how i rebounded and became an attorney

by Maudie Cormier 10 min read

How do you deal with a rebound relationship after divorce?

 · But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

What is a rebound relationship and how does it work?

 · 7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566. master:2022-04-26_10-46-26. One thing to consider is the financial implications of this kind of a move: Will a new attorney cost you more (or less) money in the long run? And if you're spending more money on a new attorney, do you think the investment will pay off in the form of a more desirable ...

How do I reinstate a disbarred lawyer?

Rebound Professional Scheduling Portal. Welcome to Rebound's portal for attorneys, claims adjustors, nurse case managers, and vocational counselors. What would you like to do today? …

Can a disbarred attorney return to practice law?

 · The reinstatement process varies by state and often requires a court order. In almost all cases, a lawyer cannot request a reversal of disbarrment unless a significant period …

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Popular Articles by Harrison Barnes

What is Bar Reciprocity and Which States Allow You to Waive Into the Bar?

What to do if you disagree with a final accounting?

If you disagree with the final accounting, and especially if you think you’re owed a refund, you should first contact the attorney, explain why you think you were overcharged, and attempt to amicably resolve the dispute. Again, be sure to document the details of any dispute or demand in writing, whether as part of a letter to your attorney, or as a “memorandum” to yourself.

What happens if you request arbitration?

If you request arbitration to resolve a fee dispute, you may notice that your attorney suddenly seems very motivated to resolve the matter before your scheduled arbitration hearing. Once the attorney calculates how much time and money will be spent on arbitration, he or she may decide that it's a smart business decision to simply settle the dispute.

How long does it take to get an accounting of a case?

It’s reasonable to expect an accounting of the financial side of your case within 30 days of the end of the attorney-client relationship, so if you don’t have it by then, ask your attorney for a detailed accounting, and make sure to put the request in writing.

Do representation fees belong to the client?

All states adhere to the following principle where this aspect of the attorney-client relationship is concerned: Representation fees paid to a lawyer in advance (whether that money is described as a retainer, a deposit, or something else) belong to the client until the lawyer actually does the work to earn the money. If the work is not performed -- regardless of the reason for non-performance -- then the lawyer owes the client a refund.

How long does it take to get a lawyer's license reinstated?

In almost all cases, a lawyer cannot request a reversal of disbarrment unless a significant period of time, five years or more, has passed since the lawyer's license was revoked.

Why is my attorney's license suspended?

Rescission of a license is due to unethical and/or illegal conduct. In some cases, a law license is suspended for a specific period of time and this is sometimes called "temporary disbarrment," however, the expectation is that the the attorney will be able to regain his or her law license after a period of time.

Can you be disbarred in one state?

It's not uncommon, however, for disbarment in one state to lead to disbarment in others. Many lawyers who have been disbarred in one state continue practicing in other states, unless or until disbarment is also imposed in those states.

Can an attorney practice in more than one state?

It's not unusual for attorney s to hold licenses to practice in more than one state. When an attorney is disbarred in her home state, it doesn't necessarily mean she's automatically disbarred in every state. It's not uncommon, however, for disbarment in one state to lead to disbarment in others.

What is a felony that can lead to disbarment?

A felony conviction, or an attorney's lack of fitness to practice – due to drug or alcohol abuse, for example – may lead to disbarment.

What is a suspension in the bar?

In some states, if a suspension lasts for more than six months, the suspended attorney must take, and pass, the professional responsibility portion of the bar exam before returning to practice.

What are the penalties for disbarment?

Because disbarment is a penalty of last resort, state bar associations often impose other disciplinary actions – unless an infraction involves a felony conviction. Disciplinary actions include fines, counseling and suspension, or "temporary disbarment."

How quickly do you receive a letter from opposing counsel?

Let me walk you through this so you never embarrass yourself like this attorney. How quickly you receive something mailed by opposing counsel depends on a number of factors, including when each side’s office has mail pick up and delivery. Our fine Legislature recognized this, and built it into the system. That’s why you get a full five extra days to respond to service by mail.

Who prepares the court documents?

The attorney prepares the court document and gives it to the secretary. The secretary prepares and signs the proof of service, makes copies, and then puts the original in the attorney service basket, mails a copy to opposing counsel, and keeps one copy for the file. But that is not proper service.

What is the proper way to serve a document?

C.C.P. §1013 subsections (a) and (c) reference the proper way for a party to serve documents via mail and express mail. In both sections, the Code states that the papers shall be deposited in a post office (and the like) and must include the following: (1) “addressed to the person on whom it is to be served,” (2) “ at the office address as last given by that person on any document filed in the cause ,” and (3) “served on the party making service by mail.”

Can a defendant serve discovery?

There is no such limitation as to the defendant. As soon as the defendant receives the complaint, he can serve you with discovery, and even though he has not appeared in the action, he can serve that discovery by mail because the plaintiff has appeared. Look it up and stop objecting.

How long does a plaintiff have to wait to serve discovery?

Objecting to discovery propounded before answer filed. The plaintiff must wait ten days after service of the complaint before he, she or it can serve discovery. (And until the defendant appears in the action, it must be personally served.) There is no such limitation as to the defendant.

Can you conduct discovery while a demurrer is pending?

I had one attorney fight it all the way through a motion to compel on that basis. Yes, you can conduct discovery while a demurrer is pending. Come on people.

What happens if you sign proof of service before you mail it?

If the proof of service you send to opposing counsel is signed, then that means you signed the proof of service, attesting that you mail ed the document, before you actually mail ed the document.

What to do if your lawyer is unresponsive?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. Also, ask your state bar association for assistance.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't respond?

If your lawyer does not respond, or subsequent meetings or conversations are not fruitful, consider suggesting mediation to work out your communication problems if you still want this lawyer to represent you. A bad deskside manner doesn't mean that the lawyer isn't an excellent lawyer, and it can be difficult to find a new one in the middle of a case.

What is the defense of a lawyer who is sued for malpractice?

A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument. Legal malpractice cases are expensive to pursue, so do some investigating before you dive in.

Can a lawyer make a mistake?

It's not enough to show that your lawyer made a mistake -- you must show that the mistake caused you financial loss that you would not have suffered if your lawyer had handled your case properly in the first place.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

Can you dumping a lawyer?

But dumping a bad lawyer can be expensive. If you hire a new lawyer, you'll have to pay him or her to get up to speed on your case. If the first lawyer hasn't done much, this shouldn't cost a lot. But if you have a trial scheduled for three weeks from now, your new lawyer will have a monumental and time-consuming job.

Can you have two lawyers handle the same case?

Keep in mind, though, that no two lawyers handle a case in exactly the same way, and that a second opinion is usually a cursory review, not a comprehensive analysis.

How to avoid a rebound relationship?

5 ways to avoid a rebound relationship: 1 Focus on your recovery from your former relationship or marriage. Take up a new hobby, join a gym, and/or enjoy the company of friends and family. Counseling can also be beneficial to the healing process. 2 Don’t rush into dating after a divorce. It takes time to heal and to gain a healthy perspective on why your relationship ended and being in a new one can slow up this process. 3 Stop fixating on your ex. Using a new partner as a shoulder to cry on is a true sign of a rebound relationship. If you find yourself doing this, slow things down or find a way to shift gears and consider the person a friend or companion rather than a romantic partner. 4 Gain insight into the reasons why your marriage or an intimate relationship ended. For instance, are you drawn to emotionally unavailable partners even though you crave emotional intimacy and love to share your feelings with a partner? If so, exploring this dynamic can help you avoid one-sided relationships. 5 Become more comfortable with being alone. All relationships will end eventually (death, divorce, etc.) and so we all need to feel at ease being alone at some point in our lives.

What does it mean when someone is on the rebound?

Someone who is “on the rebound,” or recently out of a serious dating relationship or marriage, is popularly not psychologically capable of making reasonable decisions regarding suitable partners due to emotional neediness, lingering feelings towards the old partner, or unresolved problems from the previous relationship.

Why are rebound relationships short lived?

Rebound relationships are believed to be short-lived due to one partner’s emotional instability and desire to distract themselves from a painful breakup. Those emerging from serious relationships are often advised to avoid serious dating until their wounds and raw emotions have calmed.

What does it mean when you cry on your new partner?

Using a new partner as a shoulder to cry on is a true sign of a rebound relationship. If you find yourself doing this, slow things down or find a way to shift gears and consider the person a friend or companion rather than a romantic partner. Gain insight into the reasons why your marriage or an intimate relationship ended.

How to heal from a relationship?

Focus on your recovery from your former relationship or marriage. Take up a new hobby, join a gym, and/or enjoy the company of friends and family. Counseling can also be beneficial to the healing process .

Can a rebound relationship be permanent?

On the downside, while most rebound relationships don’t do any permanent harm, they can postpone the recovery process. In other words, escaping by means of a rebound relationship can prevent you from gaining insight into the reasons your marriage ended and the lessons you need to learn from it. Consequently, getting involved in a rebound ...

Can you rebound after a breakup?

It’s a relationship formed soon after a breakup. Truth be told, most experts believe that if you are newly divorced, you probably aren’t ready to leap headlong into a romantic relationship. The chance of a rebound relationship having long-term potential is slim because it will take time for you to heal from your breakup ...

What happens if an attorney is disbarred?

An attorney who is disbarred loses that professional license, and is banned from practicing law. Disbarment normally occurs when the state bar association determines, typically after numerous complaints by clients, other lawyers, or judges, that a lawyer is unfit to continue practicing law.

What to do if you discover your lawyer wasn't much of a lawyer after all?

What to do if you discover that your lawyer wasn't much of a lawyer after all. To change attorneys in the middle of a case or other legal matter is disruptive, time-consuming and stressful. It can also negatively affect your case, depending on when, in the course of the litigation or other matter, you need to make the change. ...

How long do you have to notify your lawyer of disciplinary action?

Pursuant to Rule 27 of the American Bar Association’s Model Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Enforcement, a lawyer who is disbarred or suspended from the practice of law must, within ten days of the date when discipline was imposed, send a notice to all clients, opposing counsel, and any co-counsel, notifying them that the lawyer is no longer able to act as a lawyer in the matter. Attorneys are usually required to notify clients (as well as co-counsel and opposing counsel) within ten days of being disbarred or suspended. Most jurisdictions require clients to be notified by certified mail.

What happens if you are in court?

If your case is in court, watch out for any hard-and-fast statutes of limitations that might eventually cut off your right to relief. If not, the court is likely to give you a short delay in the proceedings (sometimes called an adjournment or stay) in order for your new attorney to get up to speed.

What to ask before hiring an attorney?

For this reason, before hiring an attorney, it is prudent to contact your state’s bar association or the commission that licenses attorneys in your area to ask whether your prospective attorney has previously been subject to disciplinary action, and also to ensure that the attorney is currently licensed in good standing.

Can a lawyer be disbarred nationwide?

Because lawyers may be licensed in several jurisdictions, disbarment in one jurisdiction doesn’t automatically mean a lawyer is disbarred nationwide.

Can an attorney be disbarred?

Some circumstances are nevertheless serious enough that an attorney will be disbarred immediately, without first receiving a lesser punishment. These circumstances vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In many states, for example, the attorney's convicted of a felony or other serious crime will be grounds for immediate disbarment. (Yes, though it's rare, even attorneys have been known to commit murder.)

When in doubt, a lawyer should err on the side of nondisclosure?

The opinion notes that “when in doubt, a lawyer should err on the side of nondisclosure.” This means that ordinarily a lawyer should file a motion to withdraw based on “professional considerations.” Such a motion would not reveal confidential client information.

What should an attorney do if a judge needs more information to rule on a motion to withdraw?

If the judge needs more information to rule on the motion to withdraw, the attorney should try to persuade the court to rule on the motion without the attorney revealing confidential client information. If that does not work, the attorney should “submit only such information as is reasonably necessary to satisfy the needs of the court and preferably by whatever restricted means of submission, such as in camera review under seal or such other procedures designated to minimize disclosure, as the court determines is appropriate.”

Can a lawyer do a repudiation?

A lawyer cannot do so, necessarily, when a client repudiates a contract by failing to pay. This reality existed before this opinion; the opinion does not change things. But it is notable that the structure of the process found in this opinion increases uncertainty for the lawyer and therefore the costs of doing business.

Can a lawyer cancel a contract if a client repudiates it?

“If a buyer repudiates a contract, the seller can cancel without judicial approval. A lawyer cannot do so, necessarily, when a client repudiates a contract by failing to pay.

Can a judge ask a lawyer to disclose confidential client information?

A judge could ask the lawyer whether the motion is brought in good faith and without a dilatory purpose. The opinion explains that a “judge should not require the disclosure of confidential client information without considering whether such information is necessary to reach a sound decision on the motion.”

Who teaches professional responsibility at Wake Forest University School of Law?

Ellen Murphy, who teaches professional responsibility at Wake Forest University School of Law, says judges should be able to read between the lines when lawyers seek permission to withdraw and recognize that there could be rule compliance issues, such as conflict of interest or repugnant action by the client. However, “I can imagine facts when a judge would want, and reasonably need, more information,” Murphy says.

What is the scope of information that may be deemed pertinent to a particular withdrawal motion?

The ethics opinion explains that “to accommodate the individual facts of any particular case, the scope of information that may be deemed pertinent to a particular withdrawal motion is necessarily one that is left to the trial judge’s discretion under applicable law.”

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