NOVEMBER 2010
Edward Poll addresses how to build business
in a tough economy at November luncheon
By Cindy Jones
T
Edward Poll
imes are tough and in hard
The recession has created other
times, business can suffer.
problems as well. Large firms are
Edward Poll, firm man-
facing continuity issues, after lay-
preneurship at UCLA and USC for
30 years.
Poll has chaired the California
agement consultant, will discuss
ing off more than 4% of the lawyer
State Bar’s Law Practice Manage-
how to build business during the
work force, including long-time
ment and Technology Section, as
recession and recovery. Poll says
partners. Attorneys in all size prac-
well as the Solo & Small Firm Sec-
the biggest challenge created by
tices are facing increasing competi-
tion. On a local level, he is chair of
the recession for practice manage-
tion for fewer clients. Additionally,
the Beverly Hills Bar Association
ment is “effective client relations,
collecting fees has become harder
Law Practice Management Section
including the law service pricing
as clients face their own economic
and vice chair of the Los Angeles
model and policies.” Attorneys
problems. Poll will address how to
County Bar Association’s Law
must increasingly improve their ef-
face these emerging issues.
Office Management Section. Poll
ficiency in delivering legal services.
Poll has been a practice manage-
has written numerous books, most
ment consultant for 20 years. Poll
recently Growing Your Law Practice
found his calling while serving as
in Tough Times, for West publica-
Who, What, Where, When
chief operating officer for a mid-
tions. His other books include
size law firm. Poll says “I took on
the ABA’s Attorney and Law Firm
When: Thursday, November 18, 12 to 1:15 p.m.
the additional challenge and had
Guide to The Business of Law, and
Where: Bristol Hotel, 1055 First Ave., downtown
so much fun doing it, I decided to
Collecting Your Fee: Getting Paid,
do it full time as a consultant.” He
from Intake to Invoice.
Cost: Members, $25. Non-members, $30. Students, $20.
At the door if space available, $30.
RSVP: www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
1.0 hour MCLE credit (ethics)
draws on his personal experience
Cindy Jones is a Principal at Avatar
having worked as a government
Legal, PC, and is Co-Chair of Law-
prosecutor, corporate general
yers Club Programs Committee.
counsel, sole practitioner, and firm
partner. He has also taught entre-
What’s Inside
Upcoming Events
Volunteer now to help plan Women’s Resource Fair, mingle with lawyers and students at Coronado
mixer, mark your calendar for East County holiday judges’ reception. See pages 4-5
Fall Wine & Cheese
Lawyers Club honors judiciary at Fall Wine & Cheese Reception. See page 6
Fashion and Fundraising
Couture for a Cause raises more than $35,000 for local charities. See pages 6-7
Women’s Event
Women of Color in the Law luncheon brought the community together. See pages 12 and 13
Lawyers Club News
2
november 2010
President’s Message
Support System for Mother Attorneys
By Wendy Behan
H
opefully you were able to attend
The key to either staying in the profession or returning after
the September monthly luncheon
a break is to have role models for success. Lawyers Club can
where the hot topic of whether to
be that support system. If you would like to be connected
take a break from working as an attorney
with another member for support or guidance, let us know.
to raise children or continue working was
There are many members who are always happy to talk about
debated. Former State Bar President Holly
how they balance or share how they were able to reenter the
Fujie took the rather unpopular position
profession.
that women should absolutely not leave to
raise children. Her position was not exactly
very popular with the room full of mother
attorneys. However, Holly advocated that
women should attempt to work with their employers to negotiate an
alternative work arrangement rather than leave their position. Firms, like
Holly’s, want to work with the attorneys to keep them at their firm rather
than lose them.
Holly’s unequivocal opinion on this issue has come in part from seeing the harsh reality for women in the profession – the low percentage of
women in partnership roles at law firms, especially as equity and managing partners. Those numbers cannot increase if women routinely leave for
motherhood. The other harsh reality that Holly discussed is that in these
tough economic times a woman, or any attorney, for that matter, cannot
afford to take a leave from the profession. Holly cited the example at her
firm where they recently advertised for an associate position and over 500
attorneys applied in one day! With such a competitive job market, the sad
truth is that attorneys with gaps in their employment are not going to get
that interview.
Holly’s counterpart on the panel was career management consultant,
Personally, I believe balance is always a moving target but
something I attempt to achieve with the support of my family
and my firm. My kids are a little older now, 5 and 9, and both
at the same elementary school, but I am learning balancing
does not necessarily get easier as they get older. Now there
is after school activities, including sports and homework to
contend with. I always love hearing from other women about
how they achieve balance, or at least attempt to, in their lives.
I recently read an interview with Supreme Court Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsberg about her life as a mother and attorney.
When Justice Ginsberg was in law school, she already was
married with one child. She later had a second child. She said
that, “I attribute to my daughter the responsibility for why I
was such a good law student. I went home, played with Jane,
had dinner and then I was ready to go back to the books. It
was the pause that refreshes.” Justice Ginsberg credits her
success in her career to her supportive husband who was a
very hands-on parent. “That’s my dream for the world. That a
child should have two caring parents who share the joys and
often the burdens. It really does take a man who regards his
Amy Berenson Mallow, who said you can take a break, but don’t step away
wife as his best friend, his equal, his true partner in life.” I
from the profession completely. Amy suggested staying in touch with
share in Justice Ginsberg’s view and could not balance without
peers, continuing to network, attend MCLE events, and volunteer your
the support of my husband. However, I realize that not all
time. This is where Lawyers Club can help.
women are so lucky. For those women it is even more essen-
It was great to see so many new faces at the luncheon. There were
many mother attorneys who have left the profession and may be trying to
tial to reach out for help and guidance from your peers.
I encourage our members to reach out to one another for
make their way back. Lawyers Club recognizes the void that these women
support. Lawyers Club can be the best support system for
feel and wants to work together with our members to help balancing work/
women confronted with balance issues or those trying to
life and reentering the work force after a break for raising children.
reenter after a pause in their careers. Contact me at wbehan@
One of the benefits of Lawyers Club is meeting with other members
and learning from their experiences. This is why I personally have grown
to realize that Lawyers Club is an essential part of my success and I want
it to be that for all women attorneys in San Diego. When I first joined
Lawyers Club, I joined one of our two informal “balance groups,” which is
a group of members who meet regularly for lunch to discuss various topics
on balancing work and family life. Every member of the group is balancing their lives in different and creative ways and it helps to learn from one
another. If you would like to join either the downtown or Carmel Valley
balance group, email me or the Lawyers Club office for information.
cglaw.com or the Lawyers Club office at [email protected] and we can help pair you with someone to help.
Also, contact us to either join one of the balance groups or
for information on starting your own group. Justice Ginsberg
served as a mentor for her clerks, “She gave me a picture of
the kind of career that was possible with children, that I’d want
to have.” Remember that you can also serve as such a role
model to other women around you.
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club of San Diego
701 B Street, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 595-0650 phone
(619) 595-0657 fax
[email protected]
President
Wendy Behan
Vice Presidents
George Brewster, Jodi Cleesattle,
Meryl Maneker, Kelly Rand
Secretary
Natalie Prescott
Treasurer
Rupa Singh
Directors
Teresa Beck, Sarah Boot, Tara Grabarczyk,
Danielle Hickman, Sydney Kirkland, Udoka Nwanna,
Stacie Patterson, Johanna Schiavoni, Lana Sheshina
Lawyers Club News
About Us
Lawyers Club members making news
Elected
Several Lawyers Club members were elected officers and directors
of San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association for 2011-12. Eran Marie
Bermudez was elected president, Lizzette Herrera was elected vice
president, and Sergio Feria was elected treasurer. Lawyers Club members Alara Chilton, Marissa Dragoo, Raquel Prieguez and Robert
Rodriguez were elected to the La Raza board of directors. The new
board took office in October.
Sharon Blanchet
Executive Director
Joan Friedenberg
Lizzette Herrera
Secretary
Judy Marolt
Treasurer
Michelle Mierzwa
Directors
Carolyn Brock, Sheryl Graf
North County Chapter
President
Sydney Kirkland
Charles Wesley
Kim, Jr.
Vice President
Dawn Hall Cauthen
Treasurer
Renee Parker
Secretary
Andrea Gherini
Advisory Board
Hon. Katherine Bacal, Charles Bird,
Hon. Patricia Cowett (Ret.), Hon. Cindy Dobler Davis,
Stacy Fode, Hon. Irma E. Gonzalez,
Hon. Anthony Joseph (Ret.), Kitty Juniper
Catherine Kowalewski, Tracy Loughridge,
Hon. Judith McConnell, Paula Rosenstein,
Lynn Schenk, Hon. Stephanie Sontag,
Hon. Randa Trapp, Vickie Turner, Lisa Weinreb
Desa Burton
Lawyers Club welcomes contributions to the newsletter, as well as your comments and suggestions regarding Lawyers Club News. Contact Michelle Ialeggio at
[email protected] with your ideas for articles.
The deadline for articles is the first day of the month
prior to the month of publication. The advertising deadline is the eighth day of the month prior to the month of
publication. Articles should be submitted in Microsoft
Word. For advertising information, contact Joan Friedenberg at (619) 595-0650.
Lawyers Club member Lizzette Herrera has been appointed to the
Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act Implementation Committee, which will
oversee the California Judicial Council’s development of pilot projects
to provide legal representation to low-income parties on critical legal
issues affecting basic human needs. Herrera is a professor at Thomas
Jefferson School of Law, where she teaches professional responsibility
and wills and trusts.
Lawyers Club Sustaining Member Charles Wesley Kim, Jr. and member Desa Burton have been re-appointed to second terms on the City
of San Diego Managed Competition Independent Review Board. Kim,
who also chairs a County of San Diego Assessment Appeals Board, is
Of Counsel to Yelman & Associates, practicing in the areas of family,
business and regulatory law. Burton is an associate at Fish & Richardson PC, where she practices intellectual property law.
Lawyers Club vice president Jodi Cleesattle was appointed in October
to the board of directors of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, a non-profit
organization that promotes excellence and ethics in journalism and supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Cleesattle, a deputy attorney general with the California Department
of Justice and a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor, also
serves on the national board of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Honored
California Western School of Law, a Lawyers Club annual benefactor,
won the State Bar’s 2010 President’s Pro Bono Service Award in the law
school category, in the first year law schools were honored in the Bar’s annual pro bono awards. Cal Western, which received the award at the State
Bar’s annual meeting in Monterey in September, was honored for its Pro
Bono Program, Community Law Project and California Innocence Project.
Editor
Michelle Ialeggio
Lawyers Club News is published monthly 11 times a
year, with a combined July/August issue.
Lawyers Club Sustaining Member and former vice president Sharon
Blanchet was elected president of the Southern California Chapter of the
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers for 2010-11. The 92-member
chapter covers San Diego to Santa Barbara and is celebrating its 25th year
as an official chapter of the invitation-only national organization. Blanchet,
a partner with Ashworth, Blanchet, Christenson & Kalemkiarian, is the
fourth woman president. Lawyer Club members Sandra Morris and
Janis Stocks also have served as chapter president.
Appointed
East County Chapter
President
Tara L. Grabarczyk
3
Samantha Everett
On the Move
Lawyers Club members Samantha Everett has joined Wilson Turner
Kosmo as an associate in the firm’s Employment Law and Business Litigation groups. Previously, Everett was an associate with Stokes Roberts
and Wagner ALC, and in the San Diego office of Cooley LLP.
Have you spoken at a professional conference? Have you changed jobs? Have you won any
recent awards? Don’t be shy about sharing your good news.
Submit news of your or your colleagues’ career accomplishments – awards, promotions,
job changes, board appointments, published articles, presentations, etc. – to Jodi Cleesattle
at [email protected]. The deadline for each issue of Lawyers Club News is the first of
the month prior to that issue.
Lawyers Club News
4
Task Force begins plans for 2011
Women’s Resource Fair
By Kathryn Quarles
The 22 annual Women’s Resource Fair is gearing up and looking
nd
to involve Lawyers Club members.
The fair, which will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, provides
essential services to homeless, battered, and indigent women and
their children from across the county. Services are divided into
three essential areas – legal, medical and social. The fair is basically
a one-stop-shop for women and children in need. Participants can
receive medical exams, legal advice, and social service assistance.
The Women’s Resource Fair Task Force is composed of legal
professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of women
and children. Task Force members plan and organize all aspects of
the Women’s Resource Fair. Members coordinate transportation,
arrange child care for young children and teenagers, recruit volunteers to work the day of the fair, recruit medical and social service
november 2010
East County Chapter hosts
holiday judges reception
By Tara Grabarczyk
The East County Chapter of Lawyers Club is set to host
our largest event of the year, the holiday Judges Reception. The event is a great way to kick off the holiday season
and honor the East County Judiciary.
The annual event will be held on December 2, 2010 from
5:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Avenue, El Cajon, CA.
The reception is free of charge and entertainment, appetizers and champagne will be provided. The event is a casual gathering of the bench and bar and all money raised in
donations will benefit the Lawyers Club Fund for Justice.
Tara Grabarczyk is a sole practitioner and is president
of the East County Chapter of Lawyers Club.
providers, assist with fundraising, assemble gift bags, coordinate
with the facilities staff at Golden Hall in the Civic Center, and help
with promotion and outreach in advance of the fair. During the
event, Task Force members pitch in to help register guests, provide
security and information, coordinate volunteers, and provide breakfast and lunch for fair participants.
The meeting time commitments of a Task Force member are
minimal – the group will meet once a month during the fall, twice a
month in January and every Friday in February.
TRUSTED BY LAW
FIRMS SINCE 1985
The Task Force will meet at the offices of Higgs Fletcher & Mack
at 401 West A Street Suite 2600, Downtown. The second meeting
is at noon on November 19, 2010 and the Task Force will continue
to meet the third Friday of each month.
For more information about participating on the Task Force, contact co-chairs Cynthia Morgan at [email protected] or Anna
Carpenter at [email protected].
Founded in 1985, Kramm Court Reporting began as
a modest court reporting firm providing expert court
reporting, legal video and case management services to
San Diego clients. And while our business has expanded to
serve clients nationwide, we continue to provide the same
level of professionalism, integrity and quality service.
And, please remember to collect unused make-up, toiletries and
other personal items that can be added to gift bags that are assembled and given to the women who obtain services at the Women’s
We also proudly support the San Diego legal community:
Resource Fair. Lawyers Club will collect these items at the monthly
» Cons. Attorneys of San Diego » San Diego Legal Secretaries Assoc.
luncheons this fall and winter.
Kathryn Quarles is an associate at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek and
is a member of the Lawyers Club Women’s Resource Fair Task Force.
» Trial Lawyers of San Diego
» San Diego Bar Association
» San Diego Law Library
» Lawyers Club
» San Diego Paralegals Assoc.
» San Diego Volunteer Lawyers
» San Diego Defense Lawyers
» Legal Secretaries, Incorporated
800.939.0080
WEB: www.kramm.com
PHONE:
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club News
Student committee to host Coronado mixer
L
aw Students & Attorney Fall Wine Mixer will take place
on November 17th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Wine
Styles in Coronado. The event, hosted by Lawyers Club
Student Committee, will feature complimentary drinks, appetizers, and great prizes. Come and get to know your younger
peers and colleagues in an informal setting! Attendance is
free. RSVP to Stacy Dooley at [email protected] before
November 15th.
PERSISTENT 5-YEAR PERFORMANCE
FOR
THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, both the Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds and Ivy Funds top
the list of the “Best Mutual Fund Families” over the last ﬁve years in an annual ranking published by
Barron’s. In the newspaper’s Feb. 1, 2010 issue, Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds ranked ﬁrst and Ivy
Funds second in terms of performance over the ﬁve-year period ended Dec. 31, 2009, out of 54 fund
families ranked.
When building your investment portfolio, you’ll want to take the longer view. And when you do, you’ll
ﬁnd the persistent performance of Waddell & Reed, working across many types of market cycles.
At Waddell & Reed, we’ve been building personal ﬁnancial plans with highly
competitive mutual funds for more than 70 years. May we build a plan for you?
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a fund carefully before investing.
For a prospectus containing this and other information for any of the Waddell & Reed Advisors or Ivy Funds, call your
ﬁnancial advisor or visit www.waddell.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Investment return and principal value will ﬂuctuate, and it is possible to lose money by investing. Past performance
is not a guarantee of future results.
Barron’s rankings are based on asset-weighted returns in ﬁve categories: domestic equity, world equity (including international and global portfolios), mixed equity (stocks and bonds), taxable bonds and tax exempt funds. For the period
ending 12/31/09, Ivy Funds ranked 39 and Waddell & Reed Advisors ranked 49, out of 61 ﬁrms for the 1 yr. period.
Ivy Funds ranked 18 and Waddell & Reed Advisors 24, out of 48 ﬁrms for the 10 yr. period. For the period ending
12/31/2008 Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds also were the top ranked fund family, and Ivy Funds number three, out of
53 fund families over the 5-year period. Sales charges are not included in the calculation of returns, and the ranking
period included time periods during which some funds’ returns were affected by expense reduction arrangements.
Elizabeth M. Ruch, CFP®, CMFC
Financial Planner
4679 VISTA ST
SAN DIEGO, CA 92116
(619) 295-9930
[email protected]
5
Lawyers Club roots on Padres at last
home game of the season
By Kelly Rand
It was certainly a season to remember as the San Diego Padres
held on to first place in the western division for most of the summer. However, after a ten game losing streak the hearts of many
Padre fans started to fall into the pits of their stomachs as their lead
started to narrow down and was eventually overcome by the San
Francisco Giants. Lawyers Club members and guests attended a
special night at the Padres on September 29 and came together to
cheer on the San Diego team in the last home game of the season.
Ready to defeat the Cubs, 20 Padre Loyalists along with Lawyers
Club members attended the third game of the series. The Cubs had
a surprising series, winning their first two games. Some speculated
that they had a new surge of energy after Lou Pinella stepped down
as coach near the end of the season and was replaced by interim
manager Mike Quade.
However, it must have been something in the air or just plain Lawyers Club Magic that turned things around when the Padres went on
to win a 3-0 game against the Chicago Cubs in the third game which
was held on Wednesday night September 29. Justice McConnell
attended with her son-in-law and said. “These seats are great!” Joe
Dini and his daughter Shea also commented on the seats which
were directly between home plate and first base. Dini said “these
were the best seats I ever had and the entire game was great, my
daughter and I would love to come again next year so Thank You
Lawyers Club!”
And, although the Padres did not make it into the postseason, you
never know with players like Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Ludwick, Chase
Headly, Yorvit Torrealba, Will Veneable, Chris Denorfia, David Eckstein, Heath Bell, Chris Young and Mat Latos (just to mention a few)
this year may have just been a warm up for something even greater
to come. So hold onto your caps, and we will see you at the park
next year.
Kelly Rand is a deputy district attorney and member of the Lawyers Club board member.
Member SIPC Waddell & Reed, Inc. 10494 (03/10)
craighiggs.com
Lawyers Club News
6
november 2010
Couture for a Cause raises over $35,000
for two local charities
By Natalie Prescott
The third annual Couture for a Cause fashion show netted
over $35,000 for two San Diego charities, Voices for Children
and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, exceeding last
year’s goal by at least $10,000. The gala was held Sept. 30
at the Hard Rock Hotel and began with a reception, a silent
auction, and a book signing – followed by the fashion show,
which featured lawyers, legal professionals, and retired
judges as models.
A twenty-year-old Tasha Rankin graced the catwalk and
appeared as a spokesperson for Voices for Children at the
event. Tasha entered the foster care when she was 9, a
result of her mother’s drug abuse. Since then, Tasha lived
in a number of group and foster homes, eventually graduating from a boarding school for foster youth and receiving a
scholarship to attend her dream college – all with the help
and support of Voices for Children.
Author Sarah Reinertsen, the first woman amputee to compete in the Iron Man competition, also spoke at the event and
modeled elegant business attire. Reinertsen, who appeared
on CBS’s “Amazing Race” in 2006, is a strong supporter and
a spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Last
year, Reindersten published a book, “A Single Bound,” which
detailed her childhood and her road to success.
Lawyers Club President Wendy
Behan in stunning hot pink.
Judge Sullivan’s elegant presentation
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Lawyers Club News
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
7
“It was inspiring to see these two incredible, strong women who have accomplished such
impressive results despite numerous obstacles,” said Oleg Cross, an attorney at Cross Law
Group, who represented Lawyers Club as a model. “It was an honor to be able to contribute to
their mission.”
Lawyers Club members Wendy Behan, George Brewster, and Jill Randall, and attorneys Buck
Endemann and Mustapha Parekh also modeled at the show. Additionally, retired Judges Alice
Sullivan and Vincent DiFiglia charmed the crowd as volunteer models this year.
Proceeds from Couture for a Cause will benefit Voices for Children, which works to ensure
that abused, neglected and abandoned children who have become dependents of the San Diego
County Court system will have a safe and permanent home, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides unparalleled sports opportunities, hope, education, and inspiration to physically challenged individuals, enabling them to live active lifestyles and become whole through sports.
Lawyers Club member and MAMAs
President Justine Phillips enjoys a
glamorous evening with husband Scott
The sponsoring organizations included Lawyers Club, the South Asian Bar Association of
San Diego, the Southern California Chapter of the Legal Marketing Association, the San Diego
Paralegal Association, the San Diego Legal Secretaries Association, the San Diego Chapter of
the Association of Legal Administrators, the San Diego Chapter of Women in E-discovery, and
the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association (MAMAs). Patti Groff, director of administration
for Butz Dunn & DeSantis and a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Association of Legal
Administrators, spearheaded and coordinated the Couture for a Cause event. For the third year
in a row, retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Leo Papas served as master of ceremonies.
“Each year Couture for a Cause just keeps getting bigger and better,” remarked Wendy Behan, a partner at Casey Gerry, who represented MAMAs as a model. “It was a great event and
raised a lot of money for two worthy organizations. It was inspiring to hear the speakers from
the charities speak and how our donations help individuals. The Hard Rock Hotel was a great
venue and you could see the success of the event by the full house.”
Jonathan Perrelli and Lawyers Club member
Gayle Blatt. Photos by Natalie Prescott
Natalie Prescott is an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, a member of the Lawyers Club
board of directors, and a JulieBaker_Lawyers_Ad_Jan2010
member of the Couture for a Cause Steering
12/9/09Committee.
11:14 AM Page 1
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“Welcome to all new and renewing student members,
and many thanks to all who volunteered to mentor
student and new attorney members through our
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Wendy Behan — President, Lawyers Club San Diego
Dedicated to the Pursuit of Justice
www.caseygerry.com
San Diego Office: 110 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 238-1811
North County Office: 1901 Camino Vida Roble Suite 121, Carlsbad, CA 92008 • 760-743-8448
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Lawyers Club News
8
november 2010
A Planting Towards the Future
By Megan Johnson
O
n September 11, 2010, the Lawyer’s Club Community Outreach Committee broke ground on its latest project with
partner, Shakti Rising. Lawyers, gardeners, and women
in recovery joined forces for a great cause: to construct an outdoor
garden classroom area at the Shakti Rising house. As a women’s
recovery home, Shakti Rising focuses on sustainability, and intends
to use the new garden area as a metaphor for personal healing and
growth in the women’s recovery, as well as a source of income,
and a space that can serve the needs of the greater community for
meetings and gatherings.
Michele Macosky, co-chair of Lawyers Club’s Community Outreach Committee, was busy planting with her son when she said “It
was amazing to see the yard transforming, with everyone working
together – people building planters, people planting, people raking,
Volunteers help build a structure for the garden.
Photos by Michele Macosky
people watering. There was such an energy here! It is incredible to
the garden. If you are interested in learning more about Shakti Rising,
watch the garden taking shape and becoming a reality.”
please check out their website at www.shaktirising.org or contact Me-
It was truly a beautiful site to see volunteers from all different walks of life coming together to “get dirty” for a cause. The
gan Johnson [email protected].
Megan Johnson is an associate attorney at Gray & Prouty specializing
Community Outreach Committee was led by Megan Johnson who
in civil litigation. She serves on the Lawyers Club Community Outreach
coordinated the efforts of so many people who initially helped with
Committee.
the fundraising and organizing which led up to actually
COME TO WHERE
THE GRASS IS GREENER.
building the space for Shakti.
The outreach committee and
other helping hands were
successful in completing the
first phase of the project,
which consisted of garden
boxes for vegetables, thanks
to donations from the local community of starter
plants and redwood at cost.
Committee members also
installed the irrigation to the
garden, and started hanging
Services
A Lawyers Club member’s son helps
plant the garden.
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wooly pockets on the concrete wall in the backyard, as well as constructing planter boxes
for fruit trees. The construction efforts were also led by committee member, Merrianne Dean, who proved to be a great resource
yet again on this project with her power tools and construction
knowledge.
The second phase of construction will consist of hanging the
wooly pockets, painting an old shed, and building additional mobile
619.231.3282 | teris.com
planter boxes for the entry off the driveway, as well as trellises for
655 West Broadway | Suite 200 | San Diego, CA 92101
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club News
Welcome to New Lawyers Club Members
The following individuals have joined the ranks of Lawyers Club of San Diego. Lawyers Club welcomes all of its new members and encourages them
to get involved at social and networking events and with the many Lawyers
Club committees, projects and programs.
Caroline Albano
Stephanie Alcala
Ashleigh Angeletti
Dalia Astalos
Julia Austin
Alexandra Bashkirova
Alephia Baxamusa
Sara Belvill
Elizabeth Bhuta
Elizabeth Bingham
Rosie Brady
Alison Brown
Sook Hyun Choi
Emily Chhun
Katie Codon
Michael Chu
Amber Curto
Karen DeBolt
Lisa DeBolt
Melissa Deleon
Anne Foster-Keddie
Paula Gluzman
Antoinette Gonzalez
Nina Griffin
Cynthia Groves
Ashlee Gustafson
Kendall Holbrook
Serena Hourigan
Laurie Housman
Sarah Jones
Chanell Kachi
Melissa King
Joy Kolender
Amy Krieg
Tarren Lopez
William Low
Sophia Luber
Brendon Marshall
Samantha Massau
Laurie McNamara
Negeen Mirreghabie
Amanda Molter
Karyn Moore
9
Fund for Justice awards $6,500 in grants
at September luncheon
By Michelle Ialeggio
Lawyers Club members were given an extra treat at September’s monthly luncheon. Guests who attended to partake in the
discussion of “Should I stay or should I go? Issues facing women
weighing whether to stay in practice and balance, or temporarily
leave the practice of law,” were also a part of presenting $6,500 in
grants from the Fund for Justice which were awarded to four local
non-profit organizations.
In July Lawyers Club Fund for Justice committee met and
approved grants to Compass Family Center, Casa Cornelia Law
Center, the YWCA, and the American Bar Association’s Immigration Justice Project. Fund for Justice Committee co-chair Karen
Crawford presented the grants with extra large checks which were
welcomly received.
The Fund for Justice, which was established in 1997, awards
grants to provide education, research, funding and programming to
address social issues and specific problems relating to women and
children in San Diego County. The Fund for Justice awarded its first
grant in March 2000 and has since awarded more than $100,000 in
grants to local non-profits.
Michelle Ialeggio is a deputy district attorney. She is editor of
Lawyers Club News and is a member of the Lawyers Club Fund for
Justice Committee.
A representative of the Compass Family Center accepts a check
from Fund for Justice co-chair Karen Crawford and Lawyers Club
president Wendy Behan.
Karen Crawford (right) presents a check to Liz Sweet of the ABA
Immigration Justice Project. Photos by Jane Engelman
Lawyers Club News
10
november 2010
Lawyers Club honors judiciary at annual Fall Wine & Cheese Reception
By Kimberly Ahrens, Esq.
O
ver 200 Lawyers Club members and guests mingled and
“I recently joined the Events Committee of the Lawyers Club and
made new friends while honoring members of the judi-
had a great time serving wine at the Wine & Cheese event,” said Maya
ciary at its annual Fall Wine & Cheese reception on Thurs-
Miller, post-bar law clerk at Law Office of Steven M. Ratner, PC. “It
day, February 21, at the downtown offices of Higgs Fletcher and
was wonderful to meet such a variety of people at one event. Looking
Mack. There was a great turnout from the judiciary who interacted
forward to the next one!”
with law students, Lawyers Club members and other members of
the bench.
“I really enjoy the Lawyers Club Wine and Cheese receptions,”
said Isabel Eustaquio, of San Diego County Law Library. “I always
run into old friends and make new ones.”
Higgs Fletcher and Mack graciously volunteered their offices in
addition to many of the delicious fruit, cheese and beverages. The
reception also featured a variety of wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Gayle Blatt, former Lawyers Club president Kate Kowalewski and current
Lawyers Club president Wendy Behan.
b u i lt f o r
Honorable Esteban Hernandez and former Lawyers Club president
Lisa Weinreb
success
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Lawyers Club board member Natalie Prescott pins a boutineere on
the Honorable Robert Coates
www.knchlaw.com
sales, to construction and business litigation, our breadth
of experience and geographical coverage ensures that our
clients’ business and financial concerns are being effectively
represented every step of the way.
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Lawyers Club News
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
11
If you are interested in helping plan other fun events for Lawyers Club, contact Events Committee co-chairs Kelly Rand at Kelly.Rand@sdcda
or Kimberly Ahrens at [email protected].
Kimberly Ahrens is the founder of The Ahrens Law Office and is a current co-chair of Lawyers Club’s Events Committee.
Eric Ganci and Renee Galente
Photos by Jane Engelman
You are cordially invited to Lawyers Club of San Diego’s Carmel
Valley Membership Mix & Mingle. Hosted by Sheppard Mullin
Richter & Hampton, LLP and generously sponsored by TERIS.
All are welcome, especially non-members who are interested in
learning more about Lawyers Club.
Thursday
November 4th
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Paseo Del Mar Patio
@ Sheppard Mullin
12275 El Camino Real
Del Mar 92130
RSVP to 619.595.0650
or visit www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club News
12
november 2010
Women of Color in Law Luncheon celebrates diversity
By Udoka Nwanna
I
t is fall once again, and this means law
students and attorneys gathered for the
Women of Color in the Law Luncheon,
held Sept. 24 at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel
and Spa.
The biannual luncheon, sponsored by Latinas in the Law and Lawyers Club’s Diverse
Women’s Task Force, provides law students
and young lawyers an opportunity to learn
about the legal community and discuss issues that face women attorneys. Administrative Law Judge Vallera Johnson created the
luncheons to help provide mentors and insight
into the legal profession for law students.
Vallera Johnson addresses a crowded room. Photos by Khari Johnson and Jeremy Lawson
The luncheon was sponsored by Carlton DiSante & Freudenberger LLP; Fish &
Richardson; Mintz Levin; and Troutman Sanders LLP. The luncheon
was also sponsored by the three local law schools in San Diego:
Thomas Jefferson School of Law, California Western School of
Law and the University of San Diego School of Law.
Joy Utomi, a 3L from USD, mentioned the value of the luncheon:
“It is so valuable to be able to speak to female attorneys that
are dealing with the issues that we worry about. It is also good
to be able to talk to these attorneys in an intimate setting. Other
networking events may not afford you the
opportunity to speak one-on-one with an attorney.”
Erika Hiramatsu and
Amy Hsiao, a second
year law student
from Cal Western
School of Law.
“Law students need to know
that they are not alone in
the issues that they face.
There is a generation that
has already confronted
the issues that students
want addressed. This event
provides the opportunity for
law students to ask attorneys
the questions they want
answered.” - Michelle Allison
Retired Superior Court Judge Patricia Cowett chats with attorneys and students.
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club News
Every year, the event features representatives from the various
13
This year’s luncheon took on a different format from previous
diverse bar organizations. This year’s fall luncheon was attended
luncheons. Student and attorneys were assigned in equal numbers
by representatives of Earl B. Gilliam, Lawyers’ Club, Pan Asian
at each table. Each table was then given a list of questions to answer
Lawyers, and San Diego La Raza Lawyers. The master of ceremo-
and discuss. The topics covered included childbearing, finding work-
nies was Erika Hiramatsu from the California Attorney General’s
life balance, and law firm culture. Each table was assigned a facilita-
office. In addition, attorneys and law students were encouraged to
tor and each facilitator encouraged students to ask questions of the
bring their children to the event.
attorneys and seek their expertise and draw out their experience in
the legal field. At the end of the event, each table shared the insightful
comments mentioned at their table with the larger group. Comments
included tips on networking, planning for a family, and dealing with a
difficult economy.
Michelle Allison of Thomas Jefferson School of Law mentioned the
benefit of such an event:
“Law students need to know that they are not alone in the issues
that they face. There is a generation that has already confronted the
issues that students want addressed. This event provides the opportunity for law students to ask attorneys the questions they want
answered.”
Udoka Nwanna, a civil litigation attorney and Adjunct Professor at
California Western School of Law, is a Lawyers Club board member
and co-chair of the Lawyers Club Golf Committee and the Diverse
Desa Burton and Rhonda Grayson from Fish & Richardson.
Women’s Task Force.
WEST COAST RESOLUTION GROUP
West Coast Resolution Group, a division of the National
Conflict Resolution Center, has one purpose–to provide
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the legal community.
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and resolving civil cases.
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Lawyers Club News
14
november 2010
Lawyers Club tackles career-track issues at September
By Hillary Johns
C
an you have it all? The perfect career, the perfect family, and balance at the same time? Lawyers Club provided a forum to answer
this very question at the spirited presentation, “Should I Stay or
Should I Go? – Issues Facing Women Weighing Whether to Stay in Practice and Balance, or Temporarily Leave the Practice of Law,” on September
16, 2010 at the Bristol Hotel. The speakers, Ms. Holly Fujie and Ms. Amy
Mallow, kindly accepted their invitations and traveled from Los Angeles to
speak to the enthusiastic group. Both speakers presented their insights
as to ways in which women can balance their professional lives while still
having a family. Tina Dyer, moderated what became a lively discussion
with the speakers and those in attendance. While there were many views
expressed at the luncheon, the consensus is whether you leave the practice of law temporarily once you have a family or stay, find a way to stay
involved and keep your legal skills sharp.
Holly Fujie, the California State Bar’s 84th President and a shareholder
Holly Fujie and Amy Mallow address questions from the crowd.
Photo by Jane Engelman
at Buchalter Nemer in Los Angeles, absolutely recommends women stay
in the legal profession once they have a child. Gaps in your resume or long
periods of time out of the workforce, Fujie believes, will take you out of
generation to make effective reentry strategies work.
Do alternative strategies in the legal profession actually
the running for the “plum jobs”. Women may find themselves passed over
work? Dyer pointed that there are choices for women if they do
for partnerships, promotions or opportunities to work with large clients
not have a husband or partner who gives more than fifty per-
because they can be perceived as not willing to devote the time to meet
cent. They can make adjustments. Women can work part-time
the needs of those clients, their colleagues, and their respective firms.
or contract with their existing firms to maintain those profes-
Fujie, named a California Super Lawyer since 2004 and awarded the
sional relationships. Fujie believes that if women leave the legal
Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award from the Leadership Institute for
profession, even temporarily, they may create a stumbling block
Women of Color Attorneys in Law and Business in 2009, credits the
for themselves which can be difficult to overcome. She believes
support of her husband and family as primary reasons for her ability to
that the market for contract work is saturated. Women who
succeed in the legal profession with a family. Support is an essential
leave the practice of law, can expect many lawyers who are
factor in whether a woman lawyer will succeed when having a family as
more available to step in to fill the gap, perhaps permanently.
is her ability to maintain high standards of professionalism which includes
Mallow pointed out that small to medium sized firms are vi-
engaging with clients and colleagues to meet their goals.
able options for women working to balance their personal and
Ms. Amy Mallow, managing director of the West Coast office of
Shannon & Manch, LLP, focused on ways women can temporarily leave
professional lives. At one point, Dyer opened the floor up to questions and
the practice of law and resume their legal careers successfully. Mallow
several women offered their perspectives as to how they suc-
counsels women who have temporarily left the practice of law about the
cessfully integrated their family and professional lives. Several
challenges they face in reentering the workforce in desirable positions.
women mentioned that their ability to reenter or stay in the
Self-esteem, a clear sense of goals, vision, and staying involved profes-
practice of law was largely attributed to their thriving, well man-
sionally, Mallow believes, are essential. She agrees with Fujie that staying
aged relationships with their colleagues and their firm’s willing-
involved, nurturing existing relationships, and developing new ones will be
ness to work with them. Their flexibility, understanding of the
determinative of whether a woman is successful.
issues involved, up front negotiations, and ability to add value
Both agreed that lawyers have to keep up with current legal developments and keep their legal skills up to speed. Mallow recommends working with your existing firm on a contract basis or other firms with your
similar career goals, as two possibilities. Mallow also recommends that
women not accept jobs upon reentry, such as secretarial work, if that is
not their goal or economically necessary. Mallow, formerly an associate
at Kirkland & Ellis and a staff attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, believes that women have much more opportunity in this
to their firms also contributed to their success. Is there just one
way to create a balance that works for a woman with a family and her colleagues? There were differing opinions although
Mallow believes that “You can have it all. You just can’t have it
all at once.”
Hillary Johns is a family law attorney and a member of the
Lawyers Club’s Newsletter Editorial Board.
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club News
15
New Member Profile
Kimberly Rachel Simms
By Genevieve A. Suzuki
Employment: In July 2009, solo practitioner
Kimberly Rachel Simms formed her own law
practice. The Law Office of Kimberly R. Simms
focuses on medical marijuana law, which involves
collective formation, qualified patient representation, criminal defense, civil litigation and zoning
and municipal law. “It is very exciting to be working in an emerging area of law,” she said.
Education: She received her bachelor’s degree
from Florida State University in American Studies with an emphasis in
Criminology. (She cheers: “Go Noles!”) Simms earned her J.D. from
Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
Hometown: Simms lived in Cleveland, Ohio, until she was 15, but
went to high school in Orlando, Fla. “I feel like both places are home
and you can
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Fragomen
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Years lived in San Diego: She moved to San Diego for law
school in 2005. “From the moment I got here, I was in love,” she
said. “I immediately knew I’d be here for a long time. The weather
is perfect, the people are kind, and who can resist all the wonderful
beaches?”
Why she belongs to Lawyers Club: “In my practice, I meet
many medicinal marijuana patients that have been treated unfairly or
discriminated against,” Simms said. “I am also a vocal advocate for
the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community. It is important
that as a community we have vehicles to address issues of discrimination within the law. Lawyers Club of San Diego is the embodiment
of these principles and ideals.”
On maintaining a work/life balance: “This is one of the most
challenging aspects of my practice and something I am still working
towards,” Simms said. “However, achieving that balance is the key
to success otherwise I’d burn out too quickly. It really helps that I
enjoy the people I get to work with and a networking event often
feels like a social event.”
The San Diego judge and lawyer she most admires: Simms
said while it is difficult to pinpoint just one attorney, she really admires Thomas Jefferson School of Law professor Alex Kreit, who is
also director of the Center for Law and Social Justice. “I got to know
Professor Kreit through his role as chair of San Diego’s Medical
Marijuana Task force. In this role, he was truly dedicated to listening
to everyone’s concerns and he facilitated thoughtful discussions on
every issue amongst the other task force members. Professor Kreit
also made time in his busy schedule to come and answer the medical marijuana community’s questions. Overall, I admire his dedication and commitment to social justice.”
Non-law interests: Simms loves traveling and tries to spend time
with family and friends as much as her busy schedule allows. “I also
really enjoy the arts and going to see musical theater,” she said.
“And I’d be remiss if I did not mention how much I love taking my
dog to Balboa Park or Del Mar dog beach.”
Other involvements: Simms is a member of California NORML
(National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Law) and is currently
building a San Diego County Chapter. She is also a member of
Americans for Safe Access and Trident Roundtable, a newer organization dedicated to professionals within the marijuana industry.
Simms belongs to the ABA and San Diego County Bar Association
and Equality California.
If you know a new member who should be profiled, please contact Genevieve Suzuki at [email protected].
Genevieve A. Suzuki is a member of Lawyers Club’s Newsletter
Editorial Board.
16
Lawyers Club News
november 2010
Balance Brainstorm
Members Provide Job Search Advice to New Admittees
By Lea Fields-Bernard
This month Balance Brainstorm asked Lawyers Club members
to share their suggestions for new lawyers struggling to find work
in this difficult economy. Balance Brainstorm wants to thank those
members who took the time to provide words of encouragement
and share their own experiences. New admittees were advised to
keep busy with contract work, network as much as possible and not
be afraid to pursue another interest in the law.
Pursue your Passion
“Find what you are passionate about, what field of law you want
to pursue, what really interests you. While you are pursuing your
job search, get any exposure you can in your field by volunteering,
doing contract jobs or meeting with attorneys in your field just to get
exposure. What you have learned in law school does not translate
well into the legal profession. The more comfortable you get in your
field by learning the lingo and acronyms, the more you can tailor your
resume and the more you can really shine in your interview. Nothing stands out more than a genuine interest in the type of law you
are pursuing!”
Puja A. Sachdev, Esquire, M.S.B.A., C.D.F.A.™
Law Offices & Mediation Services of Julia M. Garwood, APLC
Zealousness Pays
“Finding employment in this economy means being proactive
about the job search. Being passive and just waiting for a job to fall
in your lap is going to get you nowhere. Nothing beats getting out in
the community, networking, lunch dates, and even volunteering your
legal skills with local non-profits. It’s only a matter of time until a firm
or attorney appreciates your zealousness and commitment to the
profession.”
Mary McQuillan
Principal Attorney
Law Office of Mary McQuillan
“If you need to take a job in another field to stay afloat, do it. It’s
best to keep working, and employers understand you have bills to
pay. If you can’t find a job of any type or if can afford to hold out for
a legal job, keep doing legal work, be it volunteering for a nonprofit
or hustling for contract work. Be willing to take on projects for low
fees, including projects from low-income clients. Some money in
exchange for good work is better than no money and no work. Also
be open to new opportunities. I work in a different field than I had
planned to pursue when I graduated law school – and I’m very, very
happy. I doubt I would have found this area of law if it hadn’t been
for the bad job market when I graduated last year.”
Jessica C. McElfresh
Lake APC
Tell the World
“In my experience, the most important things to arm yourself with
on a job hunt are a positive attitude and a team of friends, family, and
acquaintances that are keeping their ear to the ground for you. It
can be hard to stay positive, but opportunities can come when least
expected. It’s also hard to tell everyone that you know that you’re
looking for a position, but if the person that you don’t tell may be the
person that has a job lead.”
Jennifer Chapman
Chapin Fitzgerald Sullivan LLP
Lea Fields-Bernard is a trial attorney and owner of Trial Dogs, a
trial training, consulting and support firm. She may be reached at
[email protected].
Getting a Head Start
Balance Brainstorm
Question of the Month
“I am not only unemployed, but also waiting on bar results (November). In the meantime, what I have done: told everyone I know
I am looking for a law job (using social media such as Facebook),
attended 32-hour mediation training, volunteered at the restraining order clinic, Vista Courthouse, through the San Diego Volunteer
Lawyer Program, sent resumes to Career Builder, Robert Half Legal,
San Diego Legal Staffing, Davidson staffing, and continue to look for
volunteer opportunities, which may lead to staff positions once I’m
admitted to the Bar”
The purpose of the Lawyers Club of San Diego’s Balance Committee is to identify, develop, and promote policies and practices
to facilitate work/life balance and encourage the hiring, retention
and advancement of women in the legal profession. Recently
the committee presented a luncheon entitled “Should I Stay or
Should I Go?” which addressed choices women face in trying to
balance work and family. This month Balance Brainstorm wants
to know:
Lesly Adams
June 2010 Law School Graduate
What new topics would you like to see presented by the
LCSD Balance Committee?
Explore Outside the Box
Responses will be included in the December issue of Lawyers
Club News. Please send your response, along with your full name,
job title and employer name, to Lea Fields-Bernard at sdesq94@
gmail.com. Answers may be edited for space. Members are also
invited to submit questions relating to balance issues that they
would like answered by other Lawyers Club members.
“Try to be flexible about job location. Keep persevering. Your first
job might be in a different city from where you grew up or went to
law school.”
Markecia Simmons, Deputy City Attorney
San Diego City Attorney’s Office
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club News
Leadership Opportunities
By Samantha M. Everett
The Lawyers Club Leadership Development Committee encourages Lawyers Club members to apply for positions on the many city,
county and non-profit boards and commissions serving San Diego
County. The committee advises members to contact the individuals
listed to confirm any openings prior to applying, as some openings
may have been filled. If you have information about committee openings or leadership positions that may be of interest to Lawyers Club
members, please contact Samantha Everett at [email protected].
City Boards and Commission
The Citizens’ Equal Employment Opportunity Commission currently has one seat available. The Commission monitors and evaluates
the Equal Opportunity Program of the City, and advises the Mayor,
City Council, Civil Service Commission and other appropriate agencies of City government. The Commission assists in recruitment of
competent historically under-represented, women and disabled and
promotes the City of San Diego as an Equal Opportunity Employer
of individuals and firms desiring to contract with the City. Members
are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council to twoyear terms. For more information visit the Commissions website at
http://www.sandiego.gov/eoc/about/commission.shtml or contact
City Clerk Elizabeth Maland at (619) 553-4000.
The City’s Relocation Appeals Board currently has three seats
available. The Board hears all complaints relating to relocation
brought by persons displaced by City action, and in those cases
relating to redevelopment projects determines if the Redevelopment
Agency has compiled with City and Federal regulations. The Board
holds public hearings and transmit its findings and recommendations to the City Council, or, in those cases relating to a redevelopment project, to the Redevelopment Agency. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council and serve two-year
terms. For more information contact City Clerk Elizabeth Maland at
(619) 533-4000.
County Boards
The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center (PCC) Advisory
Board has two seats available. Polinsky Children’s Center provides
services to children who have been physically, sexually, and or emotionally abused, medically or physically neglected, and or have no
parent or guardian. Each month more than 400 children ages birth to
seventeen are brought to the Center because it has been determined by law enforcement or an emergency response social worker
that the need for protection exists. The Advisory Board makes recommendations regarding the operation and maintenance of the PCC
facility, reviews and consults with County staff regarding the annual
business plan of the PCC facility, and makes recommendations to
the Board regarding the expenditure of funds. Members are nominated by the Board of Supervisors’ Polinsky Center Subcommittee
and appointed by the Board to two-year terms. For more information
contact Lynda Evans, Polinsky Children’s Center at 858-514-4761.
The Resource Conservation District of San Diego County has 3
available seats for electors who live in or manage property in San
Diego County. Nominees must be registered to vote in San Diego
County and must demonstrate an interest in soil and water conservation. Members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to
four-year terms. The Resource Conservation District boards work in
17
conjunction with the Soil Conservation Service to provide erosion control
information to local land owners, develop and maintain effective programs
by identifying local conservation needs and priorities, and coordinate programs, activities and services with other resource conservation districts/
or related local, state, and federal agencies. For more information contact
Marty Levitt, District Manager, at 619-562-0096 Ext. 102.
The Advisory Council for Aging and Independence Services has seats
available for electors of County districts one and five. Members are
nominated by their Supervisor and appointed by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to a majority vote at an open public meeting. Members
serve a term concurrent with their nominating Supervisor. The Advisory
Council advuises and assists the County Aging and Independence Services, the Health and Human Services Agency, the Chief Administrative
Officer and the Board of Supervisors in the preparation, development,
and evaluation of County programs, procedures, budget and policies
in accordance with the duties and responsibilities defined in the Older
Americans Act. The Council works to encourage and facilitate public
participation in Aging and Independence Services and participate in the
development of Aging and Independence Services policy in order to
insure inclusion of citizens’ perspectives. For more information contact
Cindy Vogel at 858-514-4652.
The County of San Diego Community Action Partnership Administering Board has seats available for electors of districts three and four.
Members are nominated by their Supervisor and confirmed by the
Council to four-year terms. The Board establishes processes for planning, allocation, and public hearings regarding the use of community
action funds, and submits recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, reviews policies relating to programs of the Community Action
Partnership and recommends to the Board of Supervisors the adoption
of such policies as it may deem necessary and desirable, supervises
the administration of all funding source policies and standards, and
participates in the development and implementation of all programs
and projects designed to serve the economically disadvantaged or lowincome areas to assure maximum feasible participation of residents of
the areas and members of groups served. For more information contact
Barbara Jimenez at 619-338-2797.
The San Diego Commission on the Status of Women has two open
seats for electors of District five. The Commission’s mission is to take
action to identify needs and problems of women in the County that
are affected by public policy decisions and to eliminate the practice of
discrimination and prejudice on the basis of sex within the County. The
Commission studies and evaluates County Charter provisions, ordinances, policies and proposed policies, and their implementation to determine
if there are instances of discrimination against any person because of
sex; cooperates with Federal, State, County, City and other public agencies; and studies and advises the San Diego County Board of Supervisors
on areas of concern to women’s lives and needs in San Diego County,
including domestic violence, sexual harassment, legislative issues, elder
care and fraud, welfare and social services, criminal justice, employment
and business opportunities, and the Sexual Assault and Response Team
(SART) program. Members are nominated by their District’s representative on the Board of Supervisors and confirmed by Board of Supervisors.
The Commission meets monthly, and members serve a term concurrent
with their nominating Supervisor. For more information contact Darah
Merto, Human Resources, at 619-531-5108 or visit the Commission’s
website at http://www.statusofwomen.org/new/index.html.
Samantha M. Everett is an associate with the firm of Wilson Turner
Kosmo LLP and a member of the Lawyers Club Leadership Development Committee.
Lawyers Club News
18
Lawyers Club Supporters
november 2010
2010-2011
Annual Benefactors
Platinum Corporate Sponsor
President’s Circle
Best Best & Krieger LLP
California Western School of Law
Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Fish & Richardson PC
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP
Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
University of San Diego School of Law
Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP
Sempra Energy
Wendy M. Behan
Charles Bird
Betty Evans Boone
Candace M. Carroll
Ezekiel E. Cortez
C. Hugh Friedman
Josh Gruenberg
Hon. Judith McConnell
Virginia C. Nelson
Natalie Prescott
Lynn Schenk
Johanna Schiavoni
Abby Silverman Weiss
Trifecta Sponsors
DLA Piper US LLP
Foley & Lardner
Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP
Kirby Noonan Lance & Hoge LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC
Corporate Sponsors
Kramm & Associates Court Reporting & Legal Video
LECG
Esquire Solutions
Elizabeth M. Ruch/Waddell & Reed
Teris
Patrons
Hon. Patricia Cowett (ret.)
Hon. Maureen Hallahan
Danielle Hickman
Hon. Evan Patrick Kirvin
Catherine J. Kowalewski
Douglas D. Law
Tracy L. Loughridge
Sharon Majors-Lewis
Hon. David Oberholtzer
Linda Cianciolo
Jodi Cleesattle
Nicole Cooper
Judith Copeland
Crystal Crawford
Oleg Cross
Hon. Cindy D. Davis
Darragh Davis
Ken Dillingham
Prescilla Dugard
Bonnie Dumanis
K. Elizabeth Dunn
Ann Durham
Christina Dyer
Amber Eck
Elizabeth Eldridge
Jane Engelman
Hildy Fentin
Hon. Lisa Foster
Hon. Carol Frausto
Cynthia Freeland
Brian Funk
Hon. Patricia Garcia
Julia Garwood
Robert Gerber
Alvin Gomez
Jenny Goodman
Tara Grabarczyk
P. Camille Guerra
Laura Gunn
Hon. Judith Haller
Maria Heredia
Karen Hewitt
Craig Higgs
Erika Hiramatsu
Hon. Marshall Hockett
Sue Hodges
Lawrence Huerta
Peter Hughes
Heather Humble Forward
Hon. Joan Irion
Hon. Carol Isackson
Jay Jeffcoat
Hon. Anthony Joseph (ret.)
Kathleen Juniper
Sharon Kalemkiarian
Hon. Julia Kelety
Charles Wesley Kim, Jr.
Sydney Kirkland
Jessica Klarer
Garrison Klueck
Gregory Knoll
Catharine Kroger-Diamond
Dane LaFontaine
Mary Jo Lanzafame
Philip Lindsley
Lynne Lugar
Peter Lynch
Sustaining Members
Hon. Cynthia Aaron
Marc Adelman
Hon. Lorna Alksne
Steve Allen
Janet Ambrozek
Anna Amundson
Raymond Aragon
Kimberly Arouh
Denise Asher
Hon. Katherine A. Bacal
Stephanie Baril
Hon. Jeffrey Barton
Hon. Cynthia Bashant
Michael Begovich
Samantha Begovich
Harvey Berger
Nadia P. Bermudez
Nancy Bickford
Hon. Laura Birkmeyer
Sharon Blanchet
Gayle Blatt
Juanita Brooks
Barbara Brown
Meredith Brown
Martin Buchanan
Jill Burkhardt
Guillermo Cabrera
Andria Catalano Redcrow
Lesa Christenson
Kathryn Maas
Michele Macosky
Hon. Barbara Major
Lilys McCoy
Denise McGuire
Monty McIntrye
Hon. M. Margaret McKeown
Hon. Pennie McLaughlin
Julie Mebane
Lori Mendez
Rebecca Michael
Michelle Mierzwa
Iris Mitrakos
Cynthia Morgan
Sandra Morris
Janice Mulligan
Andrea Musicant
Ron Oberndorfer
Pamela Parker
Nory Pascua
Anthony Passante
Hon. Christine Pate (ret.)
Stacie Patterson
Patti Perez
Anne Perry
Regina Petty
Katie Pothier
Catherine Richardson
Patricia Robinson
Hon. Charles Rogers
Tracy Rogers
Paula Rosenstein
Hon. Janis Sammartino
Judi M. Sanzo
Renee Schor
Edward Silverman
Jacquelyn Slotkin
Hon. Stephanie Sontag
Nancy Stassinopoulos
Janis Stocks
Hon. Nita Stormes
Hon. Ronald Styn
Victor Manuel Torres
Vickie Turner
Nancy Vaughan
Licia Vaughn
Hon. Theodore Weathers
Hon. Joan Weber
Lisa Widdecke
Claudette Wilson
Hon. Joel Wohlfeil
Hon. Margie G. Woods
Hon. Laurie Wright
Eden Yaege
Kyle Yaege
Patricia Zlaket
www.lawyersclubsandiego.com
Lawyers Club Calendar of Events
19
Information for your calendar. All dates subject to change. For latest information, contact Lawyers Club
at (619) 595-0650 or visit our website at www.lawyersclubsandiego.com.
November 2010
Thursday, November 4
January 2011
Thursday, January 20
Carmel Valley Mix & Mingle. 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Paseo Del Mar Patio
at Sheppard Mullin, 12275 El Camino Real, Del Mar 92130. For Lawyers Club members and individuals interested in learning more about
Lawyers Club. Hosted by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP and
generously sponsored by TERIS.
Saturday, November 6
Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon at the Bristol. Speaker is Laura
Duffy, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of California, topic to be announced. 12-1:15 p.m. Doors open 11:45 a.m. Bristol Hotel, 1055 First
Ave. Members, $25. Non-members, $30. Students, $20. At the door if
space available, $30. 1.0 MCLE credit.
Thursday, January 27
Earl B. Gilliam 34th Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner. 5:00
p.m.- reception; 6:00 p.m. – dinner and program. For more information,
please visit earlbgilliambar.org.
Tuesday, November 9
Contacts and Connections: Building Robust Referrals. Sponsored by
Lawyers Without Courtrooms Committee. Speaker is Maggie Watkins.
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Best Best & Krieger, 655 West Broadway, Suite 1500,
downtown San Diego. $10.
Wednesday, November 17
Law Students & Attorneys Fall Wine Mixer. 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Wine
Styles in Coronado. Hosted by Lawyers Club’s Student committee.
Features complimentary wine, appetizers and prizes. Free attendance.
RSVP to Stacy Dooley at [email protected] before November
15th.
Thursday, November 18
Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon at the Bristol. Managing Your Clients’
Expectations: Growing Your Practice in Tough Times. Speaker is Edward
Poll. Luncheon and program, 12-1:15 p.m. Doors open 11:45 a.m. Bristol
Hotel, 1055 First Ave. Members, $25. Non-members, $30. Students, $20.
At the door if space available, $30. 1.0 MCLE credit (ethics).
“Holidays Around the World Potluck.” Sponsored by the San Diego
County Bar Association’s Ethnic Relations & Diversity Committee,
Lawyers Club and other specialty bar asociations. 6-8 p.m. SDCBA Bar
Center, 1333 Seventh Ave., downtown. RSVP online at www.sdcba.org.
December 2010
PALSD/FALSD Annual Dinner. Sponsored by Pan Asian Lawyers of
San Diego and Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego. Further information to be announced.
February 2011 Thursday, February 17
Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon at the Bristol. Fifth Annual “Intimate
Dialogue with the Bench.” Luncheon and program, 12 – 1:15 p.m. Doors
open 11:45 a.m. Bristol Hotel, 1055 First Ave. Members, $25. Non-members, $30. Students, $20. At the door if space available, $30. 1.0 MCLE
credit (ethics).
March 2011
Thursday, March 10
Champagne & Chocolate Affair. 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. US GRANT.
Thursday, March 24
San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program’s 6th Annual LAF-Off. 5:00 –
9:00 p.m. House of Blues.
May 2011
Wednesday, May 25
Lawyers Club Annual Dinner. US GRANT.
Thursday, December 2
East County Chapter Annual Holiday Judges’ Reception. 5:15 – 7:15
p.m. Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon.
The event is free, and no RSVP is required.
Friday, December 3
Stepping Up to the Bar. San Diego County Bar Association annual holiday reception. 5-8 p.m. SDCBA Bar Center, 1333 Seventh Ave., downtown. RSVP online at www.sdcba.org.
Friday, December 10
Spa, Beauty and Wellness Day. Hosted by Dr. Fallah and co-sponsored
North County Lawyers Club Chapter. Noon – 5:00 p.m.,1293 Carlsbad
Village Drive, Carlsbad. Numerous complimentary happenings and payment only for services you select. Visit Lawyers Club’s tent for additional
fun. Details to follow.
Thursday, December 16
June 2011
Friday, June 24
Lawyers Club Golf Tournament. Rancho Bernardo Inn.
CORRECTION
Readers may have noticed that the Halloween Read In, on page
9 of the October issue, had some unusual black space. That space
was intended to house a spooky image, which you may view in the
online, color version at lawyersclubsandiego.com. During production, a link to the image broke, and it mistakenly went to print as is.
Esquire Design Team regrets the error.
Lawyers Club Holiday Luncheon. 12 – 1:15 p.m. Members, $30; nonmembers, $35; students, $25. Further details to be announced.
Lawyers Club of San Diego is a State Bar of California-approved MCLE provider.
24
november 2010
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