The ABA Journal includes advice what to do when you have to fire a client, usually for not paying legal fees, leaving out important facts and documents, having unrealistic expectations, or being uncooperative or unethical.
Brian Sullivan writes (excerpt)
1. Give reasonable notice of the end of representation [opportunity to hire alternate counsel; termination letter; reminder of […]

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The California Supreme Court disqualified an attorney who used opposing counsel’s notes of a meeting with expert witnesses. In Rico v. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the court stated:
Here we consider what action is required of an attorney who receives privileged documents through inadvertence and whether the remedy of disqualification is appropriate. We conclude that, under […]

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The Grand Rapids Pressnotes the passing of former State Bar president, gentleman-litigator and family man Stephen Bransdorfer, at age 77 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Barton Deiters writes (excerpt):
His skill and willingness to serve was recognized by governors, presidents and fellow attorneys, who honored him with appointments and awards, the last being the Roberts P. […]

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The Grand Rapids Press notes the passing of retired U.S. District Judge Douglas Hillman, a favorite among attorneys practicing in federal court:
Judge Hillman, 84, who had a passion for training young lawyers, suffered a stroke in 2000 that slowed him down. His health took a turn for the worse last month.
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Judge Hillman will be remembered […]

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The State Bar of Michigan obtained a permanent injunction in Grand Rapids (Kent County) against the “We the People USA, Inc.,” and its franchises in the state from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Apparently, “We the People of West Michigan LLC” drafted a defective special needs trust for an elderly individual, and […]

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The ABA includes a pdf paper from the last Tech Show on how to avoid the top ten causes of malpractice. The presenters were Mark C.S. Bassingthwaighte, Risk Management Coordinator, Attorneys Liability Protection Society, and Reba J. Nance, Director, Law Practice and Risk Management, Colorado Bar Association.

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Judge Patricia D. Gardner received the Michigan CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Jurist of the Year award, recognizing her for exemplifying the best attributes of a Family Court Judge.
The press release quoted one CASA staff member as stating, “Judge Gardner has a wonderful ability to communicate clearly and sincerely to parents and is tireless […]

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The American Bar Association’s Section of Family Law has adopted Civility Standards. The Standards address the responsibility of the family lawyer to be civil to clients, opposing counsel, and the court.
I. To Client
1. Treat the client with respect.
2. Try to keep the client on an even emotional keel and
avoid characterizing the actions of […]

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The Grand Rapids Press reports on the candidates forum sponsored by the Family Law Section.
Elizabeth Piet includes comments from her interviews with two members of the audience (excerpt):
Alan Bedell, 66, of Grand Rapids Township, came into the forum with no knowledge of the candidates but came out impressed with Murkowski’s knowledge and his recall of […]

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The State Bar of Michigan is honoring Leslie C. Curry with an Unsung Hero Award for “[exhibiting] the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.” Leslie is the Litigation Director and a staff attorney for Western Michigan Legal Services of Grand Rapids and is being honored for 25 years of […]

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Law Practice Today focuses on the fit between an attorney and a client.
Dee Crocker writes (excerpt):
The most important rule in getting paid is selecting clients who are willing and able to pay for your time. Otherwise, you may find yourself providing pro bono services on cases that you accepted because you expected them to generate […]

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The New York Times shows the mess that sometimes flows from the family to the court and out into the parking lots.
Avi Salzman writes (excerpt):
Mr. Spears said he used to work on criminal cases, but rarely did those clients give him the chills like some of the people in his divorce cases.
“I represented some bad […]

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Slate examines President George Bush’s relationship to his Attorney General, passing along some general comments on lawyering along the way.
Dahlia Lithwick writes (excerpt):
One of the most striking legacies of my brief foray into the wonderful world of divorce law was the observation of this difference between wealthy clients and normal ones: The wealthy clients, particularly […]

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FTC will not bring any enforcement actions or conduct any investigations against practicing lawyers

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human desires for dignity, respect and for that simple opportunity to be heard

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court rejects FTC attempts to apply the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to lawyers

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when you’re in charge, when you’re not

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making your business development efforts efficient, effective and enjoyable

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PRACTICAL TIPS ON PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

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While the focus of your preparations may be different, your client deserves your best effort.

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