Program Note
No new posts today (except this one, of course) or tomorrow, because to your likely shock and amazement I am actually arguing a case tomorrow before the California Supreme Court. And no, the case is not in any way comical….
Rules of Professional Misconduct
Court Unconvinced by Lawyer Dressed as Thomas Jefferson
Today in Least Surprising Updates: The Kansas Supreme Court unanimously held on November 14 that Dennis Hawver would be disbarred for violating <stops to count> seven ethical or court rules when representing a defendant who was ultimately sentenced to death….
The Screaming Itches
Today's Quiz: "The Screaming Itches" would be: (a) unwise to bring up on a first date (b) a good name for a band (c) a bad excuse for failing to appear in court (d) all of the above Of course…
Suspension Likely for Lawyer Who Photoshopped Herself Into Celebrity Photos
Yes, it is goofy to show up for court dressed like Thomas Jefferson (see “I Am Incompetent, Lawyer Argues Unnecessarily” (Sept. 18)), but at least that guy didn’t pretend he was Jefferson or that he and TJ were actually pals. He also didn’t…
“I Am Incompetent!” Lawyer Argues Unnecessarily
Last Friday, Dennis Hawver argued to the Kansas Supreme Court that he should not be disbarred for his representation of Phillip Cheatham in a 2005 trial. As you may suspect, that trial that did not go well for the defense. Certainly,…
No Winners in Judge-Lawyer Throwdown
Oh dear. video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player All the action happens off-screen, but reportedly it was the judge throwing punches. His conduct on (and off) the bench is terrible, but it also seems like it was a bad idea for…
This Defense Attorney Got “Street Knowledge,” Yo
Also a good sense of humor, though you may disagree with his message. Or you may not. Accused criminals are entitled to a defense and defending them is an honorable profession, even though many of the accused will in…
Some Words About That Badass Lawyer Ad [Updated]
It is, in fact, totally badass. With that out of the way, here are a few minor criticisms. First of all, lawyer advertising of course has to be true and not misleading. Beyond that, lawyers have a First Amendment right…
Breaking: Professional Fabulist Denied License to Practice Law
The California Supreme Court has held unanimously that Stephen Glass (they call him "Stephen Randall Glass" in the first sentence, so you know he's in trouble) cannot have a license to practice law in California. As you may recall, Glass worked…
England’s Clowns Are Furious
So says Cory Doctorow at Boing Boing, and he appears to be correct. According to this article in The Guardian, they are mad about a recent wave of incidents involving clowns or people dressed as clowns running around and trying…