Public comment sought

The Attorney Civility Task Force will seek authorization May 11 from the Board Committee on Member Oversight to publish the proposed California Attorney Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism for a 30-day period. If approved, the comment deadline will be June 12.

The proposed guidelines will be available in the Public Comment section of the State Bar’s Web site, or may be obtained from Mary Yen, 415-538-2369, or Teri Greenman, 415-538-2454.

Written comments should be sent to mary.yen@calbar.ca.gov or teri.greenman@calbar.ca.gov or mailed to them at 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105.

Applicants sought for JNE

The State Bar is seeking active members of the bar, former members of the judiciary and members of the public who are interested in volunteering to serve on the 2008 Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE Commission).

Information on the commission and time commitment are available at the State Bar's Web site (select links to Attorney Resources/Committees and Commissions/Other Entity Appointments) or from the bar’s appointments office, 415-538-2299; or 415-538-2255 (fax).

The application deadline is June 1.

Fee arb training scheduled

A refresher course for volunteer attorneys who serve local and State Bar mandatory fee arbitration programs, as well as instruction for new volunteers, will be held in San Diego May 10. The free training, offered by the bar’s Committee on Mandatory Fee Arbitration, offer 2.75 hours of MCLE credit, including one hour of ethics and 1.75 hours of general credit.

Speakers will address recent developments in fee arbitration and subjects that include how to write an enforceable award, conflicts of interest, arbitrator disclosure requirements and how to control the proceeding.

The training will be held from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the San Diego County Bar Association, 1333 Seventh Ave. To RSVP, call 619/231-0781.

For additional information (not RSVP), contact Jill Sperber at 415-538-2023.

Thriving in a sometimes challenging profession

Are you an attorney who has found ways to enjoy your career despite the stress and challenges of balancing work and family obligations? If so, the Lawyer Assistance Program would like to hear from you.

LAP invites you to share personal strategies and suggestions for coping successfully with a legal practice. Please send an e-mail to lap@calbar.ca.gov or fax to 415-538-2356.

The names of members who respond to this request will be kept confidential.

Ethics Symposium set for May 19 in Los Angeles

The State Bar will hold its 11th Annual Statewide Ethics Symposium May 19 in Los Angeles, bringing together California’s leading experts on attorney ethics. The event offers advanced programs for lawyers in all practice areas and explores emerging ethics issues.

This year’s theme is “Ethics Around the Edges” and will include sessions on transactional practice; the effectiveness of advocacy without deception; emerging issues in collaborative family law; and challenges facing corporate counsel in their role as employee, gatekeeper and advocate. An update will be presented on the work of the bar’s Commission for the Revision of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

The symposium will be held at the Southwestern Law School, whose dean, Bryant Garth, will deliver the keynote address. Further details and registration information are at calbar.ca.gov/ethics or by calling Audrey Hollins at 415-538-2167.

MCLE credit in ethics will be given.

Revised form approved for client’s right to arbitration

The State Bar Board of Governors has approved a revised notice of Client’s Right to Arbitration form that took effect April 1. Lawyers are required by statute to forward this version of the notice form to the client before or at the time of filing a lawsuit against a client to collect unpaid attorney’s fees and/or costs.

The form advises clients of their right to request mandatory fee arbitration to resolve a pending attorney fee dispute.

It is available at calbar.ca.gov.

Legal aid board is looking for a good volunteer

The State Bar is seeking applications from attorneys interested in serving on the board of directors of the Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC), which has one three-year position open. Applicants must practice or live in the area served by LASOC. The board meets 10 to 12 times a year.

Interested applicants should submit a letter and resume that outlines work experience, community activity and educational background. Bar number must be included. The materials should be sent to Chris Zupanovich, State Bar of California, 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105-1639. Questions may be directed to her at 415-538-2534 or chris.zupanovich@calbar.ca.gov.