Flat fee agreements have become increasingly common in legal practice. A new formal ethics opinion from the State Bar of California provides guidance on the ethical issues that arise when a flat fee representation ends early, the scope of work changes, or the attorney underestimated the amount of work involved.
Serving as a trustee comes with significant responsibility, often including managing assets for the benefit of others, and California law imposes serious consequences when that trust is abused.
Creating an estate plan is about more than deciding who receives your assets after death. It is also one of the most effective ways to protect yourself during your lifetime. In California, thoughtful estate planning for seniors can help reduce the risk of financial elder abuse, preserve family harmony, and make it harder for dishonest outsiders, caregivers, or relatives to exploit an older adult.
Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other generative AI systems are rapidly becoming part of how people prepare for disputes, communicate with lawyers, and even develop litigation strategies. But a recent federal court ruling suggests that clients’ use of AI may create an unexpected risk: conversations with AI may be discoverable by the opposing side in a lawsuit.
On March 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued one of the most consequential copyright rulings for the music industry in years. The Court’s unanimous decision in Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment held that internet service providers (ISPs) are not liable for copyright infringement committed by their users unless the ISP intentionally induces the infringement or designs its service for the purposes of infringement.
For many aging seniors, their driver’s license represents independence and self-sufficiency. Families and friends, however, may worry that failing health and slowed reflexes will make driving dangerous for a loved one and others on the road – but could be reluctant to raise what is likely to be an emotionally charged issue.
