May/June 2019
www.sacbar.org
SCBA Executive Director Mary Burroughs Retires
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EDITOR’S MESSAGE
Betsy S. Kimball, Co-Editor-in-Chief
SCBA
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Changes
Gain access to Sacramento’s legal
add our welcome to Elizabeth Bacon as the SCBA’s new Executive Director. In his announcement to the SCBA membership of Elizabeth’s appointment, SCBA President Sean McCoy mentioned the significant positions Elizabeth has held at UC Davis and UOP. So how cool is it that Executive Director of the SCBA is an upward career move for Elizabeth! The SCBA has come a long way during Mary Burroughs’ tenure. As Editor, I have probably spent more time working with Mary than any other SCBA member. Presidents are one-and-done … the Editor just plods along year after year (to say nothing of the dozens of hours we worked together with Milenko Vlaisavljevic on the Centennial Book). What a pleasure it has been, both personally and professionally. I have watched as Mary has succeeded in growing the SCBA and making it ever more relevant to its membership. When she told me about her planned retirement, I asked her to pick out “five to 10 (max)” of her favorite on-the-job photos. She managed to narrow down her choices to 27 – the 27 that appear
PHOTO BY MARK LONG-ELEAKIS & ELDER PHOTOGRAPHY
We
community and market your EDITORS-IN-CHIEF to key decision makers. Betsy S.name Kimball Ellen Arabian-Lee Editor@sacbar.org M A G A Z I N E
STAFF EDITOR Maureen Onyeagbako MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Betsy S. Kimball, Samson R. Elsbernd, David Graulich, Heather Cline Hoganson, Yoshinori H.T. Himel
Elizabeth Bacon with Louis and Hannah
on the cover of this issue. Mary will be missed. Lastly, we mark the death of Coral Henning, the Director of the Sacramento County Law Library. I got to know Coral about 10 years ago when we worked together on a lawsuit defending the law library. Coral was a champion for the relevance of law libraries in the 21st century. If you are unfamiliar with the services that the law library provides to non-lawyers, please take five minutes to Google the library and then maybe make small (or large) donation to the library (or VLSP, LSNC, the Bar Foundation, whatever you support) in Coral’s honor.
IT PAYS TO BE A SCBA MEMBER! * FREE classified advertising * Conference room rental * Lower pricing on MCLE
* Plus many more that can be found at:
www.sacbar.org/home/for-attorneys/scba-member-benefits/
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mary J. Burroughs (916) 564-3780 - mburroughs@sacbar.org PRODUCTION DESIGN THIS WEEK AT THE BAR Milenko Vlaisavljevic
eNewsletter
ADVERTISING SALES EVENTS - MEMBER CLASSIFIED ADS (916) 564-3780 - scba@sacbar.org SCBA OFFICERS Sean McCoy - President Shanae Buffington - 1st Vice President Trevor Carson - 2nd Vice President Bryan Hawkins - Secretary/Treasurer SCBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mary J. Burroughs - mburroughs@sacbar.org
EVENTCalendar
Sacramento Lawyer (USPS 0981-300) is published bi-monthly by the Sacramento County Bar Association, 425 University Ave., Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95825. Issn 1087-8771. Annual subscription rate: $6.00 included in membership dues, or $24.00 for nonmembers. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, California. Postmaster: Send address to SacramentoaLawyer, Thechanges SCBA publishes 425 University Ave., Suite 120, Sacramento, Bi-Monthly full color CA 95825. Copyright 2019 by the SacraMagazine, Annual Legal mento County Bar Association.
Directory, and a weekly eNewsletter all with an Each author’ s commentary his/her on-line version reflects that has individual opinion only and not that of embedded.com click through his/her employer, organization with which to all published websites! he/she is affiliated, or Sacramento Lawyer magazine, unless otherwise stated. www.sacbar.org | 916.564.3780
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SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
CONTENTS SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
MAY / JUNE 2019
MAGAZINE
VOLUME 119, NUMBER 3
COVER STORY 16 The Burroughs Years – An Appreciation EVENTS 14 Women on the Bench: SCBA International Women’s Day Breakfast Seminar 26 Four Northern California Inns Come Together to Hear Dean Erwin Chemerinsky ARTICLES 22 California Launches Its First Practice Analysis for Newly Admitted Attorneys
10
VLSP 28 New Family Law Services Offered by VLSP AI 29 Robot Judge
14
20
SECTIONS, AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS 8
The Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento
10 Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association Honors Black History Month 12 Barristers’ Club Update 20 Public Law Section’s Legislative Update 2019 30 Solo/Small Practice Division IN MEMORIAM 29 Coral Henning
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DEPARTMENTS 4 Editor’s Message 6
President’s Message
COVER Sacramento Lawyer magazine welcomes letters and article suggestions from readers. Please e-mail them to editor@sacbar.org. The Sacramento County Bar Association reserves the right to edit articles and letters sent in for publication. Please contact the SCBA at 916-564-3780 for deadline information, fax 916-564-3787, or email mburroughs@sacbar.org. Web page: www.sacbar.org. Caveat: Articles and other work submitted to Sacramento Lawyer magazine become the copyrighted property of the Sacramento County Bar Association. Returns of tangible items such as photographs are by permission of the Executive Director only, by pickup at the SCBA office only.
SCBA Executive Director Mary Burroughs Retires (Photo legend on p.17)
www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
5
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Sean M. McCoy President, Sacramento County Bar Association
In
the Fall of 2013, my term on the State Bar CommitThe easiest way to register is through the SCBA web site. tee of Bar Examiners concluded and I was elected On other interesting news, for the last several years, the to serve as an at-large member of the SCBA board. Just after State Bar has been in a transition. The sections and many of the election, I went to an SCBA event where one of the first the voluntary portions of the Bar split off into the Califorpeople I met was our Executive Director, Mary Burroughs. nia Lawyers Association (CLA). In March, along with leaders Over the next six years on the board, I was able to see how from several other Northern California county bar associamuch of herself Mary put into making the tions, Mary Burroughs, 1st Vice PresiSCBA succeed. In addition to planning dent Shanae Buffington, and I attended the special events, the board meetings, a meeting with the leadership at CLA at Come to the SCBA’s Sixth its new offices here in Sacramento. One the MCLE luncheons, Mary has been responsible for managing the office staff, purpose of the meeting was to explore Annual Golf tournament enhancing cooperation between the varhelping to secure sponsorships, and doing all of the behind-the-scenes networkious organizations and sharing resourcand BarStock, on May 6 ing and communication that goes with es to improve programs and delivery of managing an organization as dependent services. We look forward to working at the Haggin Oaks Golf on volunteers as the SCBA is. Mary also more closely with our new neighbors. oversaw our move to the SCBA’s current Speaking of programs, the SCBA Complex. The easiest way home and the development of the Event manages the Indigent Defense Panel. Center. Basically, the SCBA maintains a list of loto register is through the This issue will be the last during cal attorneys who are sufficiently expeMary’s tenure as Executive Director. Even rienced and able to accept appointment SCBA web site. though Mary has committed to being as counsel in criminal defense matters available as a resource after her retirewhere the Sacramento County Public ment, we will still feel the loss of her Defender has a conflict of interest. In institutional knowledge, and will miss her enthusiasm and March, for the first time in several years, the SCBA opened dedication. the application process for all levels. The SCBA is in the proFortunately, Mary does not retire until early June. That cess of reviewing and renegotiating the memorandum of unmeans that you still have time to say hello, congratulations, derstanding with the County regarding how that program and wish her luck in her retirement. The best place to do that operates, so watch for more news. is at the SCBA Sixth Annual Golf tournament and BarStock, In the meantime, come to BarStock and say hello to taking place on May 6 at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. Mary before she retires.
EVENTCalendar
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SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
Now you can enjoy news articles from your computer or phone! www.sacbar.org
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CONTACT Canada 916.564.3780 Mexico The Caribbean dlaughter@sacbar.org Bermuda
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SECTIONS, AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS
The Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento
Chris Alvarez is President of ABAS and a labor and employment attorney at Fisher & Phillips LLP. He can be contacted at calvarez@ fisherphillips.com.
by Chris Alvarez
Judge Russell L. Hom, Chris Alvarez, Michael Wang, Cindy Liu, Connor Olson, Priscilla Parker, Gino Barrica, Brian Davalos, Chris Lee, and Minh Hoang
Meet the 2019 ABAS Board After numerous votes were counted, the following lawyers were elected to serve as ABAS officers and directors for 2019: President - Chris Alvarez, President-Elect - Priscilla Parker, Vice President - Michael Wang, Secretary - Minh Hoang, Treasurer - Jinnifer Pitcher, Director at Large - Gino Barrica, Director at Large - Brian Davalos, Director at Large - Connor Olson, and Director at Large - Roy Yang. Ex-Officio members include Jeannie Lee Jones (Past President), Chris Lee, and immediate Past President Cindy Liu. What ABAS Is ABAS is the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento, formed in 1981 to promote and protect the interests of Asian and Pacific Islander (API)
8
attorneys and the API communities in the greater Sacramento area. ABAS members include attorneys working in federal, state, and local government, in private practice, as in-house counsel, and in the non-profit sector, in addition to judges, law students and law school faculty, and non-attorney members. ABAS is also a member association of both the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association (Cal-APABA), the statewide umbrella organization for Asian Pacific American lawyers’ associations, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). ABAS members have served in leadership roles in both organizations. ABAS is certified by the State Bar of California and is an affiliate member organization of the Sacramento County Bar Association.
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
What ABAS Does The objective of ABAS is to foster the exchange of ideas and promote the professional growth of its members; to provide an opportunity for fellowship among ABAS members; to provide service to the general and local community; to develop and encourage cooperation with other organizations of minority attorneys; and to provide a vehicle and forum for the unified expression of opinions and positions on current social, political, economic, legal, or other matters or events of concern. Plans for the Future ABAS will be hosting a number of events this year, including an array of educational programs and mixers. All are welcome.
Sacramento County Bar Association
SOLO
practice
SMALL
division
2019 Annual Boot Camp
OPTIMIZING YOUR PRACTICE FOR SUCCESS
PRICING INFORMATION
$40
SCBA Solo/Small Practice Division Members
DATE: Thursday, May 16, 2019 SCHEDULE:
Non-SCBA Members
SCBA EVENT CENTER
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. What You Need to Know about Fee Agreements Speaker: Kenneth E. Bacon 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. How to Structure Your Firm and Tax Implications Speaker: BJ Susich 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. IT and Your Firm: A Panel Discussion
SCBA Members
$125
PLACE:
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Registration and Introductions
$75
425 University Ave, Suite 120 Sacramento, CA 95825 RSVP: You may pay by credit card or check payable to:“Sacramento County Bar Association”. Mail payment to: Sacramento County Bar Association, Attn: SCBA Solo/ Small Practice Division, 425 University Ave, Suite 120 • Sacramento, CA 95825 or pay online at www.sacbar.org-Event Calendar. If you have any questions please contact Cecilia Rainey at cecilia.rainey@sacbar.org or 916-564-3780.
2 Units of MCLE Credits **General Law
Reservations must be received by 5pm May 9, 2019. Registration will not be confirmed until payment is received. After deadline date (if there is availability) and for any walk-ins pricing will increase by $10. No one will be permitted to attend without payment.
Beverages, Light Snacks, and Door Prizes provided!! YOUR NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMPANY NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________________________________________________ STATE: ______________________ ZIP: _______________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ AMOUNT: $______________ CREDIT CARD NUMBER: __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ CHECK NUMBER: _________________________ EXPIRATION DATE: ___ ___ – ___ ___
MASTER CARD
VISA
CVR CODE NUMBER: ___ ___ ___
SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SCBA Solo/Small Practice Division - May 16, 2019 *No refund will be available within 7 days of event. **This activity pending for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of 2 units of MCLE in the General Credit. The Sacramento County Bar Association provider #166 certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education. This event is for SCBA members and invited guests. The SCBA reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone whose presence is unreasonably disruptive or who detracts from the safety, welfare, and well-being of other patrons, staff, and the establishment itself.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE SCBA SOLO/SMALL PRACTICE DIVISION SPONSORS
877-446-2051 Sacramento County Bar Association • 425 University Ave, Suite 120 • Sacramento, CA 95825 • 916-564-3780 www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
9
SECTIONS, AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS
Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association Honors Black History Month by Carmen-Nicole Cox
Carmen-Nicole Cox is the President of the Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association and Chief in the Office of Legislation at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She can be contacted at carmennicolecox@gmail.com.
T
he Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association (WMBA) celebrated Black History Month 2019 with events to enrich the mind and spirit. On February 27, the group held its 7th annual “Literacy Liberates” book drive at Underground Books in the Oak Park neighborhood. All donated books are for the exclusive benefit of the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility. The books provide more than just a pastime for the residents of juvenile hall. The youth can earn prizes and privileges based on the number of books they read and review. Additionally, residents can earn their own copy of their favorite book or magazine. This year’s book drive collected more than 100 books, including numerous copies of the extremely popular novel, The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas.
Assistant Sacramento City Attorney Sandra Talbott, Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood, Sacramento Councilmember Angelique Ashby, WMBA President Carmen-Nicole Cox, and WLS President Kim Garner
Keynote speaker Commissioner Carlton Davis spoke passionately about the work he is doing inside of the Youth Detention Facility through
Carmen-Nicole Cox, President of WMBA, facilitates the panel discussion at the WMBA/WLS event
10
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
a program called Contracts for Success. The Contracts for Success program brings lawyers, judges, educators, and other professionals into the
to discuss how the marches, protests, and impact litigation born in the civil rights movement catalyzed women to seek equal rights and full participation. Throughout SACRAMENTO COUNTYpolitical BAR ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE the moderated discussion, panelists 1329 Howe Ave., #100 • Sacramento, CA 425 University Ave., Suite 120 • personal Sacramento, CA95825 95825 offered stories of success in the face of continued struggle for equity and parity in the workplace. Each panelist encouraged attendees
not only to speak truth to power, but also to lift up and support one another as we all work together to seek better outcomes for all – regardless of race and gender. The WMBA welcomes the Sacramento community to attend its events and to watch out for Legal Fusion, a scholarship and awards gala, in summer 2019.
1/2 Page Ad NOV/DEC Judge Van Camp
SCBA Annual Me Judge Brian R. Van Camp
Honoring Distinguished Attorne Justice Arthu Superior Court of CA, County of Sacramento (Ret.)
Thema Simmons reads her poem “Anger”
facility to encourage and assist residents to obtain their high school or equivalency diploma. Davis’s speech was so moving that he recruited several new volunteers to support his efforts. The sweetest moments of the night involved Thema Simmons, a former resident of the Youth Detention Facility who is now a college student taking classes to earn her AA degree (she aspires to become a probation officer). After she read several of her recently published poems, she was surprised by the formal presentation of her high school diploma. There were very few dry eyes in the room. Building on that energy, the next day, the WMBA and Women Lawyers of Sacramento (WLS) presented another successful joint luncheon in honor of Black History Month. This year the luncheon highlighted the relationship between the 19th and 20th century civil rights movements and the women rights movements of the same periods. WMBA and WLS invited Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood, Assistant City Attorney Sandra Talbott, and City Councilmember Angelique Ashby
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Installin Officers &
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Recognizing State Commissioner of Corporations - Three years Member, AAA Panels on: Commercial & Complex Civil
Employment & Labor
REACHING
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MARK FREE for SCBA Members $100 for Non-Members
1 Hour Ethics - Topic: “Attorney Fees, Practically and Ethically”
(916) 515-8442 Speaker: Kenneth Bacon of Mastagni Holstedt VanCampADR.com 10:30-11:30am
Requires Knowledge Beyond Our Years
www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
11
SECTIONS, AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS
Jake Weaver is the Barristers’ Media Chair and an attorney at Reynolds Tilbury Woodward LLP. He can be contacted at jweaver@ rtwlawllp.com.
Barristers’ Club Update by Jake Weaver
From Junior Barristers’ to Barristers’ Club The Barristers’ Club is pleased to welcome Brandon Jack as the 2019 Charity Chair for the Barristers’ Club. Jack attended Pacific McGeorge and completed his graduation requirements in 2½ years. During law school, he served as President of the McGeorge Junior Barristers’ Division. He was instrumental in growing the Junior Barristers’ Division and encouraging students to leave the comfort of campus to network and build relationships within the legal community. Jack also as PresiJoe Genshlea Lawserved and Mediation dent of the IP Students Association and as Vice President of the Tax Law Associ-
ation. He took the California Bar Exam in February 2019 and is awaiting the results. He is currently working at Porter Scott in Sacramento. Jack is a great example of how networking while in law school can provide fantastic opportunities. Please join the Barristers’ Club in welcoming Brandon Jack as the 2019 Barristers’ Club Charity Chair. Barristers’ Club and Asian/Pacific Bar Association Meet & Greet Mixer On March 21, 2019, the Barristers’ and 2015 the Asian/Pacific Bar Associa-Club SCBA tion (ABAS) co-hosted a meet and greet mixer at Costanza’s in Sacramento. The
mixer was free for all members of each respective club/section/division and included complimentary drinks and food. As always, the meet and greet mixer provided a fantastic opportunity to network and socialize with many members from Sacramento’s diverse legal community. Upcoming Events Please stay tuned for additional upcoming MCLE seminars and social events by checking the SCBA event calendar. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities or event details, please e-mail Jake Weaver at jweaver@ rtwlawllp.com.
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Andi Liebenbaum is
EVENTS
Women on the Bench: SCBA International Women’s Day Breakfast Seminar
an attorney at the Judicial Council of California. She can be contacted at liebenbaum@gmail.com.
by Andi Liebenbaum
Judge Kimberly Mueller addresses the attendees and panel at the 2019 SCBA International Women’s Day Breakfast Seminar
It
is no small honor to share a stage with, let alone moderate, a panel among exemplary members of our judiciary. And while the undercurrent of our discussion on March 8 at the SCBA Event Center to celebrate International Women’s Day was that our panel should not have had to stand out for anything other than intelligence, experience, and professionalism, the panel did stand out for more, because all of us on the panel, and literally all but one person in the audience, are women. At our 110th anniversary celebration of International Women’s Day, and as we approach the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, it is still exceptional that a panel and audience of all women in the law is needed to call attention to the notion that women (still) face obstacles, discrimination, and gender-based frustration in the workplace. It is likewise brave and telling that a single man – thank you for joining us and being such an engaged lis-
14
tener and participant – joined us. Just one. Judge Kimberly Mueller’s keynote address hit many notes that sounded clear and true. Discrimination is not necessarily overt and obvious. While women’s “herstory” is critical and we should know it, women’s herstory is actually just history, and we have to work to make sure women are written into the pages of the past as well as the future. We have to pick our battles, and we have to reach back and help others, particularly now that the world is better at acknowledging the role and needs of all people who face barriers. Just as women’s rights are civil rights, so are the rights of LGBTQIA people, people/women of color, people/women of faith, and immigrants. Equally motivating and introspective were Judges Stacy Boulware Eurie and Emily Vasquez. Boulware Eurie emphasized how vital it is that members of the bench know and reflect
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
the communities where they serve. As Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court in Sacramento, she saw many children and adults of color, many women trying to help their children. She draws upon her own life, her own personal experiences, and her ability to connect with people as the source for her professional successes. During the conversation between panelists and panel, she encouraged people to be comfortable with their own paths. With no recipe or easy formula for going from associate to partner, or from bar to bench, she encouraged the audience members to know what they want and to make the best possible choices to get there. Also, from the Sacramento bench, Judge Emily Vasquez stressed that International Women’s Day is about every woman of color, every white woman, every LGBTQIA woman, every female worker regardless of occupation. She emphasized that honoring all women is important because we are all inter-
Judge Kimberly Mueller gives her keynote speech
Judge Stacy Boulware Eurie addresses the audience
Judge Emily Vasquez listens to audience questions before she replies
connected; and that we all suffer when women around the world are deprived of basic human rights. She stated that we share the responsibility of educating the world for better treatment of women. Like Judges Mueller and Boulware Eurie, Vasquez agreed that there has been progress, but she reminded the audience that the work towards equality is not done, and she encouraged attendees that when they encounter hardships, failure or obstacles in their
lives not to be discouraged, but instead to use that hardship as motivation to succeed. She concluded her remarks by encouraging attendees to take the lead in educating the public about the importance of gender equality, pay equality, and access to equal justice for everyone so that we can make a positive difference in society. Beyond incredible presenters, the SCBA’s celebration of International Women’s Day provided an opportunity
for dialogue. In addition to asking the panel questions of their lives and journeys, members of the audience were asked questions too, which provided a venue for comfortable interaction and feedback, and a flow of ideas, concerns and support. The SCBA hopes to turn a panel presentation on International Women’s Day into an annual event, and we hope to see the discussions and audience become more diverse as our stories become history.
www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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COVER STORY
Heather Cline Hoganson is Senior Counsel at Simas & Associates, Ltd., and an SCBA Board Member. She can be contacted at hhoganson@simasgovlaw.com.
The
Burroughs Years
AN APPRECIATION by Heather Cline Hoganson
PHOTO BY MARK LONG-ELEAKIS & ELDER
C
hange sometimes happens so slowly that it is not until something comes to an end that it can be fully appreciated. As Mary Burroughs ends her tenure at the SCBA’s Executive Director, it is time to appreciate how the SCBA has changed during her tenure. Mary undertook Executive Director duties in February 2013, but she was no stranger to the SCBA, having been the graphics editor of this fine publication for years. Coming in with knowledge of the SCBA’s many activities, Mary hit the ground running. She transformed a nascent monthly calendar email into the weekly e-newslet-
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ter, which provides members up-todate information on events. She also integrated the advertising from the magazine to be an adjunct to first the e-newsletter, and then onto other publications (such as the Directory and the Centennial Book). Upgrades were also made to the SCBA website, with online payments for events enabling attorneys to reserve their spots quickly and easily. Social media has grown since 2013. Mary has helped the SCBA keep up, instituting Facebook and LinkedIn presences. Behind the scenes, Mary switched the SCBA to a new software system that more accurately tracks membership.
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
This enabled the SCBA to maintain the 100% firm category that has grown year after year. The SCBA office square footage expanded immensely with a move in early 2016 to the current location on University Avenue. The move allowed for the creation of an event center that now hosts multiple events every week including SCBA and Foundation Board of Directors meetings, breakfasts with the judges series, section luncheons, and evening mixers. Awards are blooming! In addition to giving awards, such as the newer Pro Bono Award, the SCBA has won awards, such as the State Bar Diversity Award (2015), and sections and mem-
bers have been recognized locally and nationally for contributions to the law. Mary’s work on the SCBA Delegation’s hospitality suite continued SCBA’s topranked tradition. On the section side, the SCBA expanded its former short orientation every January to a full Leadership Institute in 2015, with its own MCLE. The large number of section charters crafted over the years were simplified into a single Uniform Section Bylaws for the SCBA, making new section creation easy (such as Construction and Criminal Law in 2016 and Cannabis in 2018). Other bylaws were also brought up-to-date with the growing SCBA and the changes technology introduced. As new divisions were created (Solo/ Small Practice in 2015, and Movers and Shakers in 2016) and solidified (Barristers), a set of Uniform Division Bylaws was also adopted in 2019.
Mary’s ability to “make it happen” has shown through in renewed Golf Tournaments, mentorship programs, membership mixers, Lawyer Referral and Information Service, and Fee Arbitration programs. Mary’s hand in oneoff events created singular sensations, such as Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye’s Investiture (2011), the District Attorney Candidates Forum (2014), an Evening with the Mayor (2017), and the Centennial Luncheon with Justice Anthony Kennedy (2018). In 2016, new affiliates (California Lawyers for the Arts) and associate affiliates (Sacramento Legal Secretaries Association and Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association) joined the SCBA. New committees (Ethics, Human Rights) have been created within the SCBA. Kids Law Day was instituted in 2017, with a generous grant from the Foundation added in 2018.
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In concert with a number of past presidents, a new path forward was forged between the SCBA and the Sacramento County Bar Foundation (aka Law Foundation), with Mary as the Executive Director of both organizations. This allowed for an easier transition of Foundation board members, created a repository for institutional Foundation knowledge, and set the stage for the Foundation’s Centennial Fellows program, which celebrated the pillars of our legal community. Mary’s hand in shepherding programs on behalf of the SCBA and Foundation boards has set a solid footing on which future leaders can stand. Given the recent recollections of the past 100 years, the past seven have certainly been a whirlwind, and the SCBA thanks Mary Burroughs for all her hard work!
Legend of “Happy Faces” on the Cover 1. Mary tending the SCBA beer and wine bar 2018 2. Judge Maryanne Gilliard and Justice Andrea Hoch with Mary 2013 3. Mary giving the 100th Year Birthday Toast 2018 4. Judge Emily Vasquez, Luis Cespedes, Judge David DeAlba with Mary 2018 5. Judges Stacy Boulware Eurie and Laurie Earl with Mary 2013 6. Mary and Betsy Kimball 2014 7. Jill Telfer and Mary 2018 8. Mary with Judge David Abbott and retired Justice Art Scotland (tending bar) 2015 9. BJ Susich and Mary 2014 10. Jason Jasmine and Mary 2015 11. Judge Robert Hight (ret.) and Mary 2015 12. Vicki Jacobs and Mary 2018 13. Mary with the 2018 SCBA Diversity Summer Fellows 14. Judge Kimberly Mueller, Mary, and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye 2017 15. Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Beth Ruyak with Mary 2017 16. Jack Vetter, Mark Velasquez, and Mary 2014 17. Natalie Fujikawa, Ken Bacon, Mary, and Pam Jones 2014 18. Judges Troy Nunley, John Mendez, and Morrison England with Mary 2018 19. Mary and Sean McCoy 2019 20. Mary and Ed Brooks 2018 21. Mary, Meredith Garey, and Shanae Buffington 2014 22. Sil Reggiardo and Mary at the SCBA 100th Birthday Party 2018 23. Sabrina Thomas and Mary 2017 Kings Center Court 24. Justice Vance Raye and Mary 2016 25. Mary and Justice Art Scotland (ret.) 2018 26. Mary giving SCBA Board Election Results 2017 27. Steve Duvernay and Mary 2018 www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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SCBA EVENTS
The Law and Human Trafficking - An SCBA Breakfast Seminar Series
S
Jaya Badiga is a solo practitioner at Badiga Law Office. She collaborates with the Victims of Crime Resource Center located at Pacific McGeorge. She can be contacted at jaya@badigalaw.com.
by Jaya Badiga
acramento has been identified as a hotspot for traffickAssistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, and Nirav Desai, an ing. The Polaris Project, a national nonprofit organizaAssistant U.S. Attorney (E.D Cal.). tion that combats human trafficking, saw a 13% uptick in Judge Stacy Boulware Eurie led the third session – an human trafficking cases in 2017. The top five risk factors for overview of the integrated and collaborative judicial aphuman trafficking according to its 2017 factsheet are: recent proach to children in the courtroom, frequently known as migration/relocation, substance abuse, runaway youth, menCSEC (commercial sexual exploitation of children) kids. tal health, and involvement Boulware Eurie disfavors the in the child welfare system. common practice of referring Approximately 10 years to children in Department 90 ago, the town of El Dorado as “CSEC” kids, an identity the The greater Sacramento Hills was rocked by the news children struggle to escape. Inarea has several non-profit that a 17-year old was missing. stead, there has been an active Her parents, family friends, effort at changing this culture organizations with a mission and investigators learned that and referring to these cases as she was picked up by an ac“Department 90 proceedings.” to eradicate human trafficking, quaintance in the parking lot The approach that Boulware including Communities of a grocery store and subseEurie brought to Department quently trafficked for more 90 centers around being trauAgainst Sexual Harm (CASH), than a week before she was ma-informed, providing coorrescued. This prompted Ashdinated care, consistency and Opening Doors (which runs lie Bryant, a friend of the famfollow-through, and screenthe Sacramento Rescue & ily and co-founder of 3Strands ing for other risk factors. A Global Foundation, to start an multi-disciplinary approach Restore Coalition), The Grace organization with a mission that Boulware Eurie created Network, WEAVE, My Sister’s to prevent human trafficking and convened is surprisingly through education, training, not at cross purposes with juHouse, and 3Strands. and curriculum development dicial administration in these addressing the issue. cases, where the best-interest With the goal of informof-the-child standard is the ing the legal and non-profit over-arching legal principle. communities and facilitating collaboration between them, Boulware Eurie described the outcome of these measures – last year, the Sacramento County Bar Association hosted part an attitudinal shift in the roles of the various stakeholders one of a series on “The Law and Human Trafficking Awarein the courtroom. The program that Boulware Eurie has imness.” Part 2 of this series will be held on June 19, 2019, from plemented in Department 90 could be a model solution to 8:30 a.m.-noon, at the SCBA Event Center. combat human trafficking: a multi-system coordination with The part one breakfast seminar opened with a session community organizations, law enforcement, court systems, on community services. This panel was led by Ashlie Bryant mental health providers, legislators, and other stakeholders. from 3Strands, Emily Butler from The Grace Network, Rico In part two of the series (June 19, 2019), the sessions Ozaki from Opening Doors, and Terri Galvan from CASH. A will address community services, law enforcement and leglaw enforcement session introduced the audience to Patricia islation, and legal interventions such as expungements and Contreras, an Assistant Public Defender, Paul Durenberger, vacaturs. All are welcome – encouraged – to attend.
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SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
S A C R A M E N T O C O U N T Y B A R A S S O C I AT I O N
THE LAW AND
BREAKFAST SEMINAR
TRAFFICKING
3 HOUR MCLE
HUMAN AWARENESS
GENERAL MCLE CREDIT
WEDNESDAY
June 19, 2019 8:30am to 12:00pm
PART TWO
PRICING INFORMATION
SAVE THE DATE
SCBA MEMBERS: $45 Early Bird $60 Regular NON-SCBA MEMBERS: $65 Early Bird $85 Regular
Early bird cut-off date 5:00pm May 24, 2019 For Registration and Sponsoring contact Cecilia Rainey at cecilia.rainey@sacbar.org or call (916) 564-3780
Breakfast Buffet Scrambled eggs with green onions and cheddar cheese, applewood smoke bacon, diced breakfast potatoes, pancakes, maple syrup, biscuits and gravy & jam, fruit salad, coffee, tea and beverages
YOUR NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMPANY NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________________________________________________ STATE: ______________________ ZIP: _______________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ AMOUNT: $______________ CREDIT CARD NUMBER: __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ – __ __ __ __ CHECK NUMBER: _________________________ EXPIRATION DATE: ___ ___ – ___ ___
MASTER CARD
VISA
CVR CODE NUMBER: ___ ___ ___
SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________________________________ SCBA MCLE - June 19, 2019 *No refund will be available after June 5, 2019 This activity pending for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of 3.0 unit of MCLE in the General Law Category Credit. The Sacramento County Bar Association provider #166 certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education. This event is for SCBA members and invited guests. The SCBA reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone whose presence is unreasonably disruptive or who detracts from the safety, welfare, and well-being of other patrons, staff, and the establishment itself.
Sacramento County Bar Association • 425 University Ave, Suite 120 • Sacramento, CA 95825 • 916-564-3780
www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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SECTIONS, AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS Katharine Killeen is the Chairperson of the Public Law Section and is an Assistant Chief Counsel for the CA Department of Water Resources. She can be contacted at kkilleen@water. ca.gov.
Public Law Section’s Legislative Update 2019
SCBA
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Gain access to Sacramento’s legal community and market your name to key decision makers.
M A G A Z I N E
by Katharine Killeen
P
ublic property and services, public safety, housing and land use, environmental conditions, and food service were just some of the categories receiving attention from the California Legislature, resulting in new laws impacting public agencies. For the third consecutive year, the Public Law Section was treated to an annual legislative update, presented by Ashley Zambrano, an attorney at Best Best & Krieger. There were many topics of interest to the public law practitioners in attendance, including but not limited to water utilities, sidewalk vendors, taxicab services, parking penalties, school safety plans, motorized scooters, housing and zoning, drinking water standards, and straws. The Public Law Section is especially grateful to Best Best & Krieger for hosting the luncheon at its office in Sacramento on February 6, 2019. This popular event
THIS WEEK AT THE BAR
eNewsletter
Best Best & Krieger lawyers Ashley Zambrano and Joshua Nelson
drew a full house! The Section looks forward to more educational and fun gatherings this year.
EVENTCalendar
Family Law Center Divorce Done Differently
IT PAYS TO BE A SCBA MEMBER!
www.FamilyLawCenter.US * FREE classified advertising * Conference room rental (916) 488-5088 * Lower pricing on MCLE 1722 Professional Drive Sacramento 95825
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Sacramento’s most experienced divorce mediators & attorneys.
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SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
The SCBA publishes a Bi-Monthly full color Magazine, Annual Legal Directory, and a weekly eNewsletter all with an on-line version that has embedded.com click through to all published websites! www.sacbar.org | 916.564.3780
YOUR POTENTIAL CLIENTS ARE TRYING TO FIND AN ATTORNEY RIGHT NOW! Sacramento County Bar Association can help them find YOU!
Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) Sacramento County Bar Association Office For more information contact: (916) 564-3780 referral@sacbar.org
路 路 路 路
Why Join the LRIS?
LRIS assists attorneys in increasing their client base. Each year the LRIS sends approximately 3000 referrals to Sacramento area attorneys. LRIS of Sacramento County Bar Association is certified by the State Bar of California. LRIS is a non-profit service.
Email or call TODAY for your application to join LRIS!
Email: referral@sacbar.org www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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Shanae Buffington is the 1st
PHOTO COURTESY OF STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA
ARTICLES
Vice President of the SCBA and a member of the California Attorney Practice Analysis Working Group. She can be contacted at shanae. buffington@edd.ca.gov.
California Launches Its First Practice Analysis for Newly Admitted Attorneys
by Shanae Buffington
Standing: Stephen Ferruolo, Robert Bailey, Sean McCoy, Laura Palazzolo, Laura Nelson, Sheniece Smith, Yan Shrayberman, James Henderson, and Ron Pi; sitting: Keri Klein, Sabrina Thomas, Robert Barrett, Shanae Buffington, and Lydia Liberio
T
he State Bar recently launched its first practice analysis to address the declining bar passage rates. The July 2017 bar exam, the beginning of the two-day administration, had a bar passage rate of 49% for all test takers. In July 2018, the passage rate fell to 40%. The decline mirrors a national trend. In 2018, the National Conference of Bar Examiners reported that the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) passage rate fell to a 34 year low. California’s cut score of 1440 was established three decades ago and is higher than every state except Delaware. Proponents of the current cut score argue it is necessary to main-
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tain public protection, while critics argue it creates an unrealistic barrier to enter the profession. The State Bar licenses more than 250,000 attorneys and investigates approximately 16,000 complaints of attorney misconduct annually. In 2017 and 2018, California conducted a series of studies to determine whether the bar exam appropriately tests the knowledge and skills needed by entry level attorneys. The performance studies provide detailed insight on the correlation between demographic (e.g., racial/ethnic status, gender, applicant’s law school designation) and performance data (e.g., MBE scale score,
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
written scale score, total scale score, pass/fail disposition). The studies concluded that the cut score of 1440 was consistent with the minimum competence level expected of entry level attorneys, and suggested that the 13 different subjects tested on the bar exam remain. In October 2018, the California Supreme Court appointed a California Attorney Practice Analysis Working Group to provide oversight for the first attorney practice analysis. In March 2019, a subject matter expert panel convened in San Francisco to define the classification of knowledge domains or major areas of responsibility that newly licensed attorneys
event, the supervisors had not yet voted to approve funds for this program, which they eventually did.) Steinberg was plaintive in his desire to combat should theitcorresponding the issue,have, even and though could be pertasks within the domains. The ceived as an issue that would notpanel’ nec-s essarily be be a “city” At one work will used issue. as a basis to point, create Ruyak the audience to quickly practiceasked analysis surveys that will be tweet Steinberg’to s reply the issue atof disseminated newlyonadmitted homelessness. He said, “I’ll be darned torneys. The goal is to collect data on ifattorney I allow this thing to agpractices, ingrow termswithout of knowlgressive action.” edge, skills, and abilities to perform conversation turned to dailyWhen tasks the through traditional or oneSacramento’s bid for a second Amazon site, Ruyak questioned the prioritization of the tech industry over others and also asked about the downside such as rising rents and the resulting exodus of long-term residents. Ruyak and Steinberg had moments of levity with regard to euphemisms for gentrification, but finally, Steinberg called it for what it is. He acknowledged the problem rising rents have caused, with long-time residents being uprooted from neighborhoods, as well as changes that overcome neighborhoods as trendy store-fronts establish their presence in the city. When asked about the priority for the arts, Steinberg gave it the same priority as sports and talked about various improvements and commitment to the arts under his leadership. He was quick to promote the Farm-toFork movement in the region too and commented on the growth of that segment in the city. When asked about the city’s ratings, Steinberg addressed the issue of under-funded pensions per CalPers’ analysis of how much the city needs to maintain in reserve for pensions. It was evident that Steinberg does not fully agree with the math in terms of how much this would consume the city’s operational budget and whether it is even possible to get into positive ratings based on the burden that the city is expected to carry. The evening was anCONTACT issue-laden, 916.564.3780 in-depth look at Steinberg’ s leadership, dlaughter@sacbar.org his policies and areas of passion, as well
Justice George Nicholson Retires ARTICLES Continued from page 12 the following comment, and decided to thought-out and sincerely held – even if leave it in for one reason – there are prob- they differed a lot from my own. This – ly, the contemporaneous of the time questionnaires. The will what I have just described –nature is something ably hundreds of people in survey this commusampling method a rich also use could a relatively nity who say the new sameapproach, thing. And of such great value towill ourprovide community of it is high There Sampling are many Meththings diverse (and detailed to preserving it as dataset people with more and accucalled thepraise. Experience community): the than abilityone-time to discuss reabout which Justice Nicholson and I arate information quesod (ESM). of opinion, belief, likely disagree – in law, politics, etc. But I spectfully tionnairesdifferences and will set the foundation The ESM will require participants know that he and I (or anyone else in my perspective, and the like. for revisiting the bar exam cut score, to provide multiple responses (i.e., stead) and it content, On behalf of many,A I final express hopeis and format. report two to could three discuss times athose day) things, at randomthat the conclusion of this chapter of would be a dialogue, not a debate. The scheduled to be completed by the end ly selected times about the tasks that dialogue would be civil, probably colle- Justice Nicholson’s life will be the start of this year. are currently being performed. Idealgial. Each of us would listen to the other. of a new and productive time of scholarI would respect that his views were well ship and service for him.
EVENTCalendar
THE SACRAMENTO LAWYER HAS GONE DIGITAL!
May/June 2014
www.sacbar.org
Now you can enjoy news articles from your computer or phone! Alternatives for Dispute Resolution Tips for Picking a Mediator Ethics – Independent Judgment
You can view the online magazine at www.sacbar.org/magazine/
www.sacbar.org | January/February 2018 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER | 1918~2018 CENTENNIAL www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
15 23
THE SCBA LEGAL DIRECTORY IS GOING DIGITAL FOR 2019!
EST.1918
Times are changing on how information is received, and we are keeping up with the times!
The digital world has made sharing and sending information, advertisements, and receiving traffic easier and quicker!
Reader Demographics
72% own home
Property Value
60% 40% $350,000 or more
$350,000 or less
98%
98%
Average Age
Business Professionals belong to professional, social or cultural organizations
37%
dine out two or more times a week
63% dine out once a week
Education
are law school graduates and have passed the bar exam
20% Income
60%
$150,000 or less
68%12%
23-31 32-65
66+
15%
$175,000+
25%
$150,000 to $175,000
Visit: www.sacbar.org/advertise-in-scba/ Or contact: 916-564-3780 dlaughter@sacbar.org for current rates and more information. SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 425 University Ave. Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95825
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WE LIVE, WORK AND PLAY HERE. Helping families make the right move.
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MCLE EVENTS IN 2019 DATE
EVENT INFORMATION
SCBA Public & Environmental Law Section MCLE Luncheon 05/02/2019 SCBA Sixth Annual Golf Tournament and BarStock 05/06/2019 SCBA Tax Symposium 2019 05/08/2019 SCBA Workers' Compensation Law Section MCLE Luncheon 05/08/2019 SCBA Labor & Employment Law Section MCLE Luncheon 05/14/2019 1/4 Page Ad JAN/FEB SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE SCBA ADR Law SectionSelf MCLE Luncheon 06/13/2019 Storage Folsom 1329 Howe Ave., #100120 • Sacramento, 425 University Ave., Suite • Sacramento,CA CA95825 95825 SCBA Probate & Estate Planning Law Section MCLE Luncheon 06/18/2019 SCBA Human Trafficking Seminar Part Two 06/19/2019
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SCBA Annual Meeting Honoring Distinguished Attorney of the Year Justice Arthur Scotland
REACHING Installing SCBA Officers & Directors
give a Legacy Gift to Installing SCBA The Foundation for UCP
Officers & Directors Recognizing 100% Firms l A Legacy Gift will continue to do what you are doing now—helping others DATE l The money stays local for our kids Monday l It is one of the easiest ways to give December 15, 2014
Recognizing 100% Firms
THE CENTURY MCLE Prior to Annual Meeting DATE Monday December 15, 2014
REACHING
THE CENTURY MCLE Prior to Annual Meeting
MARK
TIME 11:30 Check in 12:00 Lunch
MARK FREE for SCBA Members $100 for Non-Members
1 Hour Ethics - Topic: “Attorney Fees, Practically and Ethically”
Speaker: Kenneth Bacon of Mastagni Holstedt
PLACE Sheraton Grand 1230 J Street
10:30-11:30am
Requires Knowledge Beyond Our Years
Keynote Speaker: Keynote Speaker: Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Approval is needed to run your ad, Supreme CourtChief of the United Statesof California Justice please check appropriate box below.
Celebrate Our Centennial Reception, Luncheon, and Social with us on Proof OK as is Tuesday, April 10, 2018 11am to 2pm
Tani Cantil-Sakauye Correction needed
FREE for SCBA Members $100 for Non-Members
TIME 11:30 Check in 12:00 Lunch
Steve Horton, Director, Legacy Giving Ph: 916-283-8312 l shorton@ucpsacto.org Ucpsacto.org/TheFoundation
PLACE Sheraton Grand The Foundation for UCP Speaker: Kenneth Bacon of Sacramento and Northern CaliforniaJ Street 1230 of Mastagni Holstedt
1 Hour Ethics - Topic: “Attorney Fees, Practically and Ethically”
TicketHills information: www.sacbar.org/event calendar, $45 for SCBA members, $65 for non-members. CA 95864 Sacramento, Arden Hills Lane, Resort, 1220 Arden After November 23rd, ticket prices increase by $5 RSVP to rsvp@sacbar.org or
a second proof www.sacbar.org visit orSee 564-3780 (916)1329 Association Barpayable: County Sacramento call the For more information call (916) 564-3780. Send checks SCBA, Howe Ave #100, Sacramento, CA 95825 OK with corrections
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WWW.SELFSTORAGEFOLSOM.COM 10:30-11:30am Thank you! Please fax back to (916) 564-3787 or email back to dlaughter@sacbar.org
Funding the future of today’s children with developmental disabilities
Requires Knowledge Beyond Our Years
6155 Stockton Blvd. (916) 392-3950 7455 Stockton Blvd. (916) 423-1107 Keynote Associate Justice 8671 Speaker: Folsom Blvd. (916) 381-1950
FIN 26 3279530
A donation to the Foundation for
Keynote Speaker: UCP can do amazing things! Anthony M. Kennedy, Approval is needed to run your ad, Supreme CourtChief of the United Statesof California Justice please check appropriate box below.
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Celebrate Our Centennial Reception, Luncheon, and Social with us on
Tani Cantil-Sakauye Proof OK as is
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Shama Hakim Mesiwala is
EVENTS
a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge.
COURTESY OF ANGELO DESANTIS
Four Northern California Inns Come Together to Hear Dean Erwin Chemerinsky by Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala
Justice Elena Duarte, Justice Louis Mauro, Judge Shama Mesiwala, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, Judge Emily Vasquez, Judge Daniel Maguire, and Justice Art Scotland (ret.)
In
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March 2019, four Northern California Inns came together for an evening mixer at the historical California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, to hear a lively talk from Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Chemerinsky educated the audience with his encyclopedic
knowledge of Supreme Court jurisprudence in talk entitled, “The Supreme Court, Then and Now.” He traced the evolution of the Court from its beginnings to its current composition, including its two newest members and opined what their addition may mean for the Court’s jurisprudence. Chemerinsky analyzed Supreme Court prec-
edent and answered questions for 45 minutes, all without a single note. The audience of more than 100 lawyers, judges, and law students from the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn (Sacramento), the Schwartz-Levi Inn (Davis), the Consuelo M. Callahan Inn (Stockton), and the Wray Ladine Inn (Modesto) listened with rapt attention.
Presiding Justice Vance Raye, Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
Judge Emily Vasquez, Sacramento County Superior Court
Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, Berkeley Law
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
Barristers’ Division
ANNUAL JUDICIAL RECEPTION MAY 16, 2019
PRICING INFORMATION
5:30 PM TO 7:30 PM
$10 SCBA Barristers’ Division Members
400 L STREET SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
$30 SCBA Members
FOUNDATION RESTAURANT & BAR
$40 Non-SCBA Members Judges are Complimentary
RSVP to Cecilia Rainey at cecilia.rainey@sacbar.org or 916-564-3780 Sacramento County Bar Association • 425 University Avenue #120, Sacramento, CA 95825 • 916-564-3780 This event is for SCBA members and invited guests. The SCBA reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone whose presence is unreasonably disruptive or who detracts from the safety, welfare, and well-being of other patrons, staff, and the establishment itself.
www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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Vicki Jacobs is the Managing
VLSP
Attorney of the Voluntary Legal Services Program. She can be contacted at vjacobs@vlsp.org.
New Family Law Services Offered by VLSP
At
the Voluntary Legal Services Program, we have conflicting feelings about advertising our new project that benefits low income self-represented litigants. It is called the Family Law Assistance Project (aka “FLAP”) and, with the assistance of Sacramento area family law volunteer attorneys, is providing legal advice and forms assistance to family law litigants in the Sacramento Family Court. Our conflicting feelings are caused by the knowledge that virtually everyone knows someone going through a divorce, custody, or support dispute, and we expect the referrals to our program for this project, once the word is out, will be substantial. We have hired staff to handle the incoming calls and to screen those callers for eligibility under VLSP’s low income guidelines. The need for help with family law services is not in dispute. Our goal is to help increase access to the family law courts for those who are self-represented and make it a less intimidating process for them. As VLSP co-founder, Judge James Mize of the Sacramento Superior Court, states: “Family law is one of the most crucial areas of law where folks need representation and yet 75% of the litigants who appear
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before us are self-represented. Having VLSP assisting these families will be a godsend to them and will greatly increase the likelihood that justice will be done and that innocent children will have better outcomes. Again, the
“Family law is one of the most crucial areas of law where folks need representation and yet 75% of the litigants who appear before us are self-represented.” Judge James Mize
dedicated and generous family law lawyers of Sacramento are stepping up and giving their time and talent to do right by these families. Good luck VLSP – and may you and your faithful volunteers have many years of successful and fulfilling service to our River City community.”
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
by Vicki Jacobs
VLSP has experience providing family law services to the indigent. It has been about a decade, however, since VLSP provided family law services on other than a very limited basis. Long time practitioners will remember that VLSP used to operate a family law clinic at the Meadowview Community Center (now the Sam and Bonnie Pannell Community Center) in conjunction with the Sacramento Superior Court. We also operated a family law clinic at the thennew Family Relations Courthouse at the Family Law Facilitator’s office. These projects were closed due to changes in funding. Fortunately, there is funding again available to VLSP to operate an ongoing family law project. VLSP’s services through the Family Law Assistance Project are provided by appointment only. Once clients are screened by telephone for eligibility for VLSP services, an appointment is set at VLSP’s office. At that appointment, clients can speak individually with a family law attorney about their situations and, if needed, family law forms will be completed for filing in pro per by the client. Unless a volunteer decides to take a case for full representation, the end of the appointment is the end of the services provided. Volunteers are not expect-
AI ed to handle the case on in their private practices. Clients can call again and receive additional services, if resources allow. There is no ongoing relationship between the client and the volunteer. The client may be helped by a different volunteer each time he or she is seen. In March, VLSP had its first orientation for new volunteers and we are pleased that 12 family law practitioners attended. Volunteers are requested to provide help at VLSP’s office for 2-3 hours at least once per quarter. Support staff is available to assist. If you are interested in finding out more about this project, whether as a volunteer or someone who will refer clients to this project, please email Vicki Jacobs, VLSP’s Managing Attorney, at vjacobs@ vlsp.org. If you know of low income people who need help in the Sacramento Family Court, please have them call VLSP at (916) 5512102 to be screened and scheduled for an appointment.
Robot Judge by the Editors
In
late March, Wired ran an eye-catching story, “Can AI Be a Fair Judge in Court? Estonia Thinks so.” It seems that the Baltic nation hired a Ph.D. student to oversee the nation’s push toward AI. Described as the most ambitious of the student’s projects is the design of a robot judge to decide small claims (less than €7000). As planned, the pilot will focus on contract disputes, with the parties uploading their documents and other relevant information to be “judged” by the AI (with an appeal to humans(s)). Citing among other things, constitutional due process, a Stanford “expert in digital governance” opines that ro-
ESTONIA
bo-judges will not soon be coming to US courtrooms. As usual, time will tell. 1 Eric Niiler, “Can AI Be a Fair Judge in Court? Estonia Thinks So,” Wired (3/25/2019) -https:// www.wired.com/story/can-ai-be-fair-judgecourt-estonia-thinks-so/.
In Memoriam Coral Henning, JD (1980), M.Lib.S. (2003), the longtime and visionary Director of the Sacramento County Public Law Library, passed away on March 28, 2019.
At the Law Library’s 125th anniversary celebration (2016)
www.sacbar.org | May/June 2019 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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SECTIONS, AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS
Debra L. Samuels is the Solo/
Solo/Small Practice Division by Debra L. Samuels A Successful February Mixer! On February 28th, the SCBA’s Solo/Small Practice Division hosted a mixer at Tilted Mash Brewery in Elk Grove. Nearly 20 attorneys, representing a diverse background of practices, attended the event and were able to mingle while enjoying complimentary drinks. The Solo/ Small Practice Division looks forward to future mixers at various other venues as a way of expanding its members’ networking and socializing opportunities. The Ideas Flowed at the Brown Bag Event On March 13th, the Solo/Small Practice Division held a successful Brown Bag Collaborative Roundtable on the topic of Marketing Your Practice. All attendees shared and received valuable insight into many different methods to get
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SACRAMENTO LAWYER | May/June 2019 | www.sacbar.org
Small Practice Division Co-Treasurer and the principal of Samuels Law P.C. in Sacramento, where she focuses her practice on residential real estate broker defense. She can be contacted at Samuels@SamuelsLaw.com.
their names out there and expand their practices. The Division will be holding other similar events on topics that are near and dear to every solo and small practice firm. Upcoming Events The Solo/Small Practice Division is holding a half-day Boot Camp on May 16, 2019 at the SCBA Event Center covering topics including fee agreements, entity formation, and technology. There will also be another Brown Bag event on June 19, 2019 on the topic of staffing and employment Issues. Watch for details on the SCBA weekly email blast. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, event details, or to share ideas for MCLE events or workshops, please e-mail Debra Samuels at Samuels@Samuels-Law.com.
Sacramento County Bar Association
EVENT CENTER 42 5 University Avenue
Sacramento County Bar Association
EVENT CENTER 42 5 University Avenue
The Sacramento County Bar Association Event Center 425 University Avenue is available for group meetings, educational seminars or social mixers. The Event Center’s minimum for booking is 20 with a maximum of 100 for a sitdown buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner. For a stand-up reception capacity is 150. The Event Center can be set up in a classroom style seating, in tables of rounds or for a stand-up reception. It can also be set up for board room meetings with dial in conference calling. The event center has full audio visual equipment and technician with laptop, projector, screen, microphones, podium and stage. For availability and pricing call or email Cecilia Rainey (916) 564-3780 cecilia.rainey@sacbar.org or visit www.sacbar.org Sacramento County Bar Association • 425 University Ave., Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 564-3780
SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
1329 Howe Ave., #100120 • Sacramento, 425 University Ave., Suite • Sacramento,CA CA95825 95825
SCBA Annual Meeting
S A C R A M E N T O C O U N T Y B A R A S S O C I AT I O N
Sixth Annual Honoring Distinguished Attorney of the Year Golf Tournament and Justice Arthur Scotland
BarStock
Monday, May 6, 2019 Haggin Oaks Golf Complex 10:30am Registration/Lunch 11:00am Shotgun Start 5:00pm BarStock, Awards Dinner and Silent Auction
Sponsorship Installing SCBA Opportunities: Officers & Directors Shirt Sponsor Hat Sponsor Recognizing 100% Firms
Call today for registration packet (916) 564-3780 or register online at www.sacbar.org
Best Ball Team Scramble MCLE Prior to Annual Meeting FREE for SCBA Members All Skill Levels $100 for Non-Members
Beginning Golfers Welcome
1 Hour Ethics - Topic: “Attorney Fees, Practically and Ethically”
imited Space is L TODAY! R E T IS G E R
of Mastagni Holstedt
Individual Golfer SCBA Member $125 Non-Member $175
Speaker: Kenneth Bacon
Eagle Sponsor Birdie DATESponsor Monday Par Sponsor December 15, 2014 Lunch Sponsor Dinner TIME Sponsor 11:30Driving CheckRange in Sponsor 12:00 Lunch Putting Green PLACE Sponsor Sheraton Hole Grand Sponsor
1230 J Street
10:30-11:30am
Keynote Speaker: Chief Justice of California
Tani Cantil-Sakauye
Golf Foursome Ticket information: www.sacbar.org/event calendar, $45 for SCBA members, $65 for non-members. SCBA Member $500 After November 23rd, ticket prices increase by $5 RSVP to rsvp@sacbar.org or SACRAMENTO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION Non-Member $700 call (916) 564-3780. Send checks payable: SCBA, 1329 Howe Ave #100, Sacramento, CA 95825 425 University Ave. Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95825 www.sacbar.org