California Supreme Court

Seeking National Uniformity, California (Finally) Adopts New Ethics Rules

California is an outlier no more–at least when it comes to its ethics rules. On May 10, 2018, the California Supreme Court issued an order approving the adoption of a new set of Rules of Professional Conduct patterned after the ABA Model Rules, which were first published in 1983.  The court’s ruling means that California […]

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Lessons in Ethics: Lying About CLE Attendance Is Just So Wrong

An IP attorney continued his legal education the hard way.  He falsely represented to the California Bar that he had completed the mandatory minimum of 25 hours of continuing legal education.  In truth, he had completed zero hours of CLE.  The result: a one-year suspension. This matter involved California-based patent attorney Jens Edward Hoekendijk.  In

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Advanced Conflict Of Interest Waivers: Tricks Or Treats? (Part 2)

Guessing wrong about the enforceability of an advanced conflict waiver could lead to unexpectedly bad consequences.  One doomsday scenario is illustrated by a recent California immediate appellate court decision in the case of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP v. J-M Manufacturing, 244 Cal.App.4th 590 (2016). Sheppard Mullin represented J-M Manufacturing (“J-M”) in a Qui Tam litigation. 

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