u/ColdwaterEagle1996

So I had day 2 of a 4 day evidentiary hearing today…before we started, I asked for a chambers conference due to some other issue…OC also mentioned their client may have a pending criminal matter…so we agreed to continue…however the court doesn’t have availability until late in the fall….

Anyway we each went and spoke to our clients outside the courtroom…my client had the headset on for the interpreters…apparently it was an open mic and the other party overheard my confidential conversation with the client.

I have no idea how to address this issue. I only know because OC came up to me after we continued the matter and said “if your client wants this (very specific) then that’s a non starter”

Then OC said, “your client left her mic on”

Well, shit! Anyone have any ideas? I feel like I’m close to a settlement…but this just threw a wrench into the gears.

I am taking a bit of a victory lap today after my motion was granted to get a felony dismissed pursuant to PC 1385, under PC 1370. I had a few peers tell me it wouldn’t work…but it did.

My client is on a C-ship, and I simply wrote my motion accordingly. The DA didn’t object, and the judge thanked me for being so thorough…😳…but anyway, client and their family are extremely happy.

The case was grossly over charged in the first place, but I really do feel my client was a great candidate for this, and really deserved the dismissal.

A while back my receptionist brought a family member in due to DV and a pending divorce.

I did a full consultation, but after speaking to the CEO of the firm, we all agreed it was kind of a conflict for me to take the case….just meaning if the right outcome didn’t happen, would’ve created a tough work environment.

So I did the next best thing…referred her to a trusted colleague. Then the week before a trial against the same attorney I referred her to was about to start, counsel called….im thinking it’s about our trial….NOPE! She called about a nasty Yelp review..and yes, from my receptionist.

I was at a loss for words. In our small community, I’ve worked really hard to forge positive relationships with all the attorneys and firms in family law. So I was taken aback….

I brought the receptionist into my office, and politely asked what happened…turns out, it was just a scheduling issue, and my receptionist took it wrong. Her appointment was never confirmed, but went anyway. The attorney explained her own receptionist made a mistake….ok, no big deal…but mine goes online, posts a shitty yelp review, and now I’m going to trial against the attorney on a big case in two days.

I asked my receptionist to take it down, and explained my reasons why…she replied, “no, if someone did that to you, wouldn’t you say something?” Grrrrr…so now I’m pissed….i told her we don’t treat others that way online, especially in this profession. Been three days, the post is still up.

I talked to the top attorney….he said he’d handle it….because I don’t have “firing” authorization…which is funny cause I can hire anyone I want…but that’s another story…

Any thoughts? Suggestions?

I am retired Navy, and have been a leader most of that career. I’ve led as many as 90 people in my unit. This is different…as I do not have the authority I used to as far a dealing with personnel.

She is a sweet girl, but only 19…and I was hired recently….so despite my role as an attorney, I don’t have much power over firm employees. Hi

May be a silly post, since my biggest trial yet is about to begin. But I’m feeling burnt out…and it hasn’t even started yet.

It is a domestic relations matter, so is a bench trial, my client vs. 3 co-defendants….

Anyway, this thing has been continued a few times…now we start in two days….it’s set for 4 days. I have everything in order…I think…witnesses, discovery, etc…but it seems like the last two continuances occurred on the eve of trial or early morning the day of.

Now if I didn’t have several other cases to work on, this may be good news, I.e. more prep time.:..but I know the facts well enough to write a book without using notes…and I’m just like…damn! Win lose or draw, let’s get this fuckin thing over with….

Anyway, maybe I’m just venting, but would appreciate some sound advice. Thanks!😔