Law Firm Ownership Rule Change Supporters Vocal at Calif. Forum

The proposals by the State Bar of California to allow nonlawyers to share in law firm profits and provide legal advice received vigorous backing from notable law professors and several other speakers at a public hearing Aug. 10.

The support for many of the 16 proposals put forth by the state bar’s Task Force on Access Through Innovation of Legal Services came in contrast to the clear-cut opposition the proposals have received so far in written comments to the bar.

The impassioned remarks on both sides of the issue foreshadow what could be bruising battles within several state bars studying ...