Contra Costa
LAWYER
Volume 26, Number 1 | January 2013
Your Bar Association Meet your 2013 Board President and Sections pages 8, 22
CCCBA President Jay Chafetz with Presiding Judge Hon. Barry Goode
Member-Only Benefits page 12
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
1
Perry A. Novak Senior Vice President - Investments
UBS Financial Services, Inc. 2185 N. California Blvd., Suite 400 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 746-0245 perry.novak@ubs.com ubs.com/team/thenovakgroup
You know there are more questions you should be asking, but you're not sure what they are. You want to stop procrastinating and make a decision, but you don't feel well enough informed. You know where you want to be, but you don't have a plan that will get you there.
That's where we come in. The Novak Group at UBS Financial Services, Inc. Providing wealth planning and asset management services to affluent families, business owners and professionals since 1983.
Trusted advice, caring support, prudent financial solutions.
2
JANUARY 2012
Contra Costa 2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jay Chafetz President Stephen Steinberg President-Elect Candice Stoddard Secretary Nick Casper Treasurer Audrey Gee Ex Officio Richard Alexander Philip Andersen Dean Barbieri Amanda Bevins Denae Hildebrand Budde Oliver Bray
Mary Carey Nicholas Casper Alison Chandler Elva Harding Reneé Livingston James Wu
LAWYER Volume 26 Number 1 | January 2012
The official publication of the
B A R A S S O C I A T I O N
FEATURES
CCCBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lisa Reep | 925.288.2555 | lgreep@cccba.org CCCBA main office 925.686.6900 | www.cccba.org
MEET YOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS:
Dean Barbieri, Oliver Bray, Mary Carey & Renée Livingston
4
MEET YOUR NEW BOARD PRESIDENT:
8
Jay Chafetz
Jennifer Comages Theresa Hurley
Membership Coordinator Section Liaison/ Education & Programs Emily Day Coordinator Systems Administrator and Fee Arbitration Coordinator Barbara Tillson LRIS Coordinator
MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS
12
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
LRIS Membership Makes Good Business Sense
18
MEET YOUR SECTION LEADERS
22
YOUR CCCBA MEMBERSHIP
31
Dawnell Blaylock
Communications Coordinator
CONTRA COSTA LAWYER CO-EDITORS EDITORIAL BOARD Harvey Sohnen Mark Ericsson 925.258.9300 925.930.6000
Nicole Mills Matthew Guichard 925.351.3171 925.459.8440
Kelly BOARD LIAISON Patricia 925.258.9300 Candice Stoddard 925.942.5100 Craig Nevin 925.930.6016
COURT LIAISON David Pearson Kiri Torre 925.287.0051 925.957.5607
Stephen Steinberg
PRINTING 925.385.0644 Steven’s Printing Marlene Weinstein 925.681.1774 925.942.5100
PHOTOGRAPHER James Wu Moya Fotografx 925.658.0300 510.847.8523
DEPARTMENTS 20 CENTER: CCCBA HOLIDAY PARTY
The Contra Costa Lawyer (ISSN 1063-4444) is published 12 times a year - 6 times online-only - by the Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA), 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 520, Concord, CA 94520. Annual subscription of $25 is included in the membership dues. Periodical postage paid at Concord, CA. POSTMASTER: send address change to the Contra Costa Lawyer, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 520, Concord, CA 94520. The Lawyer welcomes and encourages articles and letters from readers. Please send them to contracostalawyer@cccba.org. The CCCBA reserves the right to edit articles and letters sent in for publication. All editorial material, including editorial comment, appearing herein represents the views of the respective authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of the CCCBA or the Board of Directors. Likewise, the publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement.
32
2012 YEAR-END FINANCIAL REPORT
33
2012 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMS
34 CLASSIFIEDS 35 CALENDAR
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
3
Meet Your New Board Members
ty, first with the Richmond firm of Watson, Hoffe & Barbieri, then in Walnut Creek with Sellar, Hazard, Snyder, Fitzgerald, McNeely and Alm, and followed by being a sole practitioner and General Counsel for First California Real Estate and Mortgage in Alamo. For many years he served as an active member and officer of the West County Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.
Dean Barbieri
Dean
Barbieri has been the Dean of the John F. Kennedy College of Law since July 2010. Previously, Dean served as the Director for Examinations for The State Bar of California for nine years where he was responsible for the development of the California Bar Examination and the California First Year Law Students’ Examination, and was involved with the oversight, administration and grading of those examinations. While at the California State Bar, Dean also was responsible for the oversight and regulation of the 40+ non-ABA approved law schools in California, was involved with all aspects of attorney admissions to the California State Bar, and was a member of the Governing Board of Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB). After graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1980, Dean was in private law practice in Contra Costa Coun-
4
JANUARY 2012
While in private practice, Dean’s primary areas of practice were commercial, real estate, business, construction, probate and bankruptcy law matters. Over the past 20 years, Dean has been a member of the Panels of Arbitrators and Mediators of the American Arbitration Association. From 1982 until his appointment as Director for Examinations, he served as a grader for, and aided in the development of, the California Bar Examination and California First Year Law Students’ Examination. Dean was born and raised in Contra Costa County. He attended the University of California, Davis, graduating in 1977 with a B.A. in Political Science/Public Service. For 32 years, he has been married to Karen Ruxton Barbieri, a Santa Clara Law School graduate. Dean and Karen live in Piedmont where they raised their three children, Lauren (29), Dana (27) and Ryan (23). For many years, Dean has devoted a significant amount of time towards public interest/public service activities and endeavors. He was an active member of the Richmond and Walnut Creek Rotary Clubs, served as Richmond Rotary President from
1991-92, and is a past Chair of the Rotary District 5160 Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee. Presently, Dean is active with numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Deer Valley Law & Justice Academy and the Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court. He has served for six years on the Piedmont Recreation Commission and in 2004 was elected to the Piedmont City Council. Dean served on the Piedmont City Council for eight years, until 2012, when he reached his term limits. He was Piedmont’s Vice Mayor and served as the Mayor of Piedmont from 2010-2012. In their non-work hours, Dean and Karen enjoy traveling, cooking, sampling California’s amazing wines, snow skiing, spending time with family at their Sonoma ranch and fishing for crab off the Bodega Coast.
Oliver Bray
Mary Carey
Oliver
Bray has been practicing Trusts and Estates Law in Martinez since 1985, after graduating from John F. Kennedy University School of Law. He became a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law in 2008. While focusing on trusts, estates and conservatorship administration and litigation, Oliver also obtained a diverse background in family law, real property litigation, and commercial landlord tenant. He has served as temporary judge in the Probate Department and is currently a co-chair of the Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust Section. He also serves as a mediator for trust, estate, conservatorship and elder law cases, has served as special master and referee in complex fiduciary accounting matters, and as expert witness in probate procedure and fiduciary liability actions. Oliver is returning to the Board after serving from 2007 through 2011. He served on the Conference of Delegates in 2007. Oliver planted a vineyard and started a winery in the Sierra Foothills (Plymouth, Amador County) in 1996 and is producing many award winning wines (brayvineyards.com).
Mary
P. Carey, currently a sole practitioner, maintains a client-based litigation practice in Walnut Creek. As a native Chicagoan who landed in the Bay Area by way of Southern California, she is a down-to-earth lawyer with common sense, despite having spent years waiting for the school bus at the corner of Hollywood and Vine. As a college student at the University of California, Berkeley, she decided to study law so that she could engage in her passion to become a Public Defender. From UC Berkeley, where she graduated in 1981 to the University of San Francisco School of Law where she graduated in 1985, Mary never wavered in her aspiration to advocate on behalf of the powerless.
cation program for Bay Area high schools entitled “Sex, Drugs, Rock ‘n Roll, the DMV and Everything You Need to Know About Your Teen and the Law”. She is an active member in the California Public Defender Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center.
She joined the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office in 1985 where she dove into the world of criminal defense, handling all types of cases for adult and juvenile clients.
Mary lives in Orinda with her husband, Daniel Cook, who practices criminal defense and civil litigation. Their son, Patrick is a senior at University of California, Berkeley, and daughter Caroline is a sophomore at the University of Puget Sound. Mary enjoys playing ukulele, competing in triathlons and the serenity of yoga.
From murder to vandalism, driving under the influence to domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon to embezzlement, Mary developed extensive jury and bench trial experience. While advocating on behalf of children and parents in the juvenile dependency court, Mary developed the expertise and knowledge she currently relies upon as a Mediator for the Contra Costa County Juvenile Dependency Court. Additionally she co-developed a training protocol for representation of parents in juvenile dependency matters. In 2004 Mary P. Carey left the world of public defense, to build a specialized litigation practice of her own in Walnut Creek. To her litigation skills she has added managing a business, supervising employees, developing a marketing plan, networking with other attorneys, community outreach, while continuing to represent adults, juveniles and college students facing serious legal challenges. Her criminal litigation caseload has expanded to include plaintiff personal injury. While in private practice, Mary has developed and presented a parent edu-
Renée Welze Livingston
Renée
Welze Livingston believes it is perfectly fitting that she finds herself on the CCCBA Board after 26 years of practice. After all, her legal career has been shaped and influenced by some of the most formidable and talented judges and lawyers in the County. “When I was a 3rd year associate, I tried a contentious
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
5
New Board Members, cont. from page 7
Ingenuity Colleen is renown for understanding her clients' financial needs. Using ingenuity, and that understanding, she works hard to find the best solutions for you and your business. Her commitment exemplifies the personalized service for which Scott Valley Bank is known. Her 30 years of banking experience and Scott Valley Bank - now that is a powerful marriage of knowledge, experience, and the style of banking service you deserve.
Colleen Benatar
Walnut Creek Office 1500 N. California Blvd. • 925.944.0180
VP / Relationship Banker cpbenatar@scottvalleybank.com
Oakland • 1111 Broadway • 510.625.7850 San Jose • 2001 Gateway Place • 408-573-7710
925.944.0180 ext. 215
scottvalleybank.com CAN'T GET A TIMELY COURT DATE? THINGS WILL ONLY GET WORSE. AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE JUDGING TRIAL, LAW AND MOTION, DISCOVERY FLAT RATE OR HOURLY Law Offices of Jay Chafetz 2033 N. Main Street Suite750 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
JAY CHAFETZ 925.933.5890 fax 925.933.5620 JayChafetz@JayChafetzLaw.com
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS PLANNING ESTATE PLANNING
EXIT, SUCCESSION & ESTATE PLANNING FOR BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS HUBERT LENCZOWSKI, J.D., M.A.* hubert@lenczowskilaw.com
C. JOSEPH DOHERTY, J.D. jdoherty@lenczowskilaw.com * Adjunct Professor Taxation Golden Gate University Law School, LL.M. Taxation Program
6
JANUARY 2012
LENCZOWSKI LAW OFFICES ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1615 Bonanza Street, Suite 204 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 T (925) 280 7788 www.lenczowskilaw.com
sexual assault case with Jack Provine, who was serving as Cumis counsel. “He could have made my life living hell but instead he mentored me and taught me how to be myself in front of a jury.” She also learned how to be a tough female litigator with professionalism and a sense of humor by watching Judge Joyce Cram. “I used to watch in awe how Joyce, who was then with Low Ball & Lynch, would slice and dice a witness during deposition but then have everyone cracking up as we packed up to leave.” Renée also has the utmost respect for Hon. Richard Patsey (Ret.), before whom she tried a case with a difficult pro per plaintiff. “He had an overwhelming sense of fairness and respect for the parties and our legal system that reinforced the importance of practicing law with integrity.” Renée’s personal and professional path to Contra Costa County has been a natural one. Born in Oakland, raised in San Leandro, she attended UC Santa Barbara where she obtained a degree in Liberal Studies with high honors. After backpacking through Europe with her college roommate for four months, she started law school at the University of San Francisco, graduating in 1986. “USF made all the difference in my career.” Professor Delos Putz put her in touch with USF alum David Yount, then a partner at the Bledsoe firm in San Francisco. She joined Bledsoe in 1986 and stayed for 14 years, becoming a general partner in 1991. But in 2000, with a thriving practice and three children under the age of six, Renée did what seemed impossible: She started her own law firm in Walnut Creek. “I was ready for something different, a new platform to grow my practice, and I had the good fortune to have clients that supported my move.” Since that time, Renée has made it her mission to mentor and empower
other women lawyers to become successful rainmakers and business owners. Today, Livingston Law Firm has grown to six attorneys and is a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE). The firm specializes in representing companies and individuals in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, predominantly in the areas of products liability, trucking and transportation, premises liability and sexual/intentional torts. The firm also handles commercial, real estate and ADA litigation. Renée enjoys a 5.0 AV rating by Martindale Hubbell and has been selected as a Northern California Super Lawyer in 2011 and 2012. She served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law firms from 2004 to 2012. In addition to CCCBA, Renée was also recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.
Since 1949 Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
Oliver W. Bray* | Michael I. LaMay Each attorney over 25 years in practice
When she isn’t working or spending time with her family, Renée enjoys antique shopping in Brimfield, MA, wine-tasting in central California, and the beaches on Kauai.
MEET THE BOARD Learn more about the CCCBA Board of Directors by visiting www.cccba. org/attorney/about/ board-members.php
Bray & Bray
736 Ferry Street Martinez, CA 94553 925-228-2550 925-370-8558 (fax) brayandbraylaw.com
• Probate, Trust & Estate litigation and administration • Elder Abuse Litigation • Conservatorship establishment and litigation • Fiduciary court accountings • Estate Planning Free case evaluations for referring attorneys *Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law – State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization *Selected to Northern California Super Lawyers each year since 2006
ConServAtorShiPS ProBAteS CriMinAl DefenSe David B. Pastor
CCCBA MeMBer SinCe 1977
• Free Consultation •
Law Offices of
DAviD B. PAStor
www.davidbpastor.com 1280 Boulevard Way, Suite 212 • Walnut Creek, CA 94595 925-932-3346 • david@davidbpastor.com
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
7
Meet Your New Board President
Following graduation, I worked in San Francisco for about 10 years before moving to Walnut Creek. In San Francisco, I mainly did insurance defense work. Since moving to Contra Costa County, I have practiced mainly plaintiff’s personal injury, along with some trust and estate and general civil litigation. I am married and have two children, twins, now entering their first year of college. I also have a dog and a cat. I do not now own, and have never owned, an SUV.
Jay Chafetz
Tell us a little about yourself... I was born in Detroit, Michigan, which by itself tells you a couple of things immediately: I never openly root for a sports team from Michigan until it has already won, in order to avoid the bitter, public disappointment I usually suffer when, as a rule, it loses; and I got out of there as soon as I could. At 18, I came to California to attend college at the University of California at San Diego. Coming from a prior existence filled with gray, gloomy, slushy winters, I could not handle so much perfection in one place and, so, immediately left. I attended law school at Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, which was more reminiscent of home - except that the winters were in the summer.
8
JANUARY 2012
Why did you choose to become a lawyer? I learned in my third year of college that my ability to retain and manipulate numbers did not mean that I was qualified to be a mathematician. Having used up a third of a year coming to this realization, I had to act quickly to find a way to graduate on time, so I switched to Philosophy and tortured myself with Kant and Hegel for four quarters. I found that I had some facility for debating small points about minor distinctions between words - presumably a valued quality in an attorney. In my family, there was continual maternal nagging to become a doctor or a lawyer. Having a total aversion to blood, needles, and the overt willingness to cause physical pain to others (even in a good cause), I could not go into medicine. Up to that point, I had worked as a newspaper delivery boy, a pizza and submarine sandwich maker, a retail clerk, a shuffleboard court sweeper and fill-in bridge player at a La Jolla elderly person’s club (which
is where I first heard the term, “nobrainer” in connection with an easy bridge hand that I had muffed), and a calculus tutor. Unsure I wanted to be a lawyer, I took a year off to write a novel and, when I ran out of ideas and money, worked as a bartender and a taxi driver - all good motivation for me to go through with my law school plans.
How did you become involved with the Bar Association? I initially became involved with the Bar Association when the State Bar first began requiring continuing legal education and our local bar began to offer it. I wanted to help plan and put on programs, and had some involvement in the planning that went on for our first MCLE Spectacular, nearly 20 years ago. I then spent some time on the Board of Directors for the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, before turning back to the CCCBA and joining the Litigation Section. I became its chair after several years. Reaching out to a former President, Dick Frankel, I inquired how to get involved on the Board of Directors, and was invited to join about eight years ago.
What are your goals and visions for the Bar Association? My goal is to make sure that the Bar Association is giving the best possible value and service to its mem-
bers. Over my years on the Board of Directors, I have marveled at how many different types of programs we have and how much value we deliver to our members. The Bar Association employs staff to help deliver services, but much is done by attorney volunteers, as well. What we do is proof that any large task can be accomplished if we break it into small enough components and have enough people dedicated to see it come to fruition. I ask each of you to give the Bar Association feedback whenever possible about how we are doing, so that we do not have to guess whether we are serving your needs and how well we are doing.
What do you see for the year ahead? There are great challenges facing our courts because of yearly budget cuts. Recently, the court was forced to eliminate the positions of a number of Commissioners. We have been asked to step up and help coordinate the enlistment of attorney volunteers to serve as Discovery Facilitators and Small Claims Court Judges Pro Tem. We and our members stand ready to help. I encourage each of you to consider serving as volunteers in these programs. You will be doing a service not only for the courts, but also for yourselves and your clients. Every judicial hour saved by participating in these programs is another judicial hour that is freed up for civil trials that, otherwise, may be unduly delayed. As an organization, we also want to be engaged in continual self-assessment, to ensure that we continue to be relevant and meaningful to our members. Technology is a great driver of change in our society, and it is in the law, as well. Over the last several years, the Bar Association has tried to be responsive to these changes and to anticipate them where we can rather than reacting only after they have occurred. Sev-
AND
MEDIATION CENTER
“A unique and effective style a great mediator” Candice Stoddard Ron Mullin
Willows Office Park p 1355 Willow Way, Suite 110 Concord, California 94520 Telephone (925) 798-3413 p Facsimile (925) 798-3118 Email ronald@mullinlaw.com
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
9
Elder Law is
Are We There Yet, The average survival rate is eight years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s — some live as few as three years after diagnosis, while others live as long as 20. Most people with Alzheimer’s don’t die from the disease itself, but from pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or complications from a fall. Until there’s a cure, people with the disease will need caregiving and legal advice. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in ten families has a relative with this disease. Of the four million people living in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s disease, the majority live at home — often receiving care from family members.
If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, call elder law attorney
Michael J. Young
Estate Planning, Disability, Medi-Cal, Long-term Care & VA Planning Protect your loved ones, home and independence.
Alzheimer’s Planning
n
925.256.0298 www.YoungElderLaw.com 1931 San Miguel Drive, Suite 220 Walnut Creek, California 94596
cont. from page 9 eral years ago, we totally revamped our website to make it more contemporary and easier to navigate. More recently, we began publishing our magazine online every month and cut down on the number of hard copy editions. This allowed us to spend additional money on the hard copy editions and make the magazine look more attractive and professional. There are continually developments that are occurring in our society as a whole that call for a response from us – decreasing budgets for the courts, the general economic downturn, more people choosing or being forced to do legal work on their own. There are limits to what we can do for our members, but we should always keep our eyes and ears open to current trends, and our minds open about ways in which we can better serve our members.
What would you like your CCCBA legacy to be?
Northern California Mediator / Arbitrator 16 years as Mediator 25 years as Arbitrator 33 years in Civil Practice
Roger F. Allen 510.832-7770 Ericksen, Arbuthnot 155 Grand Avenue, Suite 1050 Oakland, CA 94612
rallen@ericksenarbuthnot.com
10
JANUARY 2012
• Training includes Mediation Course at Pepperdine University 1995 • Serving on Kaiser Medical Malpractice Neutral Arbitrators Panel • Settlement Commissioner, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties • Experienced in all areas of Tort Litigation, including injury, property damage, fire loss, malpractice, construction defect
I hope that those who come later and judge my year will conclude that I did my best to ensure that the CCCBA continues to be the well-run, vibrant, adaptable, and financiallysound organization that I know it to be and that it never loses sight of its core mission to serve and promote the interests of its members. I want its members to think of it as a warm, friendly organization that ranks among the best bar associations in this state.
GET INVOLVED Learn more about the CCCBA, its sections, committees, and upcoming events at www.cccba.org
Superior Court has Urgent Need for Volunteers to Serve as Small Claims Judges Pro Tem and Civil Discovery Facilitators Due to budget cuts, the Contra Costa County Superior Court is asking interested CCCBA members to consider volunteering as Judges Pro Tem in Small Claims and as Civil Discovery Facilitators. Please see the following message from Superior Court Presiding Judge Barry Goode:
“
The Court is looking forward to working with the many members of the bar who have volunteered to become temporary judges in small claims court and in our civil discovery facilitator program. If you have not yet read the information about these programs, we encourage you to consider them. There are at least three good reasons to do so. • Your participation will help the court keep its doors open to those in our community who need access to justice. • You will serve your clients by freeing up time on our judges’ calendars so civil and family law cases can be heard more promptly. • You will learn how to be a more effective lawyer by seeing cases from the other side of the bench. This is a rare opportunity to do something good for the community, your clients and yourself. We look forward to working with you.
For information about serving as a Small Claims Judge Pro Tem, including the training requirements, please download more information here: http://www.cccba.org/flyer/TemporaryJudgesRecruitment2013.pdf. If you meet the requirements, we encourage you to sign up for one of the in-person Judicial Demeanor trainings. Please call the Business Planning, Information and Program Department of the Superior Court at (925) 957-7941 to RSVP for any of these trainings. If you are interested in becoming a Civil Discovery Facilitator, please contact Theresa Hurley at thurley@cccba.org or (925) 370-2548 and leave your name, phone number and email address. She will forward more information about the program as it becomes available. For more information on any of these programs, please contact Theresa Hurley at thurley@cccba.org or (925) 370-2548.
—
WANTED —
JAY CHAFETZ
Conservatorships think
Personal Injury Trust & Estate Disputes Business Litigation Mediation (PI and Med Mal)
Matt Toth
as in Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP
oldest partnership in Contra Costa County (since 1955)
p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-3683 3445 Golden Gate Way, P.O. Box 479 Lafayette, CA 94549-0479 AV Martindale-Hubbell
Law Offices of Jay Chafetz 2033 N. Main Street Suite750 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Here for you when you need a trial attorney
925.933.5890 fax 925.933.5620 JayChafetz@JayChafetzLaw.com
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
11
MEMBER-ONLY
BENEFITS
Airport Parking Park SFO 195 North Access Road South San Francisco, CA 94080 Contact Nancy at 800-996-9214 Discount: Free membership to PARK SFO Club (normally $100.00 a year), personalized membership card, free upgrade to valet parking, coupons good for one free day of parking (one per visit) & auto detailing discounts. Expresso Airport Parking 880 Doolittle Drive San Leandro, CA www.expressoparking.com Discount: Enter “con� (all lower case) and print off discounted coupon. Present coupon and photo ID at checkout to receive discount. Will Armell and Wendy Graves of Certified Reporting Services with Raffle Winner Randy Wilson at the CCCBA Open House on 10/25
Businesses featured here offer discounts to CCCBA members that would not otherwise be available. Simply identify yourself as a current CCCBA member to the participating business at the time of your transaction.
Computer & IT Consulting Pacific Computer Consultants, Inc.
Contact: David Jordan (925) 215-3559 x101 info@pcc-sf.com www.pcc-sf.com Discount: 30-Day free trial of our Office In The Cloud (hosted email and hosted file storage) and free no obligation in-person network health check.
Certified Reporting Services 725 Ward Street Suite A Martinez, CA 94553 (888) 747-9674 (925) 935-4750 Fax: (925) 935-4756 info@ certifiedreporting services.com
JANUARY 2012
Discount: 5% discount on all services for CCCBA members. Deposition and Litigation Support Services. ReporterVideo Transcripts - 1/2 the price of traditional videography.
Coworking & Conference Room Rental Certified Reporting Services
Court Reporters
12
certifiedreportingservices.com
725 Ward Street, Suite A Martinez, CA 94553 (888) 747-9674; (925) 935-4750 Fax: (925) 935-4756 info@certifiedreportingservices.com Discount: 5% discount on all services for CCCBA members. Laptop Lounge 1701 North California Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 482-8300 laptoplounge.biz
Credit Card Processing Services E-Paynow.com Contact: Richard Wood 383 Diablo Road, Ste #217 Danville CA 94526 (925) 788-5057 www.e-paynow.com/cccba Discount: E-paynow.com provides the Authorize.net payment gateway for card-not-present transactions. Accept credit card and electronic check payments quickly and affordably, without having to pay
Todd Friedman of MassMutual (left photo) and John Blake of Thomson Reuters Westlaw (right photo) at the CCCBA Open House talking to CCCBA members about their products and services, and the Member-Only Benefits they provide to our members. All photos courtesy of Mike Moya, moyafotografx.com
more, or purchasing a physical terminal, and we will even waive the setup fee with proof of bar membership. Turn YOUR iPhone or Android phone into a credit card terminal. The Payment Jack application is fully encrypted from the app to the swipe device. Free swiper with proof of bar membership.
Divorce Planning LaMusga Company Gary LaMusga, Financial Advisor; Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (925) 287-1567 gary.lamusga@sgc-financial.com www.lamusgaco.com
Document Solutions
Thomson Reuters Westlaw
MassMutual Financial Group
Contact: Heather Grabowski (415) 344-5175 heather.grabowski@ thomsonreuters.com
2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 395 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Discount: Form Builder Plan (Judicial Council Forms and All Northern County Local Forms)- Member price of $42.25/month for solo attorneys (retails at $65/month). Terms and conditions apply. Toshiba Business Solutions Contact: Melanie Wild 12677 Alcosta Blvd. Ste 100 San Ramon CA 94583 (925) 277-2182 Melanie.Wild@tbs.toshiba.com Discount: 10% Discount for CCCBA members
Financial Services
Martin Dean’s Essential Forms
Bingham Osborn & Scarborough
(800) 286-0111
Contact: Aaron Waxman CPA, CFP aaron.waxman@bosinvest.com
Discount: Purchase of Essential Forms entitles CCCBA members to choose two local county modules of their choice from the 51 counties available (a $338 value).
Discount: Reduced minimum; free consultation
Todd Friedman (925) 979-2342 or tfriedman@financialguide.com Jane Louie, CFBS, CLTC, (510) 7892432 or jlouie@financialguide.com Discount: MassMutual Financial Group offers CCCBA members an array of retirement & investment services and products from various quality companies. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Contact: Orin Pierce Business Relationship Manager California Business Banking 1200 Concord Ave., Suite 650 Concord, CA 94520 (925) 686-8072; Cell: (925) 352-3809 Fax: (877) 473-1197 orin.pierce@wellsfargo.com Discount: CCCBA Firm Membership includes discounts on business checking accounts, business credit, and discounts for member firm employees. For more information, please visit the CCCBA website >Assistance & Services > Member Only Benefits.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
13
Leslie Reitzes and Victor Mataraso of the Laptop Lounge and Reliable Receptionist (left photo), and Michelle Wyllie of Lexis Nexis (right photo) at the CCCBA Open House
Jory’s Flowers
www.callahaninsurance.com/ association-members.html 140 Gregory Lane Ste 170 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
1330-B Galaxy Way Concord CA 94520 (925) 689-0966 www.jorysflowers.com
Discount: 10% discount available to CCCBA members on individual disability & business overhead expense policies offered by The Guardian.
Discount: 10% discount for CCCBA members
MassMutual Financial Group
Florists & Gifts
Health & Wellness GMA Chiropractic 588 San Ramon Valley Blvd. #100 Danville CA 94526 Dr. Gabe Allende (925) 838-9996 Fax: (925) 838-9915 Discount: 30% discount to all CCCBA Members for services including Chiropractic and Massage Therapy
Insurance - Life & Health Kosich & Callahan Insurance Services Colleen Callahan, CLU, CASL, LUTCF CA License # 0771524 (925) 363-5433
14
JANUARY 2012
2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 395 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Todd Friedman (925) 979-2342 or tfriedman@financialguide.com Jane Louie, CFBS, CLTC, (510) 7892432 or jlouie@financialguide.com Discount: MassMutual Financial Group offers CCCBA members an array of insurance services and products from quality companies, and with discounts up to 50%. Myers-Stevens-Mello & Co., Inc. (800) 862-4243 rich@insurancemsm.com www.insurancemsm.com/ccba Discount: For an overview of available plans, please visit www.cccba. org/attorney/build-your-practice/ member-benefit-insurance.php
Insurance - Liability Attorneys & Professionals Insurance Services Michele Epstein, AAI, AIS, ACSR,CISR, CPIW, DAE 1255 Treat Blvd., Suite 346 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 688-2396; Fax: (925) 688-2399 attyins@pacbell.net www.attyins.com Discount: Broker fees waived for professional liability whenever possible for CCCBA members. Never a broker fee for General Liability, Workers’ Comp, Bonds or Employment Practices Liability. Marsh Affinity Group Services 345 California Street, 13th Floor San Francisco CA 94104 (800) 339-9122 Fax: (415) 983-5696 www.personal-plans.com/calbar Discount: The State Bar of California sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program provides high quality coverage and valuable added benefits such as free online legal research, a risk management website, and a toll-free claims prevention hotline.
Polaris Risk Management & Insurance Services Jeffrey Little Vice President (925) 349-2026 Fax: (925) 677-7401 jlittle@polaris-ins.com www.polaris-ins.com Discount: discount for specializing in 50% or greater area of practice
Discount: For new subscribers, $299 annually for CCCBA members with 11 or more attorneys; $199 annually for members with 10 or fewer attorneys (applicable taxes apply). Regular price $389 annually. Subscriptions include exclusive daily legal news and case alert emails, weekly newspaper and access to www.therecorder.com. San Francisco Daily Journal
Legal Fee Recovery Services Diversified Services Group Jerry Kane 1824 W. Grand Avenue, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60622 (888) 494-7900; (312) 374-0068 Fax: (877)-566-6009 Discount: 28% contingency rate (regularly 33%)
Legal & Business Publications The Recorder Circulation 1035 Market Street, Ste. 500 San Francisco CA 94103 (415) 490-1057
Subscription Department 44 Montgomery St., Ste. 500 San Francisco CA 94104 (866) 531-1492 Discount: CCCBA members may subscribe to the Daily Journal for $309 (plus tax) for one year - a 57% savings on the regular rate. Rate good through April 30, 2013.
Legal Research Lexis-Nexis Michelle Wyllie (925) 300-3391 michellelynn.wyllie@lexisnexis.com
Discount: 30% Discount, plus other seasonal promotions: All print, CDROM, Lexis.com and Lexis Advance online subscriptions qualify. (Desktop code books are excluded.)
Thomson Reuters Westlaw Heather Grabowski Phone: (415) 344-5175 heather.grabowski@ thomsonreuters.com
Discount: Member price of $165/ month for solo attorneys (retails at $275/month). With the above plan, CCCBA members are also eligible for five months of free premium WestlawNext practice area content. Choose content from a variety of practice areas. Preferential member pricing is also available to new subscribers of all firm sizes. These offers require 3 year contracts and are only available to new customers; they may not be applied retroactively to existing contracts.Terms and conditions apply.
Marketing & Promotions Advertising Magic/ AdMagix Marketing Rosalind Robe’ Boukis 2116 N. Main Street, Ste. G Walnut Creek CA 94596 (925) 939-1111 www.advertisingmagic.com rosalind@newadmagix.com
Discount: 1/2 hour free marketing consultation
Jeffrey Little of Polaris Risk Management & Insurance Services (left photo) and Jim and Liisa Hostetler of Keylingo Translations (right photo) at the CCCBA Open House.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
15
Practice Management & Support The BAR Group (925) 482-8330 www.thebargroup.org info@thebargroup.org Discount: Free initial consultations and discounts ranging from 10%-50% on products and services offered by the BAR Group, an independent network of local professionals providing efficient and effective services for small & solo law firms in Contra Costa County.
Printing & Copying Copy Station
Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 576-6859 adam@eco-depo.com
Discount: 20% off our regular prices on all of our Premium remanufactured toners. Email me your office printer models and I’ll show you the cartridge savings.
Receptionist Reliable Receptionist Victor Mataraso 3000 Citrus Circle, Ste. 208 Walnut Creek CA 94598 Phone: (925) 627-4200 Info@ReliableReceptionist.com www.ReliableReceptionist.com
Discount: $50 off initial setup fees.
Keylingo Translations 1255 Treat Blvd., Suite 300 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 478-8384 translation@keylingo.com www.keylingo.com
Discount: 20% off your first translation & 10% off all future translations.
Travel Services Enterprise Rent-a-Car Contact: Nicole Panning 3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 255 San Ramon, CA 94583 (925) 786-1606 Discount: SAVE up to 30% off the other rental companies’ rates. Get 5% off our lowest rate with the exclusive CCCBA discount code. Password: CON
Peter Holtz 2175 N. California Blvd., Ste. 210 Walnut Creek CA 94596 (925) 287-9122
Chrometa
Discount: 25% off all onsite copying or 25% off any first job. 25% off highspeed scanning/archive to CD ROM. Free pick-up and delivery.
Brett Owens (888) 340-6425 x1 brett@chrometa.com chrometa.com
The Hertz Corporation Members-only toll-free number: (800) 654-2210, use your Hertz CCCBA CDP# 438042.
Discount: Two free months with a new subscription purchase. Free 30day trial available. Plus free phone, email & training support.
Discount: 10% discount off Hertz Daily Member Benefit Rates; 5% or greater off Hertz Leisure Rates, all car classes (advance reservations required).
Eco-Depo Adam Teitelbaum 2395 Broadway Street, Suite 11
Adam Teitelbaum of EcoDepot (right) at the CCCBA Open House. All photos of the Open House courtesy of Mike Moya, moyafotografx.
Time Capture Software
Thomson Reuters Westlaw com
Heather Grabowski (415) 344-5175 heather.grabowski@ thomsonreuters.com
Discount: Ask about ou r ne w cl ou dbased Time and Billing solution, powered by eBillity - secure and accessible at any time via computer or mobile device.
16
Translation Services
JANUARY 2012
Wireless Services Verizon Wireless Cynthia Davis, NPP 1100 Olive Way, Ste. 1020 Seattle, WA 98101 (800) 810-3909; Direct: (206) 625-7441 cynthia.davis@mynpp.com www.mynpp.com Discount: Members with calling plans of $34.99 or higher may qualify for discounts - for details, visit www.cccba.org/attorney/buildyour-practice/member-benefit-merchant-discounts
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS PROVIDERS More details about our Member-Only Benefits Providers, including contact inforamtion and details about the discounts they offer to CCCBA members can be found on our website, www.cccba.org, under Assistance & Services > Member Only Benefits
— WANTED —
Candice E. Stoddard Personal Injury Real Estate Litigation Trust and Estate Disputes Mediation Law Offices of Candice E. Stoddard 1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 420 Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Will/Estate Contests Conservatorships
n
You handle the estate, we do the contest. Cases, except conservatorships, often handled on a contingent fee basis, but can be hourly. Referral fee where appropriate. Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP
925.942.5100 • fax 925.933.3801 cstoddard@stoddardlaw.com
p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-3683
oldest partnership in Contra Costa County (since 1955) 3445 Golden Gate Way, P.O. Box 479 Lafayette, CA 94549-0479 AV Martindale-Hubbell
Practicing law in the East Bay for over 25 years
Will & Trust Litigation Elder Abuse Litigation
•
Conservatorships
BARR & BARR AT TO R N EY S 318-C Diablo Road • Danville, CA 94526-3443 • (925) 314-9999 Edward E. Barr (retired) Loren L. Barr*
Christopher M. Moore Konstantine A. Demiris Tracey McDonald, Paralegal
*Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
17
Grow your business with our Lawyer Referrral & Information Service (LRIS)
LRIS MEMBERSHIP MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE WHAT IS LRIS? Our Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) staff handles over 12,000 calls and online requests each year from members of the public who contact us with legal-related problems; nearly 5,000 of those calls result in client consultations with members of our LRIS each year. Clients are carefully screened to determine whether a consultation with an attorney or a referral to another agency is the most appropriate course of action. When it is clear that the caller would benefit from consulting with an attorney, a 30-minute consultation is scheduled with an LRIS panelist who has met specific experience requirements, maintains malpractice insurance coverage* and who practices in the geographic and subject matter areas that match the client’s needs. The LRIS is a public service of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, a non-profit organization. Our Lawyer Referral & Information Service is certified by the State Bar of California (Certification #0018) and meets American Bar Association Standards.
MODERATE MEANS PROGRAM Help make quality legal support a reality for moderate income clients by joining the Moderate Means Program! As an adjunct to the Lawyer Referral & Information Service, this
18
JANUARY 2012
program offers reduced-fee representation in family law, immigration, and elder law matters. The program is designed to make legal services available for those who do not qualify for pro bono services but who still do not have the means to retain attorneys at their usual rates. Moderate Means clients pay participating attorneys a modest retainer and hourly rate that fit within the program guidelines. Panel attorneys come from all different legal backgrounds and experience levels.
FAMILY LAW ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION (FLARe) PROGRAM Also an adjunct to LRIS, the FLARe program provides a mediation alternative for parties with a family law situation who agree to attempt resolution of their dispute using this process. A 90-minute session at a much-reduced rate is offered to give clients the opportunity to determine if mediation would be useful in attempting to resolve their entire family case. The FLARe program is never offered where domestic violence is a factor.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE LRIS We do the marketing for you: We get over 12,000 calls each year from people who are looking for legal representation. Rather than
place expensive ads in the yellow pages, magazines or other publications hoping that prospective clients might need your services some day, your LRIS membership gives you access to the people who really need your help today. LRIS referrals are paying clients: Over $2 million in attorney fees are collected annually from clients referred by our LRIS. Although not every case leads to a paying client, there are rewards realized even from prospective clients who only come in for a consultation. An initial consultation can lead to a long and profitable attorney-client relationship, as well as future referrals to colleagues, friends and family. Better clients as a result of the LRIS: There is a growing distrust of what are often perceived as selfserving yellow page ads and TV infomercials. The public is looking for a referral source that can be trusted. Our LRIS is certified by the State Bar of California and approved by the ABA as an independent provider of competent and reliable legal representation. Join the LRIS now by contacting the Contra Costa County Bar Association at (925) 686-6900 or by visiting our website at www.cccba.org. Affordable LRIS malpractice insurance coverage is available to solo practitioners through Lawyers’ Mutual Insurance Company. Please call 1800.252-2045 far rates and details.
**
WE POINT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
340
0 32
60
NE
280
80
W
100
260
E SW
S
0 24
120
S
0 14 160
180
22 0
200
• Client Referrals, Quality Screening, Marketing and more! How can I join, you ask? Call (925) 370-2544 to talk to LRIS Coordinator Barbara Arsedo
Robert Miller was efficient, polite and gave me the help that I needed. Thank you for the excellent referral!
40
N NW
• Our LRIS generated more than $2 million in attorney fees last year. This year, our LRIS is on track to exceed this mark for our LRIS panel attorneys.
I felt very good about the information I received. I felt the attorney [Kathryn Dimas] who advised me was very proficient in her knowledge of the law, making it easy for me to understand my rights. She listened very carefully to all I had to say and was very compassionate with regards to my current situation. My situation became what it was because of my lack of understanding and negligence. [When I left the attorney’s office], I clearly understood and now know that I should have come in sooner.
20
300
• LRIS staff screens over 12,000 requests each year from members of the public who contact us with legal-related problems. Nearly 5,000 of those calls result in client consultations scheduled with attorneys of our referral service.
0
WHAT LRIS CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY These quotes are taken from our regular client surveys.
I am working with Matthew Talbot from the Ronald Mullin Law Firm. He is outstanding and I would highly recommend him to others. This law firm knows its stuff. They always have my best interest [in mind]. When my sister was taken to the Emergency Room I had nothing but stumbling blocks in dealing with various legal agancies and the medical community. The Mullin Law Firm gave me hope with the position I found myself in.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
19
Holiday Party & Open House at the Contra Costa County Bar Association
Retiring Commissioners Joel Golub, Josanna Berkow, and Stephen Houghton
Kathryn Schofield, 2011 CCCBA President; Audrey Gee, Ex Officio; and Nick Casper, Treasurer
Thank you for joining us at our holiday party on December 20, 2012.
Happy New Year! 20
JANUARY 2012
Candice Stoddard, CCCBA Secretary; Hon. Christopher Bowen; and CCCBA Executive Director, Lisa Reep
1
2 3
4
5 1
Hon. Barry Baskin and Pamela Lauser
2
Beth Mora, CCCBA Employment Section Chair; James Wu; and Kenneth Strongman, ADR Section Chair
3
Audrey Gee; Justice Maria Rivera; and Commissioner Josanna Berkow
4
Kiri Torre and David Pastor
5
Thank you to all of our guests who brought donations for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano and gifts for the 20th Annual Toy Drive for homeless children, sponsored by the Juvenile Section of the CCCBA! Want to see more photos? Visit the Contra Costa County Bar Association Facebook page at facebook.com/CCCBA!
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
21
Meet Your Section Leaders Alternative Dispute Resolution
How has section membership benefited your practice? I joined the ADR Section so that I could be on the cutting edge of the way we resolve disputes in our society, including the way we litigate in California. I did it so that my corporate clients would always benefit Kenneth Strongman from the earliest thoughts and processes available and that my mediation practice would correspondently expand and be the best it could be. On my own, I would have had zero influence on the profession. As part of the ADR section, we collectively help direct the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution processes in Contra Costa and the State of California. This has allowed my practice to be in the forefront of ADR. Rarely will my general counsel clients be criticized for selecting me as a mediator. They are able to confidently tell their parties that they tried everything to avoid litigating and incurring additional legal fees and their company bosses can then assure their directors and shareholders that they have retained the best. Besides being on the forefront of ADR, we are able to advise Courts and members of the Bar as to the best practices ADR has to offer. Currently, we are actively helping the Courts develop rules, policies and procedures to avoid having justice grind to a halt in our current Court budget crisis. I am also able to modify my practice to prepare for the coming changes in rules, policies and procedures. At every one of our programs, be it a formal presentation or informal roundtable, I learn something new that will benefit my mediation practice in concrete ways. Every one of our events is designed to benefit the ADR practitioner – whether it be a roundtable on mediation practice marketing, or our yearly specialized class on How to Mediate with Self Represented Litigants.
Why should someone join the ADR Section? By joining the section, ADR practitioners and those who participate in ADR as an advocate for their clients will
22
JANUARY 2012
benefit themselves and their clients in knowing the direction of dispute resolution in Contra Costa and the way litigation will occur in California in the continuing Court budget crisis.
Appellate
Why should someone join the Appellate Section?
Gary Watt
We provide both trial and appellate lawyers with insights on key statutory and case law developments by putting on MCLE seminars. And we usually get an appellate justice to join our MCLE Spectacular presentation.
How has section membership benefited your practice? Section membership means expanded contacts and opportunities among the appellate community.
Bankruptcy
Why should someone join the Bankruptcy Section? The section puts on educational seminars related to bankruptcy that provide practical knowledge to assist you in your practice. Currently, we are scheduling programs on Chapter 13 practice and notice issues which Marlene Weinstein have become increasingly important in connection with loan modifications, stripping liens and other matters related to real property. Based on the input from membership, we are hoping to start scheduling monthly meetings, even if some of them are informal brown bag lunches to discuss problems that arise in your practice. In addition, being a section member provides an opportunity to create a network of attorneys with whom you can discuss issues and problems that arise in your practice. Furthermore, by getting
involved in the Bankruptcy Section, opportunities will arise for you to become involved in the County Bar Association through which you can expand your network of attorneys and build your practice, for example, by being a speaker for a seminar or writing an article for the bar association’s monthly magazine.
How has section membership benefited your practice? Throughout the years, participation in the section has provided me with the opportunity to meet other bankruptcy attorneys so that I have had a network of people with whom I could confer. This has been especially important since I have a solo practice. It has also afforded me the opportunity to meet other Contra Costa County attorneys who practice in state court whom I would otherwise have no opportunity to meet, thereby creating a source of referrals to help my practice grow.
Barristers Chair: Kristen Bargmeyer
Why should someone join the Barrister’s Section? The Barrister’s Sections provides the professional tools that newer practitioners need to excel within their ca-
reers including opportunities to gain legal skills and networking opportunities - and the membership is free.
How has section membership benefited your practice? In addition to offering great professional development and networking opportunities, the Barrister’s Section has helped me see beyond my workplace. It is a community of similarly situated attorneys where I am able to share ideas and ask advice about topics particular to new lawyers.
Business Law & Corporate Counsel
Why should someone join the BLCC Section? The Business Law Corporate Counsel (BLCC) Section provides numerous opportunities for attorneys with ongoing practices, attorneys new to Business Law, and business leaders to D. Benjamin Borson meet, learn the current hot issues in Business Law, and enjoy meeting current and new colleagues. We hold periodic CLE events to provide differing points of view, and many of our programs are in conjunction with other Sections’ activities.
Morrill Law Firm 1333 N. California Blvd., Ste 620 • Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Phone 925.322.8615 • Fax 925.357.3151
Will & Trust Litigation Financial Elder Abuse Conservatorships General Civil Litigation Probate & Civil Appeals Mediation Joseph Morrill Andrew R. Verriere
Nicole Morrill Paralegal
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
23
MEET YOUR SECTION LEADERS, cont. from page 23
Criminal Law
These provide many opportunities to see how business practices affect many aspects of your practice.
How has section membership benefited your practice? The major benefits to my practice have come through interaction with other attorneys, including those whose primary practices are in other areas. I especially enjoy working with Section members and the Board of the BLCC to develop and deliver timely educational programming.
Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust
Why should someone join the CGPT Section? There is always more to learn about the different types of cases heard in the Probate Department, and there is no substitute for learning from the personal, current experiences of practitioners in this field. Section Mark Frisbie membership provides opportunities to meet and talk with our fellow practitioners at section lunches, earn CLE credits, exchange information, help less experienced colleagues, hear about the latest developments from judges and court staff, and just get away from the office and relax together. As a section member, you hear about our events first and pay less to attend.
How has section membership benefited your practice? Attorneys are great referral sources for clients and great information sources for practice. My participation in section events has let others know and remember my areas of expertise, and vice versa, for referral of potential clients in need of such expertise. And I also learn who might know the answer to the next tough legal question I face.
BAR SECTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE Learn more about each section by visiting www.cccba.org/ attorney/sections/
24
JANUARY 2012
Why should someone join the Criminal Law Section? The Criminal Section seeks to provide CCCBA members with continuing legal education (CLE) programs and a network of moral and professional support. From the sole practitioner working in his or her living room, to Mary Carey the lawyer who works in a 100 person firm, members will find relevant information, and opportunities specifically tailored to the needs of Criminal Litigation in Contra Costa County.
How has section membership benefited your practice? Lawyers who are involved in the section enhance the credibility of their practice. By staying abreast of changes in the law, technology, local rules and procedures of the criminal courts, policies of the Detention Facility, Crime Lab, Office of the District Attorney, through the Criminal Section, attorneys demonstrate involvement with an organization that is a vital part of the Contra Costa criminal justice community.
Diversity Co-Chairs: Mary Grace Guzman & Silky Sahnan
Why should someone join the Diversity Section? The Diversity section works to further the goals and interests of attorneys, law students, legal professionals, and residents of color and other under-represented groups within our county. We welcome all bar members to our section and look forward to your participation and input.
Elder Law Chair: Joseph Morrill
Why should someone join the Elder Law Section? Generally, there are two areas of practice that we refer to as Elder Law. The first is transactional work, closely related to estate planning, which often focuses on eligibility for various benefits, such as Medi-Cal. The second is litigation, both financial elder abuse and physical elder abuse/neglect. In addition, Elder Law often overlaps with other practice areas when a client, or interested
party, is over the age of 65. Given the breadth of what is, or can become, an Elder Law issue, and the increasing portion of the population considered elders, many practitioners can benefit from joining the Elder Law section.
How has section membership benefited your practice? My practice focuses on litigation. Specifically, elder abuse litigation, conservatorships, and will and trust litigation. Naturally, section membership has led to meeting other attorneys with similar practices to my own, but it has also introduced me to attorneys that practice in related areas. Not only is it wonderful for networking, but it allows me to stay current on elder law issues and the relationship between elder law and other fields of practice, such as probate, estate planning, real estate, tax, family law, and personal injury/medical malpractice.
Employment Chair: Beth Mora
Why should someone join the Employment Section? Regardless of the area of practice an attorney engages, an attorney will ultimately face, either personally or professionally, an employment law issue and likely face such issues multiple times during his/her careers. The tools gained by being knowledgeable within the employment law arena, which is often developing and complex, is beneficial to employment law practitioners and those who do not engage in employment law on a regular basis.
How has section membership benefited your practice? As a plaintiff employment law attorney, I have the pleasure of working with defense counsel, in-house counsel as well as peers who conduct investigations and mediation within the employment law arena as a member of the CCCBA Employment Section. Said interactions, shared insight and honest exchanges have proved invaluable in making me a better advocate for my clients.
Family Law
Why should someone join the Family Law Section? The Family Law Section has been in existence for 25 years and is one of the most dynamic Family Law Sections in the state. Section members have been instrumental in setting up a Bench Bar Committee so that the attorneys Karen Johnson and bench officers have open communication and work in a collaborative setting as well as establishing procedures for unbundled services. As a section member you will have access to our monthly newsletter, In Chancery, which keeps our members informed of programs, court and procedure changes and updates in the law and the practice of Family Law. You will have access to the numerous programs we provide that include mentoring, networking, continuing education and opportunities for social gathering. You will be among the first to know about the new judges and new court procedures. If you practice Family Law in Contra Costa County or are considering practicing Family Law in Contra Costa County, if you are an affiliate who performs services for Family Law litigants and attorneys, or if you just want to keep up to date with what is happening in the Family Law Court, being a section member is a necessity.
How has section membership benefited your practice? If you want to have a successful practice of family law, you must be a member of the section. I have regularly attended luncheons for MCLE credit, which not only gives me the continuing education I need but also allows me to network and build relationships with other attorneys so that I can better serve my clients in a more helpful, less litigious atmosphere. By reading In Chancery each month, I have all the calendared events at my fingertips. I can also follow the links that are provided to gain additional information. I have access to non-attorney affiliates whom I trust and respect and who I know will do a great job for my clients. By being on the Family Law Board, I have the ability to help influence the practice of Family Law in Contra Costa County to make it more user friendly for both the attorneys and the clients and to help revise or make new policies that streamline and facilitate the practice.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
25
MEET YOUR SECTION LEADERS, cont. from page 25
Intellectual Property
Why should someone join the Intellectual Property Section? The IP section is a resource for attorneys and others to learn, share, network, and strengthen their expertise in intellectual property. The goals for the section are to 1) Keep abreast of new legal developments; 2) Share Stuart West written resources through an online brief bank; 3) Develop industry contacts and interaction between the members and the local business community; 4) Pool resources in order to obtain discounts on continuing education programs; 5) Develop contacts and interaction with local in-house counsel; 6) Develop programs for law schools to further the practical training of future IP attorneys; and 7) Learn about the members’ own practice areas for the purpose of assisting in client referrals.
26
JANUARY 2012
Juvenile
Why should someone join the Juvenile Law Section? Anyone interested in Child Welfare Work and the families of Contra Costa would enjoy our meetings. We have trainings relevant to Welfare & Institution Code 300, and learn about reRhonda Wilson-Rice sources available to foster care youth and/or their families.
How has section membership benefited your practice? Juvenile Dependency is a fairly small specialized area of practice. I have received private case referrals from my colleagues based upon my membership in the section.
Law Student
Pro Bono
Why should someone join the Pro Bono Section?
Co-Chairs: Miriam Munguia & James Kim
Why should someone join the Law Student Section? Students should join our section in order to network with fellow attorneys in the Contra Costa area. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the type of work you want to pursue in the future.
Samantha Sepehr
How has section membership benefited your practice? As a student, section membership has benefited my understanding of what it means to practice law.
Litigation Peggy Bristol-Wright
Why should someone join the Litigation Section?
Geoffrey Steele
Joshua Cohen
The Litigation section is the section that crosses over most of the other disciplines, exposing you to a wide variety of legal issues that directly impact your practice, including insights regarding practicing before the Contra Costa Courts and about which you might otherwise be unaware. The Litigation’s MCLE programs and mixers allow you to meet attorneys that you might otherwise not have the opportunity to get to know. In addition the Litigation section is involved in several of the pro bono workshops that are offered in Contra Costa County and those workshops afford our members great opportunities to hone their skills and give back to the community.
How has section membership benefited your practice? Being a Litigation section member has been a no-brainer for me. I have met other Litigation section members from all over the Bay Area which has allowed me to confidently refer cases to attorneys I have gotten to know and respect, and I have also had referrals from other Litigation section members back to me. Most likely they may not have gotten to know me other than my participation in the Litigation Section.
Provide access to justice for under-served communities. The need to help people from marginalized communities find access to justice is an ongoing challenge. There are many ways that you can be a part of the solution: providing a free consultation, representing a client on a pro bono basis, volunteering at various legal workshops, or even being a mentor to another attorney who is representing a pro bono client. The Pro Bono Section can help you find various opportunities to give back to our community, which can have transformative results for everyone involved.
Explore opportunities to build your law practice. Consider taking a pro bono case in an area of law that is new to you. The Pro Bono Section can help match you with mentors, either in private practice or from non-profit agencies. This experience in unchartered territory will allow you to explore possible new areas for your practice without having to make a permanent commitment. In addition, our programs often provide valuable information on costeffective strategies for your law practice - so that you can afford to take a pro bono case! Additional networking opportunities. Joining the Pro Bono Section is a great networking opportunity for lawyers who are interested not only in finding a mentor but being a mentor. We will continue to co-sponsor events with other CCCBA sections in the upcoming year, offering even more opportunities for you to build your professional network.
How has section membership benefited your practice? All of the above! Membership in the Pro Bono Section has strengthened my professional relationships with other attorneys. As a new attorney, it has increased my professional credibility. I have also gained valuable insights into areas of law where fewer attorneys are working, giving me ideas for how I can grow my practice. From our workshops on ethics and cost-effective legal research, I’ve learned valuable lessons on how to effectively manage my practice. As stated above, the Pro Bono Section helps inform the legal community of the various free legal workshops/ clinics throughout our county. One of our goals as at-
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
27
MEET YOUR SECTION LEADERS, cont. from page 27 torneys should be to provide the best service for our clients. Unfortunately, however, not all clients can afford to pay for our services. If you cannot afford to take the case, the next best thing you can do for your client is to provide him/her with alternate options, including the free workshops/clinics in our community. Clients that I have referred to these clinics are very grateful for providing them with options. This in turn becomes a marketing opportunity because often times those clients who could not afford legal fees, but were appreciative of my time, refer their friends and family who can afford to pay.
Why should someone join the Real Estate Section?
28
JANUARY 2012
How has section membership benefited your practice? Section membership has helped my practice in that I feel better connected to my fellow Real Estate practitioners, and look forward to the MCLE presentations.
Solo Practice & Small Firm
Why should someone join the Solo Section?
Real Estate
Mike Durkee
related topics. We attract remarkably talented presenters and are generally well attended. Additionally, attendance at these gatherings will help better acquaint you with the many Real Estate practitioners in our County and around the Bay Area.
The Real Estate Section has one of the most active MCLE approaches at the County Bar. We meet once a month for a morning breakfast and an hour’s presentation on current topics in Real Estate, Land Use, Environmental, and
Bi-Monthly Breakfast Meetings: On the third Thursday of even-numbered months, the section holds a breakfast meeting that is free to members and affords members with an opportunity to discuss topics of interest Heidi Coad and to network. Areas of discussion Hermelin are not predetermined and have included law office management, retainers, substantive law and advertising.
Bi-Monthly After Work Meetings: On the third Thursday of odd-numbered months, the section holds an after work meeting Appetizers are provided free to members. The meetings afford members and guests the opportunity to discuss topics of interest and to network. List-Serve: Members have the opportunity to reach out to other section members by email. Members are automatically included on the list-serve when they join the section. The list-serve is frequently used to inquire about referrals, ask for input on a legal issue and for form sharing. The Maverick: The Maverick is a monthly newsletter distributed electronically that includes information about upcoming events, advertising, and an interview with a member. Each month, a member of the section is highlighted in the newsletter, allowing that member to share ideas about working as a sole practitioner or in a small practice and enlighten other members about their backgrounds and areas of practice. JFK Library: Members are allowed access to the JFK Law Library without cost. The library maintains a list of the members of the section for reference.
How has section membership benefited your practice?
How has section membership benefited your practice? Besides making it more fun, it provides a forum to test ideas and discuss directions with other members of the profession.
West County
Why should someone join the West County Section?
Doris Mitchell
Because the speakers at our section lunches are often sitting judges in Contra Costa County and they offer real insights into what the courts look for in certain types of cases. And because our lunches and other section sponsored events are a lot of fun!
Women’s Co-Chairs: Ericka Ackeret & Marta Vanegas
I have benefitted personally from the list-serve and the Maverick. From the list-serve I have made personal contacts, shared ideas, and received feedback on both substantive law and law practice management issues. Working on the Maverick, I have met many outstanding attorneys in areas of law outside my own. As far as my position as president, I have had the great pleasure of working on a board with highly talented and professional people and the opportunity to meet other section leaders and CCCBA Staff.
Taxation
Why should someone join the Women’s Section? Members of the Women’s Section enjoy access to events offering networking opportunities, and discounted admission to informational programs and lunches, some offering MCLE credit and others focusing on matters Ericka Ackeret of more personal interest, such as job opportunities and rainmaking. Members of the Women’s Section also receive a discounted membership to California Women Lawyers.
How has section membership benefited your practice?
Why should someone join the Taxation Section? Our meetings are fun. For those that attend too many meetings, you will find that the Taxation lunches, which occur on the second Tuesday of each month, are just plain fun. The section has gone to an informal format where Mark Ericsson we select a topic for each meeting and a facilitator/expert helps us explore the latest law, policies and projects; and techniques for dealing with them. We meet at the offices of Archer Norris and often dissect topics that cross over into other areas of law, which often draw many practitioners from other areas of practice.
I was immediately connected to a network of professional women actively building their practices and supporting the growing practices of women attorneys in Contra Costa County. I am grateful for a network of attorneys who have been more than willing to share opinions and resources that have ultimately benefited my firm, practice and clients. I am very proud to be a part of the Women’s section and will continue to be a member as long as they will have me!
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
29
WE WANT YOUR ARTICLES! We invite you to take the opportunity to get your articles published. Please take a look at our 2013 editorial calendar below for upcoming themes and deadlines. If you think of a timely, interesting article - write it and send it to us! We have editorial guidelines available on our website, at www.cccba.org/attorney/cclawyer
CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
2013 EDITORIAL CALENDAR Print issues are listed in bold, online-only issues in regular font. Themes are subject to change. Check our website for the most up-to-date information.
ISSUE
ARTICLE DEADLINE
THEME
February 2013
Jan 8, 2013
Elder Law
March 2013
Feb 1, 2013
Tax Law/ The Fiscal Cliff
April 2013
Mar 12, 2013
Employment Law
May 2013
Apr 5, 2013
The Future of Law Practice
June 2013
May 7, 2013
The Vacation Issue
July 2013 June 3, 2013 Criminal Law August 2013
July 9, 2013
Women in Law
September 2013
Aug 2, 2013
Real Estate
October 2013
Sept 10, 2013
Our Cities
November 2013
Oct 4, 2013
Bench/ Bar Issue
December 2013
Nov 12, 2013
Pro Bono
QUESTIONS? ARTICLE IDEAS? FEEDBACK? email contracostalawyer@cccba.org
30
JANUARY 2012
YOUR CCCBA MEMBERSHIP Take advantage of everything we have to offer!
The Contra Costa County Bar Association’s mission is to represent its members and to advocate on their behalf; to educate its members and the public concerning the law, the legal profession and the judicial system; to provide a means of communication both among its members and between its members and the public; and to provide services that will support its members in their legal practice. by Lisa Reep Executive Director
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING Join one or more of our 21 Sections and network with other practitioners who share common interests. We also offer regular opportunities to interface with members of our local bench. For more networking opportunities, attend our informal mixers to connect with attorneys and other professionals. Learn more about our sections: www.cccba.org/attorney/sections. In 2012, we also launched a new job board - post your resume, browse job opportunities, and find the right talent for your job openings at jobs.cccba.org.
COMMUNITY SERVICE The CCCBA sponsors numerous community service opportunities. These include our annual “Food From the Bar” drive, our ongoing Education Outreach Program including regular court tours during the academic year, our consumer-focused free legal workshops, and more. Find out more: www.cccba.org/attorney/build-your-practice/volunteer.php
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION CCCBA, together with its Sections and Committees, offers frequent seminars, courses and forums that fulfill the State Bar of California’s MCLE requirements. These include our annual MCLE Spectacular as well as many section-sponsored events throughout the year. Check out our online calendar for upcoming events - you can browse events and register online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar
LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE The Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) provides referrals to attorneys who have met specific experience requirements. Nearly 5,000 client consultations are scheduled with members of our LRIS each year. Special malpractice insurance rates are available for solo practitioners participating on our LRIS. For information on LRIS membership and malpractice insurance, call (925) 686-6900 or visit www.cccba.org/attorney/lawyer-referral-network
PUBLICATIONS Our highly regarded magazine, Contra Costa Lawyer, is published monthly, 6 times per year in print, 12 times online. Each year, we also publish a pictorial Membership Directory. E-mailed “News & Upcoming Events” broadcasts are also sent to our members every Tuesday morning. Check out the latest issue of our magazine: www.cccba.org/attorney/cclawyer CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
31
2012 YEAR-END FINANCIAL REPORT
(Based on projections as of mid-December. Staff and overhead expenses are not reflected under individual categories. )
INCOME EXPENSES NET PROFIT / (LOSS) MEMBERSHIP
279,539.00
6,824.00
272,715.00
Dues, mailings, committee meetings, applications, State Bar swearing-in ceremonies, recruitment campaigns, networking mixers, annual leadership meetings, holiday party, printing costs.
LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE
321,206.00
30,994.00
290,212.00
Consultation fees, membership fees, percentage fees, advertising, brochures & marketing, phone system, postage, supplies, client surveys, committee meetings, staff education, Moderate Means Program, Elder Law Training, FLARe (Family Law Mediation program),Limited Representation program, marketing & panel recruitment, State Bar re-certification fees, free community legal workshops.
FEE ARBITRATION/MEDIATION & CLIENT RELATIONS PROGRAMS
12,898.00
474.00
12,424.00
56,550.00
34,485.00
22,065.00
PUBLICATIONS 93,190.00
45,099.00
48,091.00
Filing fees, State Bar reimbursements, refunds, postage, committee meetings, supplies.
BAR-SPONSORED PROGRAMS & EVENTS MCLE Spectacular, committee meetings, State Bar provider status renewal.
Contra Costa Lawyer & Pictorial Membership Directory: Printing, postage, production, mailing house, MCLE self-study tests, committee meetings, photography, directory practice area listings, advertising revenue (incl. website & weekly broadcast), stock photography, blog book, video-editing software, etc.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Staff (does not include Criminal Conflicts Program) 439,182.00 (439,182.00) Payroll, payroll taxes, payroll service, pension disbursements, medical, dental & vision benefits, workers’ comp insur- ance, staff education, expense reimbursements.
Executive Director
Education & travel, dues/membership fees, expenses, etc.
5,354.00
(5,354.00)
35,069.00
(35,069.00)
Office Equipment
Computers, computer consulting services, database, photocopier, fax machine, printers, postage machine & meter, etc.
General
20,486.00
99,292.00
(78,806.00)
Conference room rental income, rebates (LMIC, Marsh Affinity Group, Toshiba, Legal Span), Sales Tax refund from State Board of Equalization, interest & dividend income (including replenishing reserves used for 2010 website development), office rent and overhead, property insurance, utilities, office supplies, credit card processing fees, phone system, security system, parking permits, staff meetings, accounting, miscellaneous taxes, etc.
OFFICERS & BOARD of DIRECTORS
4,743.00
18,855.00
(14,112.00)
Installation luncheon, Board meetings, bar leader conferences, strategic planning meetings, gavels & plaques, miscellaneous committee meetings, Errors & Omissions Insurance.
SECTION SUPPORT 9,078.00
469.00
8,609.00
E-mail broadcasts, section leaders’ meetings, program registration, handbooks, postage & mailings.
CONFERENCE of DELEGATES
2,873.00
(2,873.00)
2,977.00
(2,977.00)
91.00
(91.00)
93.00
(93.00)
548.00
(548.00)
75,011.00
(75,011.00)
Planning meetings, registration & hotel, materials, etc.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Website modifications/ updates, SPAM filter, Internet connection.
EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM Court Tours docents training & court staff thank-you luncheon, postage & mailings, materials.
DIVERSITY Committee meetings
COURT SUPPORT Bench/Bar meetings, Fast Track Bench/Bar roundtable.
RESERVES Replenish reserves: 2010 website development, cumulative LRIS program subsidy, office move
TOTAL INCOME & EXPENSES 797,690.00 797,690.00 (0.00) TOTAL RESERVES AS OF 12/31/12: $342,107.00
32
JANUARY 2012
n
McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Ambacher, LLP Miller Starr Regalia
Firms with 20-29 attorneys: Bowles & Verna, LLP
Firms with 15-19 attorneys: Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Raines Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Firms with 5-14 attorneys: Barr & Barr Attorneys Bingham McCutchen, LLP Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLP Buchman Provine Brothers Smith, LLP Carroll, Burdick & McDonough, LLP Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook Cooper, White & Cooper, LLP Craddick, Candland & Conti Doyle Golde Grossman Family Law Group Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy Frankel & Goldware, LLP Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis & Larsen Greenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally, LLP Morison Holden & Prough, LLP Steele, George, Schofield & Ramos, LLP Vasquez, Benisek & Lindgren, LLP
Steele, George, Schofeld & Ramos, LLP | Vasquez, Benisek & Lindgren, LLP | Whitng, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP |
Archer Norris
Greenan, Pefer, Sallander & Lally, LLP | Morison Holden Derewetzky & Prough, LLP|
Firms with 30+ attorneys:
Frankel & Goldware, LLP | Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi | Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis & Larsen |
2012 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMS
Craddick, Candland & Cont | Doyle Golde Grossman Family Law Group | Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy |
Bingham McCutchen, LLP| Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLP | Buchman Provine Brothers Smith, LLP | Carroll, Burdick & McDonough, LLP | Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook | Cooper, White & Cooper, LLP |
Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Raines | Litler Mendelson, P.C. | Barr & Barr Atorneys |
Archer Norris | McNamara, Ney, Beaty, Slatery, Borges & Ambacher, LLP | Miller Starr Regalia | Bowles & Verna, LLP |
We gratefully acknowledge our
Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP Thank you for your support and commitment! For additional information, contact Membership Coordinator Jenny Comages at 925.370.2543 or e-mail jcomages@cccba.org. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
33
CLASSIFIEDS
LAW OFFICE SPACE WALNUT CREEK SHADELANDS AREA $695 per month: Interior office(s) in quiet setting off walking trail in Shadelands area of Walnut Creek (end of Lennon Lane, off Ygnacio), single story building. Shared kitchen, reception, conference rooms and library use included. Offices are approximately 135 sq. ft. each—two are available. One smaller office available at $400/mo. and two secretarial/ paralegal areas--approximately 81 sq. ft. each-available at $250/mo. each. Please contact Kari at 256-9855 for more information.
WALNUT CREEK OFFICE SPACE TO SHARE Great opportunity for a solo attorney. Civic and Ygnacio Valley Road. Corner window office fully furnished plus joint use of copier and conference room. Easily accessible for clients with free parking. Sublease from sole practitioner. Available immediately. Close to BART and freeways. Additional office options can be discussed including use of a cubicle. Call (925) 413-0694 to discuss details.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE Currently subleasing up to four professional furnished offices within our spacious (11) office suite. Great views from the 10th floor of the California Plaza building in Walnut Creek, with great location near Walnut Creek BART station. Rent is $800-$900 per office (depending on the office size) on month-to-month basis. Alternatively, will consider reconfiguration of existing office layout and occupancy to provide for a longer term of a suite of up to four significantly larger offices, including a large secretarial station and signage – price and term to be negotiated depending on configuration. All subleases include telephone service with receptionist, high speed internet access, large kitchen and use on first come basis of two large conference rooms. A smaller secretarial station is also available in conjunction with leasing one or more of the smaller offices – price to be negotiated depending on how many offices are leased in the package. Contact, Jan Raymond via e-mail: mail@avmllp.com or by phone: 925-939-9880.
34
JANUARY 2012
advertisers’ index Roger F. Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Armanino McKenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 David Arietta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Barr & Barr Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bray & Bray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Jay Chafetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 11
Diablo Valley Reporting Services . . 40
WALNUT CREEK OFFICE SPACE
Margaret M. Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Three beautiful window offices with secretarial stations available to share in well-appointed nine-office attorney suite. Can rent the offices individually. Located on the seventh floor in Two Ygnacio Center in downtown Walnut Creek, one block from BART. Includes receptionist services, and use of conference rooms, law library and kitchen. Underground parking available. Call Elliot (925) 947-1333
JAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
LAW OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE IN DOWNTOWN WALNUT CREEK Large window office with secretarial station in downtown Walnut Creek. Free parking. 925939-6400
Lenczowski Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Morrill Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mullin Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Perry A. Novak , UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 David B. Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 17 Scott Valley Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Candice Stoddard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Michael J. Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Youngman & Ericsson, LLP . . . . . . . . . 2 Zandonella Reporting Service . . . . . 28
CONCORD LAW OFFICE NEAR BART On Clayton Road. 1 or 2 Offices with Library, Kitchen, Reception Area. Free Parking. Overflow Cases Possible. Call Joe at (925) 687-9121
PROBATE PARALEGAL TO ATTORNEYS Joanne C. McCarthy. 2204 Concord Blvd. Concord, CA 94520. Call (925) 689-9244.
MASTER TAX GUIDES & CALIFORNIA GUIDEBOOKS 1948, 1953, 1956 to 2012 U.S. Master Tax Guides, and 1981 to 2012 guidebooks to CA taxes. Best Offer. (925) 254-2850
WITKIN SUMMARY CALIFORNIA LAW 10th edition without May 2012 pocket parts . $750 or best offer. (925) 254-2850
CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS | OVERVIEW
January 9 | Family Law Section
State of the Court: and Do You Need a Court Reporter to Make a Record for Appeal more details on page 36 January 18 | Real Estate Section
Recent Developments for the Intersection Between Deeds of Trust and Article 3 of the Commercial Code more details on page 36 January 24 | Family Law Section
Cocktail Reception to Honor Commissioner Berkow more details on page 36 January 25 | CCCBA
Officer Installation Lunch more details on page 38 January 26 – February 10 | SEEDS Community Resolution Center
Mediation for Community and Workplace Conflicts! more details on page 36 January 29 | Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust Section
Probate Bench Update 2013 more details on page 36 January 31 | Employment Section
2013 Employment Law Update more details on page 36
February 7 | CCCBA
Get to Know Your Local Judges- Family & Juvenile more details on page 37 February 13 | Family Law Section
Use of Private Judges for Trial and Limited Services more details on page 37 February 15 | Real Estate Section
Last Year’s Important Real Estate Decisions more details on page 37 February 19 | Employment Section
Wage & Hour Update more details on page 37 February 22 | Barristers / Young Lawyers Section
Bridging the Gap more details on page 37 April 23 | Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust Section
Save the Date for a Special 20th Anniversary CCCBA Estate Planning Symposium more details to come April 24 | CCCBA: Food from the Bar 2013
Res Ipsa Jokuitor XVI - Comedy Night & Kickoff for Food from the Bar 2013 - Save the Date! more details to come
For up-to-date information on programs, please visit www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar and/or subscribe to our weekly “News & Upcoming Events’ email. To subscribe, text CCCBA to 22828. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
35
January 9 | Family Law Section
January 18 | Real Estate Section
January 24 | Family Law Section
State of the Court: and Do You Need a Court Reporter to Make a Record for Appeal
Recent Developments for the Intersection Between Deeds of Trust and Article 3 of the Commercial Code
Cocktail Reception to Honor Commissioner Berkow
Speaker: Hon. Jill Fannin
Speakers: Marcus Brown Brian Gunn
Location: Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Time: 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Cost: $25
Location: Scott’s Seafood 1333 N California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA
Registration: Go to the Family Law website at www.familylawsectioncontracosta.org to register.
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Location: Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 MCLE: 1 hour general credit Cost: $40, section members & law student members; $50 for everyone else Registration: Go to the Family Law website at www.familylawsectioncontracosta.org to register. More Info: Contact Therese Bruce at (925) 930-6789
January 26 – February 10 | SEEDS Community Resolution Center
Mediation for Community and Workplace Conflicts! Learn the skills and process with hands-on practice in a 40-hour course! Speaker: Marvin L. Schwartz, J.D., renowned mediation trainer, teaches the skills and process you can use in commercial, community, workplace, family, and many other conflict cases. Information at http://www.mediationteams.com/reg Time:
Saturday, 1/26, Sunday, 1/27, Saturday, 2/2, Saturday, 2/9, Sunday, 2/10: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Family Resource Center, 39155 Liberty St., Fremont CA 94537 MCLE: 36 MCLE credits, 1 in ethics Cost: $595 plus $150 for MCLE credits. Registration: Online at http://www.mediationteams.com/reg More Info: (510) 530-1283 or online at http://www.mediationteams.com/reg
36
JANUARY 2012
MCLE: 1 hour general credit Cost: Free for section members; $5, law student members; $15, CCCBA members; $35, non-members
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
More Info: Contact Therese Bruce at (925) 930-6789
Registration: online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548
January 29 | CGPT Section
January 31 | Employment Section
Probate Bench Update 2013
2013 Employment Law Update
Speakers: Hon. Joyce Cram Hon. John H. Sugiyama Hon. Trevor White
Join us for our section’s annual update on new developments in employment law and hot topics for 2013.
Time: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Speakers: Casey Christensen James Y. Wu
Location: Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
MCLE: 1 hour Probate/Estate Planning Specialization credit
Location: Scott’s Seafood 1333 N California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA
Cost: $40, section members; $30, law student members; $50, CCCBA members; $55, non-members
MCLE: 1 hour general credit
Registration: online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548
Cost: $35, section members; $40 CCCBA members; $50, non-members Registration: online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548
February 7 | CCCBA
February 13 | Family Law Section
February 15 | Real Estate Section
Get to Know Your Local JudgesFamily & Juvenile
Use of Private Judges for Trial and Limited Services
Last Year’s Important Real Estate Decisions
By popular demand, we are pleased to announce the return of our gatherings intended to give you an opportunity to get to know members of our local bench on a one-to-one basis. Please join us for refreshments and conversation with Presiding Judge Barry Goode and Family and Juvenile Division Judges.
Speakers: Lee C. Pearce Barbara Suskind
Speakers: Roger Bernhardt, Professor of Law, Golden Gate University
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Time: 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm Location: Hosted by Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, 101 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94596 Registration: Advance reservations are appreciated. Please RSVP to Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548 or thurley@cccba.org -or online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar
Location: Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Cost: $40, section members & law student members; $50 for everyone else Registration: Go to the Family Law website at www.familylawsectioncontracosta.org to register. More Info: Contact Therese Bruce at (925) 930-6789
Kathleen Morris, Associate Profes- sor of Law, Golden Gate University
Christine Tour-Sarkissian, Adjunct Professor of Law, Golden Gate University Time: 7:30 am – 9:00 am Location: Scott’s Seafood 1333 N California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA MCLE: 1 hour general credit Cost: Free for section members; $5, law student members; $15, CCCBA members; $35, non-members Registration: online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548
February 19 | Employment Section
February 22 | Barristers / Young Lawyers Section
Wage & Hour Update
Bridging the Gap
2012 Wage and Hour Update for Employment Law practitioners.
Sponsored by the San Francisco Daily Journal
Speakers: Michael Brewer Beth W. Mora
New Lawyers, Young Lawyers, Lawyers new to the county - Take this opportunity to get acquainted with the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the Superior Court and local judges, local practitioners...and much more!
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Breakfast and lunch included.
Location: Littler Mendelson 1255 Treat Blvd, Suite 600 Walnut Creek CA 94597
Time: Friday, February 22, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
MCLE: 1 hour general credit
MCLE: 4 hours general credit
Cost: $25, section members; $35, CCCBA members; $45, non-members
Cost: COST FOR NEW ADMITTEES IS WAIVED! If you qualify as a NEW ADMITTEE (1st year of practice only/never practiced before) join the CCCBA online and pay your $25.00 dues. Then call Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548 or email her at thurley@cccba.org and she will register you for this event gratis.
Registration: online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548
Location: Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Community Room 900 Ward St. (Entrance is on Court St.), Martinez CA 94553
$10, Barristers Section members; $25, CCCBA members; $40, non-members Registration: online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
37
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL OFFICER INSTALLATION featuring
The Honorable Goodwin Liu
Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court - and honoring –
Richard Frankel
for nearly two decades of extraordinary volunteer service to the CCCBA
Friday, January 25, 2013 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Road – Pleasant Hill
REGISTER TODAY!
OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED BOARD MEMBERS
$35 CCCBA members $45 non-members
Jay Chafetz, President | Stephen Steinberg, President-Elect Candice Stoddard, Secretary | Dana Santos, Treasurer Audrey Gee, Ex Officio
1 hour MCLE Credit Menu choices: Cuban Pork Loin Poached Atlantic Salmon Filet - or - Vegetable Wellington
Richard Alexander | Philip Andersen | Dean Barbieri Amanda Bevins | Denae Hildebrand Budde | Oliver Bray Mary Carey | Nicholas Casper | Alison Chandler Elva Harding | Reneé Livingston | James Wu
Photo Session for the 2013/14 Member Directory 11:00am to noon - and - 1:30 to 2:00pm
SECTION LEADERS Ken Strongman, ADR | Gary A. Watt, Appellate | Marlene Weinstein, Bankruptcy Law | Kristen Bargmeyer, Barristers | D. Benjamin Borson, Business Law & Corporate Counsel | Mark Frisbie, Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust | Mary Carey, Criminal | Silky Sahnan & Mary Grace Guzman, Diversity | Joe Morrill, Elder Law | Beth Mora, Employment | Karen Johnson, Family Law | Stuart J. West, Intellectual Property | Rhonda Wilson-Rice, Juvenile Law | Joshua Cohen & Geoffrey Steele, Litigation | Samantha Sepehr & Peggy Bristol-Wright, Pro Bono | Mike Durkee, Real Estate | Heidi Coad-Hermelin, Solo Practice & Small Firm | Miriam Munguia & James Kim, Student | Mark Ericsson, Taxation | Doris Mitchell, West County | Erika Ackeret & Marta Vanegas, Women’s
38
JANUARY 2012
To register, contact Theresa Hurley at (925) 370-2548, thurley@cccba.org, or at www.cccba.org
DOES YOUR PHOTO IN THE CCCBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY LOOK LIKE THIS: or this:
or this:
If your answer is yes Here’s your chance to have a new photo taken for the 2013-2014 Membership Directory! Photography sessions for the membership directory are free. No appointment is necessary; simply show up during one of the following scheduled photo shoots:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 11:00 am - noon; 1:30 - 2:30 pm:
(in conjunction with the annual Installation Luncheon) Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm:
Miller Starr Regalia 1331 N. California Blvd., 5th Floor, Walnut Creek
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm:
Community Room, District Attorney’s Office Corner of Green & Court Streets, Martinez – across from the post office.
Alternatively, you may forward a camera-ready photo for inclusion in the directory (head and shoulders, plain background) to Kerstin Firmin, Communications Coordinator, CCCBA, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 520, Concord, CA 94520 or email a photo (minimum of 300dpi) to kfirmin@cccba.org. Reminder: You must be a current member by March 1, 2012 to be included in the annual pictorial Membership Directory.
Trust and Probate Disputes MEDIATION, NEUTRAL EVALUATION, 730 EXPERT
MARGARET M. HAND* Law Offices of Margaret M. Hand (510) 444-6044
I
www.handlaw.com
*Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law California Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER
39
DIABLO VALLEY REPORTING SERVICES Certified Shorthand Reporters
Serving the entire Bay Area • Deposition Reporting • Experienced Professional Reporters • Computerized Transcription • Deposition Suites Available • Expeditious Delivery • BART Accessible
2121 N. California Blvd. Suite 310 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925.930.7388 fax
925.935.6957
dvrs2121@yahoo.com
40
JANUARY 2012