Peter Law Group

Join LACBA Barristers and the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel (AMEC) Emerging Leaders Board for an exciting evening of networking at the iconic Sony Pictures Entertainment Studio Lot.

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Sony Pictures Entertainment Studio Lot (The Lear Commissary Patio)
10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Join LACBA Barristers and the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel Emerging Leaders Board on June 24, 2026, for a fantastic night of networking over delicious appetizers and drinks provided by Wolfgang Puck in one of Hollywood’s iconic venues, the Sony Pictures Studio lot.

This not-to-be-missed event was a sold-out event in 2025, register early and we hope to see you there!

Registration Rates
• LACBA Barristers/Young Attorneys Section Members – $70
• AMEC Members – $70
• LACBA Members – $85
• Law Students – $60
• All Others – $110

Pre-registration is required. Register online at
https://lacba.org/?pg=events&eid=348303&evAction=showDetail

or contact LACBA Member Services at (213) 896-6560. Law students and AMEC members may register by phone through Member Services.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Please contact Jennifer Seo at [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities.

We hope to see you there for an evening of great conversation, new connections, and a unique opportunity to experience one of Hollywood's most iconic studio lots.

Why I Ride. Why I Sponsor. Why Tour de Pier Matters.

I am proud to once again participate in and personally sponsor Tour de Pier 2026 as part of the Bay Club team in support of cancer research. This cause is deeply personal to me.

Approximately four years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. Like many cancer patients, I suddenly found myself navigating surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and the many challenges that accompany treatment. At one point, I lost nearly 25% of my body weight and was unable to exercise for almost two years.

The road back was difficult, but I was fortunate to have an incredible support system. The team at Bay Club played a significant role in my recovery. They encouraged me to return to fitness one step at a time, introduced me to Tour de Pier, and helped me rediscover both my physical strength and confidence.

As an employment attorney, I have represented individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their professional lives, from discrimination and retaliation to wrongful termination and wage and hour disputes. My own battle with cancer gave me an even greater appreciation for the challenges people face when health, family, and career concerns collide. It is one of many reasons this cause is so meaningful to me.

I would also like to give a special shout-out to Philip "PK" Kessel, Vice President of Athletics for The Bay Club Company. PK has been the driving force behind Bay Club's remarkable and longstanding participation in Tour de Pier. His energy, leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to this cause have inspired countless riders, including me. Through his encouragement and example, many of us have become involved in an event that has raised millions of dollars for lifesaving cancer research while building an extraordinary sense of community and purpose.

Today, I am grateful to be in remission, back in the gym five days a week, participating in spin classes, and enjoying an active lifestyle that once seemed out of reach. That is why I am especially honored not only to ride with the Bay Club team, but also to serve as a sponsor of Tour de Pier. This event raises critical funds for cancer research while bringing together survivors, families, medical professionals, and supporters united by a common purpose: finding better treatments and ultimately a cure.

Cancer impacts virtually every family. I am living proof that research, innovation, outstanding medical care, and a strong community can make an extraordinary difference.

Thank you to Bay Club, Tour de Pier, PK, and everyone supporting this remarkable cause. I look forward to riding alongside all of you and helping advance the fight against cancer.



Celebrating with family and friends and Arnold’s colleague David Lesser (Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

Five Biblical Principles That Form the Bedrock of American Law

From Moses to the Founding Fathers—and Beyond

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it is worth remembering that our legal system did not emerge in a vacuum. American law is the product of many influences, including English common law, Roman law, Enlightenment philosophy, and Judeo-Christian moral principles. While the United States is not a theocracy, many of the concepts that underlie our understanding of justice, human dignity, and the rule of law can be traced to both the Old and New Testaments.

Here are five biblical principles that helped shape the foundations of American law.

1. Every Human Being Possesses Inherent Dignity and Worth

Old Testament

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

New Testament
"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

Legal Principle Derived

Equal protection under the law and the inherent dignity of every person.

The revolutionary idea that every individual possesses equal value before God profoundly influenced Western civilization. The Declaration of Independence echoes this concept when it states that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with certain unalienable rights. Modern constitutional protections against discrimination and unequal treatment flow from this principle.

2. Truth Matters and False Testimony Is a Serious Wrong

Old Testament
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16)

New Testament
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor." (Ephesians 4:25)

Legal Principle Derived
Perjury laws, witness credibility, and the integrity of judicial proceedings.

Courts can only function if participants tell the truth. From sworn testimony to affidavits and depositions, the American legal system places enormous emphasis on honesty. The biblical condemnation of false testimony helped establish the principle that justice requires truth.

3. Due Process Requires Fair Procedures

Old Testament

"A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." (Deuteronomy 19:15)

New Testament

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24)

Legal Principle Derived

Due process, evidentiary standards, and the right to a fair hearing.

The Bible repeatedly teaches that accusations should be tested and verified rather than accepted blindly. Modern concepts such as the presumption of innocence, evidentiary requirements, cross-examination, and procedural fairness reflect this enduring commitment to justice through process rather than arbitrary power.

4. Government Exists to Promote Justice and Restrain Wrongdoing

Old Testament

"Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes... and they shall judge the people fairly." (Deuteronomy 16:18)
New Testament

"For the one in authority is God's servant for your good... an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." (Romans 13:4)

Legal Principle Derived

The rule of law and the legitimate role of government.
The biblical tradition rejects both anarchy and tyranny. Government exists not merely to exercise power but to administer justice and protect society. This principle influenced the Founders' understanding that lawful government should serve the public good while remaining constrained by law.

5. Justice Must Be Impartial

Old Testament

"Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike." (Deuteronomy 1:17)

New Testament

"For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:11)

Legal Principle Derived

An independent judiciary and equal justice under law.

One of the most important ideals of American justice is that wealth, power, race, political influence, and social status should not determine legal outcomes. The image of Lady Justice wearing a blindfold reflects a concept deeply rooted in biblical teachings about impartial judgment.

A Sixth Principle Worth Remembering: Mercy Tempering Justice

Old Testament

"What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy." (Micah 6:8)

New Testament

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Legal Principle Derived

Equity, clemency, rehabilitation, and judicial discretion.
While justice requires accountability, biblical teaching also recognizes the importance of mercy. Modern legal systems incorporate this principle through pardons, equitable remedies, probation, rehabilitation programs, and judicial discretion in sentencing.

Final Thought

The American legal system is not based exclusively on the Bible. It is the product of centuries of legal, philosophical, and political development. Yet many of its most enduring principles—human dignity, truthfulness, due process, impartial justice, limited government, and mercy—find powerful expression in both the Old and New Testaments.

Whether one approaches these principles from a religious, historical, or civic perspective, they remain among the foundational ideas that have helped shape the rule of law in the United States for nearly 250 years.

"As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, it is worth reflecting not only on our institutions, but also on the timeless principles that inspired them." 🇺🇸

Was George Washington a Six-Star General? A Fascinating Story as America Approaches Its 250th Anniversary

As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, or semi quincentennial for those who enjoy impossible-to-pronounce historical terms, you will unfortunately be subjected to a series of posts from me highlighting some fascinating and lesser-known aspects of American history. The question in this post is was George Washington a Six-Star General?

One of the remarkable things about American history is that even familiar figures and events often contain surprising stories and leadership lessons that remain incredibly relevant today. And admittedly, this is probably what happens when a lawyer spends too much time reading military history instead of relaxing like a normal person.

Most Americans know there have only been five officially recognized Five-Star Generals in U.S. history: George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Omar Bradley. The five-star rank, formally known as “General of the Army,” was created during World War II to place American commanders on equal footing with allied Field Marshals.

But there was one concern. Congress and military leaders recognized that it would seem historically inappropriate for any officer to outrank George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and the founding military leader of the United States. As a result, in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial celebration, Congress posthumously promoted Washington to the rank of “General of the Armies of the United States” and declared that he would forever hold the highest military rank in American history.

While the United States military has never formally used the phrase “six-star general,” Washington’s rank was specifically designed to ensure that no future officer, including the legendary Five-Star Generals of World War II, would outrank him. This symbolism matters.

Washington not only led the Continental Army to victory against the British Empire under nearly impossible circumstances, but he also established one of the most important traditions in American history: civilian control of the military. At the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, Washington voluntarily surrendered power and returned to private life, rejecting the possibility of becoming a monarch or military ruler. King George III reportedly remarked that if Washington willingly gave up military power, “he will be the greatest man in the world.”

In many respects, Washington’s greatest act of leadership may not have been winning the war itself but demonstrating that military power in America would remain subordinate to constitutional government and democratic institutions.
So, was George Washington technically a six-star general? No, not officially. But Congress effectively ensured that he would always stand above every other American military officer in history.

Modern Leadership Lessons from World War II Generals: Infantry Wins Battles, Logistics Wins Wars

One of the greatest lessons of World War II is that monumental achievements are rarely the result of one personality, one talent, or one style of leadership. Whether we are speaking about warfare, scientific invention, business innovation, politics, law, medicine, or entertainment, success almost always requires teamwork and the combination of very different skill sets working together toward a common objective.

History often celebrates the individuals at the front lines: the infantry charging into battle, the inventor unveiling the breakthrough technology, the CEO announcing the deal, or the public figure delivering the speech. But behind every visible success are planners, engineers, organizers, logisticians, strategists, and countless others whose contributions make the achievement possible. World War II may be one of the clearest examples of this principle in modern history.

Historically, infantry and battlefield commanders receive the glory and public recognition because they are the visible face of combat and sacrifice. The dramatic images of troops storming beaches, tanks advancing across Europe, and soldiers fighting in brutal conditions understandably become symbols of victory. Yet, those accomplishments could never have occurred without the logistical systems supporting them behind the scenes.

An infantry division cannot fight without ammunition. Tanks cannot advance without fuel. Aircraft cannot fly without maintenance crews, spare parts, engineering support, intelligence coordination, transportation systems, medical infrastructure, and industrial production operating continuously in the background.

John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War I, said, "Infantry wins battles, logistics wins wars." World War II validated that principle on an unprecedented scale.

The war demonstrated that battlefield courage alone is insufficient if military advances cannot be sustained. An army may rapidly capture territory, but if supply chains collapse or logistics fail to keep pace, tactical victories can quickly become strategic disasters.

This is not to diminish the importance of courageous and decisive battlefield commanders such as General George S. Patton. Quite the opposite. Patton’s aggressive tactics, speed, boldness, and relentless offensive instincts helped drive Allied momentum across Europe and inspired troops under extraordinary pressure. His battlefield leadership remains legendary.

But even Patton’s successes depended heavily on logistical support. Many of his advances slowed not because of enemy resistance alone, but because fuel, ammunition, and transportation systems could not keep pace with the speed of his armored offensives. WWII demonstrated that aggressive military action and logistical sustainability must work together.

The great American generals of World War II each reflected different but equally necessary leadership qualities implementing these principles. General Dwight D. Eisenhower perhaps best embodied the importance of organization and coordination. Remarkably, Eisenhower had never commanded troops in combat before becoming Supreme Allied Commander. Yet he successfully organized the D-Day invasion, the largest amphibious assault in human history. Eisenhower’s genius was rooted not in battlefield theatrics, but in diplomacy, coalition management, planning, logistics, and the ability to coordinate nations, militaries, intelligence systems, transportation networks, and industrial production into one unified operation.

General Omar Bradley represented calm, disciplined operational leadership. Known as “the GI’s General,” Bradley earned the trust and confidence of ordinary soldiers through humility, professionalism, and steady leadership. He excelled at balancing aggressive military operations with organization, coordination, and logistical sustainability, recognizing that victory required not only rapid advances but also the ability to sustain troops and operations over time. Bradley’s leadership reflected discipline, operational stability, and a deep understanding of the human cost of war.

General Douglas MacArthur brought another entirely different skill set. In the Pacific theater, MacArthur combined military strategy with political vision and long-term geopolitical planning. His island-hopping campaigns helped reverse Japanese expansion and the defeat of Imperial Japan. MacArthur’s greatest achievements may have come after the war. Following Japan’s surrender, he oversaw the Allied occupation and helped transform the country through democratic reforms, a new constitution, expanded civil liberties, and the rebuilding of Japan’s political and economic institutions. MacArthur understood that lasting victory required not only battlefield success, but also reconstruction, stability, and long-term strategic vision after the fighting ended.

Patton, Eisenhower, Bradley, and MacArthur were dramatically different men with different personalities, strengths, and leadership approaches. Yet together they demonstrated a timeless truth: major victories are achieved when individuals with complementary abilities work together toward a shared mission.

The Allies did not simply outfight the Axis powers. In many respects, they outorganized, outproduced, and out sustained them. Victory depended not only on infantry and battlefield heroics, but also on factories, railroads, shipyards, engineers, codebreakers, transportation systems, supply depots, industrial planners, and millions of people whose contributions often remained invisible to the public. World War II transformed warfare into a comprehensive test of organization, endurance, teamwork, and national coordination.

That lesson remains profoundly relevant today. Whether in military affairs, business, technology, law, medicine, or public service, the people receiving public credit are often standing on foundations built by many others working behind the scenes. The most successful organizations and leaders understand that lasting victory almost always depends on combining visible leadership with the less glamorous but absolutely essential systems that sustain it.

Honoring the Legacy of Federal Judge Edward Dean Price Through the Next Generation of Public Service Leaders

The Judge Edward Dean Price Scholarship Fund continues to honor the extraordinary legacy of United States District Judge Edward Dean Price, a World War II veteran before dedicating his life to the rule of law and public service. Arnold Peter, one of Judge Price’s former law clerks, helped initiate the scholarship to carry forward the values of integrity, mentorship, and service that Judge Price instilled in generations of young attorneys.

The relationship between a federal judge and a law clerk is unlike any other professional mentorship. For many young lawyers, it is a formative experience that shapes not only legal skills, but character, judgment, and a lifelong commitment to justice. Judge Price had a profound impact on Arnold and countless other clerks who benefited from his wisdom, discipline, humility, courage, and unwavering belief in the American legal system.

This year’s scholarship recipient, Lily Sefranek of Berkeley Law, exemplifies those same values. Lily aspires to build a career in litigation and international human rights, while remaining deeply committed to public service and pro bono advocacy. The scholarship has helped support her pursuit of meaningful legal work dedicated to advancing justice and serving vulnerable communities.

Congratulations to Lily Sefranek and to all those who continue to preserve Judge Price’s remarkable legacy through this important scholarship fund.

NO GREATER LOVE

A Memorial Day Reflection on Sacrifice, Service, and Gratitude

This Memorial Day, I pause to reflect on the fact that my family came to the United States seeking refuge from persecution for our Christian faith. America opened its doors to us, and in humble gratitude for that extraordinary blessing, I later had the great privilege of serving as an Army officer. Yet, what little I gave in service was far outweighed by what my family and I received in return from the incredibly generous American people and this remarkable nation.

My limited service, however, can never compare to the sacrifice made by those who never came home. President Ronald Reagan once reminded us that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is preserved because brave men and women were willing to stand in harm’s way, and in far too many cases, give what President Reagan described as “the last full measure of devotion” for this country and for one another.

Today is not about politics, ideology, or division. It is about remembrance, gratitude, humility, duty, and loss.

We honor every fallen American service member regardless of rank, branch of service, race/national origin, or circumstance. From the Revolutionary War to the conflicts of today, more than 1.3 million Americans have died in military service defending this nation. Their sacrifice preserved the Republic through the Civil War, two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the long years of conflict following September 11th.

As Scripture reminds us:

During the Last Supper, Jesus Christ explained the highest form of love: the willingness to sacrifice oneself for others. For too many American families, those words have become forever intertwined with the courage and sacrifice of the men and women whose family members gave their lives in service to our nation:

“No greater love hath a man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
That timeless Biblical truth remains at the very heart of Memorial Day.

President Reagan also warned that if we forget what these men and women did, we will forget who we are as Americans. That may be the greatest danger facing our nation today.

Memorial Day is not merely a long weekend. It is a sacred national moment to remember
Americans who carried burdens most of us can scarcely imagine.

Historian Arnold Toynbee once observed that “great civilizations are not murdered; they commit suicide.” In many ways, remembrance is the safeguard against that decline. When a nation forgets the sacrifices that preserved its freedom, forgets the values for which others died, or forgets the human cost of liberty, it risks losing not only its collective memory, but ultimately its unique identity. Memorial Day therefore serves not only as a tribute to the fallen, but also as a solemn reminder of who we are as Americans and what previous generations sacrificed to preserve for us.

While Memorial Day is first and foremost a day to honor the fallen, I would also ask that we remember the families to whom these brave men and women belonged. Behind every name etched onto a memorial is a mother, father, spouse, child, sibling, friend, or colleague whose life was forever changed by loss and sacrifice.

If you stop and think for just a moment, you will almost certainly remember someone connected to your own life who carried that burden of sacrifice. It may be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a professional colleague whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

For example, our firm’s Operations Manager, Alison Miller, comes from a family with a proud tradition of honorable military service. Her father and grandfather both served this country with distinction, and her grandfather now rests on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Today, we pay homage not only to Alison’s family, but also to every family that has sacrificed so that others could serve, especially those who have endured the permanent absence, grief, and quiet heartbreak that accompany the loss of a loved one who never returned home.

This Memorial Day, please take at least a few moments to remember those within your own sphere who served and especially those who never returned home. Visit a memorial service or commemoration in your community, many of which are unfortunately sparsely attended. Reach out to a Gold Star family. And if no names immediately come to mind, simply pause in silent reverence and remember the countless Americans who gave everything so that we may continue to live free.

May God bless the fallen, their families, and the United States of America.
President Reagan video:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HOzYz1_JAgk

THE MEASURE OF A LAWYER — A FOLLOW-UP REFLECTION ON AI, ETHICS, AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Complimentary Book Offer for the First Ten Colleagues Who Respond Before June 1

A Tremendous Learning Opportunity
Few experiences in the practice of law are more humbling than being publicly criticized in court. My recent article, “The Measure of a Lawyer,” reflected on one such experience involving the evolving intersection of legal practice, technology, and professional responsibility.

What began as a difficult professional moment has also become a tremendous learning opportunity. In many ways, I am grateful that the Court gave me the opportunity to respond, learn, reflect, and now help educate others in the profession that I hold so dearly. While painful at the time, the experience forced me to examine more deeply the rapidly evolving intersection between artificial intelligence, legal ethics, attorney competency, and proper supervision.

Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Even Theology
What has become increasingly clear to me is that artificial intelligence is no longer simply a technology issue or even merely a legal ethics issue. It is rapidly becoming one of the defining societal, philosophical, and even theological questions of our time.

The fact that Pope Leo’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“The Greatness of Humanity”), directly confronts the opportunities, dangers, and moral implications of artificial intelligence demonstrates just how profound these issues have become. The encyclical , to be formally relae4sed on May 25 by the Pope himself (a canon lawyer--by the law) addresses questions involving human dignity, creativity, responsibility, and the proper relationship between humanity and rapidly advancing technology.

For those of us in the legal profession, the implications are enormous because lawyers sit at the intersection of truth, advocacy, ethics, and increasingly, technology itself. If artificial intelligence is now important enough to become the subject of papal reflection and global theological discussion, it should command the close attention of every lawyer, judge, law student, and law firm leader as well.

And for my fellow Catholics — especially those far more devout and disciplined than I am — we know that when a Pope writes an encyclical, it is not simply “a strongly worded memo from management.” It is among the most important forms of papal teaching and guidance to the Church and often to society as a whole.

A Deep Dive Into AI and Legal Ethics
Over the past several months, I have immersed myself in these issues and have become a serious self-taught student of this emerging field. I have also had the privilege of working closely with Professor Nancy B. Rapoport of the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, one of the leading voices in legal ethics and AI governance.

Professor Rapoport and Joseph R. Tiano Jr. recently published an outstanding new book, “A Short & Happy Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Legal Ethics” (West Academic 2026). I genuinely believe this subject will soon become standard learning in law schools and increasingly essential knowledge within law firms and corporate legal departments. The profession is changing rapidly, and lawyers must evolve with it while preserving the core values of judgment, candor, accountability, and ethical supervision.

Professor Rapoport:
https://law.unlv.edu/faculty/nancy-rapoport

Book link:
https://www.westacademic.com/Rapoport-and-Tianos-A-Short-Happy-Guide-to-Artificial-Intelligence-and-Legal-Ethics-9798317708337

Complimentary Book Offer
As a small measure of appreciation and collegiality, I am offering a complimentary copy of the book to the first ten colleagues who write back to me before June 1, 2026. My hope is that this book will help lawyers better understand both the extraordinary opportunities and the significant ethical responsibilities that accompany the use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession.

Final Reflection
Sometimes our most difficult professional moments become our most valuable educational experiences. The practice of law continues to evolve rapidly, but integrity, accountability, professionalism, and humility remain timeless principles that technology can never replace.