Legal Update by Steve Schulman
January 9, 2026
In a wide-ranging and engaging presentation, the Steve reflected on a career shaped by change, community involvement, and a close eye on California’s evolving laws.
The presentation began with a personal professional journey. After working in insurance defense law, he described how widespread industry shifts—insurance companies moving legal work fully in-house—led to mass layoffs. What could have been a setback instead became an opportunity for independence. Moving away from the pressure of billable hours offered a healthier, more efficient way to practice law, avoiding incentives that can unnecessarily prolong cases.
Highlighting Steve’s involvement in the community, particularly the San Diego Holiday Bowl. As a volunteer “Redcoat,” the speaker highlighted how the bowl game plays a crucial role in local tourism—filling tens of thousands of hotel rooms and supporting restaurants and businesses during a traditionally slow season. The discussion underscored a growing concern: the Holiday Bowl’s reliance on last-minute corporate sponsors. With team payouts nearing $6 million, the event’s future depends heavily on private sponsorship, not city funding, making each year uncertain despite its clear economic benefit.
The latter part of the presentation reviewed key new California laws taking effect in the new year, noting that more than 900 new laws were enacted statewide. Highlights included:
The phase-out of plastic shopping bags
Stronger consumer protections for food delivery errors
Caps on overdraft and NSF fees
Limits on loud commercials in streaming services
Expanded return rights for leased used vehicles
New animal welfare laws addressing cat declawing and puppy mills
Increased transparency in rental car pricing and fuel type disclosures
Taken together, the presentation blended personal insight, civic pride, and practical legal updates—reminding listeners how professional experience, community engagement, and legislative awareness intersect in everyday life.
Personal Injury Attorney