| |
 Over
the next seven years, Mr. Geffen worked at several prestigious law firms
where he proceeded to build an outstanding record of success. During this
period his colleagues, clients, and even adversaries, came to respect
him as a principled and effective legal practitioner.
Early in 2001, Mr. Geffen decided the time was right to found a new law
firm that embodied both his personal values and professional philosophy
–
Geffen & Associates was born.
Throughout his career, Mr. Geffen has been active in a variety of legal and community associations. By volunteering his time
and leadership he has sought to advance a better understanding and appreciation of the practice of law. In particular, his
many presentations to state and local bar associations have distinguished him as a thoughtful and conscientious member of the
greater legal community.
Mr. Geffen currently lives in Encinitas, CA, with his wife and daughter.
Associations
State Bar of California
Chair, Standing Committee on Mandatory Fee Arbitration, 2001-2002; Vice-Chair,
2000-2001; Member, 1998-2000
San Diego County Bar Association
Member, Litigation Section, 1994-present
Volunteer Arbitrator, Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program, 1997-present
Association of Business Trial Lawyers
of San Diego
Member, 1996-present |
 |
Kiwanis Club of
San Diego
Trustee, Kiwanis Foundation, 1998-2001
Chair, Community Service Committee, 1998-2000
James Legal Publishing
Member, Editorial Advisory Board, 2001-present
BIA Toastmasters Club
Member, 1997-1999
Brandeis University Alumni Admissions Council
Member, 1996-present |
Publications
California State Bar Committee on Mandatory Fee Arbitration
(primary author), The
Enforceability of Non-Refundable Retainer Provisions in Attorney-Client Fee
Agreements (Arbitration Advisory, 2001-2002).
California State Bar Committee on Mandatory Fee Arbitration (primary author),
The
Impact of the Truth in Lending Act and Retail Installment Sales Act Upon Attorney-Client
Fee Disputes (Arbitration Advisory, 2000-2001).
Geffen, M., Dealing with Sexual Harassment, Business Action (Publication
of Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce), April 1997.
Presentations
Panelist, State
Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented to the San Diego
County Bar Association, San Diego, CA, July 17, 2003.
Panelist, Continuing Education of the Bar MCLE Fair, How to Avoid
and Survive Attorney-Client Fee Disputes, San Diego, CA, January
25, 2003.
Keynote Speaker, Current Hot Topics in Attorney-Client Fee Disputes,
presented to the Orange County Bar Association, Costa Mesa, CA,
November 1, 2002.
Panelist, California State Bar 75th Annual Meeting, On the Rocks:
Stabilizing Your Attorney-Client Relationship After a Dispute Has
Arisen, Monterey, CA, October 12, 2002.
Panelist, State Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented
to the San Bernardino Bar Association, San Bernardino, CA, September
12, 2002.
Panelist, State Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented
to the Glendale Bar Association, Glendale, CA, February 20, 2002.
Panelist, What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Fee Agreements,
Billing Statements and Attorneys' Fees, presented to the San
Diego County Bar Association, San Diego, CA, January 24, 2002.
Panelist, Recent Developments in Attorney Fee Splitting and "Non-Refundable"
Retainers, presented to the Orange County Bar Association, Irvine,
CA, November 15, 2001. |
|
Panelist, State
Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented to the Los Angeles
County Bar Association, Los Angeles, CA, October 4, 2001.
Panelist, California State Bar 74th Annual Meeting, Recent Developments
in Attorney Fee Splitting and "Non-Refundable" Retainers,
Anaheim, CA, September 7, 2001.
Panelist, State Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented
to the Sacramento Bar Association, Sacramento, CA, May 3, 2001.
Panelist, California State Bar Winter Education Institute, Money
& Ethics: How To Collect Your Fees and Stay Out of Trouble,
Berkeley, CA, January 21, 2001.
Panelist, State Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented
to the San Mateo Bar Association, San Mateo, CA, January 11, 2001.
Panelist, State Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented
to the Eastern/Foothills Bar Association of Los Angeles County,
Covina, CA, November 2, 2000.
Panelist, California State Bar 73rd Annual Meeting, Arbitration
Clauses, Attorney Liens and "Non-Refundable" Retainers,
San Diego, CA, September 16, 2000.
Panelist, State Bar Fee Arbitration Training Seminar, presented
to the San Diego County Bar Association, San Diego, CA, August 10,
2000. |
|
|
