The Los Angeles County Superior Court has launched new programs that seek to facilitate settlements by providing free attorneys to tenants and financial relief to landlords who are owed back rent. These tenants, who rarely come to court with legal representation, will be given a free attorney to guide them though the settlement conferences, as long as they earn less than 125% of the federal poverty level.

(Subscription required) The pass rate on California's February bar exam plummeted to 30.8%, marking a dramatic return from last year's unusual score spike to the usual pattern of high failure rates on the Golden State's annual late winter test. The pass rate is the lowest recorded in the last six years and the second lowest mark in four decades, according to figures released Friday by the state bar.

(Subscription required) Former FTC attorney Faye C. Barnouw brings a consumer protection mindset and a photographer's eye to the bench, handling hundreds of misdemeanor cases each week while focusing on fairness, preparation and rehabilitation.

(Subscription required) Modeled after a program that once operated out of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse cafeteria, the Resolve Law LA Virtual Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) Program has become an increasingly popular option for attorneys litigating personal injury and employment cases in Los Angeles County Superior Court.