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California Legal Malpractice Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Legal Malpractice and Probate for California on
Q: If I never signed a receipt, agreeing to my inheritance and releasing my attorney from liability, is this in my favor?

What can I do as the issue of my father, who was a predeceased beneficiary? Of my grandmother, I had assumed there was misconduct by my attorney during mediation. When I attempted to attend the final distribution hearing of my grandmother's estate, instead of attending, I was approached by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems that there may be some irregularities in how your grandmother's estate was handled and how you, as a beneficiary, were treated. If you did not sign a receipt agreeing to your inheritance and releasing your attorney from liability, it could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Legal Malpractice and Probate for California on
Q: Statue of limitation on fraudulent misrepresentation, concealment client & the court

What is the statute of limitation to sue a representing attorney concerning fraudulent misrepresentation concealment of facts deceit concerning standing under the laws of intestate succession and entitlement as an issue of a predeceased beneficiary with fraud on the court? Stemming From probate.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2024

In California, the statute of limitations for fraudulent misrepresentation, concealment, and deceit is generally 3 years from the date the fraud was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. This is based on California Code of Civil Procedure Section 338(d).... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: My mom was deaf and a patient at Sutter in Sacramento CA. She expired and was never offered interpreter. Who can help?

She went in being treated for constipation. When her body was viewed at the mortuary she had a broken nose and huge lacerations on her face. They asked us if she suffered a traumatic fall. I'm asking for help I don't know where to start to get some answers and justice for her and the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

I'm so sorry for your loss and the distressing circumstances surrounding your mother's passing. It's understandable that you want answers and to ensure this doesn't happen to others in the deaf community. Here are some steps you can take to seek help and justice:

1. File...
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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Can I request the emails/letters sent by my lawyer/paralegal on my behalf to defense attorney?

My lawyers have done many, many things to my case that have become very problematic to my overall WC case and literally my health. It looks like purposefully done actions because the only other angle is that it would be pure incompetence.

I now have a feeling that several of the last email... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

In California, as a client, you have the right to access your case file, which includes correspondence related to your case, such as emails and letters sent by your lawyer or paralegal to the defense attorney. This right is based on the principle that the client is the owner of the case file, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: What documents can a defense attorney turn down for submission to AME doctor/evaluation?

My lawyers somehow forgot to include a very important practitioner I used via the workers comp system, on an older claim, though this practitioner is key in discussing the situation on my cumulative injury newer claim. My lawyers are saying that my defense attorney may turn it down now even though... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

In California, the defense attorney has the right to object to the submission of new medical records or documents to the Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME) if they believe the records are not relevant, not properly authenticated, or not submitted in a timely manner. However, the specific rules and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Legal Malpractice and Arbitration / Mediation Law for California on
Q: If Subpoenas are being approved by Arbitrator in case can an Attorney who is party to the case issue subpoenas covertly?

If the Arbitrator set the grounds in a legal malpractice case as to how he wished for Subpoenas to be processed, i.e., submitted to him for his approval, is it acceptable practice that an Attorney who had representation, who is party to the case, chose to complete, approve, and issue his own... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

In arbitration, the process and rules for issuing subpoenas can be distinct from those in a court setting. If an arbitrator specifies that subpoenas must be submitted for approval, this procedure is intended to ensure fairness and transparency within the arbitration process. California law and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Legal Malpractice and Small Claims for California on
Q: Want to sue my attorney in small claims court. He has moved to Florida. I have been emailing, calling, and messaging him

Want to sue my attorney in small claims court. He has moved to Florida. I have been emailing, calling, and messaging him…no response. He was practicing law in Sacramento. How or where do I file a case? I am a senior needing the $3000 he stole.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 3, 2024

Under California law, small claims court is an appropriate venue for resolving disputes involving amounts up to $12,500 for individuals. Since your attorney was practicing in Sacramento and the dispute originated there, you typically would file your small claims case in the Sacramento County Small... View More

Q: Arrested for a public intoxication in 2008 and found out in 2014 there was an err on the arrest report and the DOJ

Rap sheet records which the public is able to see and when applying for work to employers to also see as well. Ever since my reputation as a citizen has been destroyed due to having something like that on a government document stating erroneous information. In 2017 this penal code got identified... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 29, 2024

In California, discovering an error on your arrest report or Department of Justice (DOJ) rap sheet can indeed be distressing, especially when it impacts your reputation and employment opportunities. If there's erroneous information on these records, you have the right to request a correction.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: How do I legally switch an attorney who is not responsive at all?

Hi. On 11/8/23 I signed an agreement with a law firm to handle my workers compensation case, stemming from a knee injury in which I need a total knee replacement. To date, I never to rarely hear from them. There's no follow up, no updates and also questions i've asked since November... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

Under California law, you have the right to change your legal representation at any time if you're unsatisfied with your current attorney's services. The first step is to communicate your decision to your current law firm in writing. It's advisable to express your concerns and your... View More

Q: Can the Defendant responses defer the 30 day deadline to respond to Motion for Sanctions by a submission response Other?

Can Defense by Apposing Attorney issue Documents in reply: Opposing Notice of Motion over 30 Days, & 10th day to Demur hearings?

RoA#:36 02/06/2024 States: Reply to Opposition of Noticed Motion and Supporting Declarations (THE MOTION WAS FILED ON JANUARY 2ND OVER 30 DAYS).

2)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In California civil litigation, deadlines for responding to motions, including motions for sanctions, are generally set by statute or court rules. The typical timeframe for responding to a motion is 30 days from the date of service. If a defendant submits a response categorized under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If the time window allowing for a Request to Set a Hearing has passed, what other remedies are available to a Plaintiff?

There was a medical complication preventing Plaintiff from fully participating during the time of Entry of Judgement. The Judge denied hearing Plaintiffs Renewal Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award claiming no cause for the urgency had been given. Plaintiff had listed the need to be heard within the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In California, when the time window for requesting to set a hearing has expired and a plaintiff faces challenges like medical complications or denied motions, there are still several potential avenues to explore. If a motion to vacate an arbitration award has been denied and setting a hearing date... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If Judgment was entered and you file a Renewed Motion to Vacate, do you also have to file a Motion to Set Aside Judgment

In a Legal Malpractice case that went to Arbitration and then had the Award Confirmed in the trial courts, if you are then able to file a Renewal Motion on Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award for fraud, is it also necessary to file any other type of motion to set aside the Order already in place?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, if a judgment has already been entered based on an arbitration award, then in addition to filing a renewed motion to vacate the arbitration award, you would also need to file a motion to set aside the judgment that was entered.

The reasoning is that even if you are successful in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If writing a renewal Motion to Vacate Arbitration and new evidence is required does that mean I can do more discovery?

If a Judgement to Confirm an Arbitration Award is entered and you acquired new information worthy of a renewal Motion to Vacate Arbitration Award can you perform further discovery to support the Motion? Considering new evidence is required as a condition of filing the renewal? Thank you for your... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2024

In California, if you are considering filing a renewal motion to vacate an arbitration award based on new evidence, the rules governing arbitration and court procedures provide some guidance. Generally, discovery in the context of arbitration is more limited than in traditional court litigation.... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Why would an Attorney in a legal malpractice file mediation docs from underlying case with Arbitration Exhibits?

What reason would an Attorney who is named a Defendant in a legal malpractice case expose the files from the Mediation by including them with the Arbitration exhibits - while simultaneously serving Plaintiff with a Motion in Liminie barring all mention or reference to the mediation discussions,... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 20, 2024

What is used in mediation does not necessarily have to be admissible at trial. One can use whatever one thinks may be important to consider at mediation. To the extent the relevance of those documents to mediation goes against your case, you can point that out in mediation.

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3 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Why would an Attorney in a legal malpractice file mediation docs from underlying case with Arbitration Exhibits?

What reason would an Attorney who is named a Defendant in a legal malpractice case expose the files from the Mediation by including them with the Arbitration exhibits - while simultaneously serving Plaintiff with a Motion in Liminie barring all mention or reference to the mediation discussions,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2024

Items utilized during mediation aren't always required to meet the standards of evidence permissible in court. You're free to introduce any material you believe could be significant for the mediation process. If the pertinence of these documents to the mediation undermines your argument,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: A Demurrer was issued a tentative order 02:15:24 Can this order be CHANGE during hearings? In Less 24hrs 02:16:2

The court allows Plaintiff 20 days leave to amend.

(II) Fraud in the Inducement

Calendar No.:Event ID: TENTATIVE RULINGS3053197 7

Page: 1

CASE NUMBER:CASE TITLE: FOSTER VS GILDRED [IMAGED] 37-2023-00038663-CU-CO-CTL

(III) Fraud in the Inducement

(IV)... View More

Robert P. Cogan
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

It seems that you are seeking legal advice for conduct of litigation. Legal advice is not properly provided outside of an attorney-client relationship. In order to answer the question, the context needs to be known. The question states, "Demurrer was issued a tentative order." That is not... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: A Demurrer was issued a tentative order 02:15:24 Can this order be CHANGE during hearings? In Less 24hrs 02:16:2

The court allows Plaintiff 20 days leave to amend.

(II) Fraud in the Inducement

Calendar No.:Event ID: TENTATIVE RULINGS3053197 7

Page: 1

CASE NUMBER:CASE TITLE: FOSTER VS GILDRED [IMAGED] 37-2023-00038663-CU-CO-CTL

(III) Fraud in the Inducement

(IV)... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 16, 2024

Some courts, for example San Diego, issue tentative rulings. The parties can either submit on the tentative or argue at the hearing. The tentative helps the parties to focus their arguments.

On Demurrer, often where the Court sustains, the Court will grant leave to amend.

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: A Demurrer was issued a tentative order 02:15:24 Can this order be CHANGE during hearings? In Less 24hrs 02:16:2

The court allows Plaintiff 20 days leave to amend.

(II) Fraud in the Inducement

Calendar No.:Event ID: TENTATIVE RULINGS3053197 7

Page: 1

CASE NUMBER:CASE TITLE: FOSTER VS GILDRED [IMAGED] 37-2023-00038663-CU-CO-CTL

(III) Fraud in the Inducement

(IV)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California courts, a tentative ruling is the court's preliminary decision on a motion before the hearing. It's important to understand that this ruling is not final until the hearing is completed. During the hearing, the parties involved can argue against the tentative ruling, present... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: What do I do if I have two attorneys who have abandoned me in a row.

I have 2 PI claims with the first attorny. He abandoned me. I've seelnt 3 certified letters demanding communication and delivery of my file. No response for 3 months. The second attorneys is less bad but I never hear from him. As a result of the first attorney doing nothing making me do all... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Feb 15, 2024

Attorneys have an ethical obligation to provide you with copies of your file within a "reasonable" period of time. 3-months is "unreasonable". Contact the California State Bar and open a complaint. Provide copies of your "certified" letters. The certified letters are... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: What do I do if I have two attorneys who have abandoned me in a row.

I have 2 PI claims with the first attorny. He abandoned me. I've seelnt 3 certified letters demanding communication and delivery of my file. No response for 3 months. The second attorneys is less bad but I never hear from him. As a result of the first attorney doing nothing making me do all... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It's understandable to feel frustrated and abandoned by your attorneys, especially when facing serious medical and financial challenges. In California, attorneys have a duty to communicate effectively with their clients and diligently represent their interests. If your attorneys have failed to... View More

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