Solo and Small Firm Summit
June 12-13, 2026 | VEA Newport Beach – A Marriott Resort and Spa
900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Join us for the ultimate event dedicated to the business of law.
The California Lawyers Association (CLA) Solo and Small Firm Section invites you to the 2026 Solo and Small Firm Summit. This two-day transformative experience is designed specifically for the unique needs of solo practitioners and small firm owners.
Whether you are a new lawyer learning the ropes of operations or a seasoned business owner looking for strategies to scale, this summit is your compass for growth. We are moving beyond legal theory to focus on the practical business-building strategies you need to thrive in a competitive market.
Speaker Erin Joyce
Concurrent | Session 5B: Getting It Right From the Start — The Anatomy of an Engagement Agreement
Riviera Ballroom C/D
Join us for a program detailing what you need in a compliant fee agreement for all different types of engagements, ranging for hourly, contingency, flat fee and hybrid arrangements. We will discuss true retainers and when they are appropriate, and the dangers of outdated fee agreements, such as those with “earned on receipt” or “nonrefundable” language. Learn when and how you can renegotiate fees with clients and some important provisions you should adopt for your firm’s fee agreement.
MCLE: 1.0 Hour
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Erin JoyceLitigation and Ethics AttorneyErin Joyce Law, PC
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Annie ThompsonChief Claims OfficerLawyers Mutual Insurance Company
LAW IN THE NEWS
Solo & Small Firms Summit
Statewide Ethics Symposium
LACBA Multi-Section Mixer 2026
CONTACT ERIN JOYCE LAW
REPRESENTING CLIENTS THROUGHOUT ALL OF CALIFORNIA
STATE BAR COURT | L.A. COUNTY | ORANGE COUNTY | RIVERSIDE COUNTY | SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY | SAN DIEGO COUNTY | VENTURA COUNTY
When you get a letter from the State Bar, don’t go it alone! You need competent, experienced counsel to respond to the State Bar at every stage. Your license is at risk, so ensure you have the best representation from a former State Bar prosecutor before sending any response to an investigator or responding to formal charges leveled by the State Bar. You cannot make an informed decision without good advice. Call Erin now.
