Contra Costa Lawyer January 2015

Contra Costa

LAWYER Volume 28, Number 1 | January 2015

Your Bar Association

Member-Only Benefits page 23

Meet Your 2015 Board Members, Board President & Section Leaders pages 5, 9, 11

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Contra Costa 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nicholas Casper President Elva Harding President-Elect Philip Andersen Secretary Amanda Bevins Treasurer Stephen Steinberg Ex Officio Ericka Ackeret Dean Barbieri Oliver Bray Mary Carey Wendy McGuire Coats Michelle Ferber

Peter Hass Reneé Livingston David Marchiano Laura Ramsey Katherine Wenger James Wu

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

Barbara Arsedo Emily Day

LRIS Coordinator Systems Administrator and Fee Arbitration Coordinator

LAWYER Volume 28 Number 1 | January 2015

The official publication of the

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

FEATURES MEET YOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS:

MEET YOUR NEW BOARD PRESIDENT:

Ericka Ackeret, Wendy McGuire Coats, David Marchiano and Laura Ramsey

Nicholas Casper

Dawnell Blaylock

Communications Elizabeth Galliett Coordinator Education and Programs Coordinator

MEET YOUR 2015 SECTION LEADERS

YOUR CCCBA MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE

MEET YOUR CCCBA STAFF

Jennifer Comages

Membership Coordinator

CONTRA COSTA LAWYER CO-EDITORS EDITORIAL BOARD Harvey Sohnen Suzanne Boucher 925.258.9300 925.933.1500

Nicole Mills Patricia Kelly

925.351.3171 925.258.9300 David Pearson BOARD LIAISON 925.287.0051 Candice Stoddard 925.942.5100 Samantha Sepehr 925.287.3540 COURT LIAISON Andrew Verriere Stephen Nash 925.322.8615 925.957.5600 James Wu PRINTING 925.658.0300

Steven’s Printing 925.681.1774

PHOTOGRAPHER Moya Fotografx 510.847.8523

The Contra Costa Lawyer (ISSN 1063-4444) is published 12 times a year - 6 times online-only - by the Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA), 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 520, Concord, CA 94520. Annual subscription of $25 is included in the membership dues. Periodical postage paid at Concord, CA. POSTMASTER: send address change to the Contra Costa Lawyer, 2300 Clayton Road, Suite 520, Concord, CA 94520. The Lawyer welcomes and encourages articles and letters from readers. Please send them to contracostalawyer@cccba.org. The CCCBA reserves the right to edit articles and letters sent in for publication. All editorial material, including editorial comment, appearing herein represents the views of the respective authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of the CCCBA or the Board of Directors. Likewise, the publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement.

Shown on the cover (left to right): Presiding Judge Steve Austin, CCCBA Executive Director Theresa Hurley and Board President Nicholas Casper

DEPARTMENTS 20 CENTER | MCLE Spectacular [photos] Barristers Section Holiday Party [photos] 32

INNS OF COURT | by Matthew Talbot

2014 YEAR-END FINANCIAL REPORT

2014 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMS

36 CALENDAR 38 CLASSIFIEDS

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL OFFICER INSTALLATION FEATURING

The Honorable Ignazio J. Ruvolo

Presiding Justice of the 1st District Court of Appeal, Division 4

Friday, January 23, 2015 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Contra Costa Country Club 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill

Commission on Judicial Performance Protecting the Public and the Integrity of the Judiciary 1 hour Legal Ethics MCLE Credit

OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED BOARD MEMBERS Nicholas Casper, President | Elva Harding, President-Elect Philip Andersen, Secretary | Amanda Bevins, Treasurer Stephen Steinberg, Ex Officio Ericka Ackeret | Dean Barbieri | Oliver Bray | Mary Carey Wendy McGuire Coats | Michelle Ferber | Peter Hass Reneé Livingston | David Marchiano | Laura Ramsey Katherine Wenger | James Wu SECTION LEADERS John Cavin, ADR Gary A. Watt, Appellate David Arietta, Bankruptcy Law Kosta Demiris, Barristers Kent Parr, Business Law & Corporate Counsel Mary P. Carey, Criminal Law Joseph Morrill, Elder Law Jessica Braverman, Employment Virginia George, Estate Planning & Probate Marcia Keefe, Family Law

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Stuart West, Intellectual Property Rhonda Wilson-Rice, Juvenile Geoffrey Steele, Litigation Chad Gallagher, Real Estate Andrew J. McCall & Eliza Gryko, Solo Practice & Small Firm Jennifer Navalle, Student Christina Weed, Taxation Adrienne Haddad & Karen Juster Hecht, West County Marta Vanegas, Women

REGISTER TODAY! $40 CCCBA Members $50 Non-members 1 hour MCLE Credit Menu choices: Cuban Pork Loin Poached Salmon Filet ~ OR ~ Vegetable Wellington Photo Session for the 2015-16 Member Directory 11 am to noon ~ AND ~ 1:30 to 2 pm To register, contact Liz Galliett at (925) 370-2540, lgalliett@cccba.org, or at www.cccba.org

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BOARD MEMBERS

ricka Ackeret has been practicing business law in Contra Costa County since 2008. Her practice focuses on general business counsel services, including transactional corporate counsel services, entity formation and planning, business succession planning, mergers, acquisitions and other business reorganizations, and business litigation.

Ericka was born and raised in San Jose and attended the University of California, Berkeley, receiving her B.S. in business administration and B.A. in German in 2005. She attended law school at the University of California, Hastings College of Law, and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2008. Following graduation, Ericka moved to Walnut Creek to continue working in the business law group at the McNamara Law Firm, where she had worked during law school. Ericka currently works at Buchman Provine Brothers Smith, LLP, in Walnut Creek, where she has continued to expand her business law practice.

Ericka Ackeret

Ericka has been actively involved in the CCCBA for several years, and is a former president of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Section. While not working, she enjoys traveling, swimming with the Walnut Creek Masters and training for triathlons. Most recently, Ericka travelled to Australia, where she completed her third Ironman race.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

New Board Members,

file federal trials at the international law firm Howrey, LLP.

cont. from page 5

Clean air, good schools and a combination of professional opportunities then precipitated a move north. In order to develop relationships within the Contra Costa County legal community, Wendy’s singularly most important decision was joining the CCCBA.

endy McGuire Coats dedicates her practice to appellate litigation. Her state and federal appellate practice includes civil and criminal writs and appeals as well as amicus representation; her pro bono appellate work includes asylum appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Wendy was born in upstate New York near the farm that has been in her family since 1895. She grew up in Columbia, Missouri, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri in 1996. After graduation, she began teaching 10th grade world literature in a team-taught interdisciplinary course that combined the study of English and world history. Wendy was recognized with her co-teacher as the district’s Beginning Teacher of the Year. She was then selected as a founding faculty member of the Columbia Independent School where she taught speech, debate, acting and movement classes.

Wendy is also a member of the American Bar Association’s Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL) Publications Committee and regularly contributes to CAL’s Appellate Issues.

Wendy McGuire Coats advocacy as a law clerk to the Honorable Ronald S.W. Lew of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. After completing her clerkship, she worked on high-pro-

Since 1949 Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell

After law school, Wendy honed her talent for legal writing and oral

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Bray & Bray Oliver W. Bray*

Studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles brought Wendy and her husband, Daniel, to the West Coast. Wendy then pursued her other passion at Pepperdine University School of Law, where she built upon her conservatory training and excelled at appellate law. She won both of Pepperdine’s moot court competitions and a national moot court competition in New York. Before graduating magna cum laude in 2005, she was a research assistant for her criminal law/criminal procedure professor and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Pepperdine Law Review.

Ever the learner, Wendy is rarely without a book tucked into her bag. She is a devotee of ballet barre fitness classes and at age 40, she started taking piano lessons. Wendy and Daniel recently celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary and live in Alamo with their daughter, a joyous and fiercely independent kindergartner.

Over 25 years in practice

736 Ferry Street Martinez, CA 94553 925-228-2550 925-370-8558 (fax) braylaw@outlook.com

• Probate, Trust & Estate litigation and administration • Elder Abuse Litigation • Conservatorship establishment and litigation • Fiduciary court accountings • Estate Planning Free case evaluations for referring attorneys *Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law – State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization *Selected to Northern California Super Lawyers each year since 2006

ti-

David Marchiano

avid Marchiano has been practicing civil litigation at Archer Norris in Walnut Creek since 2009, joining the firm shortly after graduating from law school. He handles a wide variety of cases, with issues stemming from business disputes and corporate dissolution to breach of contract, personal injury, wrongful death and construction defect.

After graduating from college, David worked at a large east bay insurance brokerage, where he was a licensed broker and assisted with marketing alternative risk insurance franchisees. After almost three years, however, he knew the insurance business was not his calling. David went onto law school, graduating from McGeorge School of Law in 2009. While in law school, David was a member of the moot court competition team and a participant in the ABA’s presgious National Appellate Advocacy Competition.

He interned in the Office of Legal Affairs for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, where he reviewed and analyzed decisions of the Board of Parole Hearings and made recommendations to the Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary.

Elder Law is

David has assisted clients through all phases of litigation, including trial and appeal. He particularly enjoys meeting with clients and discussing strategies for cost-effective resolution of disputes.

David lives in Pleasant Hill with his wife, Erikka, a fund accountant for a San Francisco-based hedge fund. When not at work, you will likely find David on either the softball field or golf course. He also enjoys traveling, fitness, snowboarding and spending time with family and friends. He is an avid A’s fan and hopes to one day watch a parade down Broadway instead of Market Street. David is honored to serve on the CCCBA Board of Directors and looks forward to giving back to the community in which he grew up and now practices.

The average survival rate is eight years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s — some live as few as three years after diagnosis, while others live as long as 20. Most people with Alzheimer’s don’t die from the disease itself, but from pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or complications from a fall. Until there’s a cure, people with the disease will need caregiving and legal advice. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in ten families has a relative with this disease. Of the four million people living in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s disease, the majority live at home — often receiving care from family members.

David is a Contra Costa County native; he was born in Walnut Creek and raised in Lafayette. He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a Bachelors of Arts in management from the Mendoza College of Business. In his junior year, he spent a semester abroad in Fremantle, Australia, and had the chance to visit Sydney, Bali and Singapore. In the summer before his senior year, he worked as a product management intern at LeapFrog Enterprises in Emeryville.

David is proud to carry on his father’s legacy in the local legal community. He is a member of the Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court, where he enjoys the educational presentations and social interaction with lawyers and judges in the community.

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925.256.0298 www.YoungElderLaw.com 1931 San Miguel Drive, Suite 220 Walnut Creek, California 94596

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

New Board Members, cont. from page 7

aura Ramsey is an associate at Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP, having joined the firm in 2010. Laura practices family law exclusively and is certified by the State Bar of California Legal Certification as a Family Law Specialist. Laura is honored to be selected as a Rising Star by Northern California “Super Lawyers” for 2013 and 2014. While maintaining a litigation practice, primarily, Laura is a certified mediator after completing the 40-hour mediation training “Mediating Disputes” through the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation. Laura began practicing in Orange County (Newport Beach) after graduating from Whittier Law School. There she worked for a small family law firm and focused much of her practice on pro bono opportunities such as volunteering at the local women’s domestic violence shelter and in the Lamoreaux Justice Center Guardianship Clinic. In 2010, Laura and her husband moved back to the Bay Area where they were both born and raised. They now reside in Alameda with their daughter and French Bulldog, Eiffel. In her free time, Laura enjoys bike riding, trips to the cabin (Lake Almanor) and taking her daughter to music class.

Laura Ramsey

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Laura has served on the boards of the Alameda County Bar Association and Contra Costa Alameda Trial Lawyers Association. Laura is a former board member of the CCCBA’s Women’s Section and has also assisted in planning family law events with the CCCBA Family Law Section. Laura looks forward to her new role as a CCCBA director allowing her to expand her efforts and volunteer opportunities to our entire local bar. s

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BOARD PRESIDENT

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a Bay Area native—my family lived in Berkeley for my first five years, then moved over the hill to Orinda, where I went to school K-12. After living in Los Angeles for about six years for UCLA and beyond, I moved up to San Francisco to begin my legal journey at USF Law.

Nicholas Casper

One of the parting gifts of studying at USF was an abiding love for what we all call “the City.” I have lived in San Francisco for the past 12 years, enduring eight years of a reverse commute to Walnut Creek.

Why did you get involved with the Bar Association?

I feel that I have two homes, one in always-lively San Francisco, and one in Contra Costa, where I grew up and have planted my professional roots.

After I started at the firm, one of the first things the partners suggested was that I join the CCCBA, and not surprisingly, the advice was sound. I cannot stress enough the importance of being an active member in one’s local legal community.

I have always wanted to know: Are you related to Stan Casper? Seriously, is that your question?

Well, you are the one ghost-writing as the interviewer… Point taken. Yes, Stan is my dad, as well as one of my bosses at the plaintiffs’ civil litigation firm Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook.

What is it like to work with your father? It has been a tremendous experience, and I feel fortunate to have the mentors that I do at the firm, including my dad. Adding a professional dimension to our relationship does come with its own unique challenges. For example, it can be difficult to maintain work and family boundaries, but we do make a point of not “talking shop” when we are with my mom. You can ask her how well we abide by this rule.

While I practice throughout the Bay Area, Contra Costa is undoubtedly home base, and it is comforting to see familiar and friendly faces in the court hallways and on the bench in Martinez. It has also been gratifying to help improve the experience of practicing law in my backyard through the Bar Association.

In that vein, what has been your involvement with the CCCBA? The first couple of years, I was active by attending as many Bar events and MCLEs as possible. I then took over as the chair of the Barristers Section, and since joining the Board of Directors in 2010, I have acted as the board liaison to the Barristers Section. One of the continuing priorities of the CCCBA is facilitating new lawyer participation in the Bar. I firmly believe that a healthy Barristers Section ensures long-term Bar vitality, and this is evident by various barristers becoming more involved in the leadership of the practicespecific sections.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

New Board President, cont. from page 9

I have also acted as chair of the Access to Justice Taskforce for the past three years, which we created to address the ongoing court budget crisis. Each year, the taskforce has met with state legislators representing portions of our county to highlight the hardships that the budget cuts have wrought on court functioning, and to advocate for a restoration of funds. Although the fate of the courts ultimately is decided by the somewhat-opaque political process in Sacramento, the Bar Association will continue the drumbeat of bringing awareness to legislators that the courts have been left underfunded and overburdened. Five years of crippling budget cuts have slowed the wheels of jus-

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tice and harmed the county’s most vulnerable populations.

What are your greater goals for your term as Bar Board President, aside from fostering new lawyer involvement and petitioning for court funding? I feel that each year, the CCCBA has taken steps forward in improving the organization’s usefulness to our members, whether it was through the expansion of programs, such as the popular Law Practice Management Series, or through keeping the Bar firmly in the 21st century with mobile improvements to its website. The adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” does come to mind, but at the same time, “just don’t sink the ship”

is not a very lofty aspiration. There is always room for improvement, and I hope to oversee the Bar’s continued march forward. One early goal is to renew the CCCBA’s commitment to helping the outside community by offering more pro bono opportunities. I also would like to see more Bench-Bar social opportunities. Yet my role as president is not one of unilateral action, but one of collaboration amongst the board, which is comprised of very engaged and committed volunteer attorneys who consistently move the CCCBA in new directions. We also have four new board members this year, which will undoubtedly bring an infusion of fresh perspectives. It is truly an honor to serve as 2015 Bar Board President, and I look forward to working hard for this vibrant organization that is near and dear to my heart. s

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SECTION LEADERS

Alternative Dispute Resolution

John Cavin

John Cavin has been practicing law for 35 years, primarily in the fields of real estate, construction and business, both in-house and, for the past 23 years, in private practice. Over the past 15 years, he has expanded his practice to include mediation and has served the Contra Costa County courts as a neutral and settlement mentor.

John is a long time member of the CCCBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ADR Section and has served on its Board of Directors for the past four years. Thoughout his career, John has participated in hundreds of mediations, as a client, attorney and as a mediator.

Why should I join the ADR Section? If you are interested in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process, as an advocate, mediator or arbitrator, then the ADR Section has something to offer you. In addition to sponsoring one or two seminars at the annual MCLE Spectacular, we sponsor a spring roundtable and a fall luncheon with speakers who have demonstrated excellence in the field of alternative dispute resolution.

30 years experience Probate-Trust Paralegal 3445 Golden Gate Way Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 283-6998 l.neiger@mac.com

The ADR Section also typically sponsors or co-sponsors one or two additional training programs with other sections or other local bar associations, providing multiple continuing education opportunities in the field of alternative dispute resolution.

Appellate Gary Watt is a partner at Archer Norris in Walnut Creek. An appellate lawyer and professor, Gary handles writs and appeals in all California appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Gary A. Watt

Why should I join the Appellate Section?

The Appellate Section provides both trial and appellate lawyers with insights on key statutory and case law developments by putting on MCLE seminars. The section also usually invites an appellate justice to join our MCLE Spectacular presentation.

Bankruptcy Law David Arietta is a native San Franciscan and attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. He graduated from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley with a degree in finance and accounting and then went on to graduate from UC Davis School of Law. David is a certified specialist in bankruptcy law and his practice David Arietta encompasses comprehensive bankruptcy representation for individuals and businesses in Chapters 7, 11 and 13.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

2015 Section Leaders, cont. from page 11

Why should I join the Bankruptcy Law Section? The section puts on educational seminars related to the bankruptcy field that provide practical knowledge for its members. Bankruptcy is a specialized field. The section offers its members an opportunity to meet on a regular basis to network and discuss ideas, case law and practice issues. Members are a resource for each other and older members are to some extent mentors for those new to the bankruptcy field. Given that the bankruptcy court is in Oakland and that some members live or work in Alameda County, we have worked in conjunction with the bankruptcy section of the Alameda County Bar Association to offer cross-member pricing and to co-host certain programs. The section also gives members the opportunity to be a speaker for one of the monthly programs or write an article for the Contra Costa Lawyer.

Barristers/Young Lawyers

Kosta Demiris

Kosta Demiris is a partner at Demiris & Moore in Walnut Creek. His firm’s focus is on elder law, conservatorships, will and trust litigation, guardianship and general civil litigation. He was born and raised in the Bay Area, attended Cal where he made the football team as a walkon place-kicker, and attended Santa Clara University for law school.

Kosta currently serves on the Contra Costa Superior Court’s Conflicts Panel for conservatorships in both standard and complex cases. Kosta loves the Bay Area and feels truly blessed to work in Contra Costa County, doing the work he has always wanted to do with colleagues he respects and admires.

Why should I join the Barristers Section? The Barristers Section is a great place to meet fellow young lawyers who want to be involved in their legal community, develop lasting relationships, and of course, have fun! I remember attending my first social event, just hoping to meet some fellow young lawyers and share war stories over a beverage. I ended up meeting an old friend from childhood and developing an incredible bond. Later that year, I needed to catch up on MCLE, so I attended the Barristers seminar at the MCLE Spectacular, where I met with local judges and practicing attorneys, who 12

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shared personal stories of their experiences as young lawyers, rising through the ranks. As luck would have it, I also met another young lawyer looking to make a mark on the profession and help the elderly. Years later, he is now a certified specialist in our field and has been a great friend and colleague of mine. I can’t stress enough how invaluable the Barristers Section has been in my career and personal development. I invite all young lawyers (and those who are young at heart—many of whom I work with) to come to our events in 2015 and experience all our wonderful section has to offer.

Business Law & Corporate Counsel Kent Parr spent the first half of his career practicing business and real estate litigation. His focus is now on business and commercial transactions in a solo setting.

Why should I join the Business Law Section? Kent Parr

We sponsor continuing legal education programs pertinent to business lawyers. We also sponsor speakers from the business community, not necessarily lawyers, to provide their perspective on business matters. In 2014, we began a successful community educational program for budding entrepreneurs, which we hope to build upon in 2015.

Criminal Law Mary P. Carey has practiced law in Contra Costa County for 28 years. She served as a Deputy Public Defender in the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office for 18 years, representing children and adults accused of crime. She has managed a thriving private practice in Walnut Creek for the past 10 years specializing in criminal, juMary P. Carey venile and civil litigation. Mary has extensive jury and bench trial experience.

Why should I join the Criminal Law Section? The section offers a collegial atmosphere for criminal law practitioners to engage in continuing education and networking. Our recent MCLEs include “Immigration Law for the Criminal Practitioner,” “What Every Criminal Attorney Needs to Know About Civil Rights Law” and “Kids for Cash,” a documentary and panel discussion on juvenile law issues.

Elder Law

ESTATE PLANNER: WANT TO RETIRE? Joe Morrill’s practice focuses on estate planning, conservatorships and litigation, particularly cases involving will and trust contests, financial elder abuse, fraud, deceit and other related claims.

Joe has represented plaintiffs and defendants, including beneficiaries, trustees, executors, agents under Joseph Morrill durable powers of attorney, conservators, private professional fiduciaries, nursing homes, elders and the family members or friends of elders, in all aspects of litigation, including both bench and jury trials. Joe is also experienced in all aspects of settlement negotiation and mediation, and is certified as a mediator on the Contra Costa Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel of Neutrals.

Leading Estate Planning Law Firm desires to purchase Estate Planning and Elder Law practices of retiring Contra Costa area attorneys. If you are interested, please contact Reed Scott at (925) 225-1025 for more information.

Why should I join the Employment Law Section? The Employment Law Section is a congenial group of lawyers who enjoy offering valuable seminars on an array of employment law topics that also intersect with almost every other section of the law. Come check us out this year as we discuss interesting new and old laws and eat lunch.

Why should I join the Elder Law Section? Generally, there are two areas of practice that we refer to as elder law. The first is transactional work, closely related to estate planning, which often focuses on eligibility for various benefits, such as Medi-Cal. The second is litigation, both financial elder abuse and physical elder abuse/neglect. In addition, elder law often overlaps with other practice areas when a client, or interested party, is over the age of 65. Given the breadth of what is, or can become, an elder law issue, and the increasing portion of the population considered elders, many practitioners can benefit from joining the Elder Law Section.

Virginia George

Virginia M. George is a partner at Steele, George, Schofield & Ramos, LLP. Prior to joining the firm, she sat as a judge pro tem in the Probate Department of the Contra Costa Superior Court. Before her time on the bench, Virginia worked as a fulltime professor at JFK School of Law, teaching evidence, criminal procedure and wills and trusts.

While at JFK, she supervised JFK’s Elder Law Clinic, which provided pro bono services to elders who had been financially abused. Virginia began her legal career as a deputy district attorney in Contra Costa County.

Employment Law

Jessica A. Braverman

Estate Planning & Probate

Jessica A. Braverman, Esq., of the California Employment Law Training Center, and Braverman Mediation & Consulting in Pleasant Hill, works with companies, small business owners and nonprofits to help them stay out of legal trouble. She offers preventative employment law advice, human resources support and employment law training.

Jessica is also a trained Mediator/Settlement Conference Mentor who resolves litigated disputes in all civil type cases. She enjoys volunteering for the Contra Costa Superior Court.

Why should I join the Estate Planning & Probate Section? The Estate Planning & Probate Section is a collegial group that offers a variety of opportunities to attorneys practicing in the areas of probate, estate planning, conservatorship, guardianship and trust law. Our programs begin in January each year at the Contra Costa Country Club with the annual Probate Bench Luncheon. Every year since 1994, our section, with co-sponsorship of the Mechanics Bank’s Trust Department, has also presented an Annual Estate Planning Symposium. The section offers members the ability to network and learn the latest about the ever-changing law in these intriguing areas of practice.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

2015 Section Leaders,

Intellectual Property

cont. from page 13

Family Law Chair: Marcia Keefe Marcia Keefe has served on the Family Law Section Board for over 10 years. She practices family law in Martinez.

Why should I join the Family Law Section? All attorneys who practice family law in Contra Costa County should join the section so that they receive our monthly updates and informative magazine, In Chancery. Section members get advance notices of our lunch seminars and can attend at a discounted fee, and also sign up for our many pro bono opportunities which often provide the attorney with a one-on-one introduction to the current family law judges. Our frequent meeting and MCLE events are a good way to meet other family law attorneys and to network.

Stuart West

As the head of the CCCBA IP Section for the past several years, Stuart West and the IP section members in conjunction with the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Initiative Program have assisted hundreds of solo inventors and small startup companies with their intellectual property needs on a pro bono basis.

Additionally, as a practicing patent attorney since 1999, licensed in the U.S., U.K. and Europe, Stuart has assisted small-scale and multinational clients with patent, trademark and copyright matters around the world.

Why should I join the IP Section? The IP section is on the cutting edge of law changes that impact all areas of business. Every other month, the IP section presents topical presentations on current intellectual property issues. We hold our meetings during the breakfast hour in a centrally-located conference room in Walnut Creek and meetings are concluded by 9 am, so that you can attend the program and get to work

Will & Trust Litigation Securities Litigation Elder Abuse Litigation BARR & YOUNG AT TO R N EY S 318-C Diablo Road â&#x20AC;˘ Danville, CA 94526-3443 (925) 314-9999 www.BarrYoungLaw.com

JANUARY 2015

by a reasonable time. We strive to present topics that are of interest to a variety of businesses and practice areas and actively solicit and present on topics of interest to our members.

Real Estate Chad Gallagher is a transactional Shareholder in Miller Starr Regalia’s Walnut Creek office. Chad represents clients including developers, property owners, and national and regional retailers in a variety of real estate and business transactions.

Additionally, we provide pro bono services to solo inventors and startup businesses in conjunction with the Women’s Initiative. Join our section and keep up to date with all the latest developments in Intellectual Property Law that may impact both you and/or your clients.

Juvenile Law

Chad also represents banks and other lenders in the negotiation, documentation and modification of loan agreements. Chad resides in Oakland and enjoys spending his free time with his family, cycling and brewing beer. Chad Gallagher

Rhonda Wilson-Rice is an attorney practicing in Pittsburg.

Why should I join the Juvenile Law Section? Anyone interested in child welfare work and the families of Contra Costa would enjoy our meetings. We Rhonda Wilson-Rice have training relevant to Welfare and Institutions Code 300, and you can learn about resources available to foster care youth and/or their families.

Why should I join the Real Estate Section? If your practice involves any aspect of real estate, you should consider joining the Real Estate Section because it offers its members MCLE-qualifying presentations with a complimentary breakfast included eight times per year. We have a large and active membership and would love to have you join us.

Solo Practice & Small Firm Litigation Geoffrey Steele is a partner at Steele George Schofield & Ramos, LLP. He is a civil litigator, with an emphasis on real property and financial elder abuse.

Why should I join the Litigation Section? Geoffrey Steele

The Litigation Section is the one section that crosses over most of the other disciplines, covering a wide variety of legal issues, including insights regarding practicing before the Contra Costa courts. The Litigation Section’s MCLE programs and mixers are opportunities to meet attorneys that you might not otherwise get to know. In addition, the Litigation Section is involved in several of the pro bono workshops in Contra Costa County. Those workshops afford our members great opportunities to hone their skills and give back to the community.

Andrew J. McCall

Andrew J. McCall is a recognized divorce attorney in Contra Costa and Solano counties, and has been since 1999. He enjoys resolving cases successfully for clients and helping them move on with their lives. He has been a member of CCCBA since 1998, and has been a sole practitioner since 2002.

Why should I join the Solo Practice & Small Firm Section?

The Solo Practice & Small Firm Section 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 capable to offer assistance to other section members. The Solo Practice & Small Firm Section was launched in May 1996. A partnership has been forged with JFK Law School allowing members have cost-effective and convenient access to legal resources. Section members

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

2015 Section Leaders,

Candice E. Stoddard

cont. from page 15

Personal Injury Real Estate Litigation Trust and Estate Disputes Mediation

are entitled to full use of the JFK Law Library (included in annual section dues). Incidentally, we admit JFK Law School students to the section. Solo Practice & Small Firm Section Law Offices of members receive a monthly email Candice E. Stoddard newsletter, The Maverick, informing 1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 420 them of upcoming events, providing Walnut Creek, CA 94597 topical articles and a forum for comment and commentary, and collaterally an email listserv for use by the members. The section hosts an after-work mixer and a breakfast, on alternating months. The Solo Practice & Small Firm Section participates in the CCCBA’s MCLE Spectacular each November. Our monthly meetings are open to both members and non-members. Solo Practice & Small Firm Section programs highlight issues of interest to our members. The programs vary, including as examples a roundtable discussion of fee agreements, a presentation on Quickbooks and Timeslips, and tips and tricks in billing. Our MCLE Spectacular programs include panel discussions on how to open a law firm and how to prepare a small firm for death, disability and disaster, hopefully not all at the same time.

925.942.5100 • fax 925.933.3801 cstoddard@stoddardlaw.com Practicing law in the East Bay for over 25 years

With the different sections CCCBA has to offer, law student members have the chance to explore those areas of law for potential practice. Being a member of the Student Section allows the students to utilize a great tool to help build their future profession while still in law school.

Taxation Christina Weed became the Chair of the Taxation Section in 2013. Christina’s practice focuses on tax controversy and tax collection, as well as business law and estate planning and litigation. Christina works at the Law Offices of Chastity A. Schults in Walnut Creek.

Student Jennifer Navalle is a fourth-year law student at JFK University. After graduation and upon successful entrance of the “right of passage” through the bar exam, she plans to continue her work with HydenZakheim, LLP, in the area of family law. Jennifer Navalle

Why should I join the Student Section?

There are students who go through law school without an idea as to what area of law they want to practice. There are also those who graduate, pass the bar and then may find themselves in a difficult position trying to get their foot into the profession. The CCCBA Student Section provides many opportunities for students to network with dedicated attorneys in the county, opportunities for mentorships and to learn about new topics in the law that are not mentioned in the classroom.

JANUARY 2015

Christina Weed

Why should I join the Taxation Section?

The Taxation Section is a great section to join for those who are eager to learn, or who would like to obtain practical advice from colleagues or discuss current tax topics. If you do not practice tax law, joining this section would be a great way to familiarize yourself with other attorneys who may be able to assist you or your clients when an issue arises. The Taxation Section offers tax specialization and general MCLE credit. The section generally meets the second week of each month. Our meetings include lunch and a tax presentation. In addition, the Taxation Section participated in the 2014 MCLE Spectacular and hosted a joint networking mixer with the Business Law & Corporate Counsel section this past year. We are always happy to receive new and enthusiastic members.

Why should I join the West County Section?

West County Adrienne Haddad has been practicing law for three years—primarily family, but also the occasional other civil and criminal matter. She is especially interested in collaborative law and helping clients resolve their disputes with as little drama as possible. Adrienne Haddad

Karen Juster Hecht

That said, she does enjoy arguing (advocating) when necessary! Adrienne is excited to get to know the community of attorneys active in the West County section.

Members should join the West County Section because the speakers at our section lunches are often sitting judges in Contra Costa County and they offer insights into what the courts look for in certain types of cases. And because our lunches and other section sponsored events are a lot of fun! You can network with local attorneys and meet a new business partner, a new client or a fine new professional to whom you can refer overflow cases. You can earn MCLEs locally—no need to drive to Martinez! Support local businesses and get to know your neighbors.

Women

Karen Juster Hecht became a lawyer so that she could help people. Her career path has included general civil litigation and business; she now practices family law in order to fulfill her goal of helping clients through difficult times.

In addition to practicing law, she enjoys her three children and she pursues her passion for writing and photography. Karen loves being outside, walking, hiking and biking around the beautiful Bay Area.

Marta Vanegas

Marta Vanegas is a plaintiffs employment and civil rights attorney at the Law Offices of John F. Martin. She graduated from UC Davis Law School in 2011, and worked previously as Deputy Legislative Counsel in Sacramento. She is a past co-president of the Women’s Section and immediate-past Chair of the Barristers Section. Marta lives in Concord with her husband and two daughters.

Why should I join the Women’s Section? The Women’s section provides educational and networking opportunities and aims to empower women in the legal profession. We hold frequent power lunches, networking and fundraiser events, and MCLE lectures. The Women’s Section also awards scholarships to deserving Contra Costa County law students. s

— WANTED — Will/Estate Contests Conservatorships

You handle the estate, we do the contest. Cases, except conservatorships, often handled on a contingent fee basis, but can be hourly. Referral fee where appropriate. Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP oldest partnership in Contra Costa County (since 1955)

p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-3683 3445 Golden Gate Way Lafayette, CA 94549 AV Martindale-Hubbell

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Connecting just got easier!

Introducing CCCBA’s new mobile app, where you can: • Register for events • Search the member directory • Access self-study MCLEs • Read the Contra Costa Lawyer magazine online • Review profiles on judges

Download the CCCBA mobile app today! 18

JANUARY 2015

Banking and Commercial Mediator Dean Christopherson is a mediator with nearly thirty years experience handling banking and commercial disputes, including those arising from:

Estate Secured Lending • Real Sales and Leasing • Auto Deposit and Safe Deposit Boxes, and • ConsumerAccount Statute Claims •

His office is centrally located and ample conference room space is readily available. Call or email to make arrangements for your mediation. Dean A. Christopherson D awe & C hristopherson LLp 1350 Treat Boulevard, Suite 420 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 telephone: (925) 256-6677 email: mediate@calaw.com

Tax & Estate Planning Attorneys Individual & Business Tax Issues Tax Preparation • Tax Planning • Tax Controversy Sophisticated Estate Planning • Estate Administration Trust & Estate Litigation • Probate

YOUNGMAN & ERICSSON 1981 N. Broadway, Suite 300 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 930-6000 | Youngman.com

Walter C. Youngman, Jr., Attorney-CPA Jean Claude B. Mallein, Jr., MBA, LL.M-Taxation State Bar Certified Specialist-Estate Planning, Trust & Probate

Tara H. Shine, Attorney

Dani Altes, Paralegal Lisa Salvetti, Legal Secretary Maudie Sullivan, Certified Tax Preparer

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

For more photos, visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/CCCBA!

20th Annual

MCLE Spectacular! November 21, 2014 Walnut Creek Marriott

Jerry Fishkin, Breakfast Kickoff Speaker Sergio Garcia and Lindsay Slatter

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Lunch

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Afternoon Plenary Speaker Dr. Jonathan Canick

JANUARY 2015

Barristers/Young Lawyers Section Holiday Party December 4, 2014

Dan Pocklington and Jeremy Seymour

Mona Sanaei, Amy Erb and Eliza Gryko

Marta Vanegas

Mary G

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David Marchiano and Kyle Junginger

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

YOUR CCCBA MEMBERSHIP IN 2014 152

MCLE Programs Offered

Social & Fundraising Events Offered

$83,553 in collective savings by CCCBA membership

2,350 total attendees

94,745

4,732 total attendees

Visits to the CCCBA Website

184 MCLE credits offered

5,000

26% using mobile devices

Clients Scheduled Through LRIS

$50K

Donated to Bay Area Legal Aidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homeless Youth Project Through the BAR FUND

51,224

Visits to the Online Magazine

102

Free Legal Workshops Offered 402 volunteer hours donated

JANUARY 2015

M E

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BENEFITS

Airport Parking

Computer & IT Consulting

Busi n here esses fea o t CCCB ffer disc ured o A unts me wou ld no mbers th to be av t a ailab otherwis t e le. Simp ly id your e self a ntify CCCB s a cu parti A memb rrent e c at th ipating r to the busi e tim n tran sacti e of your ess on.

Park SFO 195 North Access Rd. South San Francisco, CA 94080 (800) 996-9214; ask for Tim or Frances Discount: Free membership to PARK SFO Club (normally $100 a year), personalized membership card, free upgrade to valet parking, coupons good for one free day of parking (one per visit) & auto detailing discounts.

Expresso Airport Parking 880 Doolittle Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577 www.expressoparking.com Discount: Enter “con” (all lower case) and print off discounted coupon. Present coupon and photo ID at checkout to receive discount.

Pacific Computer Consultants, Inc.

Contact: David Jordan (925) 215-3559 x101 info@pcc-sf.com www.pcc-sf.com Discount: 30-day free trial of our Office In The Cloud (hosted email and hosted file storage) and free no obligation in-person network health check.

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

Youngman & Ericsson

1981 North Broadway • Suite 300 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Tax & EstatE Planning attornEys Youngman.com

(925) 930-6000

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Member Benefits,

Workers Compensation, Business Office Packages and Accidental Death Insurance plans for members of the State Bar of California is available at www.personal-plans.com/ calbar.

cont. from page 23

Insurance (Life & Health)

Myers-Stevens-Mello & Co., Inc. Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance Plans (877) 741-4843 rich@insurancemsm.com www.insurancemsm.com/ccba 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.

Discount: For an overview of available plans, please visit www.cccba. org/attorney/build-your-practice/ member-benefit-insurance.php

Insurance (Liability) Attorneys & Professionals Insurance Services, Inc. Michele Epstein, AAI, AIS, ACSR,CISR, CPIW, DAE 1255 Treat Blvd., Ste. 346 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 688-2396 | Fax: (925) 688-2399 michele@attorneyproinsurance.com www.attyins.com

Polaris Risk Management & Insurance Services Lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Malpractice Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance Jeffrey Little, Vice President (925) 209-5562 Fax: (925) 677-7401 jlittle@polaris-ins.com www.polaris-ins.com Discount: Discount for specializing in 50% or greater area of practice.

Legal & Business Publications

Discount: Broker fees waived for professional liability for CCCBA members. Savings of $200+. The Recorder

MassMutual Financial Group

Circulation 1035 Market St., Ste. 500 San Francisco CA 94103 (415) 490-1057

2121 N. California Blvd., Ste. 395 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Todd Friedman | (925) 979-2342 or tfriedman@financialguide.com Jane Louie, CFBS, CLTC | (510) 7892432 or jlouie@financialguide.com

Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services, LLC

Discount: CCCBA members and their families have a special 10% discount on long-term care insurance as well as access to other discounts.

345 California St., 13th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 (800) 339-9122 Fax: (415) 983-5696 richard.oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;regan@marshpm.com www.personal-plans.com/calbar Discount: Information regarding Health Insurance, Life Insurance,

JANUARY 2015

Discount: For new subscribers, $299 annually for CCCBA members with 11 or more attorneys; $199 annually for members with 10 or fewer attorneys (applicable taxes apply). Regular price $389 annually. Subscriptions include exclusive daily legal news and case alert emails, weekly newspaper and access to www.therecorder.com.

Legal Research

Lexis-Nexis Michelle Wyllie Bay Area Territory Manager (415) 245-9254 | (925) 300-3391 michellelynn.wyllie@lexisnexis.com

Discount: Take advantage of the CCCBA 30-50% discount (depending on product), plus other seasonal promotions for your legal research needs: All print, CD-ROM and Lexis Advance online subscriptions qualify. (Desktop code books are exluded.) Publishers include: Matthew Bender, Shepard’s, Deering’s, CACI, CalCrim and Judicial Council Forms. Check out what’s new at LexisNexis: Lexis Advance, a Google-like research platform; Practice Advisor for transactional attorneys; Lexis for Microsoft Office with PDF converter, hyperlinks to cases and codes, assists with drafting documents, checking quotes, citation format to CA or Bluebook and creating a TOA. Other litigation tools: Smartlinx public records, CaseMap, Concordance, MedMal Navigator.

tures include saving emails and documents directly to the matter, automatic cite checking and sharing documents with clients from a secure portal. Firm Central Bundle (Cloud-based Practice Management System): Firms of 1-6 attorneys with no current subscriptions to any of the four listed products (Firm Central, Time & Billing, Deadline Assistant (Rules-based Calendaring) and Custom Forms) may purchase all four products for a total of $99 per seat (retails at $130 per seat).

Marketing & Promotions

Advertising Magic/ AdMagix Marketing Rosalind Robe’ Boukis 2116 N. Main St., Ste. G Walnut Creek CA 94596 (925) 939-1111 rosalind@advertisingmagic.com www.advertisingmagic.com

Discount: Free Screen or set-up charge on all new orders. A $50 value.

Amicus Creative Media, LLC Thomson Reuters Westlaw John Blake (617) 908-5806 john.blake@thomsonreuters.com Discount: Member price of $199/ month for solo attorneys (retails at $310/month) for WestlawNext California Special. Includes: CA Cases & Codes, KeyCite, Entire Rutter Practice Guide Series, Firm Central—a hosted paperless office you can access from any computer. Fea-

Victoria Stovall (877) 269-0076, ext. 833 victoria@amicuscreative.com www.amicuscreative.com

Discount: Amicus Creative Media is a leading developer of high quality, comprehensive websites for law firms. We offer a 20% discount off of our initial setup fee for both custom website and semi-custom websites; this benefit can save members anywhere from $360 to $790 depending on the option selected.

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 the Authorize.net payment gateway for card-not-present transactions. Accept credit card and electronic check payments quickly and affordably, without having to pay more, or purchasing a physical terminal, and we will waive the setup fee with proof of CCCBA membership. Turn your iPhone or Android phone into a credit card terminal. The Payment Jack application is fully encrypted from the app to the swipe device. Free swiper with proof of CCCBA membership.

Office & Virtual Office Solutions

Laptop Lounge, Home of Reliable Receptionist Shared workspace, conference rooms, meeting rooms and telephone receptionist services Victor Mataraso 3000 Citrus Cir., Ste. 208 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 627-4200 Info@ReliableReceptionist.com www.ReliableReceptionist.com Discount: CCCBA Members receive 50% off initial setup fees, a $25-$75 value depending on options selected.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

Member Benefits, cont. from page 25

Brett Owens (888) 340-6425 x1 brett@chrometa.com www.chrometa.com

Rental Cars

Discount: Two free months with a new subscription purchase. Free 30-day trial available, 20% discount for life. Plus free phone, email and training support.

Polygraph Services

The Hertz Corporation Members-only toll-free number: (800) 654-2210, use your Hertz CCCBA CDP# 438042.

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: Graham Polygraph offers professional and confidential polygraphs and screenings, including criminal defense, family law and pre-employment screening. We offer CCCBA members a 20% discount for first-time clients. Priority scheduling.

Practice Management & Support

Client Conflict Check

Discount: 10% discount off Hertz Daily Member Benefit Rates; 5% or greater off Hertz Leisure Rates, all car classes (advance reservations required). Discounts in Europe and worldwide; and Hertz #1 Club membership, computerized driving directions, Hertz NeverLost, express return, and 24-Hour emergency roadside assistance.

JANUARY 2015

Keylingo Translations Expert Document Translation Service 3380 Vincent Rd., Ste. HUB Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (855) 825-3864 translation@keylingo.com www.keylingo.com

Time Capture Software

Discount: 15% off your first translation and 8% off all future translations. s

Chrometa Timekeeping software that captures your time automatically on your PC, Mac, Android and iPhone devices— so that you accurately account for and bill for every minute you work.

Scott Finkbeiner (619) 354-8703 Info@clientconflictcheck.com www.clientconflictcheck.com

Discount: CCCBA members who register with CCC will receive a ten percent (10%) discount on CCC’s annual subscription fee. Go http://clientconflictcheck.com/cccba.html to sign up and use coupon code: CCCBA10P.

Translation Services

Law Offices of David A. Arietta BANKRUPTCY ESTATE PLANNING TRUST ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE 700 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Ste 150 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 472-8000 david@ariettalaw.com

Certified Specialist Bankruptcy Law State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization Rated AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell

www.AriettaLaw.com

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

W O

R BUSINESS U YO

LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE

WHAT IS LRIS?

Client referrals, quality screening, marketing and more! To join, call LRIS Coordinator Barbara Arsedo at (925) 370-2544.

Our Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) staff handles over 12,000 calls and online requests each year from members of the public who contact us with legal-related problems; over 5,000 of those calls result in client consultations with members of our LRIS each year.

and subject matter areas that match the client’s needs. The LRIS is a public service of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, a nonprofit organization. Our Lawyer Referral & Information Service is certified by the State Bar of California (Certification #0018) and meets American Bar Association Standards.

Clients are carefully screened to determine whether a consultation with an attorney or a referral to another agency is the most appropriate course of action. When it is clear that the caller would benefit from consulting with an attorney, a 30-minute consultation is scheduled with an LRIS panelist who has met specific experience requirements, maintains malpractice insurance coverage* and who practices in the geographic

MODERATE MEANS PROGRAM Help make quality legal support a reality for moderate income clients by joining the Moderate Means Pro-

ConServAtorShiPS ProBAteS CriMinAl DefenSe David B. Pastor

CCCBA MeMBer SinCe 1977

JANUARY 2015

• Free Consultation •

Law Offices of

DAviD B. PAStor

www.davidbpastor.com 1280 Boulevard Way, Suite 212 • Walnut Creek, CA 94595 925-932-3346 • david@davidbpastor.com

gram! As an adjunct to the Lawyer Referral & Information Service, this program offers reduced-fee representation in family law, immigration, and elder law matters. The program is designed to make legal services available for those who do not qualify for pro bono services but who still do not have the means to retain attorneys at their usual rates. Moderate Means clients pay participating attorneys a modest retainer and hourly rate that fits within the program guidelines. Panel attorneys come from all different legal backgrounds and experience levels.

FAMILY LAW ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION (FLARe) PROGRAM Also an adjunct to LRIS, the FLARe program provides a mediation alternative for parties with a family law situation who agree to attempt resolution of their dispute using this process. A 90-minute session at a much-reduced rate is offered to give clients the opportunity to determine if me-

diation would be useful in attempting to resolve their entire family case. The FLARe program is never offered where domestic violence is a factor.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE LRIS We do the marketing and screening for you: We get over 12,000 calls each year from people who are looking for legal representation. Rather than spend money on expensive advertising, hoping that prospective clients might need your services some day, your LRIS membership gives you access to the people who really need your help today, pre-screened by our LRIS staff. LRIS referrals are paying clients: Almost $2 million in attorney fees are collected annually from clients referred by our LRIS. Although not every case leads to a paying client, there are rewards realized even from prospective clients who only come in for a consultation. An initial consultation can lead to a long and profitable attorney-client relationship, as well as future referrals to colleagues, friends and family. Better clients as a result of the LRIS: There is a growing distrust of what are often perceived as self-serving online ads and TV infomercials. The public is looking for a referral source that can be trusted. Our LRIS is certified by the State Bar of California and approved by the ABA as an independent provider of competent and reliable legal representation. Join the LRIS now by contacting the CCCBA at (925) 686-6900 or by visiting www.cccba.org. s Affordable LRIS malpractice insurance coverage is available to solo practitioners through Lawyers’ Mutual Insurance Company. Please call 1 (800) 252-2045 for rates and details.

WHAT LRIS CLIENTS SAY These quotes are taken from our regular client surveys.

About the LRIS: “I was happy to know this service was available because I did not know where to start searching for an attorney who handled that kind of thing ... Thank you very much.” About LRIS panelist Joseph Wolch: “Mr. Wolch was very helpful and gave me valuable legal advice on my case.” About LRIS panelist Joseph Tully: “Very good consult. Excellent advice. Very attentive. Sincerely interested. Would give him a fivestar rating and would recommend him to others. Took more time with me than that of what the Bar called for. My sincerest thanks to the Bar and to Joseph Tully.” About LRIS panelist John Schilt: “Mr. Schilt was extremely helpful about the set of facts and issues we presented. His analysis and advice was thoughtful, and he was generous with his time in considering the case. We would certainly consider him for more complex real estate issues.”

Northern California Mediator / Arbitrator 18 years as Mediator 27 years as Arbitrator 35 years in Civil Practice

Roger F. Allen 510.832-7770 Ericksen, Arbuthnot 155 Grand Avenue, Suite 1050 Oakland, CA 94612

rallen@ericksenarbuthnot.com

• Training includes Mediation Course at Pepperdine University 1995 • Serving on Kaiser Medical Malpractice Neutral Arbitrators Panel • Settlement Commissioner, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties • Experienced in all areas of Tort Litigation, including injury, property damage, fire loss, malpractice, construction defect

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

M E

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CCCBA STAFF

BARBARA ARSEDO

Lawyer Referral Service and Moderate Means Program Coordinator barsedo@cccba.org (925) 370-2544

What do you do for members? My job is to coordinate the referrals to panelists who have signed up for our service. I make sure the case status for each attorney is current and all payments to the LRIS are recorded correctly. I also recruit attorneys for our Moderate Means programs as well, and make sure that newer attorneys who sign up get the training they need to take on these cases.

How do you spend your spare time? In my spare time, I am homeowner’s president in the senior living park where I live with my husband and our two dogs. I am passionate about helping seniors (no, I’m not one yet, we’re just preparing for the future!) and I’m also involved with and support Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek. 30

JANUARY 2015

Chances are you know Theresa Hurley, our fabulous new Executive Director. But do you know the staff who answers the Lawyer Referral calls? Who coordinates Fee Arbitrations and who handles your membership questions? Who do you contact if your section wants to plan an event and who can help you with your advertising needs? Look no further—meet the staff!

JENNIFER COMAGES

EMILY DAY

jcomages@cccba.org (925) 370-2543

Fee Arbitration Program Coordinator, Systems Administrator and LRIS Representative

What do you do for members?

eday@cccba.org (925) 370-2541

Membership Coordinator

I answer questions that existing or new members may have about membership. I also assist in renewing their membership (PLEASE RENEW TODAY) and helping new attorneys with the online application. I update and maintain member information in the database and help members or their assistants in navigating our website for upcoming events.

How do you spend your spare time? My husband and I belong to the Sportsmen Yacht Club and enjoy hanging out with great people and attend wonderful events there. I bowl on Monday evenings and love to go fishing, even if I don’t cast a pole, I love just being on the water enjoying the fresh air and relaxation. I also try as much as possible to go up to Chico to spend time with my only grandchild.

What do you do for members? I have enjoyed putting my personal and administrative skills to good use helping both members of the Bar and the community during the 27 years that I have worked for the CCCBA. FUN FACT: I converse with an average of 2,500 people annually, just answering incoming calls to the LRIS. Including myriad business calls, I guesstimate more than 150,000 phone calls over those years. Add to the count—call me about the Fee Arbitration program.

How do you spend your spare time? In my spare time at home, I like to watch mysteries and “impossible” shows on TV, as well as action/ thriller movies. I paint and write. I love to read. Even with a Kindle, I still have an apartment full of books.

DAWNELL BLAYLOCK

ELIZABETH GALLIETT

dblaylock@cccba.org (925) 370-2542

lgalliett@cccba.org (925) 370-2540

How long have you been with the CCCBA?

My two years here have gone by so fast, I never had a chance to properly introduce myself!

My three-month anniversary was on December 2, 2014.

What did you do before?

Prior to coming to the CCCBA, I worked in the marketing department of real estate companies and credit unions. My jobs have included graphic design, event coordination and creating promotional materials.

Prior to CCCBA, I was at the San Mateo County Bar Association for over eight years. I have worked in both corporate and nonprofit, but I enjoy the nonprofit sector.

Communications Coordinator

Education and Programs Coordinator

What do you do for members? I manage CCCBA’s publications, so members can contact me if they want to advertise, submit articles for the magazine or if you have a new photo for the printed member directory. I also coordinate communication projects like the recent mobile website upgrade and the launch of our new mobile app.

What do you like best about your job? I enjoy working on the magazine, and also taking photos at events. It’s a great way to interact with members and it’s fun to highlight their smiley moments on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/CCCBA.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am the youngest of nine kids in my family. As a teenager, I lived in Europe and loved learning about different cultures. I graduated from San Diego State University and have lived in the Bay Area for 12 years.

How do you spend your spare time? My husband and I ride a tandem bicycle on the trails and enjoy the occasional 5K obstacle or zombie mud run. I love playing with my corgi Sparky, and I also like to practice archery in my backyard, to the distress of my neighbors, since I’m not a very good shot yet.

What do you do for members? I have been so active here, from coordinating section events, to organizing the MCLE Spectacular. There has never been a dull moment. I also help coordinate free legal workshops.

What do you like best about your job? What I like best about my position is building relationships with attorneys and our community members. I have already had the opportunity to partake in several CCCBA events and have met great people.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I grew up in two of the most challenging neighborhoods in San Francisco, which has helped me remain grounded and humble. After high school, I worked for a bit and realized I needed to do something with myself. I then attended City College of San Francisco, received my associate degree, and later transferred to San Francisco State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

How do you spend your spare time? I like to spend time with my husband and two baby girls. Every day is an adventure with them; I cherish every moment. s

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

inns of court

When Good Clients Go Bad by Matthew Talbot

f you are anything like me, every single one of your clients is as pure as the freshly driven snow. Each client is an angel who can never do any wrong and always pays his or her bill on time! But some of you are not like me, so potentially you might have clients who go AWOL. You might have clients who want to lie on the stand. You might have clients who do not pay your bill immediately upon receipt. If you have clients like that, you would have been benefitted from Judge Christopher Bowen’s pupilage group’s presentation on November 6, 2014. Judge Bowen’s group (consisting of Nataly DiCortasso, Marie Quashnock, Ralph Zappala, Mike Davidson, Dawn Ceizler, Phil Simpkins, Amy Foscalina, Bryan Godan and Mukesh Advani) presented “When Good Clients Go Bad: The Art of Withdrawing.” First, they had a series of vignettes surrounding a dead mother. Ralph Zappala played the son of the mom. After he is served with a complaint regarding a house sale gone wrong, he hires an attorney (Marie Quashnock). Ralph tells his attorney he transferred the house by quit claim deed to his mother after the lis pendens

JANUARY 2015

was recorded because he panicked when he got sued. His attorney ends up representing both Ralph and his mother based on Ralph’s assurances that his mother is okay with this and will meet the attorney when she returns from Italy. The problem is his mother has been dead for 11 years. Was it a case of murder most foul? DUN DUN DUN! P.S. It was not. She died of natural causes, but that’s not really relevant to the presentation. The vignettes addressed the attorney’s ethical responsibilities when she finds out those facts. For example, if Ralph tells Marie that his mom is dead, she is precluded from telling anybody else due to the attorney-client privilege. That seems obvious to all. However, even if Marie finds out from some non-Ralph source, the information remains confidential. This is due to California Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3-100, which precludes an attorney from releasing confidential information without the informed consent of the client. The attorney has a good faith duty to the client. So, what are the attorney’s obligations upon finding this out? In that instance, the client has committed fraud and the attorney should immediately withdraw from the case so as not to be a party to this fraud. If the client refuses to sign a substitution, then the attorney will have no choice but to file a motion to withdraw.

To file a motion to withdraw, an ethical reason is required. (Don’t worry; this can include non-payment of a bill.) You have to make sure not to disclose any confidential information in your motion. For example, you cannot include a copy of your fee agreement or the amount of money owed. Also, timing is important. If you are about to start trial, the judge may not grant your motion, because the withdrawal must be timed so as to not materially affect the representation. In another scene, Dawn Ceizler played the attorney for Mukesh Advani, who is a plaintiff in a personal injury case. Dawn discovers facts that show Mukesh must be lying about when he suffered his injury, and under the facts discovered, his injury must have been suffered long before the incident alleged in the lawsuit. The attorney for the defense has offered $10,000 to settle the matter. However, before her client has accepted the $10,000, Dawn finds out that her client is lying about what happened. She cannot reveal that information, because it is confidential, but can she accept the $10,000 deal on behalf of her client? The answer is no, because, as noted above, an attorney cannot be part of a fraud. The last vignette related to another house sale gone wrong, as a result of undisclosed defects in the house. Here, Phil Simpkins represented

several different actors in the house sale, including realtors and brokers.

to use the information against the former client.

All stated that they had no prior knowledge of the defects in the house. However, Phil later determined that one of his clients did have prior knowledge. This meant that they had a conflict of interest with the other clients.

The attorney could not continue to represent the client with knowledge of the defect, as that would be perpetrating a fraud. The California Rules of Professional Conduct would require withdrawal.

If an attorney has multiple clients and there is no conflict known, before undertaking representation, he or she must get all clients to sign a waiver of potential conflicts of interest. The attorney must first disclose the relevant circumstances and the actual and reasonably foreseeable adverse consequences to the client or former client. (California Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3-310). The attorney must also advise the clients that there is a possibility that a conflict might arise in the future and that their communications are not privileged as between each other. However, if an actual conflict arises, then the attorney’s ethical responsibilities require withdrawal from representing all clients. The problem is that the attorney cannot use adverse evidence obtained while representing a client against that client, even if that client becomes a former client. Thus, in our case, the attorney could not continue to represent the clients who did not have knowledge, as it would be in their interests

—

WANTED — Conservatorships think

Matt Toth

as in Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP

oldest partnership in Contra Costa County (since 1955)

p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-3683 3445 Golden Gate Way Lafayette, CA 94549 AV Martindale-Hubbell

Judge Bowen’s group’s presentation would have been extremely helpful if our Inns group had any unethical attorneys. Since we do

not, we already knew this cold. Nonetheless, I’m happy that they provided a refresher for attorneys who may have not had an unethical client in a few decades. There may have been a few out there. The next Inns of Court event will be held on January 15, 2015. If you are interested in applying for RGMAIOC membership, please contact Patricia Kelly at patriciakelly@ pacbell.net. s

MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS, SALES AND PLANNING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

BUSINESS LAW

HUBERT LENCZOWSKI, J.D., M.A.* Hubert@Lenczowskilaw.com

* Adjunct Professor Taxation Golden Gate University Law School, LL.M. Taxation Program

AND

1615 Bonanza Street, Suite 212 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 T (925) 280 7788 www.lenczowskilaw.com

MEDIATION CENTER

“A unique and effective style a great mediator” Candice Stoddard Ron Mullin

Willows Office Park p 1355 Willow Way, Suite 110 Concord, California 94520 Telephone (925) 798-3413 p Facsimile (925) 798-3118 Email ronald@mullinlaw.com

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

2014 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 284,625.00 6,719.00 277,906.00 Dues, mailings, committee meetings, applications, State Bar swearing-in ceremonies, recruitment campaigns, networking mixers, annual leadership meetings, holiday party, printing costs.

LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE

307,168.00 23,116.00 284,052.00

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

FEE ARBITRATION/MEDIATION AND CLIENT RELATIONS PROGRAMS 35,881.00 7,309.00 28,052.00 Filing fees, State Bar reimbursements, refunds, postage, committee meetings, supplies.

BAR-SPONSORED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 58,250.00 32,200.00 26,050.00 MCLE Spectacular, committee meetings, State Bar provider status renewal.

PUBLICATIONS 103,327.00 45,471.00 57,856.00 Contra Costa Lawyer and Pictorial Membership Directory: Printing, postage, production, mailing house, MCLE self-study tests, committee meetings, photography, directory practice area listings, advertising revenue (incl. website and weekly broadcast), stock photography, blog book, video-editing software, etc.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Staff (does not include Criminal Conflicts Program) 477,215.00 (477,215.00) Payroll, payroll taxes, payroll service, pension disbursements, medical, dental and vision benefits, workers’ comp insurance, staff education, expense reimbursements.

Executive Director 7,138.00 (7,138.00)

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

Office Equipment 32,334.00 (32,334.00)

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

General 16,551.00 157,418.00 (140,867.00) Conference room rental income, rebates (LMIC, Marsh Affinity Group, New Media on-line MCLE, JobTarget), interest and dividend income (including replenishing reserves used for 2010 website development), office rent and overhead, property insurance, office supplies, credit card processing fees, phone system, staff meetings, accounting, miscellaneous taxes, etc.

OFFICERS AND BOARD of DIRECTORS 3,680.00 21,153.00 (17,473.00) Installation luncheon, Board meetings, bar leader conferences, strategic planning meetings, gavels and plaques, miscellaneous committee meetings, Errors & Omissions Insurance.

SECTION SUPPORT 9,682.00 1,045.00 8,637.00 Email broadcasts, section leaders’ meetings, program registration, handbooks, postage and mailings.

CONFERENCE of DELEGATES 5,112.00 (5,112.00) Planning meetings, registration and hotel, materials, etc.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2,044.00 (2,044.00) Website modifications/updates, SPAM filter, Internet connection.

EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM 178.00 (178.00) Court Tours docents training and court staff thank you luncheon, postage and mailings, materials.

COURT SUPPORT 712.00 (712.00) Bench/Bar meetings, Fast Track Bench/Bar roundtable.

TOTAL INCOME AND EXPENSES 819,164.00 819,164.00 (0.00) TOTAL RESERVES AS OF 12/31/14: $449,812.00

JANUARY 2015

Firms with 20-29 attorneys: Bowles & Verna, LLP

Firms with 15-19 attorneys: Buchman Provine Brothers Smith, LLP Clapp Moroney Bellagamba Vucinich Beeman Scheley Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Raines Greenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally, LLP Littler Mendelson, PC

Firms with 5-14 attorneys: Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLP Brown, Church & Gee Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook Cooper, White & Cooper, LLP Craddick, Candland & Conti Doyle Quane Family Law Group Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy Frankel Goldware Ferber, LLP Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey Hartog & Baer, PC Livingston Law Firm, PC Steele, George, Schofield & Ramos, LLP Tenax Law Group, PC Timken Johnson, LLP Vasquez, Benisek & Lindgren, LLP Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP

Tenax Law Group, PC | Timken Johnson, LLP | Vasquez, Benisek & Lindgren, LLP | Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP

Archer Norris McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Ambacher, LLP Miller Starr Regalia

Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey | Hartog & Baer, PC | Livingston Law Firm, PC | Steele, George, Schofield & Ramos, LLP

Firms with 30+ attorneys:

Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy | Frankel Goldware Ferber, LLP | Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi

2014 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMS Cooper, White & Cooper, LLP | Craddick, Candland & Conti | Doyle Quane Family Law Group

Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLP | Brown, Church & Gee | Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook

Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Raines | Greenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally, LLP | Littler Mendelson, PC

Buchman Provine Brothers Smith, LLP | Clapp Moroney Bellagamba Vucinich Beeman Scheley

Archer Norris | McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Ambacher, LLP | Miller Starr Regalia | Bowles & Verna, LLP

We gratefully acknowledge our

Thank you for your support and commitment! For additional information, contact Membership Coordinator Jenny Comages at 925.370.2543 or email jcomages@cccba.org.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS | OVERVIEW January 13 | Employment Law Section

January 20 | Intellectual Property Section

2015 Employment Law Update

Fair Use in Copyright

more details on page 37 January 14 | Family Law Section

Social Security as an Element of Income for Support

get to r o f t ’ don w your rene ba ccc rship e b m e m

more details on page 37 January 23 | CCCBA

Annual CCCBA Officer Installation Luncheon more details on page 3

more details on page 37 February 3 | Bankruptcy Law Section January 16 | Estate Planning & Probate Section

Annual Probate Luncheon

The First Two Years of the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights more details on page 37

more details on page 37 February 27 | Barristers/Young Lawyers Section

Bridging the GAP more details on page 37

IT’S TIME TO GET A NEW PHOTO FOR THE 2015-2016 CCCBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Photography sessions for the Membership Directory are FREE! No appointment is necessary; simply show up during one of the following scheduled photo shoots:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 | 11 am - noon & 1:30 - 2:30 pm (in conjunction with the Annual Installation Luncheon) Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 | 8 am - 2 pm Community Room, District Attorney’s Office Corner of Green & Court Streets, Martinez – across from the post office

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 | 8 am - 5 pm Miller Starr Regalia 1331 N. California Blvd., 5th Floor, Walnut Creek

JANUARY 2015

Alternatively, you may forward a camera-ready photo for inclusion in the directory (head and shoulders, plain background, 300 dpi) to Dawnell Blaylock at dblaylock@cccba.org. NOTE: To be included in the annual pictorial Membership Directory, you must be a current member by March 1, 2015.

January 13 | Employment Law Section

January 14 | Family Law Section

2015 Employment Law Update

Social Security as an Element of Income for Support

This program will cover the new employment laws, cases, and developments for 2015. Speakers: JoAnna Brooks, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson Phyllis Cheng, Esq., Partner, DLA Piper Time: 11:45 am – 1:30 pm Location: Scott’s Seafood Restaurant 1333 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek MCLE: 1.5 hours general MCLE credit Cost: $40 for section members, $35 for law student members, $45 for CCCBA members, $50 for non-members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Elizabeth Galliett at (925) 370-2540

January 16 | Estate Planning & Probate Section

Annual Probate Luncheon

Meal choices are: Grilled Salmon, Roast Sirloin or Vegetable Risotto

Meal choices are: Fish, Chicken or Vegetarian

Speaker: Susan Mazzetti

Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm

Time: 12 pm – 1:15 pm

Location: Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill

Location: Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill MCLE: 1 hour family law specialization MCLE credit Cost: $50 for section members and law student members, $75 for CCCBA members, $100 for non-members Registration: Please send payment to FLS, PO Box 5818, Concord, CA 94524

Speaker: Hon. John H. Sugiyama

MCLE: 1 hour general MCLE credit Cost: $40 for section members, $30 for law student members, $50 for CCCBA members, $55 for non-members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Elizabeth Galliett at (925) 370-2540

More Info: Contact Therese Bruce at (925) 930-6789 or fls.cccba@gmail.com February 27 | Barristers/Young Lawyers Section

Bridging the GAP January 20 | Intellectual Property Section

February 3 | Bankruptcy Law Section

Fair Use in Copyright

The First Two Years of the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights

Light breakfast will be provided. Speaker: Kevin J. Hickey Time: 7:30 am – 9 am Location: Kilpatrick Townsend 2175 N. California Blvd., Ste. 600, Walnut Creek MCLE: 1 hour general MCLE credit Cost: $5 for section members and law student members, $15 for CCCBA members, $25 for non-members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Elizabeth Galliett at (925) 370-2540

This seminar will cover an overview of the most important provisions of the law, how the courts have been construing the law and practical lessons for practitioners. Lunch will be provided. Speaker: Marcus Brown Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm Location: CCCBA Office, 5th Floor Conference Room, 2300 Clayton Rd., Concord MCLE: 1 hour general MCLE credit Cost: $25 for section members and law student members, $35 for CCCBA members, $45 for non-members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Elizabeth Galliett at (925) 370-2540

Co-sponsored by CourtCall and the SF Daily Journal New lawyers, young lawyers, lawyers new to the county: Take this opportunity to get acquainted with the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the Superior Court and local judges, local practitioners...and much more! Time: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm Location: CCC DA’s Office Community Room, 900 Ward St. (entrance is on Court St.), Martinez MCLE: 4 hours general MCLE credit COST FOR NEW ADMITTEES IS WAIVED! If you qualify as a NEW ADMITTEE for 2015 (1st year of practice only/never practiced before), join the CCCBA online and pay your $25 dues. Once you have become a member, simply click on the “Member Signup” button on the event page to register for free. Cost: $10 for section members, $25 for CCCBA members, $40 for non-members Registration: Online at www.cccba.org/attorney/calendar More Info: Contact Elizabeth Galliett at (925) 370-2540

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

CLASSIFIEDS PROBATE PARALEGAL TO ATTORNEYS

advertisers’ index

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DISPLAY AD PRINT MEMBER RATES: Full page: Full page Color: 2/3 page: 1/2 page: 1/2 page Color: 1/3 page: 1/6 page: Business card: 1/12 page:

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CLASSIFIEDS - PRINT: Member rates are $15 per line for a one-time insertion and $12.50 per line for three or more insertions.

JANUARY 2015

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CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE: $50/ month flat fee. In addition to text, you may submit photos or graphics to be posted along with your classified ad at no additional charge. Call Dawnell Blaylock at (925) 370-2542 or email dblaylock@cccba.org.

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Will & Trust Litigation Financial Elder Abuse Conservatorships General Civil Litigation Probate & Civil Appeals Mediation Joseph Morrill Andrew R. Verriere

Nicole Morrill Paralegal

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CONTRA COSTA LAWYER

DIABLO VALLEY REPORTING SERVICES Certified Shorthand Reporters

Serving the entire Bay Area • Deposition Reporting • Experienced Professional Reporters • Computerized Transcription • Deposition Suites Available • Expeditious Delivery • BART Accessible

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925.935.6957

dvrs2121@yahoo.com

JANUARY 2015