Proposition 207 Attorney Fees

As the voters mull over Proposition 207, they may think they are getting a chance to make a statement against frivolous lawsuits. The initiative is, after all, called the "Frivolous Lawsuit Limitation Act." But legal experts say Proposition 207 does little more than restate the current law regarding such lawsuits. They say the measure's main point is to lock into law a guarantee that lawyers can set their own fees, without intervention from the Legislature.

In an eleventh-hour surprise, the well-stocked campaign to defeat the securities fraud lawsuit initiative on Tuesday's ballot has poured at least $2.3 million into defeating two other propositions. The targets are Proposition 217, which would raise income taxes on the wealthiest Californians, and Proposition 207, which would restrict the Legislature's power to regulate attorney fees.

In an eleventh-hour surprise, the well-stocked campaign to defeat the securities fraud lawsuit initiative on Tuesday's ballot has poured at least $2.3 million into defeating two other propositions. The targets are Proposition 217, which would raise income taxes on the wealthiest Californians, and Proposition 207, which would restrict the Legislature's power to regulate attorney fees.

As the voters mull over Proposition 207, they may think they are getting a chance to make a statement against frivolous lawsuits. The initiative is, after all, called the "Frivolous Lawsuit Limitation Act." But legal experts say Proposition 207 does little more than restate the current law regarding such lawsuits. They say the measure's main point is to lock into law a guarantee that lawyers can set their own fees, without intervention from the Legislature.

The Times policy is to endorse selectively, on a case-by-case basis. Here are our recommendations on state, county and municipal measures, congressional and legislative races and local nonpartisan contests for Los Angeles and Orange counties. * State Propositions Proposition 204 (Water Bonds) YES. Funds essential projects in the San Francisco Bay-San Joaquin Delta area that would benefit every Californian. Proposition 205 (Jail Bonds) YES.