San Diego Lawyer May/June 2017

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MAY/JUN 2017

GIVING BACK & GETTING MORE 2017 SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

plus

California State Bar at a Crossroads Wellness: From Medication to Meditation



Congratulations to our partner

Robert J. Francavilla recipient of the

2016 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award Consumer Attorneys of San Diego

CELEBRATING

1 9 4 7 - 2 0 1 7

www.caseygerry.com Dedicated to the Pursuit of Justice since 1947 SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, MARITIME, AVIATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY, CLASS ACTION, MASS TORTS AND PHARMACEUTICAL LITIGATION

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CONTENTS Page

24

Page

46

Features 20

Columns 7

Expedited Jury Trials How to get your small cases in front of a jury. By Joshua Bonnici

Why I Belong Get to know your colleague Fernando Kish.

22

President's Page Giving their all. By Loren Freestone

The State Bar: At a Crossroads Is this the end of a unified bar in California? By Eric Dietz

GIVING BACK

24

2017 SDCBA Service Award Recipients Get ready to get inspired by this year's winners.

31

Kindness of Heart Studies have shown that volunteering regularly is good for your mind and heart — literally.

33

From Medication to Meditation How meditation helped me get sober. By Rick Waite

8

11

Deans Examining the cut score needed to pass the State Bar exam. By Stephen Ferruolo

13

Technology Tips for our trade. By Bill Kammer

15

Ethics Pro bono is a tradition — and expectation — for California lawyers. By Edward McIntyre

19

Open Dialogue An attorney volunteer and public interest attorney on giving back though their job and free time. By Christine Pangan

34

SDVLP How underserved San Diegans may be affected by federal budget cuts. By Teresa Warren

37

San Diego County Bar Foundation The 2017 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial inductees.

39

Distinctions

43

#sdlaw Stunning office views throughout San Diego.

45

Photo Gallery

Follow San Diego Lawyer! sandiegolawyermagazine @SDLmagazine

Issue no. 3. San Diego Lawyer™ (ISSN: 1096-1887) is published bimonthly by the San Diego County Bar Association, 401 West A Street, Suite 1100, San Diego, CA 92101. Phone is 619-231-0781. The price of an annual subscription to members of the San Diego County Bar Association ($10) is included in their dues. Annual subscriptions to all others, $50. Single-copy price, $10. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, CA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to San Diego Lawyer, 401 West A Street, Suite 1100, San Diego, CA 92101. Copyright © 2017 by the San Diego County Bar Association. All rights r­ eserved. Opinions expressed in San Diego Lawyer are those of the author only and are not opinions of the SDCBA or the San Diego Lawyer Editorial Board.

4 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017


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WHY I BELONG THE JOURNAL OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

Fernando Kish

Senior Deputy with the San Diego Office of County Counsel

Co-Editors Edward McIntyre Christine Pangan

Education: University of California, Riverside (B.A. 2001); Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (J.D. 2004) Areas of practice: Civil rights and public entity tort defense.

Editorial Board Craig Benner Elizabeth Blust Josh Bonnici George Brewster Jr. Jeremy Evans Victoria Fuller Renée Galente Todd Haas

Michael Hernandez Stephanie Karnavas Erik Nelson David Seto Whitney Skala Christopher Todd Teresa Warren

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Ellen Miller-Sharp

Director of Outreach Strategy & Chief Communications Officer Karen Korr

Graphic Designer/Webmaster Attiba Royster

Proudest career moment: Law school graduation day remains my proudest career moment. Being able to thank my parents publicly for their love, sacrifice and for the opportunity their hard work provided me, gave me an immeasurable sense of pride and satisfaction. Thank you again and again, Mom and Dad! Family: My wife (Alma) and I are the proud parents of two beautiful children: 5-year-old daughter (Olivia) and 3-year-old son (Emiliano). Birthplace: Retalhuleu, Guatemala. Current area of residence: Chula Vista, California. If I weren’t an attorney, I’d be less stressed and more pleasant to be around. Kidding aside, I would most likely be working in the front office of a sports team. The best thing about being an attorney is that every now and then truly important rights are vindicated. Last vacation: Durango, Mexico.

Publications Editor

Favorite website: It used be Grantland. I have not found a replacement since it was shut down.

Marketing Coordinator

Hobbies: I am an avid baseball fan, an aspiring barbecue/grill master, and enjoy spending time with my family.

Jenna Little

Sasha Feredoni

Favorite book: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz.

Follow San Diego Lawyer! sandiegolawyermagazine

Best concert you’ve ever been to: A three-way tie between Depeche Mode, Rage Against the Machine and the Ramones.

@SDLmagazine

Favorite food: Milanesa (similar to chicken fried steak but with no gravy). Do you have a unique skill or special talent nobody knows about? I played the tuba for a few years as a kid and could probably still belt out a decent Phantom of the Opera.

401 West A Street, Suite 1100, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone (619) 231-0781 bar@sdcba.org Fax (619) 338-0042 www.sdcba.org Interested contributors may submit article ideas to the editors at www.sdcba.org/SDLidea. Unsolicited articles will not be printed in San Diego Lawyer™. San Diego Lawyer™ reserves the right to edit all submissions, contributed articles and photographs at its sole discretion. The opinions expressed by the authors and editors in San Diego Lawyer™ magazine do not necessarily reflect an official position of the San Diego County Bar Association.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CONTACT LAURA TARABINI AT (760) 415-7030 OR LTARABINI@YAHOO.COM, OR VISIT WWW.SDCBA.ORG/ADVERTISING.

What one skill has helped you be successful as an attorney, and how could others develop that skill to better their practices? Time management and preparation. Both are by-products of good habits and simply a matter of creating a plan, preferably written, and sticking to it. What would you most like to be known for? I would like to be known as a good father and husband. Professionally, I would like to be known as an honest and dedicated public servant and advocate. What makes San Diego’s bar so special/unique? The San Diego bar, like the city itself, combines big-city advantages with small-town charm. Having practiced in other big cities, I am heartened by the professionalism and civility exhibited by the overwhelming majority of the San Diego bar.

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 7


“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew

W

e are busy. All of us. Our jobs our demanding. Our families and friends need our time and attention. We struggle to find the time to do things for us — the gym, the beach, a friend’s birthday brunch, or just getting to the grocery store. Yet, so many in our profession still find time to help others, and give to the community in diverse ways. There’s so much to celebrate about our profession and our dedication to volunteerism in this county, and I’m truly proud to call the lawyers featured in this issue of San Diego Lawyer my colleagues. Our 2017 Service Award Winners, featured on pages 24-29, are truly exceptional, and so are each one of you who takes time to serve in any capacity. For this feature, I’ve asked attorneys who give back to organizations outside of the legal realm to share what drives their desire to give back. Throughout this issue, you’ll also read about big firms and their pro bono work, and how other individuals give to our community. If you’re ever looking for a way to volunteer that fits you and your personality, be sure to check out www.sdcba.org/volunteeropportunities. Thank you to those who participated in this feature and in this issue — I know your passion ignites the passion of others. You define what it means to “set the bar higher.”

Loren Freestone, 2017 SDCBA President

MICHELLE GASTIL LAW OFFICE OF MICHELLE A. GASTIL

To me, serving means joy and empowerment for me and for the community. I serve through Think Dignity (TD), a group that advocates with the homeless for dignity for all. In 2009, I helped TD draft a resolution signed by the San Diego City Council declaring water as a human right. Now, TD helps distribute water, has advocated for San Diego’s first Portland Loos, runs a storage center, holds legal clinics, provides mobile showers and more! I’m honored to serve on a board that strives to empower those who need the most help to be able to help themselves. I also serve as Chair of an environmental task force with a mission to protect Banning Ranch, a 401-acre area of marshland in Newport Beach, as open space. Residents get involved with public hearings and outreach to spread the message that open natural space is important and valuable.

Community service is a shared responsibility. Nobody achieves success without some help, and everyone needs help with something. As attorneys we have unique skill sets and access to resources that allow us to make a substantial impact on our community. For the past eight years I have volunteered at the Mission Valley YMCA as the Lead Advisor of Youth & Government — a mock trial and model legislature program for high school students. I volunteer not just out of a desire to help students learn how to become engaged in their community, and develop public speaking and critical thinking skills, but because I love teaching. For attorneys, time is often our most rare resource, but volunteering is easy when it is work that you truly enjoy. If the goal of life is to discover and pursue your passions, there will be volunteer opportunities along that path. 8 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

NICHOLAS MOORE THE LAW OFFICE OF NICHOLAS J. MOORE


ALI LAWLER SEMPRA ENERGY

Girls on the Run is a program that empowers young girls in third through eighth grade through fitness, friendship and teamwork. Physical activity is woven into the program to encourage emotional and social development, inspire an appreciation of fitness, and build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. At the end of each season, the girls complete a celebratory 5K, which gives them a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment, as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. I strongly believe in the program’s mission of inspiring young girls to be healthy, confident and compassionate. Every girl deserves to be a Girl on the Run, and as the Board Chair, I take pride in expanding our impact throughout the community. I also enjoy seeing the girls’ faces when they cross the finish line and realize that even the seemingly impossible is possible.

I’ve been part of the ElderHelp of San Diego family since April 2013, and I’m currently serving as Board President. There are so many great San Diego nonprofits to support, but my close relationship with my grandparents inspired me to focus on ElderHelp of San Diego. ElderHelp provides a variety of personalized services to help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes. Seniors are a vulnerable population, especially those with no family members to help them. This population is growing rapidly, yet seniors are often overlooked and frequently go without support services they need and deserve. I’m passionate about improving that situation. ElderHelp’s staff and mighty team of volunteers do the heavy lifting — making seniors’ lives better every day. Their dedication motivates me to continue our work improving the lives of those who rely on us. I’m fortunate to have great partners at Pestotnik LLP who support my work with ElderHelp and are also passionate about nonprofit work.

ANDREA PETRAY FINCH, THORNTON & BAIRD, LLP

RUSSELL WINSLOW PESTOTNIK LLP

It’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important in the day-to-day stress and pressures of the law practice. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to serve as a member/secretary of the San Diego Habitat for Humanity board of directors. Habitat’s mission is to assist San Diego County residents to gain access to affordable homeownership opportunities. With housing costs at an all-time high and availability at an all-time low, housing can have a crippling effect on families with financial difficulties. In addition to homeowner rehabilitation services, Habitat offers prospective homeowners a hand by enabling them to purchase affordable housing. The best part of Habitat’s mission is its incorporation of sweat equity. Each beneficiary participates in building their new home or rehabilitating their existing home. Seeing the pride experienced by families who participate in Habitat programs and who become homeowners makes my involvement incredibly gratifying.

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 9



BY STEPHEN FERRUOLO

DEANS

D

The California Bar Exam​ Examining the cut score needed to pass the State Bar exam n February, 20 (out of 21) deans of ABA-accredited California law schools asked the Supreme Court to reduce the cut score needed to pass the California bar exam while the State Bar completes its proposed studies to determine the future of the exam. Despite the support we received from, among others, Barry Currier, ABA’s Managing Director of Accreditation and Legal Education, and eight Democratic members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, the Court has declined to act, as Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye has written, “in the absence of an analysis that examines all relevant data and facts.”

in the country? And what are the costs of having a cut score that is the second highest in the country and well above the average of other major states?

I

The Court’s response raises three issues. First, who will determine what data and facts are relevant to determine what the cut score should be? Second, will the proposed studies provide the Court with sufficient information to make an informed decision about the cut rate? Third, what should be done about grading bar exams in the meantime? The Court appears to be deferring completely to the Bar to determine what data and facts are relevant and who should generate them. As USD’s Center for Public Interest Law pointed out in a recent letter to the Court, there is a serious question as to whether the Bar is the legitimate entity to conduct these studies given its inherent conflict of interest as a trade association controlled by lawyers. Effectively, the Bar will be reviewing its own work and defending its own decision. Although, in her testimony to the Judiciary Committee, Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Parker admitted that there is “no good answer” for why the cut score has been set so high, other Bar officials have been vociferous in defense of the test score. Days after the Bar Trustees’ authorization of the studies, Gayle Murphy, senior director of admissions, wrote a memo to the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) supporting the high cut score and Karen

Stephen Ferruolo

Goodman, CBE chair, asserted that the high pass score was “carefully determined,” and denied that it is “unfair to applicants.” Under the CBE’s oversight, there is simply no assurance that the studies will be independent, unbiased or fair. At a recent Law School Assembly meeting, deans raised serious concerns about the design and sequence of the proposed studies. The answers provided by the Bar’s chosen experts were not satisfactory. Although deans remain committed to providing student data and collaborating on the investigation of the bar exam, many of us left the meeting unconvinced that the Bar’s proposed studies would be adequate or useful in providing guidance to the Court in determining, as it should, the policy question of what California’s cut score should be. Although properly designed and independent studies could provide useful performance data, there is no scientific rationale for any cut score. What the cut score (and resulting bar passage rate) should be is essentially a public policy issue. To address this issue, the questions that should be asked by the Court (and everyone concerned about the future of our State, serving the legal needs of our people, and California’s competitiveness in the national legal market) are straightforward. What benefit is gained, or interest served, when California law school graduates score higher than the national average on the common part of the bar exam, yet have the lowest passage rate

In my testimony to the Judiciary Committee, I addressed the issues of the negative impact of California’s low bar passage rate on the legal training students receive and on their employment and career prospects. I will address those topics in future columns. Here, I want to focus on the impact that the low bar passage rate has on first-time takers who do not pass the California exam but would have passed the bar in nearly every other state. As we wrote in our letter to the Court: Many will retake the exam, and most will ultimately succeed in passing on their second or subsequent attempts. However, as a consequence of their initial failure, many of these students lose jobs or employment opportunities and months of income. Each of these students will incur substantial costs, often including newly incurred debt, to pay for further administrations of the exam, to take additional bar preparation courses, and to pay their costs of living while focusing on test preparation. No one can point to an actual or measureable benefit in consumer protection from having graduates from ABA-accredited schools take the exam multiple times. However, there are very real and measureable costs both for those graduates and for California in increased debt, delayed employment and decreased earnings. This is the most compelling reason for asking the Supreme Court to act now to lower the cut score in time for the July 2017 bar exam, not to wait for the results of Bar studies that, at best, are likely to be inconclusive. Stephen Ferruolo (sferruolo@sandiego.edu) is dean of the University of San Diego School of Law.

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and are not opinions of the SDCBA or the San Diego Lawyer Editorial Board. May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 11



BY BILL KAMMER TECHNOLOGY

T

Tips for our Trade DATE YOURSELF Life hasn’t always been like this. The iPhone recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. On Jan. 9, 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone at Apple’s annual Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

SMARTPHONE FINGERPRINTS Most already know that locking your smartphone will encrypt its contents in case your phone is lost or stolen. Because typing Ctrl a passcode, password or PIN to unlock your phone may be inconvenient, many have used the fingerprint access alternative. Apple calls that Touch ID. Unfortunately a recent report suggests that a “master fingerprint” can unlock Ctrl multiple phones, suggesting that fingerprint access is not the best choice and should not be your choice. The “master fingerprint” attack is facilitated by the challenges posed by the small consumer fingerprint scanner and some necessary averaging that your mobile device employs. There are sufficient similarities between various fingerprints that the “master fingerprint” hack can pose a real threat. Bottom line: Keep using a password larger than four characters.

PWNED BEFORE DELIVERY For the moment, iPhone owners may have no need for this warning. However, those of us who own Android phones should be concerned about a recent news item. Checkpoint, the security firm, recently examined several Android devices belonging to two large companies. They found a severe malware infection on a number of devices that had to have been present before the users received them. The users had not accidentally downloaded the malware, so it must have been added somewhere along the supply chain, either at the time of manufacture or by exploits during their transit. Some of the malware could not be removed from the phones without reflashing them. Because our mobile devices often contain confidential firm and client information, Checkpoint’s findings should be a cause for concern and provoke us to use strong security measures.

EVEN OLDER DOGS AND NEWER TRICKS The “control” key dates back at least to teletypewriters and some early computer keyboards. It also appeared on the original IBM PC when introduced in 1981. In the early days, when used in combination with another key, the keys printed no letter but performed a function. (For Apple products, the “command” key performs most of the same functions.)

Ctrl

Early on, computer users learned to use popular combinations: Ctrl-A to highlight everything on a page; Ctrl-C to copy the highlighted text; Ctrl-V to paste what had been copied; Ctrl-F to find a word; Ctrl-P to print, etc. Despite the evolution of computers from DOS to the current versions of MacOS and Windows, those keyboard combinations still work. Although software applications often have their own unique keyboard shortcuts, many remain almost hidden and unlearned by the average user. For instance, in the email program Outlook, when you place the cursor in the “To”, “Cc” or “Bcc” lines and click Ctrl-F, Outlook will produce a second copy of your draft email. If you want to send a similar message to multiple recipients and want to address them individually rather than collectively, this is a simple way to accomplish that. Unfortunately, few of us read manuals and instructions, and many IT departments never teach these shortcuts. We usually learn them on a case-by-case basis, often stumbling upon their existence. Good luck finding ones that work for you. Depending on your software, there are also several three-key commands that insert characters into your work: Alt+Ctrl+C, ©; Alt+Ctrl+T, ™; and Alt+Ctrl+E, €, etc. You can usually find a list of these commands if you Google around.

Bill Kammer (wkammer@swsslaw.com) is a partner with Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP.

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 13



ETHICS

BY EDWARD McINT YRE

E

Service Is Expected Pro bono is a tradition — and expectation — for California lawyers

S

arah tapped gently on Macbeth’s open door. “Do you have a moment?”

“Of course. Come in.” Sarah settled in a chair in front of his desk. Macbeth waited patiently.

week. But I can do most of it on weekends —”

California lawyer is expected to make a contribution.”

“Nonsense. You’ll give your time when the clinic needs you. Besides, you need weekends for yourself — or whatever.”

“I’d forgotten about that. May I ask: Is that why you do all the things you do?”

“Well, thanks. But —”

Finally. “There’s a legal clinic I just learned about. Sponsored by the law school. It’s set up to help homeless women. They need lawyers. I’d like to volunteer —”

“No ‘buts’ about it. You’re aware of the pro bono provision in the State Bar Act, aren’t you?”

“Splendid. Congratulations. I applaud your interest.”

“Don’t feel bad. Many lawyers aren’t.”

“Well, I feel strongly about it. Especially the military vets . . . women with kids —” “I commend your passion. Pursue it.” “The commitment might be 20 hours a

Slight grimace. “Not really.” “Oh —” “Take a look when you have a chance. In short, it emphasizes that as lawyers we have the tradition to provide pro bono services to those who can’t afford a lawyer. Every

“Perhaps, in part. We have our time and our talent. So that’s what we have to ‘give back,’ as the cliché goes. Even the Supreme Court said that pro bono service is ‘not truly exemplary for attorneys, but rather is expected of them.’” “Will my clinic work be a ‘conflicts’ issue for the firm?” “Quite the contrary. Rule 1-650 specifically addresses that very question. For these limited representations, only if you actually know that your representation of a client at the clinic conflicts with a client of the firm does Rule 3-310 come into play.” “So no imputed conflicts?” “No. Not unless you actually know someone at the firm would have a conflict under Rule 3-310. No imputation of conflicts for your clinic work. Hence, few disqualification worries.” “That’s a relief.”

CARTOON BY GEORGE BREWSTER JR.

The Supreme Court had the rule added in August 2009. It wanted to encourage lawyers to do pro bono clinic service. To make it easier for us to do it.” “Any other ethics tips I should remember for this work?” “All other client obligations apply, obviously. Confidentiality. Loyalty. Competence. A lawyer’s duty to a pro bono client is no different from her responsibility to any other client.” “I understand that.” “So I want you to take the time you need to May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 15


E ETHICS

SDCBA Sustaining Members

prepare yourself. Do the research. Come to me with questions. Do the same great job at the clinic as you do here.” “That’s quite a commitment for the firm —” “Sarah, it’s what we do.”

The San Diego County Bar Association gratefully acknowledges its Sustaining Members for their outstanding commitment and generous support in 2017. PATRON MEMBERS

“We’re committed in our democracy to a system of justice. It’s at the heart of the very Constitution that our bright, passionate founders hammered out during the sweaty Philadelphia summer of 1787.” “OK . . .”

Marc D. Adelman Jose S. Castillo

Richard A. Huver

Steven, T. Coopersmith William O. Dougherty James P. Frantz Van E. Haynie

Gerald S. Mulder

Rhonda J. Holmes

“But still —”

Laura H. Miller Todd F. Stevens Thomas J. Warwick Jr. Andrew H. Wilensky

“It forms the core of what we’re all about.” “I think I see —” “If so many people in our increasingly complicated society feel they can no longer obtain justice — because they can’t find or afford willing lawyers — then a fundamental tenet of our constitutional promise to them is lost. Destroyed, actually. The result: the democracy that the Constitution underpins weakens.” “I do see. I agree.”

BENEFACTOR MEMBERS Doc Anthony Anderson III Jedd E. Bogage Alexander Isaac Dychter

Douglas A. Glass Alvin M. Gomez

“We have the talent and the training to make sure that doesn’t happen. That’s why you’re devoting your time — whether it’s an hour or 20 — is so important.” “Thanks for putting it that way.” “One favor.” “Anything.”

FRIEND MEMBERS Laura Ashborn Steven Barnes Robert J. Baumer

Marguerite C. Lorenz

Sarah laughed.

Scott Carr Linda Cianciolo

Raymond J. Navarro

“Now tell me more about the clinic. The work it does. I might find a spare hour or two.”

Justin Nielsen

Teresa E. Dietz David B. Dugan Susan K. Fox

Mark Kaufman

“Take Duncan with you one evening — when you go to the clinic. It’ll do him a world of good. He might even absorb some of your inspiration.”

Anthony J. Passante Jr. Anne Perry Kristi E. Pfister

Ronald Leigh Greenwald

Michael J. Roberts

Allen M. Gruber Ajay K. Gupta

Stella Shvil Janis K. Stocks

Editor's Note: Macbeth referred to Bus. & Prof. Code section 6073 about pro bono service and Rule of Professional Conduct 1-650, as well as In re Glass (2014) 58 Cal.4th 500, 526.

Edward McIntyre (edwardmcintyre1789@gmail.com) is an attorney at law and co-editor of San Diego Lawyer. No portion of this article is intended to constitute legal advice. Be sure to perform independent research and analysis. Any views expressed are those of the author only and not of the SDCBA or its Legal Ethics Committee.


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BY CHRISTINE PANGAN OPEN DIALOGUE

O

A public interest attorney and pro bono volunteer discuss giving back though their job and free time Featuring Leah Boucek and Dovie King Leah Boucek

Dovie King

I

n this issue honoring our service award winners, our “Open Dialogue” explores working in public interest as a career and as a volunteer. Staff attorney Leah Boucek (Family Law Facilitator) and volunteer attorney Dovie King (Legal Aid Society of San Diego), spoke with San Diego Lawyer about their experiences. Leah was in private practice from 1995-2011 and has been working at the Facilitator’s Office for the past three years. Dovie, who has been practicing law since 1999, currently works in education and does exclusively pro bono work as an attorney. Becoming involved in public interest Leah (LB): I did some volunteer and public interest work at the beginning of my career and throughout. In recent years, I moved away from family law litigation. I really enjoy working with people, but I don't love the fight. There were aspects of it I enjoyed and certainly it was challenging. But people are in crisis all the time, and that's magnified by the fact that you're litigating all the time. When I took that part out of it, all the rest I really like. Dovie (DB): I first started volunteering at the Legal Aid Society [five years ago] when I was in private practice. I moved to the area of domestic violence last year more for personal reasons. I decided to end an abusive relationship, so that gave me an interest in helping others who were facing that sort of uncertainty. I personally do not have a strong interest in family law, [laughs] perhaps more for personal reasons having gone through it. I can leave the clinic every day feeling like I helped someone's life and it's very meaningful. Benefits of full-time public interest or volunteering part-time LB: We're fortunate at Family Court — we have a great team. It’s very satisfying to

help as many people as we do on a regular basis. You just can’t do that in a private practice office, it’s not designed that way. You can better manage people’s expectations in a setting like our office where you aren’t individually representing them. They’re not walking out thinking the end result is your responsibility. With people in crisis and families in trouble, there’s a heavy load that comes with that. You take on a lot of responsibility and feel personal about people's issues, but you can’t take it on personally — that’s not healthy. DK: I love that I can do attorney work when my chosen career at this point is teaching. I can balance using my law degree and my legal skills to assist individuals without the expectation of having an individual I’m responsible for. That provides the flexibility to balance family, work and volunteer life. LB: For me, and this is really specific to the Family Law Facilitator’s Office, but I really love that [our office is] in family court. It’s a great, fun balance of being in the court environment and atmosphere. We get to do the orders for the judges and court staff on self-represented cases, and you get such a wide range of issues. Also, just like Dovie said, the stability and flexibility of this type of work is a huge blessing.

DK: And I feel that I’m able, without delving into family law deeply, to help with aspects of family law because through restraining orders the person can ask for specific orders such as child support and custody. So I feel I am able to help in that way without devoting too much time [laughs]. LB: [Laughs] She’s saying without getting into family. DK: Yes, without getting into the nuts and bolts of family law. So for me it’s the best of both worlds. LB: Which is why you got a job at Harvard. Shows how smart you are! Trading places? LB: I don’t have anything about my job I don’t like right now. I think there are volunteer things I would love to do, but like every other aspect of your life, it’s all about time management. I don’t have the time to do that, but in terms of my job itself I wouldn’t trade it. DK: I wouldn’t trade places. It’s such an extraordinary opportunity to be able to set my own hours, to have the flexibility for someone in my situation balancing parenting and day job, and the clinic staff is so accommodating. Though I think the job of the staff is great and I admire the people who do it at Legal Aid. Continued on page 41 May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 19


Expedited Jury Trials How to get your small cases in front of a jury By Joshua Bonnici

C

an a lawyer effectively represent a client with lower-valued claims? The client is nice, cooperative in fact; the facts, straightforward. But the insurance company’s offer barely equals damages — sometimes far less. How a lawyer proceeds can be difficult. For example, a case worth $15,000, with a pre-litigation offer of $8,000: Does the lawyer file suit, fight through discovery, incur expert costs, and try the case? Just to secure something closer to the reasonable value of $15,000? Or does she or he settle early with few or no costs? Can the decision of how to treat these cases be merely

20 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

a business decision? What about the client’s legitimate claims — whatever their value? Legislation, effective in California July 1, 2016, made expedited jury trial (EJT) procedures (CCP § 630.11) permanent. Both California lawmakers and attorneys crafted the bill to try to bring a more affordable, and therefore, more accessible option to litigants with smaller civil cases. What changes does the new EJT statute present? • Trial before a jury of no more than eight, with six votes needed for a verdict;

• Each party has five hours to present and argue their case, including voir dire (hence, a maximum two-day trial); • The parties waive the right to appeal, move for a directed verdict, or make post-trial motions, with limited exceptions; • Each party is limited to 35 interrogatories, total; and, • One deposition. San Diego lawyer Edward “Skip” Babbitt helped pioneer the new mandatory EJT statute; he also has hosted presentations on the procedure and how best to evaluate cases that may fit


within the new rules. “The main purpose of the EJT statute, beginning at CCP 630.11, is to streamline smaller cases for the court and reduce litigation costs. It’s a great vehicle for newer attorneys who want to get their first trial experience. In essence, it’s like doing a binding arbitration in front of eight jurors.” CCP 630.11 does come with some “civility” requirements — lawyers for both parties must be able to cooperate and work together. “The law heavily encourages counsel to stipulate wherever they can to streamline the trial. Each party only has five hours to present its case.” Parties are also encouraged to use CCP 98 — allowing experts to testify by declaration — further to reduce costs in lower-valued cases. Babbitt said that because of the strict time limit, “counsel can simply read the expert’s declarations into the record before the jury and have the declaration admitted into evidence. This alone saves the party expert fees to appear at trial and allows it to stay within the five-hour time limit.” Although “mandatory” for limited civil cases, CCP 630.11 provides nine exceptions to the expedited trial requirement, carving out a range of cases that would otherwise be subject to the mandate. In any of the following circumstances, either party may “opt-out” of the expedited jury trial process: • A party seeks punitive damages; • A party seeks damages in excess of insurance policy limits; • A party's insurer provides a legal defense subject to a reservation of rights; • The case involves a claim reportable to a governmental entity; • The case involves a claim of moral turpitude that may affect an individual’s professional licensing; • The case involves claims of intentional conduct; • The case has been reclassified as unlimited pursuant to Section 403.020; • The complaint contains a demand for attorney's fees, unless sought pursuant to a contract; or, • The court finds good cause for the action not to proceed as an expedited trial.

It is a great vehicle for newer attorneys wanting to get their first trial experience. In essence, it’s similar to doing a binding arbitration in front of eight jurors.” If a lawyer is debating filing a civil action, or has a case to litigate in front of a jury but does not have the resources for traditional costs and experts, the new EJT procedure may work for both lawyer and client — aware, however, of limitations on maximum recovery, limits on appeals and post-trial motions, and discovery ceilings. With these limitations, however, the new statute should provide litigants, previously unable to pursue their claims because of time and cost concerns, access to our courts. That is the goal we all seek. Joshua Bonnici (josh@bonnicilawgroup.com) is the managing attorney for Bonnici Law Group, APC.

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May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 21


Is This the End of a Unified Bar in California? By Eric Deitz

S

ince 1927, attorneys licensed in California have had to be members of the state’s bar association and to pay dues in order to practice law in the state. As it currently exists, the State Bar of California engages in activities ranging from assisting with attorney admission and discipline matters to promoting the legal profession. A recently introduced bill in the California Senate proposes to end the requirement of mandatory state bar membership, and to split the regulatory and non-regulatory functions of the bar. In December 2016, Senator HannahBeth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, introduced Senate Bill 36. The Senate most recently amended it on April 6, 2017. If enacted, SB 36 will reconstitute the State Bar Board of Trustees, repeal the provision prohibiting the legislature from reducing the maximum membership fee, and alter the application of the Bagley-Keane Open Meeting Act and the California Public Records Act to the activities of the State Bar Court, among other changes. Perhaps the most far-ranging effect of SB 36 is the elimination of sections within the California State Bar. Instead, the bill establishes the California Bar Sections Association as a private, nonprofit corporation governed by a board of governors.

22 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017


The rationale behind SB 36 is at least two-fold: to enhance public protection and to address potential anti-trust concerns attendant to the bar’s perceived role as a trade association, in addition to its attorney admission and discipline functions. The current version of SB 36 provides, at subdivision (g): Whereas the regulatory and nonregulatory functions of the State Bar of California are each strengthened by a separation of governance, staff, and budgets that enables the Board of Trustees of the State Bar to focus on its primary mission of public protection through regulatory oversight while allowing and enhancing the ability of the sections of the State Bar to advance the public interest by providing educational programs and materials [,] … proposing legislation, rule changes, regulations, and similar acts, and providing expertise and comments on pending, or proposed legislation, rule changes, regulations, and similar acts, and advancing the competent and ethical practice of law, thereby enhancing protection of the public and access to justice for all. The stated mission of the California Bar Sections Association and its board of governors “is to serve the public by fostering and promoting educational programs and materials to members of the State Bar and public, including low- or no-cost mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE), providing expertise and information as requested regarding legislation, and assuring the ethical practice of law, thereby enhancing protection of the public and access to justice by the public.” The Sections Association would be a voluntary organization, separate from the State Bar of California, and not funded by State Bar membership fees. The board of governors for the California Bar Sections Association would be required to adopt an annual dues schedule. Those wishing to join a section would pay additional voluntary dues with their State Bar membership fees, with the bar then transferring the voluntary fees to the association. The existing State Bar sections would be transferred to the California Bar Sections Association, which could continue to receive administrative and support services from the State Bar by

The rationale behind SB 36 is at least twofold: to enhance public protection and to address potential anti-trust concerns attendant to the bar’s perceived role as a trade association, in addition to its attorney admission and discipline functions. agreement and if the cost of such services is reimbursed. The State Bar would cease its role as a provider of educational programming. For 2018 and 2019, SB 36 directs the Board of Trustees to fix the annual membership fee for active members at no more than $315, with any voluntary section fees based upon the fee schedule developed by the Board of Governors of the California Bar Sections Association to be paid in addition to the membership fee. It remains to be seen if and when SB 36 is enrolled. If enacted, SB 36 portends significant changes to not only the functions of the State Bar, but also to the profession and the way it has been practiced in California for nearly a century. Eric Deitz (edeitz@gordonrees.com) is a partner with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, and currently chairs the SDCBA’s Legal Ethics Committee and serves on the State Bar’s Committee on Professional Responsibility & Conduct. No portion of this article is intended to constitute legal advice. Be sure to perform independent research and analysis. Any views expressed are those of the author only and not of the SDCBA or its Legal Ethics Committee.

MEET YOUR CLIENTS AND DEADLINES IN THE SAME PLACE BE WHERE YOU BELONG

TM

Workspace and meeting rooms available exclusively for members. www.sdcba.org/barcenterat401


2017 SERVICE AWARDS 24 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 2017 SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION SERVICE AWARD WINNERS. WE ASKED THIS YEAR’S WINNERS A FEW QUESTIONS. GET INSPIRED AS YOU GET TO KNOW THEM ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES. View an extended digital version of this feature, including extra commentary and photos at www.sdcba.org/2017winners.

PHOTOS BY JASON DE ALBA


Outstanding Jurist

hon. barry ted

moskowitz U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA WHY DO YOU SERVE? I enjoy the work and the opportunity to make improvements in the justice system. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TO INSPIRE THEM TO SERVE? Apply for the judgeship regardless of how daunting the odds. WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU TO SERVE? Judge Leonard I. Garth. WHAT IS ONE ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Return to Israel. THREE NOTEWORTHY PEOPLE (LIVING OR DEAD) YOU’D INVITE TO DINNER? George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH? Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO? Home. CHERISHED ADVICE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM A LOVED-ONE, MENTOR OR COLLEAGUE? Judge Leonard I. Garth: “Is this the best job you can do?”

Outstanding Attorney of the year

edward mcintyre LAW OFFICE OF EDWARD J. McINTYRE WHY SERVE: I’ve been blessed with many undeserved advantages; service presents an opportunity to make a difference. ADVICE TO SERVE: Our profession gives us myriad avenues to contribute; find just one that fits your passion and give yourself to it. INSPIRATION TO SERVE: “A man for others:” the motto of Jesuit education, responsible for much of my formation. BUCKET LIST: To complete the edit/rewrite of a novel I wrote, and get it in the hands of an agent; better yet, a publisher. DINNER GUESTS: Chief Justice John Marshall; Associate Justice William Brennan; President Barack Obama. To sit and listen to them discuss the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Court and anything else they want to talk about. FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: Two: Geneva, Switzerland, walking along the lake on a warm afternoon, glancing toward the Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc. Sitting at the Manualoha pool, Poipu Kai, Kauai, looking toward the Pacific, with surf breaking over the rocks at Brennecke’s Beach. FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO: Our home, especially my study.

IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would eliminate the human ability to be cruel.

CHERISHED ADVICE: “Be yourself, but then don’t take that person too seriously.” Advice from Joe Neeper, pillar of Gray Cary, mentor, friend, partner and father-in-law.

HOW CAN OTHERS MAKE GIVING BACK PART OF THEIR DAILY LIVES? By believing in the value of community service.

IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING: Get homeless children off the streets, into real homes, with their families.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES SERVING THE WIDER COMMUNITY BENEFIT THE LEGAL PROFESSION? People look up to lawyers as leaders. Seeing them serving the community enhances that image.

FINDING TIME TO GIVE BACK: The opportunities to make a difference are all around us. Find something that touches your interests, tickles your passion and dive in. BENEFITS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION: By serving the wider community, we demonstrate that, as lawyers, we don’t just talk about justice or equality or rule of law; we’re also doing something concrete to make this a more just society; one in which everyone is equal. May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 25


service to diversity

service to the legal community

peter

stacie

lynch

patterson

COZEN O’CONNOR

LAW OFFICE OF STACIE L. PATTERSON

WHY SERVE? I have served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marines to enhance Rule of Law efforts under trying circumstances. Upon my return I recognized for the first time that the underrepresentation of those with disabilities here needs to be addressed to ensure they are fairly treated. That is why the Disability Interest Group of the SDCBA was created. ADVICE TO SERVE: We are what we do. Not what we say or believe. Actions not words. INSPIRATION TO SERVE: My deceased parents. My father who served in WWII and then worked manually loading trains so he could put food on the table for his six sons and his wife. My mother for ensuring all of her children graduated from college and putting up with my father. BUCKET LIST: Trip to New Zealand, to among other things, attend an All Blacks or a New Zealand Warriors rugby game.

WHY SERVE? I would like to work and live in a caring, kind and diverse community. I serve to help my vision become a reality. ADVICE TO SERVE: The rewards from service are immense. I have been enriched by the people I have met through service and had a lot of fun. Fortunately, there are so many ways to serve; everyone can find something that fits their interest and availability. INSPIRATION TO SERVE? I was raised in a deeply religious family. I learned that working to help others have a better life is supremely valuable. BUCKET LIST: Go to Thailand. DINNER GUESTS: Michelle Obama, Toni Morrison and Ernestine Shepherd (80-year-old body builder). FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: The Grand Canyon. FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO: Mission Trails Regional Park.

DINNER GUESTS: The Dalai Lama, Frank Zappa and President George W. Bush.

CHERISHED ADVICE: Don’t believe the stories I tell myself about others.

FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: San Diego.

IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING: If I could make one change in the world, we would place a higher value on our own lives and those of others.

FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO: Burning Beard in El Cajon. CHERISHED ADVICE: You cannot control others, just your reactions to what they do. IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING: That people appreciate what they have and not compare themselves to what others possess. FINDING TIME TO GIVE BACK: Perform a selfless act that no one sees by doing little things — smile, say hello to people, hold open a door and stop walking around looking at your phone. BENEFITS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION: People have negative feelings about the legal profession because they often only come into contact with the profession when they have a serious problem. Serving the wider community enhances the legal profession’s reputation.

26 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

FINDING TIME TO GIVE BACK: Find something that you enjoy that also helps others and do it. BENEFITS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION: Serving the wider community is inherently valuable to the lawyers who are engaged in the activity. In addition, community members are more likely to believe that attorneys are respectful, knowledgeable and caring when they witness lawyers’ engagement.


service by a public attorney

anne

perry

TYRE

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY WHY DO YOU SERVE? My father died during my second year of law school. That year, I actually took out all the papers to withdraw. An internship with the Orange County DA’s office turned my life, career and scholastics around. I know how much an internship can mean to someone struggling with school. Regarding my animal activities — I am a devoted dog-mom, and am dedicated to animal protection. ADVICE TO SERVE: The point of service is not the recognition you get — it is the result that you see in the accomplishments of those you serve. INSPIRATION TO SERVE: I am inspired by the achievements of my “kids.” I have former students who are judges now. I have former students who call me every time they succeed in court. BUCKET LIST: Taking my husband to Italy. DINNER GUESTS: My dad, who I never knew as a grown-up; Jim Henson, because he thought about the world in such a different way; Janet Reno, whose directive to her employees was simply, “Do the right thing.” FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: Kilauea Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge in Kauai, Hawaii. FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO: Sounds corny, but home on the deck with my husband and dogs. CHERISHED ADVICE: If you’ve done the best you can, and the judge/jury doesn’t agree with you, you’ve still done your job, and justice is still served. IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING: Obliterate the “clique” mentality. Not everyone has to be buddies, or part of the same age or social group to be a valued part of an organization.

community service

cynthia

morgan-reed MORGAN REED LAW WHY SERVE? I went to law school to have a career that would challenge me every day and so I could help others. I serve because I have the ability to help. ADVICE TO SERVE: When you stop focusing on your needs, and focus on the needs of others, you not only make the world better, but you become a happier person. INSPIRATION TO SERVE: My Mum and Dad inspire me to serve. They taught me that I have a responsibility to help others. I was taught to not shy away from people who are poor, sick or struggling with addictions. BUCKET LIST: I would like to live in Spain for a few months with my family. DINNER GUESTS: My husband, John Morgan-Reed, because he is fun and would keep everyone laughing throughout the dinner; Maya Angelou, because she expresses emotional intelligence through beautiful language; and Pope Francis, because he walks the talk and has a great sense of humor. FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: The Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It is the only place I have visited that I didn’t want to leave. FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO: Sunset Cliffs. CHERISHED ADVICE: My husband, who supports me in everything I do, helps me make big decisions by reminding me to think about “When you’re 90, and looking back on your life, are you going to be happy with the result?” IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING: Women would be treated as equal to men in all facets of society.

FINDING TIME TO GIVE BACK: You have to have the cooperation of friends, co-workers and family. Never overdo the outside obligations to the extent that it burdens others.

FINDING TIME TO GIVE BACK: Kindness is grossly underrated. If we all took just a moment to smile at a stranger every day, the world would be an infinitely happier place.

BENEFITS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION: The recipient of a kind gesture today can be tomorrow’s client, victim or witness. A lawyer should take every opportunity to dispel the negative press on the profession.

BENEFITS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION: Serving the community makes you “A Different Kind of Lawyer” — one who uses the power of the law to make tangible changes, not just make money. May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 27


service by a new attorney

rafael

hurtado ABOGATO, LLP

distinguished organization

survivors of torture, international EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: KATHI ANDERSON, M.A., N.C.C.

WHY SERVE? I encounter people every day who are dealing with major difficulties. If I can make it easier for them, I am happy to do so. ADVICE TO SERVE: Spend time with kids or teenagers who are labeled low-income, high-risk or underprivileged. Learn their stories and you’ll quickly realize how much they’ve accomplished with so little. They face adversity with strength and resourcefulness, and they do it with joy in their hearts. INSPIRATION TO SERVE: Watching those who are considered to be in the “fringes of society” work hard to provide for themselves and their families, and stand up to those who are taking advantage of them. Also, those in our community who dedicate their lives to service and encourage others to do the same. CHERISHED ADVICE: My parents and sister taught me, through their words and actions, that no matter what comes your way, we must always keep moving forward with strength and determination. BUCKET LIST: Explore Alaska before all the glaciers melt. DINNER GUESTS: Jesus, Albert Camus and Natalie Portman. FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: Big Sur. FAVORITE PLACE IN SAN DIEGO: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. IF YOU COULD MAGICALLY CHANGE ONE THING: Get rid of money. I watched a lot of “Star Trek” growing up, and the show’s idealistic universe without money seems like something we should be striving for every day. FINDING TIME TO GIVE BACK: Just listen, with genuineness and humility. Forget about what’s in your head for a minute, or what notification just popped up on your phone, and listen to the person talking to you. BENEFITS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION: Service allows us to take a step back and remember why we decided to go into this profession in the first place. It’s also fun! Wouldn’t you rather be out serving the wider community than locked up in your office? 28 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS PROGRAM? I approached George Falk and Bill Radatz about the idea of starting Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS). I knew that such an organization was needed in San Diego because no other agency was deliberately serving torture survivors even though San Diego is home to one the busiest border crossings and has a large number of immigrants. Fortunately, many others believed in this dream and it became a reality. Every day, I witness the healing of torture survivors and know that we are making a difference in their lives and in our greater community. Torture survivors are resilient individuals but need specialized care to heal from their psychological and physical scars. One step in their healing is to be granted asylum, which is more likely to happen when they have attorneys who can turn to trained physicians and licensed mental health practitioners to provide quality medical affidavits and psychological evaluations as evidentiary support for their cases. From the beginning, SURVIVORS was embraced by the legal community and torture survivors. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE? In the past 20 years, SURVIVORS has served about 2,000 of the 35,000 deserving torture survivors in San Diego County. My vision is to continue facilitating the healing of torture survivors, their families and our community for as long as we are needed. I’d like to close the gap of the 33,000 torture survivors who could benefit from services. I’d also like to see a more welcoming community for torture survivors. Everyone in our county can play an important role in helping torture survivors feel that they truly belong in San Diego as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO CONTINUE SERVING THE COMMUNITY IN THIS WAY? When clients first come to SURVIVORS’ office, many of them are shells of who they once were. As they receive services, I witness their transformation. They build trust with others, celebrate accomplishments, find joy again, reclaim their strength and hold their heads up high. Living a full life in the United States was once just a dream but has become reality for many. I want others who are silently suffering to know that they are not victims but are survivors who also can experience health and well-being.


ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON & CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

2017 LAW WEEK POSTER & VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS

The SDCBA honored its 2017 Service Award recipients and celebrated the good work attorneys do in our community at its Annual Awards Luncheon & Celebration of Community Service on May 1. The winners of the annual student poster and video contest were also recognized at the event. Edward McIntyre

FIRST PLACE, GRADES K-5 LONDON GILBERT, SKYLINE ELEMENTARY APPLEGATE

Hon. Barry Ted Moskowitz Stacie Patterson

FIRST PLACE, GRADES 6-8 ISABELLA GOODMAN, SPRING VALLEY ACADEMY

Peter Lynch

Cynthia Morgan‐Reed

FIRST PLACE, GRADES 9-12 WILLIAM MRDJENOVICH, MT. CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

Anne Perry

Survivors of Torture, International Student Poster & Video Contest Winners

FIRST PLACE, GRADES 9-12 GASASIRA BYIRINGIRO, CRAWFORD HIGH SCHOOL

PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS GATES

FIRST PLACE, GRADES 6-8 MAX CORTESE, SAINT JAMES ELEMENTARY

Rafael Hurtado

See more photos on page 45 May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 29


LOOKING TO GET HIRED? Now seeking attorneys for our two new panels Debtor Representation and Enforcement of Judgments. Highlight Your Practice and Meet Potential Clients. Join the Lawyer Referral and Information Service. New and less stringent requirements; newer attorneys encouraged to apply. Contact Michelle Chavez at 619.321.4150 or mchavez@sdcba.org Learn more at www.sdcba.org/joinlris.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION


KINDNESS OF HEART Studies have shown that people who regularly give to others actually gain health benefits for themselves. Below are a few fun facts on how volunteering can be great for your mind and heart.

Out of thousands surveyed across the U.S.:

43%

said that they felt stronger and more energetic when volunteering consistently2

Adults over age 50 who volunteered 200 hours per year were

22% reported that volunteering helped them feel calmer and less depressed2

78%

40%

of people who volunteered in the last 12 months said that volunteering lowers their stress levels3

less likely to have high blood pressure than those who did not volunteer1

76%

94%

of people who volunteered in the past 12 months said that it made them feel healthier3

of people who volunteered in the past year said that it improved their mood3

21%

of volunteers experienced greater feelings of self-worth2

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/17/volunteeringblood-pressure-hypertension-heart-health_n_3435849.html

1

2

https://www.stonybrook.edu/bioethics/goodtobegood.pdf

http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/~/media/UHG/PDF/2013/UNH-Health-Volunteering-Study.ashx 3

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 31


High Conflict. High Emotions. High Profile. High Expectations. When it really matters...

Glass Mediations 619-234-7790

View Doug’s availability calendar at wwww.glassmediations.com Best Lawyers ® 2017 Lawyer of the Year – Mediation San Diego


FROM

T

MEDICATION

wo double vodkas on the rocks every night before dinner. To relax after a hard day at the office, I told myself. And then perhaps a glass of red wine with my meal. The burn in my throat turned into a dull buzz in my head and then I was numb. Self-medicating the anxiety, stress and anger away. It never interfered with my work. If I was in trial or had a big hearing the next day I never drank. But the rest of the time … Then, one day, I was done. What happened? I resumed my meditation practice after a break of 39 years. I started meditating during my freshman year at Harvard in 1971. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, guru to the Beatles, had turned the world on to Transcendental Meditation (TM). I received my mantra and began my meditation practice but I was overwhelmed by events during my freshman year and my meditation practice fell away in short order. In 2010 I decided I needed to do something to cope with the stress of my law practice and my life generally. I heard that if you had ever received TM training you could go back for a refresher course. No charge. I called the Encinitas Transcendental Meditation center and asked if that was correct. The woman on the phone confirmed this. “What’s your name?” she asked. I told her. She checked her database. “I’m sorry. I don’t see your name. Where and when did you receive your training?” “Cambridge, Massachusetts. 1971,” I replied. “Oh,” she said with a laugh. “Our records don’t go back that far. You can join us.” I went to the TM training and committed that I would do it right this time. The TM way. Twenty minutes in the morning.

TO

MEDITATION

Twenty minutes in the afternoon. A couple of months after I started meditating every day I was halfway through dinner one night when I realized that I hadn’t had a drink. And I had no desire for one. That’s odd, I thought. The second day — same thing. No desire to drink. Maybe I’ll stop drinking for a week, I thought. The third day I decided I was done drinking. Forever. I poured the

"A couple of months after I started meditating every day I was halfway through dinner one night when I realized that I hadn’t had a drink. And I had no desire for one. That’s odd, I thought." remains of my half gallon of vodka down the drain. The date: Sept. 8, 2010. I haven’t had a drink since. No 12-step program (of which I am a big fan). No cravings. No withdrawal. I just stopped. I am no scientist. But it seems to me that there is some correlation between my starting to meditate again and my decision to stop drinking. What do you think? The benefits of meditation are now well known. In 1968 the Maharishi approached Harvard Medical School and asked that it research the benefits of TM. He claimed that the practice reduced blood pressure. The response was initially no but the Maharishi persisted. When he agreed to accept the outcome, whatever it might be, Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School, agreed to study the effects of meditation.

The Maharishi was right. Dr. Benson’s research demonstrated that meditation induces a state of deep relaxation which engages the parasympathetic nervous system by releasing chemicals in the brain that reduce blood pressure, metabolism, breathing and heart rate, and increase blood flow to the brain. Dr. Benson determined that 60 percent of all visits to healthcare providers are related to stress, which cause or exacerbate a number of medical conditions. His research showed that meditation can help with health problems associated with chronic stress such as fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal ailments, insomnia, hypertension, anxiety, headaches and chronic back pain. Dr. Benson published his research in the hugely influential book, The Relaxation Response. Dr. Benson’s research has been replicated by many other studies since its publication in 1975. In his new book Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines and Habits of Billionaires, Icons and World Class Performers, Tim Ferris recounts when the Dalai Lama was asked how long it takes to have a life changing experience after starting a meditation practice. “About 50 hours,” he said. That’s about how long it took me to have my epiphany and stop drinking after I established my daily meditation practice. Ferris also states that of all the world class performers he interviewed for his book, 80 percent meditate. If meditation works for 80 percent of billionaires, icons, world class performers and the Dalai Lama, it might work for you. If you are interested in starting a meditation practice contact me and I will help you. Pro bono. Good luck. Rick Waite (rwaite@keenlaw.com) is an attorney with Keeney Waite & Stevens.

Visit the SDCBA's new web page dedicated to wellness for lawyers at www.sdcba.org/wellness. May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 33


Federal Budget Cuts Would Reduce Assistance for Underserved San Diegans By Teresa Warren

“A

ccess to justice is not an expendable luxury but an indispensable manifestation of our country’s most fundamental values,” stated 185 general counsel from U.S. companies in a March 2017 letter voicing support for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to lowincome Americans. The counsel came together to urge Congress to allocate $450 million in funds to LSC after President Trump’s proposed budget completely eliminated funding for the organization. If passed, the cut would have a devastating ripple effect throughout the United States, including San Diego. Locally, LSC funds, and numerous other federal revenue streams that are also on the chopping block, help bring no-cost civil legal services to our underserved, leveling the playing field for those who cannot afford an attorney. Supporters of the elimination of federal funding say free legal

assistance should be addressed at the local level. However, even with current federal funding being used in San Diego the need for services already far exceeds the local ability to address that need, and without the federal funds, local free legal services would be severely impacted. In San Diego, volunteer attorneys give thousands of pro bono hours annually, made possible by the local legal services organizations that provide the framework to do so. While the volunteer attorneys assist with providing advice and handling cases, it is the organizations that handle the intake, screen for eligibility, analyze the merit of the cases, as well as provide training and mentoring for the volunteers in areas of the law with which they may be unfamiliar. This system has been in place for decades and works very well to expand access to competent legal assistance for those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. The pro bono attorneys have the time to provide the legal services, but with such great need and numbers they

do not have the capacity to assess who to help. Without federal funding to support legal services organizations, this effective framework for assisting so many would be jeopardized. Unlike those charged with criminal offenses, those facing civil legal issues have no constitutional right to a lawyer. Free legal services are the only hope they have. As the letter from the general counsel points out, the recipients of pro bono civil legal services include active and retired members of the military, domestic violence victims, families facing child-custody disputes, and small business owners, among others, and that “civil legal issues can have devastating, life-altering consequences for people who are forced to face the justice system alone.” To learn more about the LSC, please visit www.lsc.gov. Information about SDVLP is available at www.sdvlp.org. Teresa Warren (twarren@tw2marketing.com) is president of TW2 Marketing.

FEATURED PANELIST:

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34 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

Andrew Albert, Esq. N. Denise Asher, Esq. Hon. Victor Bianchini (Ret.) Jonathan Brenner, Esq. Hon. Steven Denton (Ret.) Hon. Vincent Di Figlia (Ret.) Hon. Christine Goldsmith (Ret.) Hon. John Hargrove (Ret.) Craig Higgs, Esq. Hon. Herbert B. Hoffman (Ret.)

Jeffrey Joseph, Esq. Robert Kaplan, Esq. Hon. William McCurine, Jr. (Ret.) Hon. David Moon, Jr. (Ret.) Hon. Leo Papas (Ret.) Gregory Post, Esq. Hon. Linda Quinn (Ret.) Thomas Sharkey, Esq. Maureen Summers, Esq.

For scheduling, call (619) 814-1966



L AW Y E RS H E L P I N G OT H E RS

J OE ERGASTO LO HELPING OTHERS HELP THEMSELVES

Shortly after becoming a lawyer, Joe Ergastolo began volunteering as a tutor for homeless grade school children at Father Joe’s Villages. Twenty-seven years and countless volunteer hours later, Joe now serves as Chairman of the board of directors of Father Joe’s Villages. San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages fosters self-sufficiency through an array of programs for homeless individuals and families, including job training, education, healthcare, mental health services, addiction treatment, housing more than 1,800 people each night, and serving 3,000 meals daily. “Homelessness affects people on every fundamental level of life. I am inspired by the success stories of the people and families that we help.” Support Father Joe’s Villages by attending the 33rd Annual Children’s Charity Gala on May 13 at the U.S. Grant Hotel. Visit my.neighbor.org to learn how giving your time or money can help. At Wright, L’Estrange & Ergastolo, Joe represents clients in complex civil litigation, including unfair competition, antitrust, trade secrets, and business disputes. Joe Ergastolo is not affiliated with the Law Office of Steven C. Vosseller.

After each case, we donate a portion of attorney’s fees to a nonprofit chosen by the client.

P L A I N T I F F P E R S O N A L I N J U RY

858-429-4062 www.vosslawyer.com

L AW O F F I C E O F

STEVEN C. VOSSELLER


Honoring Legal Legacies San Diego County Bar Foundation Honors 2017 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Inductees

T

he San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) has announced its 2017 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial inductees, recognizing deceased lawyers and judges of the San Diego County Bar Association who have demonstrated significant commitment to their communities as well as superior legal skills and high ethical standards throughout their careers. Each inductee was recognized with a permanent plaque in the Hall of Justice at the San Diego County Courthouse during a May 24 reception at The University Club. “Being inducted into the Distinguished Lawyer Memorial is a great honor,” said Micaela P. Banach, president of SDCBF. “These honorees demonstrated a true passion for justice and leave behind a legacy that upholds the highest standards of the law.” The 2017 Distinguished Lawyer Memorial inductees are:

California State Bar for being the first California lawyer to apply the salary-based test for employee exemption to part-time employees in a class action against the United Parcel Service. James W. Huston (1953-2016) – Huston was a nationally regarded trial lawyer who specialized in aviation, product liability, commercial and insurance cases. He practiced law for 32 years and was recognized in numerous prestigious professional publications, including Law360, as one of the “10 Most Admired Product Liability Attorneys” in the country. Huston was passionate about mentoring and teaching younger lawyers and leaves a tremendous legacy of advocacy and integrity. He maintained an active pro bono practice throughout his career and worked hard to provide pro bono opportunities for younger lawyers. By his own example, he taught the art and joy of practicing law with integrity and with the highest ethical standards.

"These honorees demonstrated a true passion for justice and leave behind a legacy that upholds the highest standards of the law.”

Raul Cadena (1966-2016) – Cadena studied sociology, economics, society and politics before earning his law degree from University of California, Berkeley’s School of Law in 1993. In 2003, he and his wife, Kristen Churchill, formed a partnership known as Cadena Churchill, LLP, where he specialized in employee class actions. Cadena held various positions within the community, including acting as the president of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego in 2015 and serving on the board of directors for the California Rural Legal Assistance from 2013 to 2016.

Karen S. Hughes (1959-2016) – Hughes was committed to generating the highest quality legal analysis and judicial discourse, and used this passion to develop programs that emphasized the importance of judicial education. These programs included a mock trial teaching tool in partnership with the Children at Risk Committee of the San Diego County Bar Association and educational programs for grade school students that incorporated volunteers from all levels of the court community. Hughes also acted as an adviser and mentor to many others throughout her career, including law students, foster youth and refugees. Debra L. Hurst (1957-2016) – Coming from a family of lawyers, Hurst was destined to practice law and ultimately found herself side-by-side with her father, George Hurst, as Hurst & Hurst. During her career, Hurst was honored as “Trial Lawyer of the Year” and twice named “Outstanding Trial Lawyer” by the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. She received recognition from the

Hon. Alex C. McDonald (1936-2016) – Justice McDonald attended Stanford University and the University of Bombay, India, among others. After earning his degrees, he specialized in real estate law and was instrumental in notable real estate projects throughout San Diego, including the development of Rancho Bernardo. Justice McDonald practiced law for more than 30 years before he served on the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One for 21 years.

Hon. Franklin B. Orfield (1921-2010) – Judge Orfield began practicing law after completing military service with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. In 1969, he was personally called by Governor Ronald Reagan to serve on the bench, where he acted as a superior court judge until 1988. During this time, Judge Orfield was elected Presiding Judge of the San Diego Superior Court and oversaw hundreds of trials, including the historic Carlin case desegregating San Diego schools. Colleagues, friends and families of honorees have made donations to the Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Fund, benefiting the SDCBF and the law-related organizations it supports that serve the disadvantaged in the local community. To make a contribution to the memorial or in recognition of one of this year’s honorees, visit sdcbf.org/donatedlm, call (619) 231-7015 or email info@sdcbf.org.

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 37



Distinctions Individuals and organizations in our community were recently honored for a variety of achievements. The following is a list of recent community recognitions: Karl Gruben, former associate dean for library and information services, law professor, and director of the Legal Research Center at the University of San Diego School of Law, was posthumously awarded a 2017 Marian Gould Gallagher Distinguished Service Award by the American Association of Law Libraries.

Gary Spradling, founding partner of Duckor Spradling Metzger & Wynne, was honored as recipient of the 2017 Client Choice Award throughout California in the category of Health Care and Life Science.

Cooley LLP litigation partner Steve Strauss was inducted as a fellow into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Todd Neal, a partner at Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, was elected to the board of directors for Meritas, a Chambers Elite Law Firm Global Network.

John Morrell, managing partner and chairman at Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP, was appointed president of Douglas Wilson Companies.

If you know of SDCBA members who received accolades for work of a civic nature, or of passings in our legal community, email information to bar@sdcba.org.

®

SUMMER SOCIALS Connect with colleagues over cocktails at the SDCBA’s Annual Summer Socials.

north county July 12th 4:30—6:30 p.m.

Downtown July 13th 4:30—6:30 p.m. $5 FOR SDCBA MEMBERS - $35 FOR NON-MEMBERS

Register: www.sdcba.org/summersocial BE WHERE YOU BELONG

TM

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 39



OPEN DIALOGUE

O

Continued from page 19 Best thing about it? LB: It is never boring. It’s great to go every day and be busy and always have something different. DK: It’s great to work with the other volunteers and staff which runs the gamut — there’s law students, there are experienced attorneys doing it, both family law experts and others who, like myself, do not have a background in family law. I definitely feel that my skills have developed greatly based on the work that I’ve done at the clinic, and the advice and mentoring I’ve received from the other clinic volunteers and staff. Final thoughts/Advice

broader perspective of what we do and the services provided by all of the various entities and organizations. I think it is a great way to use your skills and to help a larger group of people than you do in your own office.

“I can leave the clinic every day feeling like I helped someone's life and it's very meaningful.”

LB: You have to want to serve people. When I first started, somebody said something to the effect of, “Those who can, practice law. And those who can’t, go to work in public interest.” Sometimes people think that you’re doing a lesser job, that you took it because it’s a government job and it’s easy.

You may have less challenges in terms of high asset, high litigation cases but some of the issues that come before us, like service issues, parentage issues — there’s a lot of constant learning and challenges. I would encourage people who are interested to gain a

DK: The field of domestic violence tends to be intimidating for attorneys to consider going into as a volunteer because I think there’s some misconceptions around the individuals that you’re helping. I’ve found the clientele to be refreshing and I think it’s helped open my eyes as well in terms of helping people in need.

It’s the reason I get out of bed. I feel honored and humbled to help people. I think that’s a really great reason to consider public interest. Sometimes you see individuals come in with children and it makes it real, that the impact you have on this person goes all the way down to children who need that sort of protection. I leave the clinic feeling I did a service, and I think that’s a great feeling that other people can also enjoy by doing this type of work. Christine Pangan (cipangan@yahoo.com) is co-editor of San Diego Lawyer and a lead attorney at Legal Aid Society of San Diego.

Experience. Tenacity. Judgment. Kathryn Karcher, for your client’s appeal.

karcherappeals.com | 619.565.4755 Certified Appellate Specialist, Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California


THANK YOU:

100 PERCENT CLUB 2017 The San Diego County Bar thrives only because of the support and talents of each and every one of our members. Thank you to our “100% Club” firms, whose attorneys are all members of the SDCBA in 2017. Your leadership and dedication to our profession is truly appreciated.

Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin, LLP Andrews Lagasse Branch & Bell LLP Antonyan Miranda, LLP Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo APLC Austin, Brownwood, Cannon & Santa Cruz Balestreri Potocki & Holmes ALC* Beamer, Lauth, Steinley & Bond, LLP Belsky & Associates Bender & Gritz, APLC Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP* Best Best & Krieger, LLP Blackmar, Principe & Schmelter APC Blanchard Krasner & French Bonnie R. Moss & Associates Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP Brown Law Group Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Butterfield Schechter LLP Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP* Caufield & James LLP Christensen & Spath LLP Circuit McKellogg Kinney & Ross, LLP Cohelan Khoury & Singer D’Egidio Licari & Townsend, APC Dentons US LLP Devaney Pate Morris & Cameron LLP Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC District Attorney’s Office* Duckor Spradling Metzger & Wynne ALC* Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick, LLP Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC Erickson Law Firm APC Farmer Case & Fedor* Ferris & Britton, APC Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP Fischer & Van Theil, LLP Fleischer & Ravreby *

10+ years as 100 Percent Club

Fleming PC Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP* Frantz Law Group APLC Fredrickson, Mazeika & Grant, LLP* Garmo & Garmo LLP Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP Gomez Trial Attorneys Goodwin Brown Gross & Lovelace LLP Graham Hollis APC Green Bryant & French, LLP* Greene & Roberts LLP Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden PC Grimm, Vranjes & Greer, LLP* Henderson, Caverly, Pum & Charney LLP Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP* Hoffman & Forde Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC Horton Oberrecht Kirkpatrick & Martha, APC* Hughes & Pizzuto, APC Jackson Lewis PC Judkins, Glatt & Hulme LLP* Kirby & McGuinn APC Klinedinst PC Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck, LLP Konoske Akiyama | Brust LLP Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc.* Lincoln Gustafson & Cercos LLP Littler Mendelson PC McCloskey, Waring & Waisman LLP Men’s Legal Center Miller, Monson, Peshel, Polacek & Hoshaw* Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP Neil, Dymott, Frank, McFall & Trexler APLC Nicholas & Tomasevic LLP Noonan Lance Boyer & Banach LLP Office of the San Diego City Attorney

Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP* Peterson & Price, APC Pettit Kohn Ingrassia & Lutz PC Pope, Berger, Williams & Reynolds, LLP Preovolos Lewin & Hezlep, ALC Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP Pyle Sims Duncan & Stevenson APC RJS Law Rowe | Mullen LLP San Diego Unified Port District Sandler, Lasry, Laube, Byer & Valdez LLP Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot LLP Selman Breitman, LLP Seltzer|Caplan|McMahon|Vitek, ALC* Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP* Shoecraft Burton, LLP Shustak Reynolds & Partners, PC Siegel, Moreno & Stettler, APC* Simpson Delmore Greene LLP Smith, Steiner, Vanderpool & Wax, APC Solomon, Grindle, Lidstad & Wintringer, APC Solomon Minton Cardinal Doyle & Smith LLP Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP Stoel Rives LLP Stokes Wagner ALC Sullivan Hill Lewin Rez & Engel Summers & Shives, APC Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, LLP Walsh McKean Furcolo LLP Ward & Hagen LLP Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP* Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP Winet Patrick Gayer Creighton & Hanes ALC Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Juskie LLP Witham Mahoney & Abbott, LLP Withers Bergman LLP Wright, L’Estrange & Ergastolo Zeldes Haeggquist & Eck, LLP


#sdlaw Share pics from your office view! Use #sdlaw when you post to social media or email bar@sdcba.org. You may appear in our next issue. Right: View from Leslie Devaney's office.

Jeremy Evans' home office view.

Tom Buchenau's El Cajon office view.

View from Edward McIntyre's "western" office, in Kauai.

The waterfront from George Brewster's office.

The trolley passing Christine Pangan's office window.

Jan Maiden's office view from Chula Vista.

Bob Gaglione's office view from downtown. May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 43



PHOTO GALLERY ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON

Want to see more?

Friends and colleagues gathered to recognize the SDCBA's 2017 Service Award recipients and celebrate giving back during the Association's Annual Awards Luncheon and Celebration of Community Service on May 1.

Like our Facebook page! @sdcountybar #sdlaw

James Koerber

Back row (L-R): Loren Freestone, Todd Stevens, Richard Huver; Front: Heather Riley, Jerrilyn Malana, Hon. Jill Burkhardt, Marcella McLaughlin

Back row (L-R): Hon. Michael Anello, Hon. M. James Lorenz, Hon. Marilyn Huff, Hon. Karen Crawford, Hon. Thomas Whelan, Hon. Jill Burkhardt, Hon. Dana Sabraw, Hon. Nita Stormes; Front: Hon. Cynthia Bashant; Hon. Janis Sammartino, Hon. Barry Ted Moskowitz, Hon. Cathy Ann Bencivengo, Hon. David Bartick

Robert Caietti

Alex Calero

POSTER & VIDEO CONTEST JUDGING Members of the Bench and Bar voted for their favorite entries for the 2017 Law Week Poster & Video Contest, a Bench-Bar Community Service activity.

BAR BOOK CLUB Roberta Thyfault

Hon. Michael Groch

On May 4, SDCBA members gathered at the Bar Center at 401 to discuss 1984 by George Orwell.

May/June 2017 SAN DIEGO LAWYER 45


PHOTO GALLERY

THLA ANNUAL DINNER Photos by Paul Clark Photography The Tom Homann LGBT Law Association (THLA) held their Annual Dinner at the US Grant on April 13.

Back Row (L-R): Eran Bermudez, Kevin Davis, Shawn Huston, Kevin Alexander, Meagan Verschueren, Sam Duimovich, Leonard Trinh, Ellen Smith, George Seymour, Ariel Javier; Front: Nicholas Fox, Ben Aguilar, Christopher Hicks, Alicia Aquino, Marisa Di Tillio

L-R: Ben Aguilar, Ellen Miller-Sharp, Nicholas Fox

Patricia Hollenbeck

FEDERALIST SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER Photos courtesy of the San Diego Federalist Society The San Diego Federalist Society's Annual Dinner was held on May 5 at Stone Brewery Bistro & Gardens in Liberty Station.

Ryan Darby, Hon. Janice Rogers Brown

Read San Diego Lawyer Online! Access the digital edition at www.sdbca.org/SDLdigital ADVERTISERS INDEX ADR Services, Inc......................................... 10 AHERN Insurance........................................ 5 Badi Badiozamani....................................... 12 CaseyGerry .................................................... 3 Craig Higgs.......................................................... 17 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP.. 10 Glass Mediations......................................... 32 46 SAN DIEGO LAWYER May/June 2017

JAMS................................................................... 14 Judicate West ............................................... 34 Kathryn Karcher........................................... 41 Law Firm of Richard L. Duquette...... 21 Law Office of Stacie L. Patterson....... 31 Law Office of Steven C. Vosseller...... 36 LawPay.............................................................. 40

Lawyer Referral & Information Service..30 Noonan Lance Boyer & Banach LLP.......18 Panish Shea & Boyle LLP...................................48 Pokorny Mediations............................................. 2 San Diego County Bar Foundation ........44 USClaims.......................................................... 38 West Coast Resolution Group............. 18


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