2020 KCBA President

ON JANUARY 16, 2020, Joseph D. Hughes was sworn in as President of the Kern County Bar Association. Over the past 25 years, Joe has earned a reputation as a respected water attorney.

While this tells us what Joe does, we are all still left wondering who is Joe Hughes?

After going through the “Hughes” version of a Public Records Act request and a fourteen-day extension period, minimal information was uncovered, most of it protected by some made up exemption. However, it was discovered that Joe was born in San Jose, California on March 18, 1968. Further, we learned that he grew up in Saratoga, California, a small town in the Bay Area. Probably by accident, Joe included a document containing his driving reason for attending law school.

Joe’s grandmother was an influential figure in his life. She spent countless years encouraging him to pursue law, however, it wasn’t until his freshman year of college at the University of California, Santa Barbara that Joe finally decided to attend law school. His grandmother had obtained a college and master’s degree and had always considered a law degree but was never able to do so. So, Joe decided to take on that next step for her and apply to the Santa Clara School of Law.

After this story, Joe, acting as “Ron Swanson,” failed to provide any further information helpful to telling his story. So, we had to do a little investigative reporting. In doing so, we uncovered the following stories:

Joe went on to attend the Santa Clara School of Law in the Fall of 1990.

As it goes, your typical law student can be found studying the rule against perpetuities for real property class, drafting a legal argument for moot court, or reviewing citations for journal. Well, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Joe was not your “typical law student.” Instead, Joe could be found with his buddies practicing their swing at the local golf course. Do you know what time civil procedure was scheduled? Joe did. Tee time. Which do you think he went to?

RES IPSA LOQUITUR When Joe wasn’t practicing his short game, it is rumored that he actually studied for school, or at least finals. These rumors must hold some truth, because in the Spring 1993, Joe graduated from the Santa Clara School of Law.

In 1994, Joe began a short but meaningful stint as Deputy County Counsel for the County of Kern. Here, Joe held the coveted position of Small Claims Advisor. Joe, for nearly half of the day, would sit at the Small Claims window and help local residents navigate through the winding maze that is the legal system. While his time with the county only lasted six months, he describes it as one of his best working experiences, highlighting the opportunity to help people with their everyday legal issues.

Shortly after, in 1995, Joe began working at Kuhs, Parker & Stanton, where he immediately began trying the patience of Bill Kuhs, Jim Parker and Dave Stanton. We all owe those three a debt of gratitude for setting Joe straight countless times.

Joe enjoys spending time with his family. Joe met his wife Sandy in college. Joe likes to joke that Sandy waited for him to graduate from college and law school, pass the Bar, and find a job before she would go out with him. Typical for Joe, he doesn’t notice that Sandy never laughs when he tells the story and instead simply nods her head.

Joe enjoys hiking in the mountains with their daughter, Mallory, and Scouting trips with their son, Colby. Just this year, Joe and Sandy found a new hobby: whitewater rafting down the Kern River. The two really enjoy the excitement, and most of all, the teamwork needed to be successful traveling down the river. The Hughes family is always looking for the next adventure—although Sandy says it will never again be in a raft on the Kern River.

Joe is excited to serve as President of the Kern County Bar Association. He looks forward to promoting KCBA and its commitment to our county’s legal community. Further, Joe is eager to welcome newly barred attorneys and help them learn and grow alongside our community’s legal leaders.

The State Bar's Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) is here to help lawyers who are grappling with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse or concerns about their career.

Our counselors can offer a free assessment of your situation and help you get the help you need, whether it’s for a mental health issue, substance abuse or a medical condition. (There are some fees if you join a group or need additional services.)

Douglass Hull, Director Lawyer Assistance Program 877-LAP-4HELP 877-527-4435 Email: LAP@calbar.ca.gov

Associate attorney position with aggressive law firm handling primarily complex business, transactional and real estate matters, as well as employment, business and legal malpractice litigation which only accepts a select number of clients to ensure that they receive the highest level of service.

Business and employment matters include such responsibilities as drafting contracts and transactional agreements, conducting harassment and other

employee investigations and training, as well as developing and preparing employee training and policy manuals. Excellent research tools are provided by the Firm.

Salary is commensurate with experience and ability demonstrated after an introductory period.

Please contact Thomas Anton & Associates. (661)327-7051; nisa@tantonlaw.com

Full service Class “A” downtown fully furnished or unfurnished large executive office with secretarial space available as well.

Full time receptionist provided, with three conference rooms, reserved parking and other services available for $650.00 per month.

Please call 661-327-7051 for information and availability.

Established law firm in Bakersfield is seeking an Associate Attorney with approximately 2-5 years of litigation and/or transactional experience to join one of Kern County’s largest Water and Special Districts departments. Water Law or Public Agency Law experience is preferable but not required; willing to train the right candidate.

The position’s primary focus will be working with a team of several other attorneys specializing in water resource and related matters, including matters that involve water rights, contract, property, public agency, and environmental law issues. Applicants must possess strong advocacy, writing, and verbal skills and have case management experience.

Salary commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package. Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume to Allison Stokes at astokes@ youngwooldridge.com.

Mercer is working with the Kern County Bar Association to provide direct access to the State Bar Sponsored Lawyers Professional Liability Insurance Program in a way that supports the KCBA and its mission.

For more information please contact: Jack Witherspoon 415-983-5658 Information regarding the State Bar Sponsored Professional Liability, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Workers Compensation programs, including easy to complete on-line applications, is available at: www.mybarbenefits.com

THE BOARD OF PAROLE HEARINGS

The Board of Parole Hearings is seeking attorneys to represent inmates throughout the state of California in the parole suitability hearing process.

Compensation up to $9750 for each week of assigned hearings; preparing and representing multiple inmate clients.

THE BOARD OF PAROLE HEARINGS htps://www.cdcr.ca.gov/BOPH

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Joseph D. Hughes President

Alekxia Torres-Stallings Vice President

Xochitl Garcia Treasurer

Bernard C. Barmann, Jr. Secretary

Douglas A. Gosling Past President

DIRECTORS Anthony P. Azemika Carol Bracy Gina Cervantes Diana Christian Thomas Feher Stephanie Gutcher Paul Harman James Harvey T. Mark Smith Hunter Starr

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Barry L. Goldner President

Patrick E. Jennison Vice President

Catherine E. Bennett Chief Financial Officer

Susan M. Gill Secretary

DIRECTORS Hon. Tom Clark John Stovall Seth O’Dell T. Mark Smith Joe Hughes Alekxia Torres Stallings