spent a week last month studying law and government in the courtroom and in the Capitol as part of the Legal Heritage Institute, sponsored by the Foundation of the State Bar.

Board sets dues at $390 for 2003
California's active attorneys will again pay dues of $390 next year, after the State Bar Board of Governors voted unanimously last month to maintain the current fee level. Inactive lawyers will pay dues of $50, and attorneys who earn less than $40,000 again will have the option of paying less.

Bar court proposes drug program
As part of the State Bar's new program to treat attorneys with substance abuse or mental health problems, both the State Bar Court and the prosecutor's office have begun efforts to refer lawyers to the Lawyers Assistance Program, using either a lesser discipline or no discipline at all as incentives for participation.

Bar switches carriers for its malpractice program
In a move which may help ease the malpractice insurance woes of thousands of California lawyers, the State Bar's Board of Governors approved a change in the underwriting carrier for its professional liability insurance program.

Ethics update
This feature highlights recent authorities in the area of attorney professional responsibility including new cases, advisory ethics opinions, pending legislation and proposed rule amendments.

Four candidates running for District 3 seat on bar board
Three sole practitioners and a law professor have tossed their hats in the ring for election to the District 3 seat on the State Bar Board of Governors