EVENTS
André Campbell is a partner
Diversity Fellowship Program Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary by André Campbell
Seated: Jeri Paik, Leah Adams, Linda Partmann, Lindsay Goulding, Sophia Kwan; Standing: Chris Alvarez, Heather Hoganson, David Melton, André Campbell, Mark Spring, Angela Lai, Brian Bertossa, Stuart Woo, Larry Duran, Mary Burroughs, & Ian Rambarran
W Amidst a plethora of events at the annual State Bar Convention, on Saturday, October 10th, the SCBA’ s Diversity Hiring and Retention Committee received the State Bar of California’s Diversity Award. The award was presented by the Hon. Karen Clopton, Chair of the State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness; Craig Holden, President of the State Bar of California; Judge LaDoris Cornell (ret.); and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. The State Bar Diversity Awards were established to recognize outstanding efforts and significant contributions ensuring the full and equal opportunity of all persons for entry and advancement in California’s legal profession. These efforts help to increase public trust and confidence in the integrity of the profession and the legal system as well as create the perception of fairness in the courts. SCBA’s Diversity Retention and Hiring Committee celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year. Accepting the award were Executive Director Mary Burroughs, First Vice-President Heather Hoganson, and Committee Chair Linda Partman.
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hat were you doing back in 1990? Jamming to music by Paula Abdul and Taylor Dayne? Rushing home to catch the latest episode of Beverly Hills, 90210? Looking in the mirror and admiring your mullet? In Sacramento, a group of forward-thinking lawyers were forming the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Diversity and Hiring Committee to promote diversity in Sacramento area law firms. Fast-forward 25 years, and scores of former Summer Fellows and law firm representatives gathered on September 25th for an evening of fun celebrating the Fellowship Committee’s 25th anniversary. Attendees at the 25th Anniversary Dinner spanned the life of the Fellowship Program. They included Administrative Law Judge Larry Duran and attorney Jeri Paik, who were instrumental in establishing the Fellowship Program 25 years ago. At the other end of the spectrum were Alexandra Johnson and Joel Guer-
SACRAMENTO LAWYER | November/December 2015 | www.sacbar.org
at Hanson Bridgett. He may be contacted at ACampbell@hansonbridgett.com.
Keynote speaker, U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley
ra, two members of the most recent Summer Fellowship Class of 2015, and the first Summer Fellows to go through the program while engaged to each other! The evening’s festivities included remarks by Mistress of Ceremonies Pamela Wu and SCBA President Angela Lai, announcement of the Fellowship Program being awarded the 2015 State Bar Diversity Award, and a tribute by Fellowship Committee co-chair Sophia Kwan to Linda Partmann, who served as co-chair of the Fellowship Committee for 11 years. The high point of the evening was the keynote address by The Honorable Troy L. Nunley, United States District Judge. Judge Nunley delivered a powerful and thought-provoking speech about the positive impact diversity has in enriching education and our lives in general. A good time was had by all, and plans are already underway for the 30th Anniversary Dinner in 2020!