Inside
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Revolutionizing Law: Guest Editor’s Column
Welcome to the brave new world of providing legal services. In case there is any doubt out there, let me assure you, the way legal services are purchased, how they are delivered, who provides them and how they are priced is undergoing a revolution
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Inside: Guest Editor’s Column
The April issue contains articles from employment law practitioners covering compelling and relevant employment law matters for everyday practitioners and for those who simply have a passing awareness of employment law.
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Inside: Exciting Times
In this issue, we looked around for someone that could answer the question “How do we fix the congressional process?” and posed the question to the chair of the California Republican Party, soon to publish a book on the subject. We also asked Perry Novak to scare us with facts about the upcoming demographic changes in our society. In our feature article, Scott Haislet explains the American Taxpayer Relief Act in detail. In a companion piece, we look at the impact when you combine the effects of ATRA with California tax rates. George Cabot reviews the corporate landscape and the debate over lowering our internationally high tax rates. Ralph Jacobson brings us up to date on the rights of domestic partners under insurance policies. Warren Peterson warns us that tax preparers no longer must be registered with the IRS.
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Spotlight
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly With Online Reviews
Some attorneys either pay people to write good reviews or ask their dearest friends to rate their lawyering skills online. Thus, inexperienced lawyers who are savvy with social networking can have outstanding reviews and more seasoned, but less Internet-savvy, attorneys can have bad reviews and not even know about it.
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Disability Facts that Might Surprise You
In times like these, good decisions matter. And when it comes to protecting a portion of your income from disability risks, it’s important to base your decision on the facts. In the case of disability, some of those facts might surprise you.
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The Population Cliff
Demography, the statistical study of living human populations, is one of those detail laden subjects that just doesn’t lend itself to much excitement, but demographic change is about to have a profound impact on the U.S. economy.
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The Changing Times
Change that we choose can be exhilarating. It can stimulate our imaginations with the promise of a better life. Change that is foisted upon us is another matter. The latter may instill resentment, discomfort, even fear. We can often anticipate the changes that the future will bring. Exactly how we will deal with them is less certain. But experience teaches us that deal with them we will.
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Inns of Court: Legal Jeopardy!
The best Inns Of Court presentations get all of its members involved. Instead of just having a group standing up performing for their adoring fans in the audience, the best groups make the adoring fans part of the performance. We proved this old saw one more time with a great “Legal Jeopardy!” presentation at the March 14, 2013, meeting.
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Coffee Talk: How have the court budget cuts affected you?
Unlawful Detainer matters have been severely impacted because of the budget cuts. UD’s have been “farmed” out to several different departments within the Superior Court in Martinez, Richmond and Pittsburg. After the closing of the Concord Court, and Walnut Creek Court only doing traffic, it has put a strain on all of our summary proceedings.
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News & Updates
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Women’s Section Annual Wine Tasting Event, Honoring Judge Cram [photos]
The Women’s Section Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction was held on April 11, 2013. This year’s event was dedicated to the Hon. Joyce Cram on the occasion of her retirement and for her service to the Women’s Section. Proceeds benefited the Hon. Patricia Herron and Hon. Ellen James Scholarship Fund.
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Barristers/Young Lawyers Section BRIDGING THE GAP [photos]
The Barristers/Young Lawyers Section presented BRIDGING THE GAP on February 22, 2013. Please see below for photos:
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Solo Section Breakfast [photos]
The Solo Section meets for a networking breakfast the third Wednesday of even-numbered months. Free for section members. For more information, visit the Solo Section page at www.cccba.org.
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Other Recent Articles
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May 2013 – The Future of Law Practice
Highlights of the May 2013 Contra Costa Lawyer edition include articles about the CA State Bar admission proposal, virtual law practice, trends in law and more.
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April 2013 – Employment Law
Highlights of the April 2013 Contra Costa Lawyer edition include articles about employment law basics, employment tax and more.
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February 2013 – Elder Law
Highlights of the February 2013 Contra Costa Lawyer edition include articles about elder law issues, senior abuse, skilled nursing facilities and more.
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March 2013 – Tax Law/Fiscal Cliff
Highlights of the March 2013 Contra Costa Lawyer edition include articles about the Congressional budget, the American Taxpayer Relief Act and other tax-related issues.
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Spring Fever
The clouds of winter lift. The sun shines. The air caresses our skin with warmth and fragrance rather than buffeting it with an empty chill. Our emotions soar. Are we entitled to a sigh of relief, a moment of wistful reflection when this occurs, just as much as we need the determination and will to survive when the cycle is at its other end?
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