Contra Costa Lawyer – January 2021 The Bar Association Issue by CCCBA - Contra Costa Lawyer

Contra Costa

LAWYER Volume 34, Number 1 | January 2021

The Bar Association Issue

2021-22 Presiding Judge Rebecca Hardie and 2021 CCCBA President Dorian Peters

Contra Costa 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dorian Peters President Ericka McKenna President-Elect David Erb Secretary David Pearson Treasurer Oliver Greenwood Past President Patanisha Davis Pierson Terry Leoni Cary McReynolds Craig Nevin Michael Pierson

David Ratner Summer Selleck Marta Vanegas Qiana Washington

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

LAWYER Volume 34, Number 1 | January 2021

The official publication of the

FEATURES

Getting to Know 2021 Board President, Dorian Peters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Welcome to the Board of Directors Patanisha E. Davis Pierson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Terry R. Leoni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Marta Vanegas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Congratulations to CCCBA’s Inaugural Pro Bono Honor Roll Recipients, by the Pro Bono Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Barbara Arsedo Carole Lucido

2021 CCCBA Sections, by Anne Wolf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Jennifer Comages Anne K. Wolf

Member Benefits, Special Discounts for CCCBA Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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

Emily Day

Systems and Operations Director

NEWS & UPDATES 10

Thank you to Volunteers

PHOTOS: Bar Babies & More

2021 Diversity Award Winners

Year End Financial Report

Sustaining Firms

Classified Advertising

Advertiser Index

In Memoriam

What You Missed in the December Issue

ADVERTISING Carole Lucido

2021 Elder Law Training Series

PRINTING Modern Litho

CONTRA COSTA LAWYER CO-EDITORS EDITORIAL BOARD Marcus Brown Alice Cheng 925.482.8950 925.233.6222

Ann Battin Matthew Cody

510.234-2808 916.718.8938

BOARD LIAISON Perry Novak Marta Vanegas 925.746.7278 925.937.5433 Andrew Verriere COURT LIAISON 925.317.9113 Kate Bieker Lorraine Walsh 925.957.5600 925.932.7014

DESIGN Christina Weed Carole Lucido 925.953.2920 925.370.2542

925.370.2542

36-38 Calendar Officer Installation & Diversity Awards Event, January 29

800.456.5867

The Contra Costa Lawyer (ISSN 1063-4444) is published six times in 2021 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. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

GETTING TO KNOW

Board President

Dorian Peters Tell us about yourself. I am an attorney and a police officer. I work for the City of El Cerrito as a Detective assigned to the Investigation Bureau of the Police Department. Prior to my police work, I worked as a criminal attorney for about 10 years, both as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. I am a State Bar certified specialist in criminal law. I have been an involved member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association since 2012. I was born and raised mostly in Berkeley, but I moved from place to place as a young person, never staying in one place for more than a couple of years. I have lived in every city along the BART red line (Emeryville, Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, and Richmond). I attended Berkeley High School, which I enjoyed despite mostly neglecting to do my schoolwork. I worked on the school newspaper, the Berkeley High Jacket, where I wrote for and edited the news section of the paper. This experience helped me learn to take great pride in my work. It was one thing for a homework assignment to have a typo because only 4

JANUARY 2021

the teacher saw it. But articles with my byline that all my friends and peers were reading had to be perfect. Working on my school paper also taught me the power of the pen. Twenty years ago, our school paper published a story where we revealed that a large Berkeley landlord was bringing women from overseas to Berkeley and forcing them into indentured servitude. That landlord was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and sentenced to 8 years in prison. Our high school paper won the Society of Professional Journalists “Journalist of the Year” award – becoming the first non-professional winner of the award. I attended the University of California, Berkeley where I double majored in Political Science and Mass Communications. Between my sophomore and junior year, I spent a summer at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana to conduct academic research on international terrorism. Between my junior and senior years, I spent the summer living in Washington DC, where I worked for Congresswoman Barbara Lee as a congressional intern.

Why did you attend law school and become an attorney? When I was growing up, my mother struggled. Although she has never practiced law, she attended and graduated from Berkeley Law. I saw my mother advocate for us in numerous situations, especially in landlord-tenant issues. Her legal knowledge allowed her to push back against people who had more power and more money. In several cases, her knowledge literally kept a roof over our heads. I began to see knowing the law as knowing the rules of a game. How do you win the game if you do not know the rules? It became crystal clear that people who knew the law would be able to achieve better outcomes than people who did not, even in similar situations. While at Berkeley High School, I took an American Government class that had a Street Law component. Street Law was a program where a law student from Berkeley Law taught students the basic of law as it might apply to them. Is it against the law to cut school? (yes) Do I have to stop when the police try to talk to me? (it depends) Is it illegal to download MP3 files using Napster? (yes)

How was law school? While in law school, I was attracted to the activities that simulated real practice of law. I participated in the mock trial competition, which my partner and I won. I also did moot court where I made it to the playoff rounds. I enjoyed these activities so much that I realized that whatever type of law I practiced, I wanted to end up in a courtroom. I worked as a law clerk for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office during the summer of my second year and after graduating law school, but before taking the bar exam. As a certified law student, I was able to make court appearances. I wrote and argued several motions and conducted preliminary hearings. After passing the bar exam, I started my career as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County. I later worked as an employment attorney for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. I also worked

“

This class led me to the Summer Legal Fellowship Program run by the Center for Youth Development through Law, a work and education program meant for underprivileged students interested in law. This program led to me interning at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco. I got to watch as record labels sued Napster for copyright infringement in federal court. I watched Dwayne Wiggins of music group Tony! Toni! Toné! sue the Oakland Police Department for excessive force and got to watch settlement discussions. I enjoyed seeing how the system worked and wanted to become part of it. At this point, the future of the journalism industry began to look bleak and I decided to pursue a career in law.

as criminal defense attorney, both as a solo and at the law firm Gagen McCoy.

What do you hope to accomplish as President?

How did you become involved with the CCCBA?

Our Bar Association is strong. Despite the pandemic, we are seeing high levels of participation and engagement from our members. However, the pandemic has put unique pressures on our association, the courts, and the practice of law. My goal is to help keep the community of lawyers in Contra Costa strong as we work to get through the pandemic.

After leaving the District Attorney’s office, I opened a solo criminal defense practice. I immediately joined the CCCBA. I received my first clients from the CCCBA’s Criminal Conflicts Panel and the Lawyers Referral and Information Service programs. I also attended the “Bridging the Gap” program, hosted by the Barristers section. I attended a State Bar Annual Meeting in San Diego. While walking down the street during lunch time, I randomly ran into a group of attorneys that I recognized from Contra Costa County. I learned that they were attending the California Conference of Bar Associations that it typically held at the same time and place as the Annual Meeting. One of those attorneys was then CCCBA President Steve Steinberg. I chatted with him about my practice and involvement in the Criminal Conflicts Panel. He later appointed me to the Criminal Conflicts Panel Committee which oversaw and managed the program.

We will do this by providing MCLE events remotely and providing education to our members to help them work through the challenges of staying at home and working remotely. With all the rapid changes involving court operations, health orders, and the remote practice of law in Contra Costa County, I am focused on making sure that attorneys have the information they need to do their jobs. Lastly, but importantly, I am hoping to strengthen the bonds between the bar association and our bench. We are proud that the Governor has appointed several CCCBA members as judicial officers. We want to assist our courts as much as we can so we can make it through this uncertain time together.

I became involved with the Criminal and Barristers sections. I helped teach a five-part MCLE class called Trials 101 where attorneys learned the basics of criminal and civil litigation. Since being on the Board, I have served on the Communications, Editorial and DEI Committees. I also helped coordinate the DA Forum and served on a committee that helped modernize the CCCBA website.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Patanisha E. Davis Pierson

Welcome

to the Board

Patanisha E. Davis Pierson, Esq. is an attorney and author. She is a native of Oakland, California. Patanisha’s name means reconciler of differences and that is exactly what she does in her career as a Partner with Key Counsel, P.C. Her primary practice areas are in Probate, Guardianships, Conservatorships, Housing, Civil Litigation and Adoption. She is also an educator at her law school alma mater, John F. Kennedy University, where she currently teaches the housing clinic and formerly taught Legal Methods. In addition, she recently taught trial skills to Bay Area high school students in a summer program with the Center for Youth Development through Law. Patanisha has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from historic Black college Tuskegee University, Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology/Change Leadership from California School of Professional Psychology, and a Juris Doctorate from John F. Kennedy University. Prior to practicing law, she taught Criminal Justice at her high school alma mater, San Leandro High and was a case manager for children with developmental disabilities at the Regional Center of the East Bay. Patanisha is known to manifest the impossible and works diligently to raise scholarship funds for students attending undergraduate and law school. Patanisha is very involved within her community. She currently serves on the board for the California Women Lawyers; is Program Coordinator of the East County Section, and a member of the DEI Committee; a CCCBA Women’s Section Past President, former 1st Vice President of Bay Area Tuskegee Alumni Association; a member of the Robert G. McGrath Inn of Court; and very active with her church. Patanisha’s publications include: “Barren, but Not Broken: A Guide from Infertility to Adoption” which is based on her overcoming infertility, the joy and pain of private adoption, and parenting a child with developmental disabili-

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JANUARY 2021

Marta Vanegas

Terry R. Leoni Terry R. Leoni of Leoni Law likes to say that she has a “full-service labor and employment firm,” where she not only handles matters for both public and private employees (discrimination, harassment, severance agreements, workplace investigations, discipline), but also HR advice and counsel for businesses, professional licensing defense, and criminal defense with employment components. She also has a unique focus representing crime victims in both criminal and civil cases and is Pro Bono General Counsel for Voices in Action, a non-profit dedicated to sexual assault survivors. Terry started Leoni Law in December of 2016 after more than seven years almost primarily representing public service in administrative, criminal, and employment matters at Rains Lucia Stern, a boutique firm in Pleasant Hill. Prior to joining Rains Lucia Stern, she worked at the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy DA where she also interned in law school. She has handled trials-to-verdict, has appeared in both state and federal court, and litigated countless cases before arbitrators and administrative law judges. Terry is a Bay Area native with deep roots in Contra Costa County. She was born in Walnut Creek, where her father grew up, and was raised in Dublin. She received her undergraduate degree from UCSB (Go Gauchos!) in Law and Society and Psychology in 2000. Terry attended law school at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento from 2003-2006 and was admitted to practice law in 2006. Terry’s involvement in the CCCBA began long before law school. One of her first jobs after graduating from UCSB was with the CCCBA (she was the Anne Wolf of her day) under the tutelage and mentorship of Lisa Reep, also a Gaucho. Terry worked at the CCCBA from 2000-2003 until she began law school. After becoming a lawyer, Terry remained active in the CCCBA as a former vice president and board member of the Women’s Section, a member of the Fundraising and Law Practice Manage-

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Marta Vanegas has been practicing labor and employment law, business law, social security disability law, civil rights law, and pension rights in Walnut Creek since 2014. A native of Budapest, Hungary, Marta has called California home for the past two decades. Prior to entering private practice, Marta served as Deputy Legislative Counsel in Sacramento, drafting legislative proposals and providing counsel to legislators on labor, employment and business law issues. Marta graduated in 1998 in Budapest, Hungary, earning a JD degree summa cum laude from the ELTE University of Budapest. She also earned an LL.M. degree in 1999, specializing in International Business Law from Central European University. After working for over eight years as an Intellectual Property Paralegal at two large San Francisco law firms, Townsend and Townsend and Crew, LLP, and Cooley Godward Kronish, LLP, Marta returned to law school at Martin Luther King Hall (UC Davis School of Law). While there, she served as Senior Symposium Editor of the UC Davis Law Review and as Senior Articles Editor of the UC Davis Business Law Journal. Marta was also active in several student organizations at King Hall: she was leader of the King Hall Intellectual Property Association and the Feminist Forum in her 2L and 3L years, respectively. Throughout her engagement with the student organizations and journals, Marta learned the immense value that association work brings, not only to her networking skills, but also to her personal development. As a result, Marta has served and continues to serve on several CCCBA section boards. She was in leadership roles of several sections, including the Women’s Section, Barristers Section and Employment Law Section. Most recently, Marta served as Vice-President and PresidentElect of the Business Law Section. Marta is a member of the Editorial Board for Contra Costa Lawyer magazine, a frequent contributor of articles, and guest-editor

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Patanisha E. Davis Pierson

Terry Leoni

Marta Vanegas

ties. She has authored an article for the Contra Costa Lawyer and has spoken on several topics related to diversity.

ment Committees, and volunteering as arbitrator for the Attorney-Client Fee Mediation Program, among other things.

Patanishaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride and joy is her family. Her spouse and partner in the firm is Attorney Michael S. Pierson. She is the mother of four wonderful children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sean, age 17; Justice, age 11; Kayla, age 8 and Aiden, age 8. She has incredibly supportive parents and a large extended family. She and her husband love traveling all around the world. Patanisha enjoys inspiring others, throwing large scale themed parties, singing, puzzling and spending quality time with her family.

Terry is a new resident of Benicia, where she enjoys working on her 120-year old Victorian, playing with her Boston terrier, and soaking up as much of the sun and water that California has to offer.

of the October 2020 issue on voting and political participation. Marta volunteers as Parliamentarian and Auditor for the Parent-Faculty Club of Clayton Valley Charter High School and as a Judge at the UC Davis School of Law Annual Intraschool Negotiations Competition.

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Terry is honored to serve on the CCCBA Board of Directors and looks forward to continuing to advance lawyers in our community and the legal profession at large.

Marta loves cooking for her husband of 20 years, Abel, and their two teenagers, Saarah and AJ. She will always be glad to share a recipe or kitchen hack with anyone who asks. An avid reader, Marta keeps herself fit by her daily yoga and meditation practice, dancing, and gardening.

Congratulations to CCCBA’s

Inaugural Pro Bono Honor Roll Recipients

By CCCBA Pro Bono Committee

Thank you to our Pro Bono Honor Roll recipients for giving of your valuable time and expertise to benefit our community. Your efforts make the world a better place, something that is even more necessary during these challenging times. Our inaugural group was composed of 12 solo/small firm practitioners, ten larger law firm attorneys and one law student. The number of hours donated over the year varied from 53 to over 600. The type of volunteer work ranged from work on pro bono cases, volunteering at legal clinics or with the court, board/committee meeting work/ attendance or work and non-legal community volunteering such as coaching sports teams or leading scout troops. Total hours topped 3,600. At $30 per hour (for legal work) that is over $1,000,000! The fact that over half this work was done during a pandemic makes it even more amazing. Many CCCBA members are already involved in many great organizations and causes. It is inspiring to learn about their experiences helping others and the differences they make – both small and big – in the lives of others. By recognizing these individuals, the CCCBA hopes to show how much we appreciate their service and encourage all members to contribute time and hit (or exceed) the 50-hour annual target.

As attorneys, we have the knowledge, training and skill set to improve the lives of others and make a difference. The Pro Bono Committee would like all members to consider the goal of contributing their many talents by touching the life of at least one person in need. We know there are many more CCCBA members who help out in their communities in many ways. Start tracking your hours for next year’s Pro Bono Honor Roll! Any CCCBA member who has volunteered 50 or more hours in a legal or non-legal capacity over the period September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2021 is eligible for the Pro Bono Honor Roll.

Jon Babione Laura Balon-Keleti Punita Bhasin Marc Bouret Natasha Chee Cristelle Conanan Conor Day Mika Domingo Julie Ann Giammona Jaime Herren Kathleen Hunt Michelene Insalaco David Marchiano

Total volunteer hours topped 3,600. At $300 per hour that is over $1 million! For more about CCCBA Pro Bono opportunities, see our website at www.cccba.org/give-back.

Beth Mora Patricia Ruiz Gary Sanders Stephanie Sato Stephen Seto Geoffrey Steele Ryan Szczepanik Brian Thiessen Andrew Verriere Lorraine Walsh

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

The mission of the Contra Costa County Bar Association is to empower our members to deliver outstanding legal service to our community. The embodiment of the this can be found most significantly in the spirit and purpose of our volunteers. The heart and soul of the CCCBA is our ability to deliver outstanding legal service to our community. We are so thankful for the to all the members who month after month, year after year provide legal assistance and education to the CCC community. Thank you!

COURT TOUR DOCENTS

Karen Fenchel, Hon. Richard Flier (Ret.), Dick Frankel, Kevin Lally, Keith Myers, Lisa Reep, Robin Siefkin, Sue Stoltz, Robin Thornton FREE LEGAL WORKSHOPS

Bankruptcy | Jen Lee, Daniel Vaughan Civil Litigation/Pro Per | Geoffrey Steele, Vahishta Falahati Family Law | Amy Alvis, Meredith Hays, Sharmeela Kawos How to Establish A Conservatorship | Konstantine Demiris, Douglas Housman Immigration Law | Marco Garzon, Victoria Argumedo, Alexandra Wilson, Anna Luz Vazquez

We are always in need of volunteers for our clinics and workshops. Please contact Anne K. Wolf at awolf@cccba.org or (925) 370-2540 to learn more.

The success of the Contra Costa County Bar Association depends on the contributions of many of our attorney members. We are indebted to them for dedicating their valuable time and talents to our committees and sections, and grateful for their tireless and unreserved enthusiasm promoting the goals and overall mission of the CCCBA. Thank you all!

2020 CCCBA SECTION LEADERS

JANUARY 2021

SOLO/SMALL FIRM - Heidi Coad-Hermelin & Ann M. Dalsin | TAXATION - Rita A. Holder | WEST COUNTY - Harpreet Sandhu | WOMEN’S – Rachel Leonard 2020 CCCBA COMMITTEE MEMBERS

BENCH/BAR COALITION | Cary McReynolds BOARD NOMINATIONS | Chair: Nicole Mills | Mika Domingo, Oliver Greenwood, Robin Pearson, Audrey Gee, Samantha Sepehr, Palvir Shoker, James Wu CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS | Chair: Larry Cook | Audrey Gee, Mike Pierson, David Ratner, Candice Stoddard COMMUNICATIONS | Chair: Ericka McKenna | Natasha Chee, David Marchiano, Summer Selleck, Steve Steinberg DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION | Chair: Mika Domingo | Mukesh Advani, Jillian Atuegbu, Diana Becton, Benisa Berry, Tanya Brown, Vanessa Candelaria, Natasha Chee, Julie Ann Giammona, Judge Judy Johnson, Donald Lancaster, Rachel Leonard, Renee Livingston, Judge Linda Lye, Robin Pearson, Patanisha Davis Pierson, Dorian Peters, Judge Benjamin Reyes, Judge Wade Rhyne, Lisa Roberts, Ingrid Rodriquez, Maria Schopp, Summer Selleck, Pam Shafer, Heidi Taylor, Kristen Thall Peters, Cammila Valerio, Marjorie Wallace, Qiana Washington, James Wu EDUCATION | Chair: David Erb | Marcus Brown, Diane Camacho, Heidi Coad-Hermelin, Kate Mignani, Craig Nevin, David Pearson FOOD-FROM-THE-BAR | Chair: Chad Gallagher | Joshua Bevitz, Dan Birkhaeuser, Terry Everett, Barbara Jewel, Lisa Roberts, Geoffrey Steele GOVERNANCE | Nick Casper, Mika Domingo, Ericka McKenna, Nicole Mills, Craig Nevin, Michael Pierson, Qiana Washington JUDICIAL EVALUATION | Committee members confidential – But you know who you are! LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE | Chair: Joe Wolch | Carolyn Cain, David Erb, Bill Hickey, Kathryn Korn, Justice James Marchiano (Ret.), David Pearson, Dan Pocklington, Steve Steinberg MEMBERSHIP | Chair: Mike Pierson | Mika Domingo, Mark LeHocky, David Ratner, Marie Quashnock, Andrew Verriere, Marta Vanegas, Michael Whelan PERSONNEL | Michelle Ferber PRO BONO | Chair: David Marchiano | Connstance Holdaway, Commissioner Jennifer Lee, Cary McReynolds, Beth Mora, Craig Nevin, Bradley Scheick, Summer Selleck, Samantha Sepehr CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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For the latest on each section, please refer to the website at www.cccba.org/for-attorneys/cccba-sections/

2021 CCCBA Sections

At the foundation of the Contra Costa County Bar Association there are over 20 diverse and thriving sections. CCCBA boasts a plethora of practice area sections as well as many interestfocused sections that support the CCCBA’s solo/small firm practitioners, women, and law student members plus young barristers, and more experienced attorneys. The CCCBA also has two sections that support members in the East and West areas of the county, respectively. All the sections provide educational, social and networking events, strengthening and truly fostering the community spirit of the CCCBA. With the pivots and challenges of 2020 behind us, and looking forward to what adventures 2021 holds, we want to thank all the 2020 Section Leaders for keeping things on track and welcome the new and returning 2021 Section Leaders. Please enjoy reading the short pieces below about our sections and section leaders. For all the details about each section please visit the CCCBA wesite under the main For Attorneys tab, to see each section’s web page.

ADR Section Palvir Shoker, Shoker Law Group Litigators resolve cases – either by trial or settlement. Lots of continuing legal education materials prepare lawyers to try cases, but as a practical matter most cases settle. The ADR Section works hard to improve the quality of ADR processes and the effective use of ADR by organizing programs from top notch presenters who help attendees develop their negotiation, settlement and ADR skills. Section members include both lawyers and non-lawyers. Many section members serve as mediators, arbitrators and neutral case evaluators, but membership is open to all persons who are interested in developing their negotiation, settlement and ADR skills.

Appellate Section Gary Watt, Hanson Bridgett, Chair, Appellate Practice Formed in 1991, the Appellate Section 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. Speakers have included appellate court justices, appellate and Supreme Court research attorneys, and attorneys with special expertise in appeals, writs, and posttrial motions. The section has been approved as a provider of Appellate Specialization MCLE credits.

Bankruptcy Law Section David Arietta, Law Offices of David A. Arietta The Bankruptcy Law Section is comprised of attorneys who r e p r e s e n t debtors and/or creditors in bankruptcy cases. The purpose of the section is to provide a forum of fellowship and learning concerning topics of interest for attorneys who practice in bankruptcy court and also for those attorneys who practice in state court. The section typically meets three to five times each year for formal MCLE programs or casual roundtable discussions. Speakers have included bankruptcy judges, bankruptcy trustees, and private practice attorneys in the area.

Continued on page 15

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Section Leaders

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Barristers Section Rebecca Jones, Wapnick Family Law 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 help its members develop a strong social and referral network. The Barristers host MCLE events, engage in charitable endeavors and organize social and networking events.

Business Law Section Marta Vanegas, Martin & Vanegas | CCCBA Board of Directors 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 Section presents programs specifically addressing corporate formation, corporate reporting, due diligence, public-offerings, compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and other issues of topical importance The Business Law Section is a great way

to be involved with the CCCBA, increase your legal prestige and visibility within the legal community while also being an easy and effective way to market your practice. Realizing the pandemic has created business uncertainties and possibly a loss of income, the Business Law Section is not going to charge Section membership fees for the year 2021. Please join us!

Criminal Law Section Ashley Bargenquast, Tully & Weiss The Criminal Law Section hosts regular MCLE meetings and provides continuing education on such topics as new statutes, case law, and technology. Speakers include judges, attorneys, expert witnesses, and county administrators. Additionally, our 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 practical assistance to criminal defense attorneys in motions and trial practice and case management.

East County Section Marie Quashnock, Alvis Quashnock and Associates The East County Section was formed to serve the needs of current Contra Costa County Bar Association members who either live or practice in East Contra Costa County. This section brings continuing education, social and membership events closer to Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood and Discovery Bay. The goal of the section is to provide members a sense of community, assist them in building their practice, provide valuable continuing education, and cultivate social interactions among its members. The East County Section hosts a monthly mixer where members can share resources and information while networking with their contemporaries. The Section also hosts MCLE events throughout the year.

Elder Law Section Douglas W. Housman, Law Offices of Cain, Cain & Housman The Elder Law Section presents programs that

Continued on page 16

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

Law Offices of Candice E. Stoddard 1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 420 Walnut Creek, CA 94597

925.942.5100 • fax 925.933.3801 cstoddard@stoddardlaw.com Practicing law in the East Bay for over 30 years

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Section Leaders

Continued from page 15 help keep attorneys informed about Elder Law issues. 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, 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. People who are interested in joining section leadership should contact Douglas W. Housman.

Employment Law Section Anjuli Cargain, Duane Morris 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 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 Section.

JANUARY 2021

Estate Planning & Probate Section Kathryn Korn, Korn Law Group 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. Our programs begin in January each year with the annual Probate Bench Luncheon. In the spring, with co-sponsorship of The Mechanics Bank’s Trust Department, we present an Annual Estate Planning Symposium. The section continues its practice of donating to local legal service organizations as a regular sponsor of “The Bar Fund.” The section is broadly based among probate, estate planning, conservatorship, guardianship, and trust practitioners. We strive 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 David Lederman, Law Offices of David Lederman A Family Law Section membership is indispensable for anyone who practices family law in Contra Costa County. The Family Law Section has a long and respected history of robust programming in the form of monthly CLEs, mentoring/ networking group evening presentations with speakers, Custody Issues Committee (CIC) CLE programs on child custody-related

hot topics, and more. MCLE and specialization credits are available. 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.

Immigration Law Section Marco Garzon, Argumedo Garzon Law Group 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 also strives to provide continuing education, training and mentoring for immigration attorneys. We assist attorneys in the overlap between Immigration law and other practices - e.g. employment, juvenile, family, criminal, business & estate planning and probate. Finally, our section works to promote events and programs that make Immigration Law accessible to those who need it.

Continued on page 18

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Section Leaders

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that are of a general interest or are of high importance to practitioners in the IP field.

Intellectual Property Law Section Joseph R. Snyder Ph.D, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton The Intellectual Property Section is a resource for attorneys and others to learn, share, network, and strengthen their expertise in intellectual property. The IP Section is on the cutting edge of law changes that impact all areas of business. Approximately 6-8 times per year, the IP Section presents topical presentations on current intellectual property issues

Juvenile Law Section Rhonda WilsonRice, Law Office of Rhonda Wilson-Rice 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 our section provides beneficial continuing legal education and opportunities for professional development. MCLE programs are held on such topics

as case law and statutory reviews, interviewing techniques, immigration laws, and recognizing and treating substance. These programs go towards meeting the local court rules for mandatory competence of counsel. We participate in meetings between the bench, Social Services and Contra Costa Juvenile Advocates (CCJA) We also participate in the Social Worker-Attorney Training Committee (SWATT).

Law Student Section Jennifer Spalding, Golden Gate University School of Law anticipated graduation 2023 The Law Student Section engages students with attorneys in count-

COMPASSIONATE. PERSONAL. DEDICATED.

• Will and Trust Litigation • Elder Abuse • Conservatorships & Guardianships • Fiduciary Representation • Probate & Trust Administration • Probate & Appeals • Real Estate • Estate Planning

• Joe Morrill, Founder • Jennifer McGuire, Partner • Jeff Coons, Attorney • Camille Milder, Attorney • Ritzi Lam, Attorney • Morgan Durham, Attorney • Rachel Rosenfeld, Of Counsel • Lara Heisler, Of Counsel • Vahishta Falahati, Of Counsel • Ruth Koller Burke, Of Counsel • Norman Lundberg, Of Counsel

• Nicole Morrill, Executive Director of Marketing and Human Resources • Jill Olivier, CFO • Patti Engle, Paralegal • Danielle Higuera, Paralegal

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JANUARY 2021

MORRILL LAW Trust and Estate Litigation

less 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. 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. The CCCBA is bridging the gap between the law school and real life practice. The Law Student section is currently looking for additional leadership. If you are interested, please contact Anne K. Wolf awolf@cccba.org.

Litigation Section

Jaime B. Herren, Holland & Knight Andrew R. Verriere, Hartog, Baer & Hand 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 countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. The section also facilitates dialog 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 Allison K. Wopschall, Side, Head of Legal The Real Estate Section offers monthly 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 charitable contributions on behalf of its members.

Senior Section The Senior Section was formed in January 2019 to serve the interests of the senior attorneys of the CCCBA, by offering programs of educational and general interest, cultivating social interactions, preserving the history and tradition of the CCCBA and being the voice of senior attorneys within the CCCBA. CCCBA member attorneys who have 30 years in practice or are 60 years of age are eligible to join the Section. Non-attorneys who are 60 years old are also permitted to join. The Section hosts ABA Law Day events and offers educational and social events tailored to our membership

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

Section Leaders

Continued from page 19

Taxation Section

including volunteer opportunities, attorney succession planning, senior bias and age discrimination and recognition for retiring attorneys.

Solo & Small Firm Section

Heidi Coad-Hermelin, Hermelin Law Firm Anina Dalsin, Dalsin Law Launched in 1996, the Solo Practice & Small Firm Section evolved from the recognition that many solo 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. Members have access to the section email listserv that provides a wealth of referrals and resources to small firm practitioners. The Section hosts MCLE, practice management and social activities throughout the year.

West County Section Ryan Lockhart, McKenna|Brink| Signorotti Jay Suen, Brothers Smith The Taxation Section is one of the longest running sections of CCCBA. Members meet regularly with tax agency leaders, skilled practitioners, and legal scholars to discuss changes in tax laws and administration. The Taxation Section also holds regular joint meetings with a number of different sections, such as the Real

Elder Law is

JANUARY 2021

The West County Section reestablished the connection between CCCBA members in West County that had been missing since the consolidation of the West, Central and East County Bar Associations and it is currently looking for leadership. If you are interested, please contact Anne K. Wolf awolf@cccba. org All practice areas are welcome and those practicing in the area are encouraged to join.

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. Protect your loved ones, home and independence, call elder law attorney

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Alzheimer’s Planning 20

Estate, Family Law, Bankruptcy and Estate Planning & Probate Sections, to educate them on tax issues relevant to each section’s members. The section invites all interested attorneys and accountants to join.

a Professional Law Corporation Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Medi-Cal, Long-term Care & VA Planning

925.256.0298 lawyoung1@gmail.com www.WalnutCreekElderLaw.com 1931 San Miguel Drive, Suite 220 Walnut Creek, California 94596

Women’s Section Celine Mui Simon, Strata Legal 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.

Anne K. Wolf, Education and Events Director composed this article.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Bar Babies and more! Thank you to all who shared photos and brightened up this issue!

6 1. Jen Lee’s daughters, Ingrid and Heidi 2. Callie Erb, daughter of David Erb 3. Christina Weed’s children, Liana and Damon 4. Rachel Holmes Clark with her son Oliver 5. Mani-Ann Talbot, daughter of Matt Talbott 6. Dawn Ceizler’s kids, Cooper and Rigby 7. Theodore Peter Gotto, son of Joshua Gotto

JANUARY 2021

10 9

12 11

8. Sarah Tetlow’s boys Keegan and Grayson 9. Jordan Navalle, son of Jenn Navalle 10. Peyton Jones, Rebecca Jones daughter 11. Nemo and Rigby Van Ness, sons of Christina Van Ness 12. David Marchiano’s kids, Leo and Scarlett, 13. Stevie June, daughter of Rebecca Van Brusselen 14. Remy Casper, Nick Casper’s son

14 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

2020 Diversity Awards Congratulations to the 2020 Diversity Award Recipients to be presented January 29, 2021 PLATINUM Law Office of Ariel Brownell Law Offices of Natasha S. Chee Ferber Law Hanson Bridgett Key Counsel, P.C. Mora Employment Law, APC Quarles & Brady LLP Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley PC GOLD Cooper, White & Cooper LLP M.S. Domingo Law Group P.C. Littler Livingston Law Firm Noma Law Firm APC SILVER Hartog, Baer & Hand Miller Starr Regalia S.C. Selleck Law Law Office of Marjorie A. Wallace

The CCCBA Diversity Committee introduced its extensive checklist to recognize the diversity efforts of law firms of all sizes. Your firm can be recognized for its diversity efforts next year. Check CCCBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diversity web page in late February for the Diversity Award Checklist for 2021. The completion deadline is the first week of December 2021.

JANUARY 2021

2020 Year-End Financial Report

(Based on projections as of mid-December. Staff and overhead expenses are not reflected under individual categories.)

INCOME:

MEMBERSHIP

$263,096

$4,151

$258,945

LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE

$235,150

$19,519

$215,631

FEE ARBITRATION/MEDIATION & CLIENT RELATIONS PROGRAMS

$1,392

Dues, mailings, committee meetings, applications, recruitment campaigns, printing costs.

EXPENSES: NET: profit / (loss)

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.

($1,392)

Filing fees, refunds, postage, committee meetings, supplies. Fee Arbitration program closed in Jan 2019.

BAR-SPONSORED PROGRAMS & EVENTS

$48,701

$13,646

$35,055

PUBLICATIONS

$71,435

$10,555

$60,880

Staff

$517,039

($517,039)

Executive Director:

$4,758

($4,758)

Office Equipment:

$40,900

($40,900)

General:

$15,407

$93,040

($77,633)

OFFICERS & BOARD of DIRECTORS

$9,416 9,416

$16,970

($7,554)

SECTION SUPPORT

$9,180

$748

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

$3,821

($3,821)

DIVERSITY

$4,042

$3,182

$860

$656,427

$729,721

MCLE Spectacular, , Education Series, Member Benefit programs, Mod Means Training, committee meetings

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

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION 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, printers, postage machine & meter, etc

Conference room rental income, rebates (LMIC, Marsh Affinity Group, Job board, 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, etc.

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

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

Website modifications/updates, SPAM filter, Internet connection.

$8,432

Outreach, awards, event sponsorships, Lunar New Year, Racial Reconciliation Forum, DEI Townhalls

TOTAL INCOME & EXPENSES:

($73,294)

Total Reserves as of 11/30/20: $ 570,745 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

gratefully acknowledges its

2021 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMS Firms with 30+ attorneys: Miller Starr Regalia

Firms with 20-29 attorneys: Bowles & Verna, LLP Hanson Bridgett, LLP Littler Mendelson PC McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Ambacher LLP

Firms with 11-19 attorneys:

Brothers Smith LLP Brown, Gee & Wenger, LLP Clapp Moroney Vucinich Beeman Scheley Doyle Quane Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Fanucci Greenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally, LLP Hartog Baer & Hand APC Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton

Firms with 5-10 attorneys: Acuna Regli

There is no fee to become a sustaining firm. These firms receive additional administrative support services and are recognized in the following ways: • On the CCCBA website at www.cccba.org/ sustaining-law-firms/ • In Contra Costa Lawyer magazine (in print and online)

Craddick, Candland & Conti

• In the CCCBA Membership Directory

Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy Ferber Law APC

Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi

Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey Horner Law Group

Livingston Law Firm, P.C. Morison & Prough, LLP Morrill Law

Seto Wood Schweickert, LLP

Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel LLP JANUARY 2021

Sustaining Law Firms of the Contra Costa County Bar Association have a minimum of five Contra Costa-based attorneys and maintain current CCCBA membership for all attorneys practicing under the same firm name in the local office.

Barr & Young Attorneys

Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook

What Is a Sustaining Law Firm?

• Displays at the CCCBA office and at all CCCBA-sponsored events For more information, contact Jennifer Comages, CCCBA Membership Director at (925) 370-2543 or jcomages@cccba.org.

The Benefits of Membership The Benefits of Membership 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

antiques, and vehicles for estates and divorce settlements. Depending on the purpose of the appraisal, I can provide: • Fair Market Value • Replacement Value • Liquidation Value

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.”

My appraisal reports are USPAP compliant (Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice), and I am an active member and former board member of Appraisers National Association.

Expresso Airport Parking

Discount: Free 30-minute case overview consultation for CCCBA member clients.

880 Doolittle Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 633-9917 Discount: Join the Big Shot 2.0 Rewards program for discounted rates. Visit https://www.expressoparking.com/corp/cccba/

Appraisers, Personal Property Tracy Lindsey, Mediator & Personal Property Expert Tracy@TracyLindsey.com 925-708-1823 As an Accredited Personal Property Appraiser, I provide appraisals of general household contents,

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.

Computer & IT Consulting

PC Service Center

Banking 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, home equity loans, personal and consumer loans. Complimentary checking accounts with complimentary order of checks earn points for a Compas Points credit card.

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

Continued on page 28

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

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. Pacific Computer Consultants, Inc. Your cyber-security and IT Support experts. We specialize in supporting professional service firms and have the most documented client success stories than any other IT support company in our service area. David Jordan Phone: (925) 215-3559 x101 Email: djordan@pcc-sf.com Web: www.pcc-sf.com 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.

Floral Arrangements & Plants 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 4 Embarcadero Ceter, Suite 1100 San Francisco, CA 94111 (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 Coverage: See www.mybarbenefits. com for information regarding Professional Liability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death Insurance plans for members of the State Bar of California. For Workers Compensation and Business Office Packages e.mail calbar.workerscomp.service@mercer. com

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.

Insurance (Insurance & Financial Planning) MassMutual Northern California Jimmy Diehl, MBA, CFBS, RICP, AIF Financial Advisor, Managing Partner 3003 Oak Rd, Suite 250 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 979-2308 | 925-407-6886 jamesdiehl@financialguide.com advisors.massmutual.com/ jimmy-diehl Discount: CCCBA members receive a 10% long term care discount and a 10% disability income discount.

JANUARY 2021

Insurance (Life & Health) 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.

Law Firm Support and Operations

DLCCS DLC Consulting Services, LLC www.dlccs.com (925) 676-6277 DLC Consulting Services is your on-demand COO for solo and small law firms. If you are looking for an experienced business manager to reduce the time and stress of managing your business, we are here to help you with: • Opening a new firm • Conducting an operational review and putting in place processes to improve efficiencies • Accounting, billing, human resources and payroll functions • Strategic planning and systems management to accommodate growth • Non-biased reviews of software • Installation, implementation and training of NetDocuments* Discount: CCCBA members receive a 25% discount on a commitment of five hours of time or 10% discount on a NetDocuments implementation. *NetDocuments is a highly secure cloudbased document and email management software.

Law Practice Management and Coaching Lawyer Success Network www.lawyersuccessnetwork.com

(925) 586-6738 Jen Lee, jen@jenleelaw.com Lawyer Success Network has several options available for lawyers. As a membership site, law firm owners can brainstorm, mastermind and talk through innovative ideas to transform the practice of law. For lawyers looking to add bankruptcy as a practice area, Lawyer Success Network offers full training to get a lawyer up to speed. Discount: Use discount code CCCBA_500 to save $500 or 25% on Building a Bankruptcy Practice from Start to Finish.

Legal Document Automation Software Lawyaw is a cloud-based legal document automation software More than 1,000 California attorneys are using Lawyaw to generate Word-based legal documents and fill California court forms in half the time. They say it frees them up to spend more quality time with clients and grow their business. In fact, those attorneys have drafted 160,000 documents using Lawyaw so far. Andreas Becker Phone: (415) 752-5600 Email: andreas@lawyaw.com Discount: By being a valued member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, you’ll receive 10% off the first year of Lawyaw. Just mention code CCCBA10. Sign up for a free trial and learn more at Lawyaw.com.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Legal Research Casetext Casetext is a legal research platform that saves attorneys time and money through cutting-edge research tools, including artificial intelligence technology, and affordable pricing. A recent study showed that attorneys researching on Casetext spend 24.5% less time researching and find 20.8% more relevant results. Abby Hadidian Phone: (650) 249-3751 Email: info@casetext.com Discount: The service normally costs $65/month on legal research, but Contra Costa County Bar Association members get a 15% discount, bringing it to $55.25/ month. You can find more information and sign up for a 14-day free trial at https://casetext. com/trial.

For the latest in CCCBA Member Benefits, visit cccba.org/member-center

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/ Growing your practice is our business. CEB’s OnLAW empowers attorneys to practice with confidence and save precious time by offering in-depth analysis of the law, stepby-step procedural guidance, attorney-drafted forms, checklists, and best-practice strategies. CEB’s authoritative content and expert legal guidance is the ever-evolving product of a long partnership between our experienced attorney editors and some of the most prominent lawyers and judges in California. A non-profit program of the University of California, CEB is driven by a commitment to support emerging priorities, which include humancentered lawyering, inclusivity in the legal industry, and access to continuing legal education.

Thomson Reuters Westlaw John Duda (612) 248-5885 john.duda@tr.com www.thomsonreuters.com/ Introducing WESTLAW EDGE Complete legal research faster and with greater confidence when you rely on Westlaw Edge, the latest version of Westlaw. Powered by the most advanced artificial intelligence and built upon more than 100 years of editorial enhancements, Westlaw Edge allows attorneys to deliver the fastest answers and most valuable insights for a clear strategic advantage. Only Westlaw Edge brings together a suite of AI-powered tools, including the next generation of legal search, intelligent document analysis, integrated litigation analytics, and the most powerful citator. Discount: Contact us for the latest discount for members of the CCCBA.

Discount: Receive a 10% discount when you purchase CEB’s legal research solution, OnLAW. Email kelly.chan@ceb.ucla.edu for a demo.

Legal Technology Solution Providers

Clio Phone: (888) 858-2546 ext. 1 Email: sales@clio.com Web: www.clio.com/cccbar Clio’s industry-leading, cloudbased legal practice management, client intake + legal CRM software streamlines law firm operations, improves productivity, and enables 30

JANUARY 2021

legal professionals to increase their revenues from one central location. With powerful tools for client intake, case management, document management, time tracking, invoicing, and online payments, Clio simplifies firm management so you can spend more time doing what you do best—practicing law. Approved by more than 66 bar associations and legal societies, Clio provides industry-leading security,

24/7 customer support, and 200+ integrations with legal professionals’ favorite apps and platforms, including Fastcase, Dropbox, Quickbooks, and Google Apps. Discount: Contra Costa County Bar Association members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on Clio products that will not expire, as long as you continue to be in good standing with both Clio and the CCCBA. Sign up today.

Legal Technology Solution Providers Jubilee Pro LegalPRO Systems, Inc. Bobby Steitler Phone: (210) 561-5300 ext 901 Email: bobby@legalpro.com Web: www.jubileepro.com Discount: CCCBA members qualify for a 10% discount on JubileeBK and JubileePRO subscriptions (either annually or monthly).

Marketing & Promotions Advertising Magic Thinking of a gift for clients, potential new clients, employees or investors with your firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo imprinted on it? Advertising Magic can help with all kinds of promotional gifts from branded chocolates, phone chargers and pens, to noise cancelling headphones. Got an idea for something else? Give us a call!

Company Folders, Inc. Premium presentation folders, file folders, binders, stationery and more.

Rosalind Robeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Boukis 2116 N. Main St., Ste. G Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 939-1111 rosalind@advertisingmagic.com

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

Vladimir Gendelman 22 W. Huron St., #203 Pontiac, MI 48342 (248) 738-7600 support@companyfolders.com

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Discount: Free screen or setup charge on new orders ($50 value) or free halfhour 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 E-paynow.com provides the Authorize.net payment gateway for card-present and card-not-present transactions (you can use any internet enabled computer, tablet or phone to process card not present transactions), that will help you accept credit card and electronic check payments quickly and affordably, without having to pay more, or purchasing a physical terminal, and we will even waive the setup fee with proof of CCCBA membership. Your credit card information is encrypted at the swipe, ensuring safety and security on every transaction. Discount: Setup fee waived and free swiper with proof of CCCBA membership.

LawPay 3700 M. Capital of Texas Hwy. Suite 300 Austin, Texas 79746 Direct Line to Sales: 866) 500-2832 experts@lawpay.com www.LawPay.com/cccba Approved by more than 110 state, local, and specialty bars, LawPay is proud to be the preferred payment partner of more than 45,000 law firms. Designed specifically for the legal industry, LawPay provides attorneys with a simple, secure way to accept credit card and eCheck 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 transactions are always handled correctly. Discount: The Contra Costa County Bar Association has special access to the #1 online payment solution for the legal industry, and members will have their monthly fee waived for three months when they sign up for a new LawPay account through CCCBA.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Notary Services

Office & Virtual Office Solutions Intelligent Office

CCCBA members receive free Notary Services. Please contact Carole Lucido in advance at (925) 370-2542 or clucido@cccba.org.

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.

Print & Mail, Social Media Services

Smith.ai Receptionists for Calls & Chats Smith.ai is a superior virtual receptionist service for phone calls, chats, and texts. Our U.S.-based professionals answer calls, chats, and text messages in English and Spanish; screen and intake clients; schedule appointments; and take payments. With 30+ integrations, including Clio, LawPay, and Calendly, conversations are synced with your systems. Plans start at $70/month and include free spam blocking. Phone: (650) 727-6484 Email: hello@smith.ai Web: www.Smith.ai Discount: Contra Costa County Bar members get a FREE TRIAL, $100 off their first month(s) of calls or chats with code CCCBA100, 5% off bundled services, and 15% off annual plans paid upfront. Learn more and sign up at https://smith. ai/member-benefits/cccba

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.

JANUARY 2021

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.

Intelligent Office is a key player in the virtual office movement, IO offers tailored, turnkey solutions for businesses looking to customize elements of traditional office spaces and staffing. We have traditional private offices for rent, workstations for rent, virtual offices available by the hour, professional address and mail box services, and receptionist services. What sets us apart from other similar companies is our live and local phone answering services. Our computer integrated phone system creates a seamless experience. With our interactive platform we stay connected to you with a time saving app that allows you to change your status daily. Sierra van der Kamp 2950 Buskirk Ave., Suite 300 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 Phone: (925) 407-4700 Email: svanderkamp@ Intelligentoffice.com Web: www.IntelligentOffice.com Discount: Sign up for a one year agreement for any Intelligent Office business service and get the first 4 months at 50% off. This offer applies to new members at Intelligent Office who are also members of the Contra Costa County Bar Association on a one year member agreement. This offer discounts the base monthly fee for business services and excludes dedicated office leases.

CLASSIFIEDS PROBATE PARALEGAL TO ATTORNEYS Joanne C. McCarthy, 3000F Danville Blvd., #257, Alamo, CA 94507 Call (925) 689-9244.

Advertiser Index ADR Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Barr & Young Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

NOTARY SERVICE

The Bray Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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.

Casper Meadows Schwartz & Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 JAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Lawyers Mutual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 LawPay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Morrill Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Princeton Pacific Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Candice Stoddard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Law Offices of Michael J. Young Inc, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

We Can Help You Build Your Practice 24/7!

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service

has Gone ONLINE!

If you’ve been looking for proven ways to grow your practice, Join the LRIS now! Clients are searching online for CCCBA LRISmember attorneys 24 hours a day. Contact us now for cases in all practice areas, and especially if: • You Specialize in Tenant Rights or Juvenile Dependency • You Speak Fluent Spanish (Cases in all specialties available) • You will accept Moderate Means Clients

Learn More! Contact Barbara Arsedo, CCCBA LRIS Director at barsedo@cccba.org or visit www.cccba.org/lawyer-referral-service/

(925) 370-2544

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

In Memoriam The CCCBA honors the following members we lost in the past year.

Paul Mahler, 1954-2019 Avner David Sofer, 1964-2020 Hon. John F. Van De Poel, Sr., 1932-2020 Howard Branson Jameson, Jr., 1937-2020

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

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SELF STUDY Issue

Thank you to the Editorial Board, Guest Editor Find it online at www.cccba.org/cclawyer-magazine

In the spirit of shelter in place, the Editorial Board compiled a list of the most popular MCLE Self Study articles and programs and packaged them into the December issue of Contra Costa Lawyer. If your compliance deadline is coming up, or if you just want to stay up to date, view the issue online at your convenience.

• Competence: Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession; Bad and Getting Worse, 1 hour General MCLE credit David Mann, JD • Know Your New Rules, 1 hour Legal Ethics MCLE credit, by Natasha S. Chee and Jeffrey T. Thayer • You’re the Attorney. You’re Responsible. Recognizing Potential Issues Related to Paralegal Utilization in California, 1 hour Legal Ethics MCLE credit, by Manuel Jimenez • When Disaster Strikes: Practicing Law in a World of Climate Change, Covid and Cyber Attacks, 1 hour Legal Ethics MCLE credit, by Carol Langford • CAUTION! Immigration Ethics Under the Trump Administration, 1 hour Legal Ethics MCLE credit, by Cynthia Tyler • A Brief Overview of the Transgender Employee in California & Their Rights in the Workplace, 1 hour Elimination of Bias MCLE credit, by Beth Mora

• Thank you to Verna Haas, Executive Director of Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, by Craig Nevin • Inside, by Ann Battin

JANUARY 2021

2021 Elder Law Training Series

Presented by the CCCBA Elder Law Section and the CCCBA Education Committee Seven consecutive Wednesdays, January 27 – March 10, 2021, 5:30 pm on Zoom Elder/Estate Planning & Probate Section Members: $150 series/$30 individual program Law Students $50/$10 | CCCBA Members $200/$40 | Non Members $300/$50 Register - cccba.org/attorney-events This online series will provide practitioners with a reliable and over-arching “how to” when working with elders. The comprehensive programs examine various areas of law that elders in particular face and how to properly analyze the facts, understand the specific area of law, and apply the best course of action for the individual elder. Importantly, this series concentrates on the limitations that elders deal with both physically and mentally and ensures the practitioner can understand/recognize the limitations, appreciate the daily struggle many elders are faced with, yet provide the excellent advocacy that this vulnerable class of individuals deserve. #1 Intake January 27 - 5:30 - 7:30 pm

#4 Benefits and Resources February 17 - 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Speakers: Jill Judson - CSC Fiduciaries Inc. Jane Moore Attorney TBA

Speakers: Kathy Schofield - Schofield Law Group Brian O’Toole - Brian O’Toole Law Office

0.50 hours Elimination of Bias and 1 hour General MCLE Credit

#2 Capacity and Competency February 3 - 5:30 - 7:00 pm

0.5 hours Elimination of Bias and 0.5 hours General MCLE Credit

Speaker: Dr. Eric Freitag - Mt. Diablo Memory Care #3 Guardian Ad Litem, Conservatorships, POAs, Private Fiduciaries February 10 - 5:30 - 7:30 pm 1.5 hours General MCLE Credit

Speakers: Terence Murphy - Attorney Mediator Kathryn Korn - Korn Law Group Craig Judson - Bold, Polisner, Maddow, Nelson & Judson

1 hour General MCLE Credit

#5 Elder Abuse: Physical and Financial February 24 - 5:30 - 7:30 pm

1 hour General and 0.5 hours Legal Ethics MCLE Credit

Speakers: Kostantine Demiris - Demiris Law Firm Carolyn Cain - Cain, Cain & Housman Jill Henderson - Deputy District Attorney, Contra Costa County #6 Substantive “Other” Law March 3 - 5:30 - 7:00 pm

#7 How to Prepare your Case in Trial/Mediation March 10 - 5:30 - 7:30 pm 1.5 hours General MCLE Credit

Speakers: Hon. Susanne Fenstermacher - CCC Superior Court Hon. Virginia George - CCC Superior Court Retired Judge/Mediator - TBA #8 Bonus Session - The Day-toDay Logistics of Being an Elder Law Attorney – Pointers from the Pros Date TBD | FREE Speakers: Panel of distinguished elder law practioners

Contra Costa Lawyer – January 2021 The Bar Association Issue

Articles inside

GETTING TO KNOW Board President Dorian Peters

Marta Vanegas

Terry R. Leoni

Officer Installation & Diversity Awards Event, January 29

2021 Elder Law Training Series

Sustaining Firms

FEATURES

Year End Financial Report

PHOTOS: Bar Babies & More

2021 CCCBA Sections, by Anne Wolf

Congratulations to CCCBA’s Inaugural Pro Bono Honor Roll Recipients, by the Pro Bono Committee

Thank you to Volunteers

2021 Diversity Award Winners

Patanisha E Davis Pierson