Deadbeat Lawyer's Case: Dead on Appeal

Hot off CCRA's press is news that the appeal of a deadbeat lawyer is dead. The decision was filed and certified for publication on April 20, 2012. This represents a major victory in what could have had a devastating effect upon any court reporter or agency trying to collect fees.


CCRA's President Early Langley assisted appellate lawyers Philip Landsman, Robert F. Cohen and Frances L. Diaz by writing an amicus curiae letter on behalf of the plaintiff court reporting firm, Personal Court Reporters, Inc., and all the court reporters in the state of California.

The deadbeat lawyer tried to make this case into a violation of free speech. In the Second Appellate District, Division Four, the court found that the causes of action do not arise from his free speech. Instead, they found that his nonpayment of overdue invoices was really at issue.

This illustrates the point that no matter what legislation may exist to get a deadbeat lawyer to pay his bills, there will always be someone out there who will find a way to avoid paying. And in this case, the lawyer went all the way, at a cost of thousands of dollars to the court reporting firm.

To view the published opinion, visit http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B229358.PDF

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Valentine's Day Treats for Court Reporting Students

submitted by Martha Hutchings

During Valentine's Week, California Court Reporters Association (CCRA) paid tribute to all of the hard-working students studying to be our future court reporters. CCRA's student liaison, Gerie Bunch, chair of the Save Our Students (SOS) program, coordinated with 16 schools statewide to ensure that all students were included in Valentine's Day deliveries. Members from all over the state delivered a Valentine's Day candy/cookie basket to each of the schools.

I was asked to deliver sweet treats to South Coast College. Students, Airriann Guyant and Javier Saavedra are posing with Hutchings' treats. It was great to meet Airriann and Javier and the students' response to the goodies was enthusiastic.

 

There are approximately 2,325 students statewide studying court reporting, and CCRA is proud to support the future of our profession.

Making a Difference - One Wednesday at a Time

submitted by Hillary Sackett, Hutchings Heroes Team Captain

Hutchings Court Reporters staff love to go Casual for a Cause.  Every Wednesday, team members are invited to wear jeans to the office and make a small donation to charity.  Through this method alone over the past two years, our group has contributed thousands of dollars to programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association, the Haiti Earthquate Relief fund and local area food banks.  Our current focus for the 2011 holidays -- the Los Angeles food bank.  Look for "change jars" in our offices if you care to make a donation.

It's a small commitment that has BIG results!  Perhaps your firm would be interested in setting up something similar...