State Bar's McLawsuit proposals a 
threat to contingency fee law
 

SACRAMENTO -- A series of proposals now before the State Bar of California threaten to undercut contingency fee law and the basic rights of Californians. The proposals include a call to allow private corporations and non-lawyers to own and operate law firms. Potential fallout ranges from the escalation of on-line "app law" to potential poor representation of clients because of legal decisions based on profit motives. Read a point-by-point synopsis of CAOC concerns here. Read CAOC's written comments submitted on Sept. 20 to the State Bar here. Listen to former CAOC President Brian Kabateck discuss the proposals on our "Just Us For Justice" podcast here.  

October 13, 2019
Newsom signs CAOC-backed
bill to end abuse of arbitration 
The measure by Sen. Bob Wieckowski, SB 707, will prevent businesses from gaming the arbitration system to delay and deny justice for consumers seeking to resolve a grievance. Some companies have used the tactic to stall employee arbitration. Read more

October 10, 2019
#MeToo law gives molestation
victims better shot at justice
The bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, AB 9, will give survivors of sexual molestation more time to file legal claims and will help to ensure that repeat predators are held accountable. It is virtually identical to a bill vetoed last year by Gov. Jerry Brown. Read more

October 10, 2019
Workplace forced arbitration
bill gets Newsom's signature 
The measure by Asm. Lorena Gonzalez, AB 51, will ensure that workers aren't forced to give up their rights and choose to arbitrate labor disputes as a condition of getting or keeping a job. A similar bill was vetoed last year by former Gov. Jerry Brown. Read more