April 2020

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AROUND THE BAR
LACBA Stands Strong In The Face Of The Pandemic
by Ronald F. Brot, President
 
This article originally appeared in the Daily Journal on April 13, 2020
Most law offices have been shuttered. The flow of cases heard in our courthouses has been reduced to a trickle. As a result of the COVID-19 health crisis, the legal community of Los Angeles County, like the community at large, has been placed in a state of unprecedented suspense. Will we or our loved ones fall ill? Will a member of our family or circle of friends succumb? While subject to shelter at home, will we be able to adequately meet the needs of our clients? How long will this last, and will our firms and practices survive the economic consequences? The discomfort of these questions heightens when realizing that the response to each is uncertain.
 
Are you passionate about making a difference in a particular area of law or law related issue?

Serving on a LACBA committee is an opportunity to make a difference in the legal profession and practice of law by addressing issues and challenges facing attorneys and the community today. If you would like to be considered to serve on a committee, the deadline to complete and submit your application has been extended to May 29, 2020, for bar year 2020-21.

LACBA's New Networking Meetings Go Virtual
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to provide virtual networking meetings. Ultimately these networking opportunities will continue in person in their respective locations, but for now feel free to participate in whichever meeting is convenient for your schedule. New meetings are being added regularly so please visit the link below for the up-to-date meeting schedule. 
LACBA Connection Cafe - Virtual Coffee Breaks for Members
Everyone needs a break once in awhile. Join with fellow members for a light and fun virtual interaction.
Bring a beverage of your choice and say hello to your fellow LACBA members!

Thursday, May 7 2PM-3PM
Small Firm and Sole Practitioner Section Steps Up Virtual Activity
The Small Firm and Sole Practitioner Section has been extremely busy since it was reinvigorated last year. This put the section in the position to lead the way once the adverse conditions of the COVID-19 Health Crisis kicked in, mobilizing quickly to adapt their Small Firm Essential Toolkit program to include remote work topics.
Click the video above to brush up on the essentials for yourself, and click here to find out more about what the Small Firm and Sole Practitioner Section is up to.
Coming in the May 2020 issue of Los Angeles Lawyer magazine:
36th Annual Entertainment Law issue:
California's Fight Against "Deepfakes"
plus:
  • The impact of COVID-19 on live events,
  • Influencer agreements and the Talent Agency Act
  • Taxation of artificial intelligence
  • Video game trademarks and Rogers
  • Rights and remedies for copyright co-owners
COUNSEL FOR JUSTICE
Participate in #GivingTuesdayNow
Support LACBA Counsel for Justice on May 5
#GivingTuesdayNow emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while practicing physical distancing.

LACBA’s Counsel for Justice pro bono projects continue to provide critical legal services to the most vulnerable in our community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Join CFJ on May 5 and learn how you can make a difference. 

Updates From The Front Lines:
LACBA's Pro Bono Projects Safely Continue to Serve
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - @12 Noon
Excuses, Excuses! 
What To Do When Your Deals Fall Apart During COVID-19
A LACBA Live Webinar Event - Co Sponsored by:
Business Law Section and Small Firm and Sole Practitioner Section
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - @12:30pm
LIBOR Transition - Legal and Transactional Issues
A LACBA Live Webinar Event - Presented by:
Finance Subsection of the Real Property Section
Thursday, May 7, 2020 - @12 Noon
COVID-19 and Your Client's Economic Environment 
Presented by: Family Law Section
Webinar Hosted by: Our Family Wizard
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - @9:00am
Breakfast at the Bar:  Making the Best Use of the Magistrate Judges in the Central District of California
Presented by: Litigation Section
Hosted by: Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (via Zoom)
In response to the COVID-19 Health Crisis, LACBA and our Sections have postponed or cancelled our previously scheduled live events. For the most up-to-date information on these postponements, please visit the LACBA Events Calendar or call our Member Services Department at (213) 896-6560 for more information.
PRACTICE POINTERS
Ethical Issues in Sexual Harassment Nondisclosure Agreements
Nondisclosure agreements (“NDAs”), especially in the sexual harassment and sexual assault context, have been much in the news since the “Me Too” movement went viral in 2017 with the revelation of the torrent of allegations against Hollywood superproducer Harvey Weinstein. Many have decried the use of such agreements to silence sexual harassment and sexual assault survivors, and some notable holders of such agreements, such as the Weinstein Company itself, have released victims from them in the wake of such criticism. 

Do Not Put Off Problems to the Last Minute
Scammers are increasingly targeting lawyers by sending forged emails to law firms, their clients and/or to financial institutions, instructing that funds be wired to accounts controlled by the scammers. Click here to read the latest Tip of the Month from AHERN Insurance Brokerage and Attorney Protective. Exclusive professional liability insurance programs are available for LACBA members. Apply today .
MEMBER PERKS
NEW BENEFIT - SoFi Student Loan Refinancing
Amid economic uncertainty, there has never been a better time to get your money right and that includes understanding student loan considerations for both federal and private student loans.  

SoFi has partnered with the LACBA t o provide members with  educational content and exclusive perks should you wish to refinance a student loan at SoFi.com/LACBA
Find Your Next Legal Job With LACBA Career Center
Exhausted by searching through massive job boards to find legal jobs relevant to you in the Los Angeles area? Do you want an easier way to find jobs targeted specifically toward your qualifications and career interests? LACBA is excited to present a better way to search for legal and attorney positions with our job board !
Create your new job seeker profile at jobs.lacba.org to explore our new features: 
•    Sign up for personalized job alerts to be sent to your inbox daily or weekly that match you with new jobs that fit your expertise, location, education, and more
•   Find your next career move without even applying to a single job! Make your resume public so employers can search for you and reach out with new opportunities
•   Take advantage of a free resume critique by TopResume when you register
 
LACBA’s Job Board has the career opportunities you’ve been looking for.
Ahern Insurance
800.282.9786
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In addition to Professional Liability, AHERN offers a wide variety of comprehensive insurance products for law firms including Cyber Liability insurance. With the sudden need of a remote work environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, law firms are now recognizing the increased amount of cyber security threats. Click here to read tips on how your firm can manage remote work cyber risks. The best stance you can take to protect yourself and your law firm is to boost your cyber resilience. Contact AHERN today for a no-obligation Cyber insurance quote.
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