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California Supreme Court

Jan. 17, 2009

State Justices Send Message To Lawyers: Hire a Professional

Another reason why a lawyer representing himself has a fool for a client came from the California Supreme Court Thursday. Lawyers who self-represent cannot win attorney fees as sanctions against the opposing party, the high court held in a Sonoma County case involving a lawyer who successfully defended himself in a civil suit.

By John Roemer
Daily Journal Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO Another reason why a lawyer representing himself has a fool for a client came from the California Supreme Court Thursday.

Lawyers who self-represent cannot win attorney fees as sanctions against the opposing party, the high court held in a Sonoma County case involving a lawyer who successfully defended himself in a civil suit but lost his bid for fees.

The unanimous decision, affirm...

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