Contra Costa Lawyer - January 2019 The Bar Association Issue

Contra Costa

Lawyer Volume 32, Number 1 |January 2019

The BAR ASSOCIATION Issue Presiding Judge Barry Baskin with CCCBA Board President James Wu

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JANUARY 2019

Contra Costa 2019 BOARD of DIRECTORS James Wu President Oliver Greenwood President-Elect Nicole Mills Secretary Mika Domingo Treasurer Nick Casper Past President Gina Boer David Erb David Marchiano Ericka McKenna Cary McReynolds Craig Nevin

David Pearson Dorian Peters Michael Pierson Summer Selleck Qiana Washington Rachael Zeiph

CCCBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Theresa Hurley | 925.370.2548 | thurley@cccba.org CCCBA main office 925.686.6900 | www.cccba.org

Lawyer Volume 32, Number 1 | January 2019

The official publication of the

B A R A S S O C I A T I O N

features Welcome to the Board: Cary McReynolds, David Pearson, Michael S. Pierson and Rachael Zeiph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Win-Win: CCCBA’s Moderate Means Program by David Erb. . . . . . . . . 9 Introducing Your 2108 Section Leaders by Anne K. Wolf. . . . . . . . . . . 10.

There Ought to be a Law, by Christina Weed and Lisa Mendes. . . . . . 23 Another Successful LRIS Referral, by Barbara Arsedo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Barbara Arsedo Carole Lucido

Lawyer Referral Service - A Community Resource by Barbara Arsedo. 25

Jennifer Comages Anne K. Wolf

Member Benefits 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

LRIS & Moderate Means Director Communications Director Membership Director Education & Events Director

Emily Day

Fee Arbitration Program Director & Systems Administrator

Contra Costa Lawyer CO-EDITORS EDITORIAL BOARD Inga Miller David Arietta 925.402.2192 925.472.8000

Samantha Sepehr Ann Battin

925.287.3540 510.234-2808

BOARD LIAISON Marcus Brown Nicole Mills 925.482.8950 925.351.3171 Jaime Kissinger COURT LIAISON (925) 930-6000 Kate Bieker Perry Novak 925.957.5600 925.746.7278

DESIGN/ADVERTISING Lorraine Walsh Carole Lucido 925-932-7014 925.370.2542 Christina Weed PRINTING 925.953.2920 Modern Litho 800.456.5867

The Contra Costa Lawyer (ISSN 1063-4444) is published 12 times a year – six 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.

COLUMNS 4

The Governor Does it Again!, by Theresa Hurley

NEWS & UPDATES 18

Minority Bar Coalition Unity Award Presented to Robin Pearson

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Sustaining Firms

31

In Memoriam

31

PHOTOS: MCLE Spectacular

32 Financial Report 33 UPCOMING EVENT: Lunar New Year 34

CONTRA COSTA LAWYER, December What You Missed

34

CCCBA Wins Another Award

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PHOTOS: CCCBA Holiday Party

39 UPCOMING EVENT: Installation Lunch & Diversity Awards

The CCCBA staff and I would like to express our gratitude to the many members who give to our community in a multitude of ways. It is because of you that we have such a fantastic organization. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Theresa Hurley, Executive Director CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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The Governor

Does it Again!

by Theresa Hurley, Executive Director CCCBA Just before leaving office, Governor Jerry Brown messed up CCCBA’s leadership plans once again. In early 2018, he appointed two of our section leaders to the CCC Superior Court (Hon. Virginia George and Hon. Leonard Marquez), and on December 7, 2018 he tapped Wendy McGuire Coats, our incoming 2019 President, for the position on the Contra Costa bench left vacant by Judge Goode’s retirement.

Wendy has been very active with the CCCBA’s Women’s Section and served on the CCCBA board from 2015 to 2018. At the time of her appointment to the bench she was a partner at Fisher and Phillips LLP. For the Governor’s official announcement, see here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/12/07/ governor-brown-appoints-13-superior-court-judges/ In preparation for her year as President, Wendy had a ‘Get to Know Your New President’ article penned and ready for publication. We’d like to include a few excerpts from her article so you can get to know her a bit better. (We will be providing more information about our newest Judges Linda Lye and Wendy McGuire Coats in upcoming editions):

My wish If I could make one wish for 2019 and our Contra Costa County legal community it would be to significantly increase 4

JANUARY 2019

our participation in the Bay Area Minority Summer Clerkship Program (BAMSCP). The program is sponsored by the Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations to provide first year minority law students experience in law firms that they might not otherwise be able to access. The program’s most important objective is to increase the number of minority attorneys in the hiring pipeline, giving them a better opportunity in subsequent years to be competitive for second year clerkships and post law school employment.

Last year as part of the CCCBA’s commitment to BAMSCP, CCCBA Board Member Dorian Peters and I volunteered as screening interviewers for applicants making it past the first round of paper application vetting. Our role was essentially to interview candidates and determine whether to send them on to interview at a firm. To say I was blown away by the candidates we interviewed was an understatement.

The biggest challenge we faced was not having enough firm opportunities for the candidates.

If you’re reading this and would like to help move the needle on diversifying our profession by opening one door at a time, please do not hesitate. Please contact Theresa Hurley ASAP so that your firm is slotted to participate in late January – early February 2019.

My favorite quotes (both by Helen Keller):

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

2019 President James Wu Part 2!

So, now you ask, who will be filling the role of 2019 President?

The 2018 Board appointed James Wu to continue on as President for a second term. We are very grateful to James for his willingness to devote an additional year to leading the helm of the CCCBA. James is looking forward to another year of providing our members with opportunities to grow their practices, learn about new developments in the law, network, and give legal guidance and support to our community. He is particularly excited about continuing his push to organize and assist our most experienced attorneys with the creation of a new section, and to the unveiling of a new CCCBA Logo and Website.

James’s appointment to the President role left the Past President position open. Luckily, Nick Casper, CCCBA’s 2015 President, has agreed to come back to the board to serve as Past President for 2019. Nick served on the CCCBA Board of Directors from 2011-2016. Prior to that, Nick was the Chair of the Barristers section

for two years. He has been on the Board of Governors of the AlamedaContra Costa Trial Lawyers’ Association since 2010.

Nick is a managing partner at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, where he has worked since 2007. As a plaintiffs’ attorney, Nick has been an active participant in the litigation of many of his firm’s largest cases.

These cases involved wrongful death, catastrophic injury, products liability, child sexual abuse, and civil rights violations. Nick has been My lead involvement withinthe trial counsel in five civil jury trials CCCBA has made me more valuable to my both state and federal court. firm. I’m on track to make partner!

Even though we are sad to see an end to Wendy’s involvement in CCCBA leadership, we are very excited about her appointment and wish her the best of luck as she takes on a new ‘daring adventure’!

Membership Renewal Drive

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Contra Costa County

Bar Association

Cary McReynolds

David Pearson

Cary McReynolds has practiced as the principal of CDM LAW in Danville since 2012. His practice is centered in litigation—primarily real estate, construction, and business—and general legal matters for his varied client base. In all matters, Cary leverages technology in minimizing client costs to maximize results.

David Pearson is an attorney with a wealth of experience obtained over his 27-year career. After graduating from University of NevadaReno, where he met his wife, David attended U.C. Hastings and then worked at a law firm in Fresno, California where he primarily handled insurance defense matters centered on bodily injury cases and construction defect matters. He also was the only associate to work with the one non-insurance defense partner who represented most of the large singlefamily homebuilders in Fresno handling their corporate and real estate transactional matters. This started him on his career representing businesses and their owners as outside general counsel handling both litigation and transactional matters.

Cary moved from Southern California to Contra Costa County during high school. He attended University of California at Los Angeles, where he graduated in 1994 with a B.A. in Economics. At the University of Oregon, School of Law, Cary interned for the Hon. Albert E. Radcliffe, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon.

Upon graduation in 1997, he took the California Bar and served as the Compliance Officer and General Counsel for SIFE, a billion-dollar mutual fund, until its sale in 2002.

Cary then practiced at the Solid Waste and Land Use firm Anderson and Bonnifield in Concord. Thereafter he joined Peterson, Martin & Reynolds, a boutique litigation firm in San Francisco, focusing on real estate broker defense.

Continued on page 8 6

JANUARY 2019

Since striking out on his own in 1996, David has represented businesses in numerous fields. Over the years, David has defended clients against class action wage and hour matters, numerous commercial cases both in Superior Court and in binding arbitration and has handled many merger and acquisition matters on both the buy and sell sides in addition to day-to-day contract review

Continued on page 8

to the

B o a r d

Michael S. Pierson

Rachael Zeiph

Michael S. Pierson has been practicing law in Contra Costa County since 2011. He is a partner at Key Counsel, P.C., which has offices in Walnut Creek and Antioch. His firm focuses in the areas of civil litigation, criminal, probate, conservatorship and guardianships. In addition to his admission to the California Bar, Michael is also admitted to practice in the United States Federal Court in both the Northern and Eastern Districts.

Rachael Zeiph has been practicing Family Law since 1998. She is a San Francisco native, and has lived in the Bay Area all her life. She is the proud parent of two children, Sophia and William.

Michael is a Bay Area native, who grew up in Oakland and San Jose. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he worked in the entertainment industry in the areas of music, film, and gaming. He was fortunate enough to work with some of the biggest names and companies in entertainment.

Rachael obtained her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1998. One fun fact about Rachael, the hospital where she was born was literally across the street from USF law school! Obtaining a law degree was a lifelong dream for Rachael, though becoming an attorney was her “third career” having worked in the insurance industry, and public relations/ marketing for a major Silicon Valley firm prior to her entry into the legal profession.

Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his B.A. in Political Science. He earned his law degree from John F. Kennedy University School of Law. As a proud graduate of JFKU, Michael returned to the School of Law as an employee.

During his employment with the University, Michael was very active

Continued on page 8

Rachael attended San Francisco State University and received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration on Criminal Justice in 1995. She graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude.

Rachael served two terms on the CCCBA Family Law Section and ran the Brown Bag Lunch Series for several years. The Brown Bag Lunch Series was a free program

Continued on page 8

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Cary McReynolds

David Pearson

In addition to serving on the CCCBA Board of Directors, Cary is an Independent Director for Newton Center, an IRC 501(c)(3) California nonprofit benefit corporation providing afterschool education and enrichment programs. As well, he volunteers as a discovery facilitator and pro tem judge for Contra Costa County.

and drafting, entity formation, and general business advice.

Continued from page 6

Cary, his wife Michelle, and son Chase, along with their two German Shepherds Maya and Ella, live in Lafayette where you will often find him cooking meats on his smoker, building bicycles, and everupgrading his stereo equipment.

Cary is honored to serve on the CCCBA Board of Directors where he will commit himself to continuing the excellence of prior CCCBA boards.

Rachael Zeiph

Continued from page 7

for attorneys, therapists and other professionals in the family law field to receive updated education on various issues.

Outside of her professional life, Rachael currently serves on the Acalanes Boosters Board. She has also spent numerous years working with the Cub Scouts as the Advancement Chairperson. She has been a supportive mother of her children in sports, particularly enjoying the eight years of baseball her son played with Pleasant Hill Baseball Association.

Rachael enjoys spending time with her children (one teenager left!), walking and hiking with her dogs Daisy & Blue, and is an avid quilter.

Continued from page 6

David has been long involved in giving back to the community. He has been a Rotarian since 2003. He has been extensively involved with the CCCBA having been President of both the Solo/Small Firm practice and Business sections. He served as an editorial board member and Co-Editor of the Contra Costa Lawyer over 15 years and is one of the board members for the Fee Arbitration Committee. David serves the Contra Costa County Superior Court as a discovery facilitator. David is a current member and past president of the Robert G. McGrath American Inns of Court, Contra Costa County’s branch of the American Inns of Court.

David and his wife Rita live in Walnut Creek with their two dogs and their daughter’s cat, at least until their daughter graduates from Saint Mary’s College in 2019 and can take her cat with her.

Michael S. Pierson Continued from page 7

in the recruitment and development of many current and future Contra Costa County attorneys and served in the position as a law professor of legal writing and research.

Michael is also an active member of the CCCBA and a member of the Criminal Law, Barristers, Estate Planning & Probate, and Litigation sections. Michael is an active member of the Robert G. McGrath American Inns of Court and other civic organizations. He is very active in his community and enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

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JANUARY 2019

Win-Win CCCBA’s Moderate Means Program

by David Erb

Many attorneys benefit from the Bar Association’s networking and MCLE programs. Sometimes overlooked is an attorney’s ability to gain invaluable practical legal experience and expand his or her legal practice through the Contra Costa County Bar Association’s Moderate Means program.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Moderate Means program, this program offered by the Contra Costa County Bar Association was created to help moderate income individuals and families with legal assistance in the areas of Family, Immigration, Housing and Elder Law. The program works by having interested individuals complete and submit an application to the Bar Association. Assuming the applicant qualifies by fitting into certain income guidelines, he or she is paired with a Moderate Means attorney.

The Moderate Means attorney agrees to accept cases from qualified applicants at a reduced hourly rate.

As a newly minted attorney I took the daunting step of hanging my shingle. I had my law degree and my bar card, but I lacked practical legal experience and a book of business. When I contacted the Bar Association, I was told about the Family Law Moderate Means Series which was a six-part MCLE program that qualified new attorneys to serve as a Moderate Means attorney.

Once I had taken the program I was surprised to learn several things. To

start, there is an overwhelming need in our community for Moderate Means attorneys. Second, the Moderate Means program is highly supported by the Family Law judicial officers because it assists in helping litigants who would otherwise be self-represented in retaining legal counsel. Attorneys can grow and expand their practices through the Moderate Means Program (and the Criminal Conflicts Program and Lawyer Referral Services Program).

And finally, by aking on Moderate Means cases, new attorneys or attorneys shifting or expanding their practice areas can gain invaluable practical legal experience.

After serving as a Moderate Means attorney I interviewed at Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada, LLP for an Associate Attorney position. When I was presented with a job offer I was told that my practical legal experience, primarily from the Moderate Means program, set me apart from other attorneys applying for the position.

In September and October of 2018 the Bar Association sponsored another Family Law Moderate Means Series to qualify more attorneys for the Moderate Means Program. The Series was a huge success because of the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Family Law bench. We are very thankful for their support of the Moderate Means Program. We invite members of the Bar Association to get involved with the Moderate Means Program and spread the word of the many benefits the program provides.

David C. Erb is a Family Law attorney and Partner at Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada, a Limited Liability Partnership, with offices in San Ramon and Menlo Park. Mr. Erb is a past President of the Contra Costa County Bar Association Family Law Section and is a current Board Member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.

Candice E. Stoddard Personal Injury Real Estate Litigation Trust and Estate Disputes Mediation

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Introducing Your 2019

Section Leaders & CCCBA Sections

by Anne K. Wolf, CCCBA Education & Events Director

We would like to introduce you to an extraordinary group of hardworking and dedicated individuals. Faster than speeding bullets, more powerful than locomotives, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound are just a few of the incredible characteristics of CCCBA’s 2019 SECTION LEADERS. These marvelous individuals are the true super heroes of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. In the following pages they will introduce themselves and tell you about their section and what CCCBA means to them.

ADR SECTION Mark LeHocky is a mediator and arbitrator who works throughout California. He previously served as general counsel to Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. and Ross Stores, Inc., where he managed all litigation and other legal matters.

Before that, he spent two decades litigating employment, antitrust, intellectual property, commercial and tort cases. Mark began mediating two decades ago when he was appointed to the federal court’s mediation panel. He earned his JD from UC Berkeley and his BA from UCLA. Mark has taught Mediation Advocacy at UC Davis’ School of Law, currently teaches at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Business on the intersection of law and decision-making and has been repeatedly voted a Best Lawyer in America for Mediation by Best Lawyers®.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA is a wonderful blend of highly-skilled attorneys working

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in a community where we see each other and work together frequently.

Having lived in the county for over 30 years now, I’ve repeatedly seen that combination play out through lawyers who are cordial while also extremely effective advocates for their clients. As a mediator, you can’t ask for anything better.”

“CCCBA is also a great vehicle to learn and share. I have been very impressed by the number and quality of learning opportunities CCCBA helps organize for its members and others – particularly those events where various sections of the bar collaborate. We are all lucky to have the great leadership and staff at CCCBA to support these efforts.”

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section (ADR) As the use of mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) expands, the CCCBA ADR Section works to promote their use as an accessible, effective, faster and more economical means of resolving most disputes. Through such efforts, the section works to help clients maintain more control over their options and outcomes and helps counsel preserve and enhance their client relationships.

THANK YOU

The ADR Section organizes and presents educational programs for its members and other CCCBA members, analyzes and comments on new rule proposals related to ADR, drafts recommendations for the court and the board of directors and helps develop other initiatives to promote and provide access to ADR processes.

Section members include both lawyers and non-lawyers. Many serve as mediators, arbitrators, neutral case evaluators and special masters, and many serve as practicing attorneys who advocate for clients in ADR as well as traditional litigation. Law students are also welcome.

APPELLATE SECTION Gary Watt serves as chair of Hanson Bridgett’s Appellate Practice.

He is a state bar approved Certified Appellate Specialist, handling writs and appeals in all of the California appellate courts, including the California Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His practice also

includes dispositive motions such as SLAPP, summary judgment, and post-trial motions. His appellate experience gives him unique insights into complex cases and esoteric disputes. He excels at issue spotting and arrives at thoughtful solutions to business problems.

His practice includes risk management such as interpreting contracts, indemnity provisions, and more.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA provides me the opportunity to converse with fellow practitioners on the craft of appellate advocacy.”

The Appellate Section—formed in 1991—focuses on continuing education and the improvement of appellate advocacy. Members include attorneys whose practice is devoted to appeals and writs as well as trial lawyers interested in enriching their understanding of the appellate process and issues. The section hosts periodic MCLE seminars.

Seminar speakers have included appellate court justices, appellate and Supreme Court research attorneys, and attorneys with special expertise in appeals, writs, and post-trial motions. The Appellate Section welcomes all lawyers and law students to join and attend programs. Many programs have broad appeal to litigators and are presented in partnership with the Litigation Section.

The section has been approved as a provider of appellate specialty MCLE credits, an extra benefit for attorneys who are, or are seeking to become, certified appellate specialists.

BANKRUPTCY LAW SECTION E. Vincent Wood, owner of the Law Offices of E. Vincent Wood, has offices throughout the Bay Area but his main office is located in Walnut Creek. He represents consumers and small business owners with debt issues including representation in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy matters. Recently, he added mortgage and bankruptcy litigation to his practice to help homeowners defend against wrongful foreclosures and negligent mortgage servicing. Originally from Southern California, Vincent now lives in Lafayette and has two teenage daughters.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The ABA recommends that each year, attorneys assist low-income clients, give back to our communities, and participate in activities to improve the legal profession. The Contra Costa County Bar Association is meaningful to me because it plays an important role in achieving this goal. The CCCBA supports the legal needs of the local community, provides important education to its members, and offers valuable networking opportunities. The CCCBA can deliver these benefits because it has strong volunteer efforts. I find it personally rewarding to be part of this organization.”

The Bankruptcy Law Section is primarily comprised of attorneys who represent debtors and/or creditors in bankruptcy cases. The section has non-attorney members, including accountants and bankruptcy trustees. The purpose of the section is to provide a forum of

fellowship and learning concerning topics of interest for attorneys and non-attorneys who practice in bankruptcy court and non-attorneys who provide support to the bankruptcy bar. The section typically meets three to five times each year, usually for MCLE programs held at lunchtime at the CCCBA office conference room. At these luncheons, speakers discuss topics of interest to the bankruptcy bar. Speakers have included bankruptcy judges and trustees, private practice attorneys in the area, and other professionals.

BARRISTERS SECTION Ryan H. Apperson is an estate planning and probate attorney located in downtown Walnut Creek currently in his third year of practice. He is passionate about helping working people get the support they need. Ryan’s law practice helps clients ensure their estates are in order. People work their whole lives to amass whatever wealth they can, and Ryan helps ensure his clients are able to pass on those assets to their loved ones as seamlessly as possible.

When he is not practicing law, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife Shannon and daughter Teagan; preferably enjoying the great outdoors.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“As a solo practitioner, CCCBA provides a great opportunity to network and connect with other attorneys for referrals, business advice, and comaraderie. As a Barrister/Young Lawyer early in my legal career it is especially important to have a support group as we establish ourselves in the legal community.”

Continued on page 12

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Meet 2019 Section Leaders, Continued The Barristers/Young Lawyers Section provides recently-admitted attorneys with networking, education, and mentoring opportunities. All CCCBA members with fewer than ten years of practice are automatically members of the section and are welcome to attend the meetings of the section’s board to become more involved.

The goal of the section is to build a network within the bar association, develop familiarity with all aspects of the legal field and to help new attorneys with their burgeoning legal careers. The section helps its members develop a deep understanding of what other lawyers do, a strong social and referral network no matter where their practice takes them, and a genuine commitment to advancing the profession.

The Barristers Section creates MCLE events targeted to recentlyadmitted attorneys, engages in charitable endeavors and organizes social events that allow new lawyers to grow their network of peers, potential mentors, and judicial officers.

BUSINESS LAW SECTION Alexander Golovets is a solo practitioner with focus on business transactions and litigation. His MBA degree from Cal State East Bay, law degrees from civil and common law systems, and international business experience gives him unique perspective and ability to help businesses succeed.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA is an invaluable resource for development of my legal career.

It provides access to more expe12

JANUARY 2019

rienced attorneys in, and outside of, my areas of expertise, different panels, and it is the greatest referral service.”

The Business Law Section. Business lawyers (whether outside counsel or in-house counsel) are among the most important members of a business team. They work with all key members of the enterprise to provide a wide range of strategic and legal insights to address and resolve routine as well as thorny matters facing entrepreneurs and developed business. The Business Law Section’s mission is to provide up-to-date information on issues facing business lawyers in our competitive climate, to provide continuing legal education to attorneys in California, and to provide opportunities for networking in our growing East Bay legal community.

The Business Law Section supports regular meetings with experts in the wide variety of issues facing business lawyers to support new ventures, to promote business development, and to provide a basis for corporations taking advantage of the many new initiatives for business growth and development. Because Contra Costa County is in an ideal position to be a corporate growth center in Northern California, the Business Law Section strives to bring strategic and legal expertise to you.

It presents programs to members of the bar association addressing corporate formation, corporate reporting, due diligence, public offerings, compliance with SarbanesOxley, protection of intangible corporate property (trade secrets, patents, copyrights and trademarks) and other issues of topical importance. It’s goal is to assist members in the development and support their practices in business and corporation law. The section also provides educational service to the general public with occasional public seminars such as the “Two Entrepreneurs

Walk Into a Bar” series. The section would greatly appreciate hearing from members or potential members about specific areas that are important to them and their clients.

CRIMINAL LAW SECTION Joseph Tully began his career at the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office in 1999 and has been practicing criminal law ever since. He is a certified specialist in criminal law by the California State Bar Board of Specialization, has been recognized as a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney

by Attorney and Practice Magazine, the Nation’s Top 1% by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and is a fierce advocate for the accused. A founding partner of Tully & Weiss Attorneys at Law, he has been highly successful in jury trials up and down the state. He recently authored an e-book on California Domestic Violence charges and the Amazon best seller, “California: State of Collusion.”

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The Bay Area is one of the most beautiful and coveted locations in the world and the East Bay, in particular, holds a special charm. However, practicing criminal defense in this county holds unique challenges.

Adhering to one of the fundamental tenets of American jurisprudence, that of checks and balances, it is therefore imperative that the relatively powerless, the criminally accused and those who represent them, unite together to serve as a balance to the functions of the bench and the prosecution. While there are wonderful, inspirational judges and honorable and humane prosecutors, there must always be a unified

defense bar to counter any naturally occurring coalescence of power on the side of judges or prosecutors.

This, to me, is the vitally important function of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.”

The Criminal Law Section hosts lunchtime MCLE meetings in Martinez, where it provides continuing education on such topics as new statutes, case law, and technology. Speakers include judges, attorneys, expert witnesses, and county administrators. Additionally, programs provide information specific to practicing law in our county courts. These meetings provide a relaxed environment within which to learn from the talented legal resources available in our county, to get to know other lawyers, and to make valuable contacts.

The goal of this section is to provide information that can be of prac-

tical assistance to criminal defense attorneys in motions and trial practice and case management. The section generally sponsors an issue of the Contra Costa Lawyer, which gives our members a chance to write articles and be published.

ELDER LAW SECTION Douglas W. Housman is a partner at the Law Offices of Cain, Cain & Housman practicing in the areas of conservatorships, trust administrations, estate planning, elder abuse, decedent’s estates, and litigation. He is a lifelong resident of Benicia where he resides with his wife and 3-year-old son. In his spare time Doug enjoys exercising, specifically playing basketball and running ultramarathons.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The CCCBA allows me an opportunity to be involved with the legal community. It provides a platform for attorneys to become involved in respective legal sections, while also allowing attorneys access to the CCCBA’s abundance of information and resources. Without the tireless efforts of many within the CCCBA, our legal community would be lost.”

The Elder Law Section presents programs that help keep attorneys informed about Elder Law issues and also presents a monthly conservatorship workshop as a joint project with the Superior Court. Generally, there are two areas of practice of 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,

Continued on page 14 h

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Meet 2019 Section Leaders, Continued including conservatorship proceedings, 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 aging population, many practitioners can benefit from what the Elder Law Section offers.

Board meetings occur at noon, the first Wednesday of every month at the Law Offices of Cain, Cain & Housman, located at 150 N. Wiget Lane, Suite 105, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Members who are interested in joining the board should contact Douglas W. Housman or any of the board members.

EMPLOYMENT LAW SECTION Marta R. Vanegas is a shareholder at Martin & Vanegas, APC. Her main areas of practice are labor and employment law, business law, social security disability law, civil rights law, and pension rights.

She is a zealous and compassionate advocate for her clients, unafraid to go the extra mile for a successful resolution of their complaints. A native of Budapest, Hungary, Marta

has called California home for the past 19 years. Prior to joining her firm, Marta served as Deputy Legislative Counsel in Sacramento, drafting legislative proposals and providing counsel to legislators on labor, employment, and business law issues.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“To me, the CCCBA is a welcoming, friendly community where I can find friendship, mentoring, and professional advice. Our county bar is unique in that it is not too large for members to feel lost, and not too small for lack of novelty and diversity. Here, we know we will meet our fellow CCCBA members at each turn of our practice, thus, we treat each other with not only professional detachment, but with warm friendship. From the day I joined, I always felt seen and heard, acknowledged, welcomed, and helped by the members and staff of CCCBA, and for that I am very grateful. I hope to continue to give back to our community by serving this year as President of the Employment Law Section governing board.”

The Employment Law Section includes members representing both employee and employer/management interests, as well as in-house counsel, neutral investigators, mediators and law school students.

Through continuing education

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events on pertinent issues facing employment law practitioners, networking events, and sponsoring non-profit legal aid workshops, the Employment Law Section hopes to be a resource for its members and local community. Those involved in employment law or interested in employment law are invited to participate in the Employment Law Section. If would like to become a member or learn more about this section, please contact her.

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE SECTION Deborah C. Moritz-Farr is a partner at Turner, Huguet, Adams & Farr in Martinez. Prior to joining the firm, Deborah was a sole practitioner, specializing in estate planning.

Before her time as an estate planner, she worked in insurance defense litigation, and in-house for a local bank. Her experience as an attorney includes jury and court trials in addition to all aspects of estate planning including wills, trusts and probate. For the past five years, she sat on the board of the Estate Planning & Probate Section of the CCCBA, is a member of the Trust & Estate Section and the Taxation section of the State Bar of California. Deborah began her legal career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The CCCBA provides an ever evolving and dynamic way for our community of attorneys to meet and interact with one another, grow professionally, and to easily find an avenue to help those in our greater Contra Costa community find legal help when they need it.”

The Estate Planning & Probate Section was established in 1993.

Membership is open to practicing attorneys, private professional fiduciaries, accounting practitioners, trust officers, and law students.

Section members and non-members are invited to attend numerous programs throughout the year.

Programs begin in January each year at the Contra Costa Country Club with the annual Probate Luncheon.

Every year since 1994 the section, with co-sponsorship of The Trust Department of Mechanics Bank, has presented an annual estate planning symposium in the spring.

The event draws counsel, educators, and professionals to present topics of current interest to the bar, tax professionals and students. The section is pleased to present this program with availability of specialization credit.

Board members and section liaisons provide volunteer service, each devoting time and energy to ensure that events provide broad continuing education opportunity for members at a competitive cost.

The section continues its practice of donating to local legal service organizations as a regular platinum level sponsor of “The Bar Fund.”

The section is broadly based among probate, estate planning, conservatorship, guardianship, and trust practitioners. It strives to present opportunities for members to obtain MCLE credits at programs that address all these areas of practice and welcome suggestions from our membership.

FAMILY LAW SECTION Kimberly Kirkpatrick has practiced family law exclusively for over a decade.

She loves the ability to help her clients in

meaningful and significant ways as they navigate through a difficult experience. Kim especially loves to help her clients reach that “a-ha” moment when they realize that they are going to be okay, their kids will be okay and there is, in fact, a light at the end of their tunnel.

When not practicing family law, Kim enjoys spending time with her family which includes three teenage daughters, two dogs, one cat, three chickens and one amazing, (albeit exhausted), husband.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“Resources! Since I have always limited my practice to family law, I sometimes find that my clients will have a question or concern that reaches outside of their family law case. When I need to find a colleague with experience in another area of law, I can always count on CCCBA to help me find the right person. CCCBA events, such as the MCLE Spectacular, are a wonderful resource not just for meeting MCLE requirements, but more importantly help to connect attorneys with attorneys in other practice areas.

CCCBA events help members build a network of colleagues, both in and outside your practice area. CCCBA publications are a great source for need-to-know information.”

A Family Law Section membership is indispensable for anyone who practices family law in Contra Costa County. The most visible benefits of membership are: • Dynamic monthly education seminars and periodic extended seminars led by experienced faculty • Early notification of changes in rules • Practice requirements in the family law departments • Annual “State of the Court” meeting and other programs

with local family law judges.

The bench often uses these meetings as an opportunity to make announcements. MCLE and specialization credits are provided for attending.

In Chancery, the Family Law Section’s monthly section newsletter keeps members abreast of section activities, news from the bench, and educational opportunities.

Section members receive exclusive use of the section website at www. familylawsectioncontracosta.org.

The Family Law Section maintains ongoing liaisons with the bench, Family Court Services, the Facilitator’s Office, the Department of Child Support Services, the Advisory Council Against Domestic Violence (ACAD), and the various legal-aid providers in the county. Through its liaison with the court, the section is actively involved in reviewing court rules and policies and providing input and assistance in the creation of or changes to rules and/or policies. The Family Law Section has a long and respected history of robust, current programming in the form of monthly luncheon CLEs, mentoring/ networking group evening presentations with speakers, Custody Issues Committee (CIC) brown bag CLE programs on child custodyrelated hot topics, and more.

IMMIGRATION LAW SECTION Flavio Carvalho is lead immigration attorney for the Matian Law Firm, San Jose office. He represents clients throughout the Bay Area and practices deportation defense in San Francisco. He earned his J.D. from John F. Kennedy University and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also a

Continued on page 16

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Meet 2019 Section Leaders, Continued member of the American Immigration Law Association (AILA). Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his experience with immigration is personal.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“A great place to belong, make friends, and do business.”

Immigration is as old as America itself and the United States remains the number one destination for immigrants from all over the world.

Immigration attorneys represent them and/or the people who hire them.

The CCCBA Immigration Law Section strives to support the work of Contra Costa’s immigration attorneys and promote the best immigration services and practices in our county and beyond. The section provides continuing education, training and mentoring for immigration attorneys. It also assists attorneys in the overlap between immigration law and other practices - e.g. employment, juvenile, family, criminal, business & estate planning and probate. Finally, the section works to promote events and programs that make immigration law accessible to those who need it.

CCCBA through its Lawyer Referral and Information Service, holds monthly immigration workshops at local libraries. If you are interested in volunteering for one of the workshops, please contact Anne K. Wolf, Education and Events Director at awolf@cccba.org or (925) 370-2540.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW SECTION Joseph R. Snyder is the Managing Partner of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton’s Walnut Creek office.

He focuses his practice on patent 16

JANUARY 2019

prosecution and counseling, primarily in the chemical arts, biotechnology, life sciences and clean technology.

He represents U.S. and foreign companies, such as pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic laboratories, universities and start-ups in all areas of intellectual property counseling and protection. His technology experience includes small molecules, pharmaceutical formulations, drug delivery technologies, medical diagnostics, nucleic acid assays, nucleic acid sequencing technologies, dyes and clean technology, such as fuel cells. He was recognized as a 2014, 2015 and 2016 Northern California “Super Lawyer” in the area of intellectual property by Super Lawyers magazine.

Before joining the firm, Joe worked as a patent attorney for Zeneca Ag Products in the areas of patent drafting, patent prosecution and patent validity opinions. Prior to joining the legal profession, he was a senior scientist in its analytical department doing organic structural analysis using NMR and mass spectrometry.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The IP Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association provides a forum for IP specialists to discuss current case law and opportunities to network with other IP professional in the community. Because the CCCBA has members with very diverse backgrounds, it also allows for interaction with attorneys having a variety of practices and skills. The members of the bar are friendly and collegial, and the sponsored events offer a real sense of community.”

The Intellectual Property 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 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.

The IP Section is on the cutting edge of law changes that impact all areas of business. Approximately six to eight times per year, the IP Section presents topical presentations on current intellectual property issues that are of a general interest or are of high importance to practitioners in the IP field. Meetings are held during the lunch hour in a centrallylocated conference room in Walnut Creek. The up-to-date information coupled with convenient scheduling allows our members to keep current on industry practices and case law with minimum disruption to their schedule.

JUVENILE LAW SECTION Rhonda Wilson-Rice has been practicing law in Contra Costa County for over 25 years. Her practice serves the families and children in the community, primarily in juvenile dependency (CPS cases). This year she moved her practice from Pittsburg to Antioch. As of July 1, 2017, Contra Costa Juvenile Advocates (CCJA) has taken over the

contract for court appointed juvenile dependency cases and as of August 14, 2017 all juvenile cases (with the exception of Juvenile Hall) were moved to the courthouse in Walnut Creek. Many of the members of the Juvenile Law Section are independent contractors with CCJA.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA means comradeship and friendship.”

Juvenile Law Section members are lawyers who represent children, parents, guardians, foster parents, relatives, and others involved in juvenile dependency proceedings, who are before the court due to the abuse or neglect of a child. Membership in the section provides beneficial continuing legal education and opportunities for professional development.

Brown bag lunch MCLE programs are held on such topics as case law and statutory reviews, techniques on interviewing children, the Indian Child Welfare Act, immigration laws and their effect on dependent children, and recognizing and treating substance abuse in our clients.

Speakers include experienced attorneys, therapists, and other professionals, besides fulfilling state bar requirements, these programs go towards meeting the local court rules for mandatory competence of counsel.

During the holiday season, the section also sponsors an annual toy drive for foster children and teens in need in our county. Members participate in meetings between the bench, social services, Contra Costa Juvenile Advocates (CCJA) and representation at the “Judges’ Meeting.” The section participates in the Social Worker-Attorney Training Committee (SWATT).

Elder Law is

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, 10% of the population age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease. Of the 5.5 million people living in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s disease, the majority live at home — often receiving care from family members.

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Continued on page 19 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Minority Bar Coalition

Unity Award

On November 13, 2018 Robin Pearson was honored with a Unity Award presented by the Minority Bar Coalition at UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Robin was selected for her work at the CCCBA to advance the cause of diversity in the legal profession. Congratulataions Robin and thank you! The CCCBA is better because of you.

Robin Pearson with CCCBA Board President James Wu.

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JANUARY 2019

WILL AND TRUST LITIGATION ELDER ABUSE CONSERVATORSHIPS FIDUCIARY REPRESENTATION ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE / TRUST ADMINISTRATION REAL ESTATE JOE MORRILL LARA HEISLER INA CHANG JENNIFER MCGUIRE HEATHER HOEKSTRA CAMILLE MILDER RACHEL ROSENFELD YULI JACOBSON G. JEFF COONS OF COUNSEL NORM LUNDBERG RUTH KOLLER BURKE VAHISHTA FALAHATI

Meet 2019 Section Leaders, Continued

LAW STUDENT SECTION Elizabeth Lam is a third-year law student at John F. Kennedy University. She has worked in the financial industry for almost 10 years and currently holds the following licenses: Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, and Life Insurance. She is multilingual in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA means an opportunity to network with new and seasoned attorneys and judges that have enlightened my legal future.”

Jennifer Spalding is a second-year law student at John F. Kennedy University.

She grew up in Moraga and Lafayette. She graduated from Acalanes High School, and received her B.A. from UC Davis in Music and Fine Art. She attended graduate school at St. Mary’s College earning her California Teaching Credential in music education. She taught K-12 art, choir and musical theatre in San Francisco, then ventured to Hollywood where she had an extremely successful career as a professional composer and recording artist under the artist name “Cadence Spalding”. Her CD “Save The World” was critically acclaimed. Jennifer also worked as a news producer for KTVU Channel 2 and Time Telepictures Inc. in Los Angeles. The apple of Jennifer’s eye is her teenage son William who already plays five instruments.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA means friendship, it means community, it means knowledge. It is where I go to get support, answers and guidance when it comes to the legal community in Contra Costa County. And did I mention the great parties? I love the CCCBA staff and I feel blessed to know them and have them leading the way.”

Amrieka Takhar is a third-year law student at John F. Kennedy University where she is on the Dean’s List and is a Witkin Award recipient. Prior to embarking on her law school career, she was an arts professional with a specialization in market development for contemporary Non-Western art. She lived and worked for several years in New Delhi, India, and London, UK in this capacity. While in India, Amrieka established a charitable trust for purposes of creating an ethically-sourced supply chain for textile design projects through local women’s development organizations. She currently works as a senior paralegal for an Oaklandbased business immigration law firm while attending law school.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“CCCBA has been a very welcoming organization for me as I begin my second career in the legal field. I have been continually impressed with the caliber of CCCBA’s membership, and I feel very fortunate to be in the company of such esteemed colleagues. Most recently, CCCBA has presented me the opportunity to co-develop educational programming on current events in constitutional law for my fellow classmates at JFKU.”

The Law Student Section engages students with attorneys in countless networking and mentorship opportunities. With all the sections that CCCBA offers, the law student members have the opportunity to explore many areas of potential practice.

Law student membership comes primarily from JFKU College of Law, Hastings, Boalt, and Golden Gate University. Section members can expand their law school education in significant ways that both serve the community and yield practical legal experience. Volunteer opportunities at many of the bar-hosted events allow students to serve the legal community while honing their networking skills. Events, such as the annual MCLE Spectacular, also provide students important exposure to current issues in the field of law. Students can gain hands-on experience through the CCCBAsponsored “Free Legal Workshops” as they may work directly with attorneys in a consumer-oriented client setting. The CCCBA is bridging the gap between the law school and the real life practice opportunities through their mentorship, internships, and networking events.

Suggestions for presentation topics or student-related activities are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact your co-chairs.

LITIGATION SECTION Jaime B. Herren is an attorney at Doyle Low LLP, located in Lafayette. Jaime is a patent attorney with significant experience in complex estates, probate and taxation litigation. She specializes in IP-probate crossover issues and her practice spans state and federal civil litigation, as well as dispute resolution on business and admin-

Continued on page 20 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Meet 2019 Section Leaders, Continued istrative levels. She has experience in-house and has appeared in many states on PHV admissions. In addition to the State Bar of California, she is admitted to the Patent Bar and the U.S. Tax Court. Jaime was born, raised and educated in the Bay Area. She has a Master of Science in thermal sciences and combustion and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, both from the University of California, Berkeley. She graduated cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The Contra Costa County Bar Association is a bountiful resource.

It not only provides professional resources like CLE credited events, forums for legal discussion and interactions with the judiciary, but it also provides camaraderie with colleagues, a forum for dialog on current issues and community outreach. It helps attorneys with work-life balance by bringing us together outside our daily environments, whether that’s the courtroom or an office desk, and providing a network touching on many legal interests.”

The Litigation Section provides a forum for civil trial attorneys to hone their advocacy skills, network and socialize. It presents seminars on trial practice featuring the county’s judicial officers and its senior practitioners providing instruction and real-world advice on the art and science of trial practice.

The section holds programs of interest for civil practitioners of all experience levels and abilities. In past years, the Litigation Section has sponsored presentations on use of technology in the courtroom, jury trials, complex issues in breach of contract cases, taking and defending depositions, ADR, and litigating in federal court.

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JANUARY 2019

The section also facilitates dialogue with the local superior court bench to keep pace with changing court procedures and to promote the efficient and fair administration of justice.

REAL ESTATE SECTION Dean

Christopherson is a Walnut Creek trial attorney, litigator and mediator who has represented lenders and borrowers in actions involving a wide range of real estate and commercial disputes. Dean has spoken and written on a number of issues, including a presentation to the members of this section on issues relating to litigation arising from securitized mortgage loan transactions. He began his career as an in-house counsel at Wells Fargo in 1986 – which he has continued to represent in his private practice – and has been a principal in his own firm since 1996.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“Its virtue lies in the relationships that are developed through the course of one’s involvement in the CCCBA. Over the years, I have met – and continue to consult and work with – a number of lawyers through CCCBA functions and groups whose practices compliment mine in any number of ways, enriching my practice both from a legal and personal perspective.”

The Real Estate Section offers monthly breakfast MCLE programs, free to section members, also open to others, as well as networking and activities related to the various aspects of the practice of real estate law. Non-members are welcome to participate in monthly programs for a small fee. The Real Estate Section is proud to make annual chari-

table contributions on behalf of its members.

This section has breakfast meetings on the third Friday of most months.

Annual dues are $55, which cover the MCLE programs – including breakfast at the monthly meetings -- and related meals.

SOLO & SMALL FIRM SECTION Chris Schneider is an estate planning and tax attorney with Dorband & Schneider, LLP in Walnut Creek. He has been practicing since graduating from Golden Gate University in 2008. Chris is a native of the East Bay having grown up in Lamorinda and then attending Saint Mary’s College for undergraduate and graduate studies. He now lives with his wife and two young children in Alamo.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“I honestly feel that the CCCBA sets the tone for collegiality within our legal community. We have a good group of people who genuinely seem interested in helping clients get quality representation and promoting the success of colleagues.

The Solo Practice & Small Firm Section—launched in 1996— evolved from the recognition that many sole and small firm practitioners desired and at times needed the camaraderie, intellectual stimulation, and informational exchange that attorneys generally find in larger law firms. By having consistent networking and fellowship opportunities, the section has evolved into a collegial organization resembling a “firm,” with specialists in various fields both willing and able to offer assistance to other section members.

A partnership with JFKU College of Law allows members to have costeffective and convenient access to legal resources through full use of the JFKU Law Library, and it admits JFKU law school students to the section. Solo Practice & Small Firm Section members also receive an email newsletter, The Maverick, informing them of upcoming events and providing topical articles and a forum for comment and commentary. Members also have access to an email listserv.

tration. The Taxation Section also holds regular joint meetings with a number of different sections, such as the Real Estate, Family Law, Bankruptcy and Estate Planning & Probate Sections, to educate them on tax issues relevant to each section’s members. Speakers at events have included ranking members of the IRS, the Franchise Tax Board and legal scholars and practitioners.

Legal ethics, recent tax acts and “practice pointers” are among the topics covered during the year.

The section hosts after-work mixers and breakfasts in alternating months, and participates in the bar’s MCLE Spectacular each November.

Monthly meetings are open to both members and non-members. Its MCLE Spectacular programs have included panel discussions on how to open a law firm and how to prepare a small firm for death, disability, and disaster.

The section invites all interested attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, paralegals, and others to join us for one of our luncheon meetings. Affiliate membership is open to accounting practitioners only.

TAXATION SECTION Christina Weed JD, LLM (Taxation) a partner at Mendes Weed LLP and a co-founder of Weed Law PC. Mendes Weed, LLP, assists clients in the areas of tax law, business law, accountant malpractice, family law, civil litigation, and trusts & estates. Christina is certified by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in taxation.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The CCCBA helps to empower and support attorneys in a number of practice areas.”

The Taxation Section is one of the longest running sections of CCCBA. Its members meet regularly with tax agency leaders, skilled practitioners, and legal scholars to discuss changes in tax laws and adminis-

WEST COUNTY Harpreet K. Sandhu is a solo practitioner.

Her law practice is primarily focused on providing legal services in the areas of family law and criminal defense. In addition, she dedicates pro-bono hours to the Contra Costa County Family Justice Center to help victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking. In her spare time, Harpreet leads an active lifestyle by participating in boot-campstyle extracurricular activities and chasing her three-year old at the park. She enjoys reading and bingewatching TV shows on Netflix and HBO. In addition, she is passionate about traveling and immersing herself in other cultures. She spent some time volunteering at the schools in City of God, which is a famous shanty town in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The CCCBA represents a community of committed and zealous advocates that serve the legal needs of the Contra Costa community as a whole. The CCCBA connects the legal community by helping individual attorneys network and build long lasting relationships.

The West County Section reestablished the connection between CCCBA members in the west county that had been missing since the West County Bar Association was consolidated with the Central and East County Bar Associations. It is the bar’s only regional section, tasked with ensuring that the interests of lawyers practicing in the West Contra Costa area are represented within, and considered by, CCCBA. Meetings, which are generally held on a quarterly basis, are scheduled with a variety of continuing education presentations on topics including juvenile, family, real property, trust and estate matters, and other issues of general legal interest. Bench/Bar networking events and brown bag lunches are also a priority to allow members to connect with each other and members of the local judiciary.

All practice areas are welcome and the section encourages those practicing in the area to join. Please contact Harpreet if you have any questions or would like to serve within the section leadership.

WOMEN’S SECTION Patanisha E. Davis-Jenkins is a partner with Key Counsel, P.C., with offices in Walnut Creek and Antioch.

Patanisha’s primary practice areas are in probate, guardianships,

Continued on page 22

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Meet 2019 Section Leaders Continued

conservatorships, civil litigation and adoption. Patanisha has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tuskegee University, Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology/ Change Leadership from California School of Professional Psychology.

She was a professor at her law school alma mater, John F. Kennedy University, where she co-taught legal methods. She is currently authoring a book on infertility and adoption. She enjoys traveling around the world and spending time with her significant other and children.

What does the CCCBA mean to you?

“The CCCBA holds a very special place in my heart. When I first started my practice seven years

ago it was the CCCBA that aided in growing my business. I am moved by the CCCBA’s commitment to the community and the legal practitioners that provide service. My name, Patanisha, means reconciler of difference. As such I am proud to assist in reconciling differences, effectuating change and serving on the Women’s Section Board of the CCCBA.” The Women’s Section has been a strong presence in CCCBA for over 26 years. Its members include attorneys practicing in all areas of the law who live or work in Contra Costa County.

The goal of the section is to further the advancement of women in the legal profession and the judiciary. Men are welcome to join. The CCCBA Women’s Section is a proud Affiliate of the California Women Lawyers (www.cwl.org). Members of the Women’s Section receive a discounted membership to CWL.

The Women’s Section provides networking opportunities for its members to meet other attorneys and professionals. The section hosts informational programs and lunches, some offering MCLE credit and others focusing on matters of more personal interest, such as job opportunities and rainmaking.

The Women’s Section annually awards the Honorable Patricia Herron and Honorable Ellen James Scholarship to deserving law students who have shown leadership potential, achieved academic success, and helped to advance women’s issues. The section hosts a scholarship fundraiser each spring, usually in the form of a silent auction and wine-tasting. It gratefully accepts donations to the scholarship fund anytime and would like to thank all who have donated and supported this great scholarship.

All members are invited to attend the board meetings which are held on the first Wednesday of each month. If you would like to serve on the board or want further information, please contact the president.

Thinking of

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JANUARY 2019

There Ought to be

a LAW

By Christina Weed and Lisa Mendes If you have ever felt yourself thinking these words, the Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA) is for you.

Every year, delegates from the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and bar associations all over the state, meet for an annual conference, usually in September or October, to review, vet, and argue resolutions proposed by participating California local bar associations.

Contra Costa County delegates have had several bills enacted in the past.

Although the Contra Costa County delegation has continued to thrive, we are always looking for new and excited members. The bigger your delegation, the bigger your voice at the conference.

The resolutions that are reviewed and debated at the conference are voted on by participating delegations. In 2018 alone, the CCBA was involved in 44 pieces of legislation as sponsor, source, co-sponsor, or supporter. Of these 44 pieces of legislation, 24 bills were signed into law.

Although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why the CCBA has so much success getting legislation enacted, it is likely because the resolutions we put forward are so carefully and meticulously vetted and argued by experienced attorneys all over the state of California. This adds a level of credibility when resolutions that are passed through the conference are presented to state legislators.

The conference is also a good way to grow your network, meet amazing attorneys from all over the state, and

learn about many different areas of the law. Aside from the fun and comaraderie established with your fellow delegates, the conference becomes a forum to feel as though you are truly being heard on issues which impact you and your clients.

Many ask what they can expect from the conference. It is a large conference room with tables and chairs, all in rows. We sit amongst out delegation. The conference is run by the CCBA Board. Over the two days, you will hear resolutions argued and debated by colleagues from throughout the state. After the resolution is debated, the board calls for a vote. If the resolutions pass the conference, the CCBA’s lobbyist, Larry Doyle, helps to get state assembly members and senators to sponsor the resolution in legislation form.

If you are interested in making an impact on the laws in California, or if you know of a certain law that needs to be corrected because it affects your practice area, we welcome you to join us.

The deadline for CCBA resolutions for the 2019 conference is March 1,

2019. If you are concerned about being able to draft proposed legislation for the first time, do not be. We have numerous members willing to assist you.

Lastly, the conference takes place October 10th through 13th this year in Monterey. We hope that you can join us and support our efforts to make a difference with respect to California laws. Please feel free to reach out to the Contra Costa County Bar Association if you are interested.

Christina Weed, LLM (Taxation), is a Partner at Mendes Weed, LLP, and a Co-Founder of Weed Law, PC. Weed has been certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Taxation.

Weed is the Chair of the Tax Section of the CCCBA. mwlawca.com; weedlawpc.com; (925) 390-3222.

Lisa J. Mendes is a Partner at Mendes Weed, LLP, and Co-Founder of Weed Law, PC. She has an MBA and has spoken and written about family law and domestic violence, as well as cannabis laws. www.mwlawca.com; www.weedlawpc.com; (925) 390-3222.

Mergers &

Acquisitions

Hubert Lenczowski 1615 Bonanza Street #212 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 280-7788 hubert@lenczowskilaw.com www.lenczowskilaw.com

Attorney At Law A Professional Corporation

Planning Exits and Growth Acquisition for Business Owners

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

23

Another successful LRIS Referral!

by Barbara Arsedo This past November, the CCCBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service was happy to be the beneficiary of a percentage fee check of over $20,000 from one of our LRIS Workers Compensation attorneys, Mr. Jon Marlowe.

In 2013, Marlowe took a referral from us for what seemed to be at the time a minor Workers Compensation claim.

The claim turned out to be much more involved and Marlow was finally able to secure a substantial award for his client.

It may have taken several years, as is usually the case with Workers Comp cases, but in the end, this turned out to be a very successful referral for all involved.

Thank you, Mr. Marlowe, for all your hard work!

If you are interested in joining the CCCBA’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service Panel, please contact me at (925) 370-2544 or barsedo@cccba.org.

99%

RESOLUTION RATE Brillant Law can help you with probate, estate planning, trust and real estate litigation, as well as business and real estate law.

CALL TODAY AT 925.274.1400 | BRILLANTLAW.COM

Probate Estate Pla n ni ng Tr ust Lit igat ion Rea l Estate Lit igat ion Civ i l Lit igat ion Busi ness L aw Rea l Estate L aw

24

JANUARY 2019

Lawyer Referral Service – A Community Resource

by Barbara Arsedo, Lawyer Referral & Information Service and Moderate Means Program Director The year 2018 was a very fruitful one for the CCCBA’s LRIS. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making our LRIS so successful.

Family Law Training Series In the fall of 2018 we were very fortunate to be able to offer our members a six-part seminar series in Family Law. Designed for those new to Family Law as well attorneys who wish to take on cases from our Moderate Means program, the series was well attended by attorneys as well as several of our judges. The series resulted in the LRIS adding 11 new Moderate Means attorneys to its roster.

Family Law attorneys David Erb, Billie Jean Lee, and Robin Birnbaum organized this training, lining up speakers from all aspects of Family Law, including Family Law judges, attorneys and court staff. Big thanks to David, Billie Jean, Robin and the staff at JFK University for making this training so successful.

LRIS Attorneys The backbone of the LRIS are the attorneys who sign up each year to receive referrals in their areas of practice. They agree to give the client a 30-minute consultation, which may lead to being retained by the client. While some of our callers do not need more than the 30-minute consultation, our attorneys graciously meet with them to answer their questions about their legal issue. Even just a 30-minute

consultation now may lead to a return client somewhere down the road. This year alone, we scheduled appointments for over 3,500 clients, with another 1,500 whom we redirected to another program or source of assistance.

LRIS Committee Our dedicated LRIS Committee consists of nine CCCBA members who meet bi-monthly to help keep our LRIS on track, resolve any issues that may arise and generate new ideas for promoting our services. In 2018 the LRIS Committee members were Joe Wolch (chair), Steve Steinberg (co-chair), Carolyn Cain, David Erb, Bill Hickey, Kathryn Korn, John Kortum, Dan Pocklington, Laura Ramsey and Hon. James Marchiano (ret). Thank you for helping to keep the LRIS moving forward!

LRIS Staff I also want to take a moment to express my appreciation for our long-time lawyer referral intake staff, who are the main contact point for clients looking to consult with an attorney. Day in and day out, these staff members, Emily Day, Jennifer Comages, Anne Wolf and JFKU work-study student Jennifer Spalding are on the phone, helping clients to determine what type of attorney they may need and then scheduling appointments with our LRIS attorneys.

We also added a new “member” to our staff, Sophie. Many of you may have met Sophie, a registered service dog. She has been very helpful in

calming stressed clients when they come into the office, as well as playing the role of official greeter for the CCCBA. She has been a calming influence on our LRIS Staff, when they are taking a call from a difficult client.

Our LRIS clients often express their gratitude for the staff’s patience and understanding while taking these sometimes-stressful calls.

Our LRIS program is always on the lookout for new members.

We have more than 53 main areas of practice to choose from and there are numerous subpanels that an attorney can join. Several practice areas always need referral attorneys, such as Tenant/Landlord, Consumer and Elder Law. Spanish-speaking attorneys are needed in every area of the law, most especially Family Law. If you wish to become a member of our Lawyer Referral and Information Service, signing up is simple and can be done at the time you renew your CCCBA Membership, or at any other time of the year by contacting our office. If you have any questions about the LRIS contact me directly at (925) 370-2544 or barsedo@cccba.org.

I look forward to working with all our dedicated attorneys and staff this year. Thank you all very much!

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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The Benefits of Membership Looking for a good deal? The CCCBA is here to help. All of the 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.

Airport Parking Park SFO 195 North Access Rd. South San Francisco, CA 94080 (800) 996-9214 Discount: Free two-year membership to PARK SFO Club (normally $100 a year), personalized membership card, free upgrade to valet parking. To join visit www.parksfo.com, click on Membership and choose “Bar Association Members.”

Expresso Airport Parking 880 Doolittle Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 633-9917 Discount: Join the Big Shot Rewards program for discounted rates.

Visit https://www.expressoparking.com/corp/cccba/

home equity loans, personal and consumer loans. Complimentary checking accounts with complimentary order of checks earn points for a Compas Points credit card. Visit http://ow.ly/pABZ30n07aP to download the discount flyer.

Provident Credit Union Walnut Creek Branch 742 Bancroft Rd. Other co-op shared branches in Alameda Antioch, Concord, Oakland and Pleasanton www.providentcu.org Discount: Exclusive $200 new account bonus for signing up for super reward checking.

Business Coaching & Training

Banking Lawyer Business Advantage BBVA Compass 1101 S. California Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.bbvacompass.org (925) 947-3434 Contact: Jeanie Irvin Jeanie.irvin@bbva.com Discount: CCCBA members receive discounts on mortgages, 26

JANUARY 2019

Alay Yajnik (925) 967-2197 alay@yajnikgroup.com https:// lawyerbusinessadvantage.com Discount: CCCBA members qualify for a 10% discount on business coaching, training and strategic planning sessions

Computer & IT Consulting Pacific Computer Consultants, Inc.

David Jordan (925) 215-3559 ext. 101 info@pcc-sf.com | www.pcc-sf. com Discount: Discount: Free, no obligation 12 point cyber-security audit and one month free of ID Agent Dark Web ID Monitoring with any signed service agreement. Valid for firms of 10 or more computers.

PC Service Center Roy Brown 1932 Contra Costa Blvd Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 609-8287 www.pc-servicecenter.com Whether your firm has 30 attorneys or just one attorney, we can eliminate pesky computer troubles, minimize downtime and give you a reliable resource for your technology needs. If you’re struggling with problems now, our “break-fix” services will get your office up and running again. But, if you’re ready to remove computer issues from your to-do list, a comprehensive service plan may be just what you need to get re-focused on the “right” priorities.

Discount: CCCBA members receive a 15% discount off of published prices.

Conference Room

Need a Place for a Meeting?

Rent the CCCBA Conference Room.

• Conference table seats 10-12 comfortably • Available for rent weekdays, 8 am - 5 pm • Near Concord BART and public transit • Includes use of high-speed internet, computer projector and conference call equipment For information, contact Barbara Arsedo, at (925) 370-2544 or barsedo@ cccba.org Discount: CCCBA members get up to $30 off regular rental rates.

Floral Arrangements & Plants Jory’s Flowers 1330-B Galaxy Way Concord, CA 94520 (925) 689-0966 www.jorysflowers.com Discount: 10% discount.

Pro Flowers (800) 580-2913 www.proflowers.com Discount: Receive a 15% discount when using the code REDWHITE15.

Insurance Professional E&O, General Liability, Property & Workers Comp

Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services, LLC 345 California St., Suite 1305 San Francisco, CA 94104 (800) 343-0132 CABAR.service@mercer.com www.mybarbenefits.com Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC and the CCCBA are working together to provide members with direct access to this outstanding Lawyers Professional Liability Program, sponsored by the State Bar of California. You benefit from the State Bar’s buying power and oversight committee.

• Easy Short-Form Application • Competitive Rates • Free On-Line MCLE • Optional Cyber Liability Coverage Discount: Information regarding Professional Liability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Workers Compensation, Business Office Packages and Accidental Death Insurance plans for members of the State Bar of California is available at www.mybarbenefits.com.

Insurance (Insurance & Financial Planning) Furstner Group, Member of the MassMutual Financial Group Jimmy Diehl, MBA, CFBS Senior Advisor 3003 Oak Rd, Suite 250 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 979-2308 | 925-407-6886 jamesdiehl@financialguide.com www.furstnergroup.com/ Discount: CCCBA members receive a 10% long term care discount and a 10% disability income discount.

Insurance (Life & Health) Gateway Financial Advisors MassMutual Financial Broker Business & Employee Benefits, Insurance and Retirement, Financial Literacy Jane Louie, CLTC 2010 Crow Canyon Pl., Suite 100 San Ramon, CA 94583 (415) 601-6592 jlouie@gfainvestments.com www.gfainvestments.com Discounted Services include: Discounted and Group, multi-life and individual plans for health, disability, life; Up to 15% Association and up to 25% Multi-life Longterm Disability; Up to 45% Longterm Care; Negotiated Retirement plan fees; 40% for the Employer Advisory Council of the EDD credited seminars (EAC Member fees waived).

LaMusga Company Insurance, Financial Services, Divorce Planning Gary LaMusga, Financial Advisor; Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (925) 287-1567 gary.lamusga@sgc-financial.com www.lamusgaco.com Discount: CCCBA members receive a 10% discount when applying for the Standard Disability Insurance Policy.

Mass Mutual Financial Group Pacific J.P. McDermott, MBA, CLTC Financial Planner | Investment Advisor Representative | Financial Services Representative 1255 Treat Blvd., Ste. 400 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 949-7423 (Office) (925) 858-9510 (Cell) jpmcdermott@financialguide.com https://www.advisors.massmutual.com/ jp-mcdermott

Discount: Mass Mutual offers a 10% discount on Disability Income Insurance for CCCBA members.

Continued on page 28 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

27

Insurance (Professional Liability) Mitchell & Mitchell Insurance Agency, Inc. Dan McKenna, JD, RPLU Mitchell & Mitchell Insurance Agency, Inc. | CA License #0620650 250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., E-1 Novato, CA 94949 (415) 883-2520 dmckenna@mitchellandmitchell. com www.mitchellandmitchell.com Mitchell & Mitchell is the exclusive underwriter and marketing rep for the CNA Lawyers Professional Liability Program. We also offer qualified firms discounted premiums and supplementary benefits not available from any other carrier.

Discount: CCCBA members may receive a 5% discretionary credit on premiums.

Legal Research

cases. The text can be searched to find Marketing & Promotions expert step-by-step guidance, legal analysis, and forms. OnLAW libraries includes Business Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law, Estate Plan- Advertising Magic/ AdMagix Marketing ning, Family Law, Litigation, and Rosalind Robe’ Boukis Real Property Law. 2116 N. Main St., Ste. G Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 939-1111 rosalind@advertisingmagic.com www.advertisingmagic.com Thomson Reuters Westlaw Goldie Gardner, Account Executive (209) 768-3683 goldie.gardner@thomsonreuters.com

www.thomsonreuters.com/ Discount: 10% discount on your Firm Central Law Practice Management purchase.

Only Firm Central from Thomson Reuters seamlessly integrates your legal research with your legal business. It’s the one cloud-based legal practice management software that integrates your documents, contacts, calendar, time-and-billing, legal research, and more to gain a complete and current view of your entire firm.

Lexis-Nexis

CEB - Continuing Education of the Bar Kelly Chan 2100 Franklin Street, Suite 500 Oakland, CA 94612 510-302-2036 kelly.chan@ceb.ucla.edu https://ceb.com/ CEB provides CCCBA lawyers admitted to the State Bar of California within the last five years with many resources, including: Free OnLAW libraries for one year and 50% off after free year CEB is renowned for their authoritative content. OnLAW provides legal analysis and procedural guidance by and for California judges and lawyers. Titles include links to the cited primary law of California cases and codes and U.S. Supreme Court 28

JANUARY 2019

Allysia Busse (1-2 Attorney Firms) 937-247-8046 allysia.busse@lexisnexis.com Michelle Wyllie (3-50 Attorney Firms) 415-235-9254 michellelynn.wyllie@lexisnexis.com http://www.lexisnexis.com Discount: 40% off for Bar Members.

Case Law / Statutory; Nationwide Public Records; Briefs, Pleadings & Motions; Unlimited Shepard’s; California Practice Library; Docket & Documents Database.

Discount: Free screen or setup charge on all new orders ($50 value) or free half-hour marketing consultation.

Merchant Services E-Paynow.com Richard Wood 383 Diablo Rd., Ste. #217 Danville CA 94526 (925) 788-5057 www.e-paynow.com/cccba Discount: E-paynow.com provides Interchange-Plus merchant accounts (NOT three-tier pricing) with the Authorize.net payment gateway. Use any internet-enabled computer to process transactions to accept credit card and electronic check payments quickly and affordably, without having to pay more, or purchasing a physical terminal. We will waive the setup fee with proof of bar membership.

Merchant Services

LawPay 3700 M. Capital of Texas Hwy. Suite 300 Austin, Texas 79746 Direct Line to Sales: (866) 376-0950 experts@lawpay.com www.LawPay.com Recommended by 49 state and more than 70 local and specialty bars, LawPay is proud to be the preferred payment partner of more than 50,000 lawyers. Designed specifically for the legal industry, LawPay provides attorneys with a simple, secure way to accept online credit card payments in their practice.

LawPay understands the unique compliance and financial requirements placed on attorneys, which is why their solution was developed specifically to correctly separate earned and unearned fees, giving you peace of mind that your credit card transactions are always handled correctly. For more than a decade, LawPay has made it as easy as possible for attorneys to receive payment for their services, and we’re excited to present them as a member benefit for members of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. To learn more about LawPay, call 866-376-0950 or visit the website.

Discount: Contact us for the latest discount for members of the CCCBA.

Office & Virtual Office Solutions

Victory Workspace, home of Reliable Receptionist Shared workspace, meeting rooms and telephone receptionist services.

Victor Mataraso 1261 Locust St. Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 482-8300 Victory Workspace www.VictoryWorkspace.com (925) 728-4200 Reliable Receptionist www.ReliableReceptionist.com Discount: CCCBA Members receive 50% off initial setup fees, a $25-$75 value depending on options selected.

Practice Management Systems

Clio is the most widely-used, cloudbased practice management system in the world. Everyday, tens of thousands of lawyers use Clio to schedule meetings, organize cases, track time, and invoice their clients.

(888) 858-2546 ext. 2 sales@clio.com | www.clio.com Discount: Receive a 10% lifetime discount on Clio.

Printing Products & Services Company Folders, Inc. Premium presentation folders, file folders, binders, stationery and more.

Polygraph Services Graham Polygraph Professional polygraphs for court cases.

Mark Graham 1536 Newell Ave., Ste. C Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 705-1254 grahampolygraph@yahoo.com

Discount: 20% discount for firsttime clients. Priority scheduling.

3297 Orchard Lake Rd., Ste. 203 Keego Harbor, MI 48320 (248) 738-7600 Fax (248) 883-8880 support@companyfolders.com

www.companyfolders.com Discount: 10% off plus free shipping within the continental U.S. Enter code CCCBA when requesting a quote.

Daily Digital Imaging Daily Digital Imaging (DDI) is a Direct Marketing, Graphic Design, Social Media Management, Print and Mailing Company located in Pleasant Hill, California. DDI is a marketing and printing company.

Pello Walker, President 3440 Vincent Rd. Suite I Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 935-3621 pello@dailydigitalimaging.com www.dailydigitalimaging.com Discount: 10% discount for print and mail services.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

29

Social Media Marketing Daily Digital Imaging Daily Digital Imaging (DDI) is a Direct Marketing, Graphic Design, Social Media Management, Print and Mailing Company located in Pleasant Hill, California. DDI is a marketing and printing company.

Pello Walker, President 3440 Vincent Rd. Suite I Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 935-3621 pello@dailydigitalimaging.com www.dailydigitalimaging.com Discount: 10% discount for social media marketing.

Time Tracking and Billing

Kurent is the new cloud billing product from the makers of Tabs3.

Kurent gives attorneys an easy way to track time, create and send invoices, manage trust accounts, and receive payments. Kurent is designed with solo and small firm attorneys in mind, so it’s not stuffed with the elaborate practice management or large-firm specific features of other legal billing products. This makes it easy for attorneys to get back to what matters most – their clients. Plus, at $26/user/month, Kurent is an affordable option for any attorney. www.kurent.com (402) 419-2211 sales@kurent.com Discount: CCCBA members will receive Kurent’s best discount, 10% off your first year of Kurent (monthly or annual plan). The discount is available at: www.

Kurent.com/cccba

30

JANUARY 2019

gratefully acknowledges its

2018-19 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMS Firms with 20+ attorneys: Bowles & Verna, LLP Littler Mendelson, PC McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Ambacher, LLP Miller Starr Regalia

Firms with 15-19 attorneys: Buchman Provine Brothers Smith, LLP Clapp Moroney Vucinich Beeman Scheley Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Fanucci

Firms with 5-14 attorneys: Barr & Young Attorneys

Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLP Brown, Gee & Wenger, LLP

Craddick, Candland & Conti

Doyle Quane Freeman Family Law Group Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy Ferber Law, APC

Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi

Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey

Greenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally, LLP Hartog Baer & Hand, APC

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton Livingston Law Firm, PC Morrill Law Firm

Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP

24th Annual MCLE Spectacular The 24th Annual MCLE Spectacular was a big success again this year. Keynote speakers included David Kelly, Golden State Warriors Chief Legal Officer, Business & Basketball, pictured with CCCBA Board President James Wu; 2019 Presiding Judge Barry Baskin with 2018 Presiding Judge Jill Fannin and Hon. Wendy McGuire Coats with California Supreme Court Associate Justice Leondra Kruger.

Mark your calendar now for the 25th annual MCLE Spectacular, on November 22, 2019.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

31

2018 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

$295,719

$7,424

$288,295

LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE

$340,700

$18,801

$321,899

FEE ARBITRATION/MEDIATION & CLIENT RELATIONS PROGRAMS

$28,000

$3,885

$24,115

BAR-SPONSORED PROGRAMS & EVENTS

$93,833

$40,175

$53,658

PUBLICATIONS

$77,890

$19,882

$58,008

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Staff (does not include Criminal Conflicts Program)

$519,488

($519,488)

Executive Director:

$7,664

($7,664)

Office Equipment:

$34,179

($34,179)

$29,189

$197,185

($167,996)

$6,835

$25,576

($18,741)

$12,150

$1,616

$10,534

$4,112

($4,112)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

$2,620

($2,620)

Dues, mailings, committee meetings, applications, State Bar swearing-in ceremonies, recruitment campaigns, Pro Bono Expo, annual leadership meetings, holiday party, printing costs, social media.

Consultation fees, membership fees, percentage fees, advertising, brochures & marketing, phone system, postage, supplies, client surveys, committee meetings, staff education, Moderate Means Program, FLARe (Family Law Mediation program), Limited Representation program, marketing & panel recruitment, State Bar re-certification fees, free community legal workshops.

Filing fees, refunds, postage, committee meetings, supplies.

MCLE Spectacular, Candidates Forum, Member Benefit programs, Mod Means Training, A’s game, NRPC programs, committee meetings, State Bar provider status renewal.

Contra Costa Lawyer & Membership Directory: Printing, postage, production, mailing house, MCLE self-study tests, committee meetings, photography, directory practice area listings, advertising revenue (including website and weekly broadcasts), stock photos, blog book, video-editing software, etc.

Payroll, payroll taxes, payroll service, pension disbursements, medical, dental & vision benefits, workers’ comp insurance, staff professional development, expense reimbursements.

Education & travel, dues/membership fees, expenses, etc.

Computers, computer consulting services, database, photocopier, fax machine, printers, postage machine & meter, etc

General:

Conference room rental income, rebates (LMIC, Marsh Affinity Group, JobTarget, CLIO), interest & dividend income (including replenishing reserves), office rent and overhead, property insurance, office supplies, credit card processing fees, phone system, staff meetings, accounting, miscellaneous taxes, etc.

OFFICERS & BOARD of DIRECTORS

Installation luncheon, Board meetings, bar leader conferences, strategic planning meetings, gavels & plaques, miscellaneous committee meetings, Errors & Omissions & EPL Insurances, legal services.

SECTION SUPPORT

E-mail broadcasts, section leaders’ meetings, program registration, handbooks, event sponsorships.

CONFERENCE of DELEGATES

Planning meetings, registration & hotel, materials, etc.

Website modifications/updates, SPAM filter, Internet connection.

EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM

$1,350

$0

COURT SUPPORT

$3,200

$3,855

($655)

DIVERSITY

$6,145

$8,549

($2,404)

$895,011

$895,011

Court Tours docent training & thank you luncheon, postage & mailings, materials Bench/Bar meetings, Bench/Bar roundtable, Judges Event.

Outreach, awards, event sponsorships, Lunar New Year, MBC Mixer

TOTAL INCOME & EXPENSES:

TOTAL RESERVES AS OF 12/31/18: $625,782 32

JANUARY 2019

$1,350

0

Celebrate Lunar New Year

and D.I.N.E.

DIVERSITY COMMITTEE PROUDLY PRESENTS THE SECOND ANNUAL

(Diversity in the New Era) SICHUAN HOUSE

Thank You to Our Sponsors: Gold M.S. Domingo Law Law Offices of Jim W. Yu Silver Law Office of Ariel Brownell Flicker, Kerin, Kruger and Bissada, LLP Key Counsel PC Leoni Law Livingston Law Firm Mendes Weed Law Pearson & Schachter Quarles & Brady, LLP S.C.Selleck Law

Countrywood Shopping Center 2064 Treat Boulevard Walnut Creek

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

$35 CCCBA members $25 Law Students $50 Non-Members Register Online at

www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

In Memoriam 2018

RobeRt b. Jacobs

The CCCBA honors the following members we lost in 2018.

Daniel Baker Hon. Samuel Conti Hon. Coley Fannin John E. Harding Keith Howard Soni Leighton Lois Anne Lindstrom Samuel H. Mesnick Thomas Nagle Cathy Richmond Nelson Edmund L. Regalia

Mediator • arbitrator

Mediator | Arbitrator for Claims Involving: Business Law

ReaL estate Law

ConstRuCtion Law

Purchase or Sale of Business Breach of Contract Fraud • Nondisclosure Nonpayment Nonperformance Credit Sales Loans • Franchises Family-Owned Business Shareholder, Member or Partnership Disputes

Purchase or Sale of Real Estate Broker • Agent Nuisance • Trespass Undisclosed Defects Leases • Title Defects Partition • Boundaries Family Owned Properties Loans • Deeds of Trust Foreclosure • CC&Rs Encroachments

Contract Issues Construction Defects Early Termination Nonpayment Mechanic’s Liens Change Orders/Extras Progress Payment Disputes Delay Claims Scope of Work Construction Bonds Construction Loans

email Bob7@RBJLaw.com • tel 925-847-8680 www.RBJLaw.com CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

33

The December Issue of Contra Costa Lawyer – Here’s What You Missed in the Pro Bono Issue

Thank you to Steve Derby, Guest Editor

Find it online at www.contracostalawyer.cccba.org Features:

Columns:

• Outstanding Volunteer: Peter Mankin by Magda Lopez • Sharon Raab, Outstanding Volunteer, by Magda Lopez • A Rewarding Endeavor, by Beth Mora

• Inside: Volunteerism: Good for the Soul and the Pocketbook, by Steve Derby, Guest Editor • Coffee Talk: Pro Bono Work • President’s Message: What the CCCBA Achieved in 2018, by James Wu

• Much to Give and Many Ways to Do It, by David • Arietta • People Who Care… Gratitude from Recipients of • Pro Bono Services, by Verna Haas • • Lawyer Referral & Information Services – A View from the Inside, by Richard Rose • Homeless Court, by Hon. Steven Austin • Stand Down! Veteran’s Court, by Kate Bieker • Inns of Court from a Law Student’s Perspective, by Nathan Dondi

Did You Know: Mock Trial, by Suzanne Boucher, Co Editor Contra Costa Lawyer magazine Update on Judicial Assignments Senior Legal Services Salutes its Volunteers

Contra Costa County Bar Association Wins Another Award from the National N A B E Association of Bar Executives c

el

In early October, the Contra Costa County Bar Association was named winner of the Luminary Award for Excellence in Graphic Design among small bar associations by the Communications Section of the National Association of Bar Executives. The Luminary Awards program recognizes excellence in bar association communications projects.

CCCBA Communications Director Carole Lucido said, “I am very proud 34

JANUARY 2019

le

ig

Ex

n

2018

nc

e in Graphic

De

s

to have my work recognized by this prestigious group of bar executives.”

The award was presented for the flyer, logo and marketing materials for the CCCBA’s first annual Diversity Networking Evemt with Minority Bar Associations.

The event was a big success drawing attendees from all over the Bay Area.

This makes the third Luminary Award for the CCCBA. The first

was awarded in 2011 for the electronic version of the Contra Costa Lawyer magazine and the second was awarded in 2017 for the print version of the magazine.

Calendar

Upcoming Events | Overview January 9 | Employment Law Section 2019 Employment Law – Case and Statutory Update more details on page 36

January 14 | Elder Law Section Elder Abuse Restraining Orders: How to Obtain Them and How They Can Help Your Clients more details on page 36

January 16 | IP & ADR Sections Mediating Intellectual Property Disputes: Creative Strategies that Work more details on page 36

January 16 | CCCBA Senior Lawyers Happy Hour more details on page 36

January 25 | CCCBA CCCBA Officer Installation Luncheon 2019 & Diversity Awards more details on pages 36 and 39

January 30 | ADR & EP&P Sections A Matter of Trust: Mediating Inheritance Disputes more details on page 36

February 13 | CCCBA Lunar New Year Celebration more details on pages 33 and 37

February 22 | Barristers Young Lawyers Section Bridging the GAP

more details on page 37

February 22 | Criminal Law Section New Laws for 2019 with Barrick Byers more details on page 37

January - April | CCCBA State Bar Mandated Fingerprinting more details on page 37

The Contra Costa County Bar Association certifies that the MCLE activities listed on page 36-37 have been approved for the specific MCLE credit indicated, by the State Bar of California, Provider #393.

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notary service CCCBA members are eligible for free notary service at the CCCBA office in Concord.

Contact Carole Lucido at (925) 370-2542 or clucido@cccba.org for an appointment.

CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE CCCBA members receive a discount on renting the conference room at the CCCBA office in Concord. Rent by the hour or by the day for client meetings, negotiations or other small group sessions. Convenient location near Concord BART. For information contact Barbara Arsedo at the Contra Costa County Bar Association at (925) 370-2544 or barsedo@cccba.org.

Advertiser Index ADR Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Barr & Young Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . 31 Brillant Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Diablo Valley Reporting Services . . . 40 Robert B. Jacobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Landmark Valuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Law Offices of Oliver Bray . . . . . . . . 22 Lenczowski Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . 23 Morrill Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Novak Wealth Management . . . . . . . . 2 Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 17, 22 Candice Stoddard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Jeffrey R. Windsor, Mediator . . . . . . 14 Michael J. Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Zandonella Reporting Service . . . . . 13

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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Jan. 9 | Employment Law Section

Jan. 14 | Elder Law Section

2019 Employment Law – Case and Statutory Update

Elder Abuse Restraining Orders: How to Obtain Them and How They Can Help Your Clients

Speakers: Phyllis W. Cheng, Esq.—Former Executive Director DFEH Terry R. Leoni, Esq.—Owner and Principal of Leoni Law The Employment Section’s annual Statutory and Case law update program will include important and recent case decisions that will impact your practice and an overview of all the statutory changes.

Time: Noon – 1:30 pm

Topics to be discussed include: • Introduction to CCSLS • Elder abuse prevalence throughout U.S. and California • Types of elder abuse

Intellectual property (IP) disputes can be challenging to settle, especially early in the life of a dispute. The speakers will outline strategies to settle IP cases more efficiently based upon actual early dispute resolution (EDR) initiatives.

Time: 11:45 am – 1:15 pm

MCLE: 1 hr. General credit

MCLE: 1 hr. General credit

Cost: $45 Employment and Barristers Section members, $55 CCCBA members, $65 non members, $35 Law Student Section members

Cost: $10 Elder Law and Estate Planning & Probate Section members, $15 CCCBA members, $20 non members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

Jan. 16 | CCCBA

Jan. 25 | CCCBA

Senior Lawyers Happy Hour

Annual CCCBA Officer Installation Luncheon & Diversity Awards - 2019

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Location: Teleferic Barcelona, 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek RSVP: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Anne Wolf at (925) 370-2540 or awolf@cccba.org

JANUARY 2019

Speakers:

Mark LeHocky, Esq. Priya Sreenivasan, Esq.

Location: Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, 1333 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek

Have you been in practice for 30 or more years? Come to our Senior Lawyers Happy Hour and get to know others who are in the golden years of their careers. The overriding sentiment from the initial meetings of our senior roundtables was the importance of creating community so this is an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones.

Mediating Intellectual Property Disputes: Creative Strategies That Work

Eliza Duggan—Staff Attorney, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services(CCSLS)

Location: CCCBA Building Conference Center, 2300 Clayton Rd., First Floor, Concord

Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

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Speaker:

Intellectual Property & Jan. 16 | ADR

Sections

Please join the leadership of the Contra Costa County Bar Association and many local current and retired judges for this annual luncheon which celebrates all CCCBA members!

Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Location: Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill Cost: $45 Barristers Section and Legal Support members, $50 CCCBA members, $60 non members, $35 Law Student Section members

Time: Noon – 1:15 pm Location: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, 2175 North California Blvd., Suite 600, Walnut Creek MCLE: 1 hr. General credit Cost: $15 ADR and IP Section members, $20 CCCBA members, $25 non members, $10 Law Student Section members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

Jan. 30 | ADR & Estate Planning & Probate Sections

A Matter of Trust: Mediating Inheritance Disputes Speaker: Richard Collier It is not just the intensity of emotions that challenges the mediator in inheritance disputes. Challenges arise from the range of interests that need to be considered.

Time: Noon – 1:15 pm Location: Scott’s Seafood, 1333 N. California St., Walnut Creek MCLE: 1 hr. General

Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

Cost: $40 ADR and EPP Section members, $35 Barristers Section members, $50 CCCBA members, $60 non members, $30 Law Student Section members

More Info: Contact Anne K. Wolf at (925) 370-2540 or awolf@cccba.org

Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

Feb. 13 | CCCBA

Young Feb. 22 | Barristers Lawyers Section

Feb. 22 | Criminal Law Section

For new lawyers, young lawyers, lawyers new to the county

Garrick Byers will tell us what’s new and noteworthy in 2019.

Take this opportunity to get acquainted with the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the Superior Court, local judges, local practitioners... and much more! Lunch with a local judge is included. Happy hour follows the program.

If you are a Criminal Law practitioner don’t miss this program!

Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

MCLE: 1 hr. General credit

Cost: $25 Law Student Section members, $35 CCCBA members, $45 non members

Location: CCC District Attorney’s Office, Community Room, 900 Ward St., Martinez

RSVP: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

MCLE: 4 hr. General credit

Cost: $25 Criminal Law Section members, $15 Law Student Section members, $30 CCCBA members, $35 non members

Bridging the Gap 2019

Second Annual Lunar New Year and D.I.N.E. (Diversity in the New Year) Celebration Celebrate Lunar New Year with the CCCBA! Join fellow members and local judges to enjoy delicious food and drink and welcome the Lunar New Year.

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Location: Sichuan House, Countrywood Shopping Center, 2064 Treat Blvd., Walnut Creek

Cost: Waived for new admittees. $15 Barristers Section members, $35 CCCBA members, $45 non members

More Info: Contact Anne K. Wolf at (925) 370-2540 or awolf@cccba.org

Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar

New Laws for 2019 with Garrick Byers

Time: 11:45 am – 1:15 pm Location: Creek Monkey, 611 Escobar St., Martinez

Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Anne K. Wolf at (925) 370-2540 or awolf@cccba.org

More Info: Contact Anne K. Wolf at (925) 370-2540 or awolf@cccba.org

State Bar Required Live Scan Fingerprinting Under California Rule of Court Rule 9.9.5, all active attorneys licensed in California must be re-fingerprinted by April 30, 2019. The CCCBA is working with local Live Scan company, Sealed with Integrity to make sure you have multiple opportunities to get your fingerprints taken. Please note that you can choose any certified Live Scan vendor to comply with this new rule.

2019 DATES & TIMES: Visit the CCCBA calendar to find a link to Sealed with Integrity to make reservations (Required) Concord Martinez Walnut Creek CCC DA Community Room, 900 Ward St. (entrance on Court St.) Martinez, CA 94553

Contra Costa County Bar Association 2300 Clayton Rd, Suite 520 Concord, CA 94520

Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook 2121 N. California Blvd Suite 1020 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

• Monday, January 14 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Tuesday, February 26 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Tuesday, March 12 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Friday, April 26 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

• Thursday, January 17 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Friday, February 22 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Friday, March 15 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Friday, April 5 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

• Tuesday, January 15 9:00 am - 4:00 pm • Thursday, February 7 9:00 am - 4:00 pm • Friday, March 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm • Tuesday, April 16 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Holiday Party

There was a warm sense of community at CCCBA’s Holiday Party on December 13. The bench and the bar went all out with friends greeting friends and the spirit of the season keeping everyone festive.

Top Row: Hon. Wendy McGuire Coats with Theresa Hurley; Shari Kumin with Hon. Christopher Bowen; John Coker Steve Derby and Oliver Greenwood; Jessica Notini, Hon. Steve Austin, Bob Jacobs and Candice Stoddard; Summer Selleck with Suzette Torres Rachael Zeiph and Marnie Jubelirer; David Erb with Nicole Mills, Mika Domingo and CCCBA President James Wu; 2019 Presiding Judge Hon. Barry Baskin.

LRIS Director Barbara Arsedo with Kristen Tabon 38

JANUARY 2019

Friday, January 25, 2019 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill

ANNuAL OFFICER INSTALLATION LuNCHEON & DIVERSITy AWARDS OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED BOARD MEMBERS: James Wu, President | Oliver Greenwood, President-Elect Nicole Mills, Secretary | Mika Domingo, Treasurer Nick Casper, Past President

DIRECTORS: Gina Boer | David Erb | David Marchiano | Ericka McKenna Cary McReynolds | Craig Nevin | David Pearson | Dorian Peters Michael Pierson | Summer Selleck | Qiana Washington | Rachael Zeiph

Presiding Judge Barry Baskin will give a State of the Court address before swearing in the 2019 Board of Directors and Section Leaders.

We will present the second annual CCCBA Diversity Award to qualifying law firms.

Judge Barry Goode will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

REGISTER TODAy! $50 CCCBA Members $45 Barristers & Legal Support $35 Law Students $60 Non-members

Menu choices:

SECTION LEADERS Mark LeHocky: ADR Gary A. Watt: Appellate E. Vincent Wood: Bankruptcy Law Ryan H. Apperson: Barristers Luis Montes: Business Law Joseph Tully: Criminal Law Douglas W. Housman: Elder Law Marta Vanegas: Employment Deborah C. Moritz-Farr: Estate Planning & Probate Kimberly Kirkpatrick: Family Law Flavio Carvalho: Immigration Law

Joseph R. Snyder: Intellectual Property Rhonda Wilson-Rice: Juvenile Elizabeth Lam, Jennifer Spalding & Amrieka Takhar: Law Student Jaime B. Herren: Litigation Dean Christopherson: Real Estate Chris Schneider: Solo Practice & Small Firm Christina Weed: Taxation Harpreet K. Sandhu: West County Patanisha E. Davis-Jenkins: Women

Earn up to 8 MCLE credits in one day, hear fantastic main session speakers and learn from the 13 unique breakout seminars!

Roast Sirloin, Chicken Provencal ~ OR ~ Butternut Squash Ravioli To register, contact Anne Wolf at (925) 370-2540, awolf@cccba.org or visit www.cccba.org.

Deposition Reporting in Contra Costa County since 1986

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Contra Costa County attorneys have come to rely on DVRS as a firm that is large enough to handle the most challenging cases, but small enough to provide the utmost in personal and professional service.

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DIABLO VALLEY REPORTING SERVICES

JANUARY 2019

925.930.7388