Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County News

2022 OCHBA Backpack Drive!

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 25 May 2022 15:41:05 GMT

The OCHBA Backpack drive is back! Donate to this worthy cause today at the links below. Thank you for your generosity.

$25.00 Green Star

$50.00. Red Star

$75.00 Bronze Star

$100.00 Silver Star

$250.00 Gold Star

$500.00 Platinum Star

Supreme Court decision upholding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 01:06:41 GMT

Pandemic, Protests and Privilege - Our Role in Progress

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:19:56 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE OCHBA

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:20:26 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ORANGE COUNTY HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION

The Orange County Hispanic Bar Association mourns the death of George Floyd, Breona Taylor, Tony McDade and the many other people murdered at the hands of injustice. We stand along with their families, friends and our whole country as we mourn their deaths and demand justice be done. We stand in solidarity against racism, discrimination and police brutality. We embrace all marginalized groups and people of color. Given the recent events we especially stand today with the Black community, in pursuit of systemic change, unbiased treatment and equal justice for ALL.

There is no place in our Country or this world for racial or social injustice. Every person deserves to be treated humanely and in an unbiased manner. We believe in and support the rights of all individuals including the

Black and Latino community. June is Pride month. All have a right to equal justice under the law and to peacefully protest to bring about much needed change. We hope that peaceful assembly can be used to effectuate inclusion and change. We look to community leaders to address the issues of social injustice and discrimination experienced by all including our Latino community.

We must learn to live together and use our voices to guide the hearts and minds of all toward reforms to rectify injustice. Let us all be Visionaries for Equality & Opportunity.

Warmest regards,

Hon. Joshua Groban's Nomination for California Supreme Court, Associate Justice

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:24:40 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Darrell P. White, HBA President, (949) 474-0940

Re: Hon. Joshua Groban's Nomination for California Supreme Court, Associate Justice

On behalf of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association ("HBA"), we are pleased to convey this organization's support for Joshua Groban's nomination to serve as Associate Justice on the California Supreme Court. As Governor Brown's Judicial Appointment Secretary, Mr. Groban has worked tirelessly to appoint fine jurists to the bench not just in Orange County, but statewide. Notably, in the last two years, he has demonstrated the Governor's dedication to diversifying the court, by seeking out and vetting a significant number of Latinx judges in our county. His wisdom, temperament, and courage to do the right thing will make him a tremendous asset to the highest court in our great state. We wish him well and a speedy confirmation.

Darrell P. White

Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, President

About The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County: The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County promotes education, unity, and excellence in the Hispanic legal community by expanding the business and professional opportunities available to its members, enhancing the members' business and professional stature in the Hispanic community, increasing the participation of Hispanic leaders in civic affairs and enhancing the quality of life for the members and the community.

For more information please visit www.ochba.org.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation (Special Cycle)- SP18-23

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 05:01:18 GMT

Comments sought:

A new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

Criminal:

Criminal Procedure: Proper Use of Pretrial Risk Assessment Information; Review and Release Standards for Pretrial Assessment Services for Persons Assessed as Medium Risk

Item Number: SP18-23

Summary: The Criminal Law Advisory Committee proposes adoption of two new California Rules of Court: rule 4.10, which sets forth the proper use of pretrial risk assessment information, and rule 4.40, which addresses review and release standards for Pretrial Assessment Services for persons assessed as medium risk. These proposed rules are intended to fulfill the Judicial Council’s obligation under Penal Code section 1320.24(a) to adopt rules and forms, as needed, to implement specific elements of Senate Bill 10.

Deadline to submit comments: Review and submit comments by December 14, 2018

Diversity Scholarship Opportunity for 2019 Midwinter Meeting of ABA Forum on Construction Law in Los Angeles

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:43:26 GMT

The Diversity Committee for the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law is coming to Los Angeles on January 31 – February 1, 2019 for its Midwinter Meeting and CLE program entitled “Public Construction Projects: Not Always a Hollywood Ending” and is pleased to announce the availability of six (6) Diversity Scholarships for the cost of registration for this program to women and minority construction lawyers, construction lawyers with disabilities, and construction lawyers from the LGBT community. The attached letter describes the scholarships, and the attached brochure describes the program.

The deadline for applications is December 14.

2019 Midwinter Meeting Diversity Scholarship Announcement.pdf

2019 Midwinter Meeting Brochure.pdf

MCLE: Pathways to Career Advancement for Diverse Attorneys & Charity Toy Drive

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:41:12 GMT

Arab American Lawyers Association of Southern California and several co-sponsoring organizations* invite you to join JAMS for a complimentary Q&A session with Justice Carlos Moreno, Judge Jay Gandhi, and Judge Diane Wayne to discuss pathways to success and career development for diverse attorneys.

To kickoff the holiday season, we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to donate to a local charityWednesday, November 28, 2018

5:30 PM Registration

6:00 PM-7:00 PM Program

7:00 PM Reception | Drinks and appetizers provided by JAMS

JAMS Los Angeles Resolution Center

555 W 5th Street, 32nd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Please RSVP Here

by November 26, 2018

1.0 Elimination of Bias MCLE Credit Provided by AALASC*

WOCBA Monthly Luncheon

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 08:15:16 GMT

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

We are pleased to have as our guest speaker ~

Mark E. Edwards, Esq. who will speak on the topic of Depositions

Mr. Edwards will be speaking to us about Deposition Practices. A sometimes overlooked yet critical part of our civil practice in the legal field. You will find this presentation both informative and practical in your everyday practice.

This is a meeting you WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!!

Old World Village

6475 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647

714-895-8020

11:45 p.m. Networking/Registration

12:15 p.m. Lunch

Cost of MCLE - $25 members / $35 non-members

Make checks payable to “WOCBA” OR mail to

Lynne M. Patterson, Esq., WOCBA Treasurer

14121 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92684

Notice from the Clerk: Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 20:57:47 GMT

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/amended-local-rules-effective-december-1-2018

Congratulations to Maurice Sanchez on his Judicial Appointment to OCSC!

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 07:16:25 GMT

The HBA congratulates Past President Maurice Sanchez on his appointment to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court. We wish Mr. Sanchez the very best on his journey to judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court!

From the Governor's press release:

Maurice Sanchez, 62, of Coto de Caza, has been appointed to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court. Sanchez has been a partner at Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough since 2017. He was a partner at Baker and Hostetler from 2005 to 2017, a shareholder at Alvarado, Smith and Sanchez from 1993 to 2005 and managing counsel at Mazda Motor of America Inc. from 1991 to 1993. Sanchez was senior counsel at Hyundai Motor America from 1986 to 1991 and an associate at Rutan and Tucker from 1981 to 1986. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine. He fills the vacancy created by the conversion of a court commissioner position on August 28, 2018. Sanchez is registered without party preference.

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/10/29/governor-brown-appoints-6-superior-court-judges

Congratulations to Michael E. Perez on his Judicial Appointment to OCSC!

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 03:06:34 GMT

The HBA congratulates Michael E. Perez on his appointment to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court. The HBA Judicial Evaluation Committee interviewed Mr. Perez and the Board endorsed his application for appointment. We wish Mr. Perez the very best on his journey to judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court!

From the Governor's press release:

Michael E. Perez, 51, of San Clemente, has been appointed to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court. Perez has served as an assistant public defender at the Orange County Public Defender's Office since 2015, where he was a deputy public defender from 1997 to 2015 and a law clerk from 1996 to 1997. Perez earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He fills the vacancy created by the conversion of a court commissioner position on August 28, 2018. Perez is a Democrat.
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/10/26/47746/

Darrell P. White
Kimura London & White LLP
3 Park Plaza, Suite 1520 | Irvine CA, 92614
P 949.474.0940
F 949.485.2946

Beverly Hills - Irvine - New York City

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation (Special Cycle)- SP18-21 and SP18-22

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 06:40:51 GMT

Comments sought:
New proposals have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

Posted Under- Appellate and Criminal Tabs:

Appellate Procedure: Appeals from Superior Court Decisions in Death Penalty–Related Habeas Corpus Proceedings
Item Number: SP18-21
Summary: The Proposition 66 Rules Working Group is proposing amendments to an existing rule relating to appeals from decisions in habeas corpus proceedings and the adoption of several new rules and a form specifically addressing appeals from superior court decisions on death penalty–related habeas corpus petitions. These proposed rules and the form are intended to partially fulfill the Judicial Council’s rule-making obligations under Proposition 66 by establishing procedures for this new type of appeal.
Deadline to submit comments: Monday, November 19 at 5:00 pm.

Criminal Procedure: Superior Court Procedures for Death Penalty–Related Habeas Corpus Proceedings
Item Number: SP18-22
Summary: The Proposition 66 Rules Working Group is proposing the adoption of six new rules of court relating to superior court procedures for death penalty–related habeas corpus proceedings. These proposed rules are intended to partially fulfill the Judicial Council’s rule-making obligations under Proposition 66 by establishing procedures for the superior courts’ new responsibility for this type of proceeding.
Deadline to submit comments: Monday, November 19 at 5:00 pm.

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation- Special Cycle SP18-19 and SP18-20

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:07:32 GMT

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that new proposals have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

Criminal -Item Number: SP18-19
Criminal Procedure: Multicounty Incarceration and Supervision
Summary: Senate Bill 670 (Jackson; Stats. 2017, ch. 287) amended Penal Code section 1170(h),1 effective January 1, 2018, to require courts to determine the county or counties of incarceration and supervision for defendants when imposing judgments concurrent or consecutive to another judgment or judgments previously imposed under section 1170(h) in another county or counties. SB 670 also amended section 1170.3, to require the Judicial Council to adopt rules of court providing criteria for trial judges to consider at the time of sentencing when determining the county or counties of incarceration and supervision. This proposal would implement section 1170.3 by amending California Rules of Court, rule 4.452, to guide the second or subsequent court when determining the county or counties of supervision. The Criminal Law Advisory Committee proposes amendments to rule 4.452 to make it consistent with statutory changes and to incorporate further substantive changes suggested by commenters when this proposal circulated previously.
Deadline to Submit comments: Friday, November 9 at 5:00 pm.

Traffic-Item Number: SP18-20
Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules: 2019 Edition
Summary: The Traffic Advisory Committee proposes revisions to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules, 2019 Edition, to become effective January 1, 2019. The 2019 proposal includes: (1) recommendations based on new legislation, as required under Vehicle Code section 40310 and Penal Code section 1269b, (2) recommended changes to the Fish and Game Schedule by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and (3) miscellaneous technical additions and corrections.
Deadline to Submit comments: Friday, October 26 at 5:00 pm.

MCLE Program: Deception and Manipulation in Negotiation

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 16:40:48 GMT

1 Hour Ethics MCLE | Hosted by FLOC Sponsored by Judicate West

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
5:30 PM 6:30 PM

1851 E First St #1600 Santa Ana, CA 92705

Pro Bono Event Tomorrow- October 4th

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 16:38:57 GMT

The Orange County Bar Association Presents

PRO BONO COMMITTEE ROUND TABLE & MCLE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018

Legal Aid Society of Orange County • OC Collaborative Courts • Public Law Center

1.0 General CLE Credit

Reception: 5:30 pm • CLE Event: 6:00 pm
Orange County Bar Association • 4101 Westerly Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Free Parking)

WHY SHOULD I DO PRO BONO AND HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Come hear from some of Orange County’s leaders in pro bono work!
Topics will include:

Why doing pro bono is important
What you and your firm can get out of pro bono work
Current trends in pro bono work
Types of pro bono opportunities available
What to expect in doing pro bono work and how to get started

$10* for OCBA Members
$20* for Non-OCBA Members
(Price Includes Dinner and 1.0 General CLE Credit)

SPEAKERS:

Hon. Mary Kreber Varipapa
Orange County Superior Court

Kenneth W. Babcock
Executive Director & General Counsel
Public Law Center

John B. Hurlbut, Jr.
Partner, Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Kate Marr
Executive Director
Legal Aid Society of Orange County

Pro Bono Committee Program Co-Chairs:

Larisa M. Dinsmoor (OC Public Defender’s Office)
Daniel S. Robinson (Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.)

For more information about CLE seminars, visit www.ocbar.org or call the OCBA Education Dept. at 949-440-6700, ext. 125.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation- Special Cycle SP18-17 and SP18-18

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 01:57:25 GMT

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that new proposals have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

Legislative Proposals-Item Number: SP18-17
Judicial Council –Sponsored Legislation: Civil Discovery Tiers
Summary: This legislative proposal from the Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee would provide for new discovery provisions for general civil cases, setting up three civil case tiers based on the complexity of the case, with each tier having different discovery requirements and limitations. The goal of the proposal is to make discovery more proportional to the value and nature of claims in a case. The proposal is based on the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of California’s Court System.
Deadline to Submit comments: Friday, October 19 at 5:00 pm.

Judicial Administration-Item Number: SP18-18
Telephonic Appearances: Change in the Fee Amount
Summary: The Judicial Branch Budget Committee proposes amending rule 3.670(k)(1) of the California Rules of Court to increase the fee to appear by telephone in civil cases from $86 to $94, effective January 1, 2019. The new fee will apply to the balance of the four-year term of the master agreement for telephone appearance services that was recently entered into with CourtCall LLC. The fee increase reflects the estimated increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the term of the agreement.
Deadline to Submit comments: Monday, October 15 at 5:00 pm.

You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

Wally Davis Scholarship Available!

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 17:21:44 GMT

Call for Honoree Nominations

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 05:02:26 GMT

Dear HBA Member,

The 2019 Dinner Committee and the Board of Directors are accepting nominations for the following awards which will be presented at the OCHBA's 41st Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Installation Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 2019:

Attorney of the Year Award
Guardián de Justicia Award
Corporate Citizen Award
Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award

The Criteria for The HBA Installation & Scholarship Dinner Awards are as follows:

The Hispanic Bar Association Attorney of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Orange County attorney who has made a significant contribution to the legal community and/or has enhanced the quality of life of the Latino community. This attorney has demonstrated a long-term commitment to and involvement in the community; has used the legal profession to protect the rights of others, or whose contribution has expanded the educational and professional opportunities for Latinos.

The Hispanic Bar Association Guardián de Justicia Award recognizes an outstanding community member who has dedicated his or her life to protecting the rights of others and encouraging civic responsibility. This individual has worked tirelessly to encourage and empower the Latino community and whose commitment to justice is a model for others to follow.

The Hispanic Bar Association Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a remarkable individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to enhancing the quality of life of our community. This individual is a pioneer in his/her own right and has given generously of his/her time and talent to the community. He/she has been a model for others to emulate and without whom the world would be a very different place.

The Hispanic Bar Association Corporate Citizen Award recognizes a corporation or entity that is leading the way in terms of corporate responsibility. This corporation or entity continues to make significant contributions to the Latino community and is an industry leader in increasing diversity within their industry. This corporation or entity is committed to these values and believes diversity is the catalyst for long-term economic sustainability.

Please send your nomination(s), including the reasons for your nomination(s), to info@ochba.org no later than October 5, 2018. To learn more about Past Honorees and other Annual Dinner information, please visit our website at www.ochba.org.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yolanda V. Torres
2018 President-Elect
Chair, 2019 Dinner Committee

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation- Special Cycle

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 04:01:00 GMT

This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

· SP18-16- Judicial Administration
Judicial Council: Judicial Branch Budget Committee (adopt rule 10.15; amend rules 10.10, 10.11, 10.13, and 10.16)

You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

Scholarship and Leadership Opportunity Available Immediately – September 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:20:55 GMT

You are invited to apply to be a TMBA Law School Ambassador ("LSA"). At least one TMBA LSA will be selected from Chapman University, Fowler School of Law, Western State College of Law, and University of California, Irvine School of Law.

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2018.

Find out more here: https://www.thurgoodmarshallbarassociation.org/page-18059

Volunteer Attorneys Needed! Immigration Task Force

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 03:03:28 GMT

ABA Women of Color in Law Research Study - Recruiting Participants for a Focus Group Study

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 05:32:53 GMT

The American Bar Association (ABA) is conducting a focus group study for women of color (WOC) who have JDs and who have been out of law school for at least 15 years to assess the unique career dynamics facing women lawyers of color and to help identify key personal and structural factors that fostered or impeded their success in the legal profession. This study is part of a larger ABA Presidential Initiative, "Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law," that is approaching the topic of women's career trajectories in law from multiple angles.

As part of this project, focus groups will be conducted in Chicago, Atlanta, New York/New Jersey, and Los Angeles in the fall of 2018. For more information about the general scope of the ABA's research efforts, please click here.

Women of Color Focus Group Study Details

We are recruiting participants who self-identify as Women of Color and who are practicing or have practiced law and who graduated law school at least 15 years ago (Class of 2003 or earlier) to participate in 2 hour focus groups about their experience in the legal profession to be conducted in Chicago, Atlanta, New York/New Jersey, and Los Angeles in the fall of 2018. We are looking for women who are still practicing law, as well as women who were practicing law but have left the legal profession. Participants will have an opportunity to win a $100 Amazon gift card for their participation – one gift card will be awarded for each focus group and will be determined by a random drawing of session participants after each session.

City and Dates for Focus Groups
Chicago: September - mid October
Atlanta: August 30 - 31, 2018
NYC/NJ: September 24 - 26, 2018
Los Angeles: October 25 - 27, 2018

If you are interested in participating and/or would like to receive more information about the study, including times and locations of the focus groups, please contact the researchers, Destiny Peery, JD/PhD, and Ivory Mills, candidate for JD/PhD, at nulawsocialcognition@gmail.com. You are not agreeing to participate by emailing, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any interest or questions. Also, feel free to pass this information on to any individuals who fit the participation criteria and who may be interested in participating.

https://www.americanbar.org/…/office_o…/advisorycouncil.html

West OC Bar Association Annual McCray Dinner

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 05:27:50 GMT

September 14, 2018

The Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort Hotel

Huntington Beach

Honoring Judge James Perez

RSVP to 714-841-3131 or sunserilaw@verizon.net.

Notice from the Clerk: Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective December 1, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:55:25 GMT

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/changes-local-rules-proposed-become-effective-december-1-2018

Invitation to Comment - Fall Cycle 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:06:39 GMT

The Rules and Forms Committee of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, has proposed revisions to the Local Rules of Court. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 10.613, the Court invites you to comment on the following proposed changes to the local rules. If approved, the proposed changes will be effective January 1, 2019.

Revised Local Rule 180 – Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting in Court. The proposed revisions will allow the public to use their own cameras or other photographic equipment (e.g. cell phones) to photograph publicly available documents in the clerk’s office or at a court kiosk and only permit public access to view and/or photograph trial exhibits if there is a signed court order.

New Local Rule 185 – Civil Appellate Brief Electronic Service Pilot Project. The proposed rule will allow the court to conduct a one-year pilot project consenting to accept electronic mail service of civil case appeal briefs filed in the appellate court.

New Local Rule 603.07 – Request for Bond Waiver. The proposed rule will enable the court to make better informed decisions when determining whether a request for waiver of bond for an appointed personal representative should be granted.

Attached please find copies of the proposed revised and new rules, which are also posted on the Superior Court’s website at Invitation to Comment. A comment form is attached to download and submit comments by paper format, it is also available online. All comments concerning a proposed rule must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018.

Comments submitted by U.S. mail should be directed to:

Honorable Ronald Bauer
Chair, Rules and Forms Committee
Superior Court, County of Orange
P. O. Box 1994
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1994

A hard copy of any proposed rule is available upon request.

Please contact me if you require additional information.

Best Regards,

Sheri

Sheri A. Bull
Lead Staff, Rules and Forms Committee
Judicial Assistance Group (JAG)
P: 657-622-7872
E: sbull@occourts.org

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation- Special Cycle SP18-12 and SP18-13

OCHBA Administrator — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 06:03:46 GMT

New proposals have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

Item Number: SP18-12
Criminal: Rules and Forms: Qualification of Counsel for Appointment in Death Penalty Appeals and Habeas Corpus Proceedings (adopt rules 8.601 and 8.652, amend rule 8.605; amend rule 8.600 and renumber as 8.603)
Summary: The Proposition 66 Rules Working Group is proposing amendments to the rule relating to the qualifications of counsel in death penalty appeals and habeas corpus proceedings, including moving to a new rule the provisions regarding the qualifications of counsel in death penalty–related habeas corpus proceedings. These proposed rule changes are intended to fulfill the Judicial Council’s obligation under Proposition 66 to reevaluate the competency standards for the appointment of counsel in death penalty direct appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.

Item Number: SP18-13
Criminal: Criminal and Appellate Procedure: Superior Court Appointment of Counsel in Death Penalty–Related Habeas Corpus Proceedings (adopt rules 8.654 and 8.655; and adopt forms HC-100 and HC-101)
Summary: The Proposition 66 Rules Working Group is proposing the adoption of two new rules and two new forms relating to the superior court appointment of counsel in death penalty–related habeas
corpus proceedings. These proposed rules and forms are intended to partially fulfill the Judicial Council’s rule-making obligations under Proposition 66 by providing procedures for superior courts to determine if an attorney meets the minimum qualifications for counsel in death penalty–related habeas corpus proceedings and to appoint such counsel for indigent persons subject to a judgment of death.

You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

KIMURA LONDON & WHITE LLP: NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:37:24 GMT

The law firm of Kimura London & White LLP is now open for business. Joshua M. Kimura, William O. London, and Darrell P. White join forces to provide high-quality legal representation and results to the Southern California community and beyond. Based on the belief that lawyers have an important civic role as facilitators of the law and legal system, the firm will provide hourly, flat fee, and contingency fee structures. The firm’s headquarters are located at 3 Park Plaza in Irvine, CA.

Kimura London & White LLP concentrates on five main areas:

Business
Real Estate
Personal Injury
Estate Planning and Administration
Litigation

Mr. White has represented national restauranteurs, logistics companies, financial institutions, and manufacturers in high-stakes litigation. He recently obtained a dismissal for a national distributor of sporting equipment in Proposition 65 litigation, where the Plaintiff sought more than $67.5 million. After spending nearly a decade at prominent national and local law firms, Mr. White saw the need for cost-effective, results-oriented advocates. “The opportunity to team up with Josh and Bill was one I could not pass up. Our collective expertise provides the firm with a platform for growth in the Southern California market as well as out of state. With competitive market rates and fierce advocates, our clients can expect efficient and effective legal representation.” Mr. White is an active leader in the Orange County legal community and currently serves as the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County.

Fluent in Mandarin, Mr. London has emerged as go-to legal counsel for Chinese businesses entering the United States market. He recently represented, and closed, the purchase of a $65 million commercial building in Los Angeles. Mr. London has experience in entity formation, contracts, employment, purchases and sales, mergers and acquisitions, and all major phases of business transactions.

Joshua Kimura is a highly effective trial attorney. He recently negotiated a $4 million dollar settlement in a catastrophic injury case on the first day of trial. Mr. Kimura has recovered more than $10 million for his clients since September 1, 2014. While diligently fighting for his clients, Mr. Kimura prides himself in guiding clients through the high-stress and often emotional experiences associated with their cases. He focuses his practice on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death matters.

For additional information, please visit: www.klw-law.com or contact (949) 474-0940

jkimura@klw-law.com, wlondon@klw-law.com, dwhite@klw-law.com.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions (CACI)

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 01:05:15 GMT

Comments sought:

The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved for posting for public comment its 33st release of proposed revisions and additions to the civil instructions (CACI). This release includes proposed new and revised instructions including some revocations and renumbering, in response to developments in the law over the last six months. The committee is very interested in your input.

The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm . Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.

Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online. And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

Comments by letter should be sent to:
Mr. Bruce Greenlee, Attorney
Judicial Council of California
Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102

The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, August 31, at 5:00 p.m.

All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please:
*             Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
*             Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
*             Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
*             Provide any applicable authority for your position.

We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach. We appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions, Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

Bruce Greenlee, Staff Attorney: Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
Legal Services | Leadership Services Division
Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
415-865-7698 | bruce.greenlee@jud.ca.gov | www.courts.ca.gov

Congratulations to Sheila O. Recio on her Judicial Appointment to OCSC!

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:34:55 GMT

The HBA congratulates Sheila O. Recio on her appointment to a judgeship in the Orange County Superior Court. The HBA Judicial Evaluation Committee interviewed Ms. Recio and the Board endorsed her application for appointment. We are delighted that the Governor saw what we did: a committed and dedicated judicial officer. We wish the soon-to-be Judge Recio the very best as she embarks on this new journey.

From the Governor's press release:

Sheila O. Recio, 46, of Long Beach, has served as a commissioner at the Orange County Superior Court since 2016. She served in several positions at the Orange County Superior Court from 2005 to 2016, including deputy general counsel, senior research attorney and counsel to the presiding judge. She was an associate at Morrison and Foerster from 2000 to 2005 and a research attorney at the Los Angeles County Superior Court from 1998 to 2000. Recio earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Thierry P. Colaw. Recio is a Democrat.

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/20/governor-brown-appoints-12-superior-court-judges/

CA Bar Fingerprinting Requirement

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 21:28:09 GMT

OCBA members receive reduced pricing on Live Scan fingerprinting services on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at OCBA Headquarters in Newport Beach. No appointments necessary. Members will need to bring a driver's license or government issued ID and their prepopulated Live Scan form which can be downloaded from the CA State Bar's website. The OCBA is providing this service to its members in light of the new fingerprinting rule requirements adopted by the California Supreme Court.

Fingerprint Scanning + DOJ/FBI Background Check: $64

Accepted forms of payment: cash, check, or debit/credit card ($3 processing fee for debit/credit)

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation- Special Cycle

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 17:03:23 GMT

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

· SP18-11 Criminal and Appellate Procedure: Record Preparation in Death Penalty Cases (amend rules 8.610, 8.613, 8.616, 8.619, and 8.622; adopt rules 4.119, 4.230, 8.608, and 8.611; repeal rule 8.625; adopt forms CR 600 and CR-605; and approve forms CR-601, CR-602, CR-603, and CR-604)

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 23, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

Congratulations Oscar A. Figueroa on your appointment to the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association Board of Directors!

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 18:13:08 GMT

Oscar Figueroa is an associate in the Orange County office of Troutman Sanders LLP. His practice focuses on intellectual property litigation and general business litigation matters. He has experience litigating in the California Superior Courts and in Federal District Courts throughout the country. Oscar graduated from UCLA in 2011 and from UCLA School of Law in 2016. Having grown up in less than ideal circumstances, Oscar understands the difficulties children from underrepresented communities face. As a result, he has a keen interest in working with youth in his community. To that end, Oscar works and volunteers with organizations focused on helping students from underrepresented communities overcome the obstacles many of them face in education. Oscar was a recipient of the OCHBA Wallace (Wally) R. Davis Memorial Scholarship in 2015.

Filing Instructions - July 1, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:54:20 GMT

Revision #19 to the 2008 Edition of the Local Rules – Superior Court of California, County of Orange will be effective as of July 1, 2018.

An electronic copy of the rules is available on the Court’s website at www.occourts.org or you may view them by clicking here.

Judicial Council forms: 9/1/2018 Updates

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 05:28:00 GMT

On May 24, the council acted on 88 forms for a September 1, 2018, effective date. For meeting materials, please visit the council’s meeting page at http://www.courts.ca.gov/jcmeetings.htm.

Due to the size of the file, we have to transfer them via FTP:

To access the SFTP site using Internet Explorer, open your internet browser and then proceed with the following steps:

Go to https://ftp.jud.ca.gov/.
The login box for the SFTP site will appear.
Type in the user name: publishers.
Type in the password: jcforms.
Click on files to be downloaded, select “Save Target As.”
Select location for file and click OK.

If the page does not appear or does not appear correctly, you may need to refresh the page, depending on your browser and/or network settings, as well as check your firewall settings.

To access the SFTP site using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge, open your internet browser and then proceed with the following steps:

Go to ftp://ftp.jud.ca.gov/ OR https://ftp.jud.ca.gov/
The login box for the SFTP site will appear.
Type in the user name: publishers.
Type in the password: jcforms.
Click on the files to be downloaded.
Open files from pop-up box on the screen.

If the page does not appear, you may need to refresh the page, depending on your browser and/or network settings, as well as check your firewall settings.

Seeking public comment from affinty bar associations, invitation to monthly State Bar calls

OCHBA Administrator — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 05:07:03 GMT

We have received feedback about the issues raised in the following public comment item, and are sensitive to the fact that it may have a different impact on diverse constituencies, including those that you serve. Public comment on this item is open until July 31.
http://www.calbar.ca.gov/About-Us/Our-Mission/Protecting-the-Public/Public-Comment/Public-Comment-Archives/2018-Public-Comment/Proposed-State-Bar-of-California-Policy-regarding-Consumer-Notices-and-Alerts

All current State Bar public comment items: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/About-Us/Our-Mission/Protecting-the-Public/Public-Comment

Please also note that the State Bar holds monthly calls for Executive Directors and Board Presidents of bar associations in the state and we encourage you to join these. The next call is Thursday, June 28, at 9am.

HBA'S CALL TO ACTION: THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATORS MUST DO BETTER WITH DETAINED IMMIGRANT CHILDREN

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 22:33:08 GMT

Newport Beach, CA - The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County (HBA) joins the many bar organizations around the Country who were outraged at the recent separation of children from their families at the United States border. Thankfully, thousands across the nation acted. They spoke out. They shared posts on social media at "viral" speed to raise awareness. They phoned and wrote their legislators. Amid that outcry, President Trump signed an Executive Order meant to end the separation of families at the border. However small, it was a victory for those who acted.

Regrettably, there is much more work to be done. The new Order simply replaces one bad policy with another. Instead of separating immigrant children from their parents, government agencies will indefinitely "detain" them with their family. Removal proceedings in these matters can take months or even years. The net result: minors will be imprisoned as the wheels of justice slowly turn. This is contrary to the basic core values of a nation built upon freedom and due process.

This Order also fails to provide a plan or solution for the more than 2,000 children who have been and continue to be separated from their families. These children are housed in temporary shelters, often traumatized by their separation from their family in a foreign country. Worse, it is incompatible with the 1997 Flores Agreement (generally required the release of children from detention without unnecessary delay to parents or other family, and placement in the least restrictive setting appropriate to age and need while detained).

This misguided "zero tolerance" policy has created a human rights crisis in our country. With full knowledge of the consequences, this Administration reportedly believes that family separation should be used as an immigration deterrent. That is unacceptable.

Yet, the detention-center practice and its many related problems did not originate with this Administration. To be blunt, legislators and past administrations have utterly failed to adequately address these issues, for years.

Now is the time for action.

The HBA urges this President and leaders in this Senate and Congress, to act immediately. We join the call for the appropriate agencies to immediately:

end detention for families who have not been deemed a flight or security risk;
establish clear visitation guidelines that afford family, friends, and independent observers to visit and monitor conditions in detention facilities; and
provide the right to free legal counsel for all immigration detainees (who are being treated essentially the same as criminal defendants who would be constitutionally entitled to an attorney).

The HBA will act as well. Our members are urgently exploring avenues to assist detained minors at the southern border in whatever ways possible. For more information and to see how you can help, contact: info@ochba.org.

-Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

About The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County: The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County promotes education, unity, and excellence in the Hispanic legal community by expanding the business and professional opportunities available to its members, enhancing the members' business and professional stature in the Hispanic community, increasing the participation of Hispanic leaders in civic affairs and enhancing the quality of life for the members and the community.

For more information please visit www.ochba.org.

Join Today With a Free Trial ABA & Section Membership

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 17:20:24 GMT

http://americanbar.online/campaigns/join/index.html

Help Survivors of Domestic Violence: Upcoming Training

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 17:19:42 GMT

LeClairRyan is Pleased to Announce that Guillermo M. Tello has Joined the Firm

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 05:17:54 GMT

Guillermo M. Tello has joined LeClairRyan as a partner of the firm’s labor and employment team. He is resident in the national law firm’s Los Angeles office.

Tello is experienced in representing clients in both litigation and in providing advice and counsel. His litigation experience ranges from single plaintiff actions to multi-party complex actions, as well as class and representative actions.

Matters handled by Tello include employment claims of wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, wage and hour and prevailing wage disputes. He also counsels clients on day to day California employment law issues, provides training and legal support to human resources, and also assists clients in implementing new policies and procedure including alternative workweek schedules. Additionally, Tello has substantial experience handling business and commercial litigation, construction disputes, and matters in defense of public entities.

Tello is actively involved in the local legal and business community. He has served as the CFO and Vice President of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association and continues to serve on the Judicial Evaluations and Scholarships committees. He is also actively involved in the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of the University of La Verne (B.A.) and Western State College of Law (J.D.), Tello is admitted in California.

About LeClairRyan
As a trusted advisor, LeClairRyan provides business counsel and client representation in corporate law and litigation. In this role, the firm applies its knowledge, insight and skill to help clients achieve their business objectives while managing and minimizing their legal risks, difficulties and expenses. With offices from coast to coast, the firm represents a wide variety of clients nationwide. For more information about LeClairRyan, visit www.leclairryan.com.

Guillermo M. Tello
725 S. Figueroa Street
Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone
213.337.3230
Email
guillermo.tello@leclairryan.com
Read My Bio

Supreme Court- Newly Adopted Rule of Court

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 30 May 2018 06:35:56 GMT

Rule 9.9.5. Attorney Fingerprinting

(a) Subsequent arrest notification

(1) The State Bar must enter into a contract with the California Department of Justice for subsequent arrest notification services for attorneys whose license is on active status with the State Bar (“active licensed attorneys”) and attorneys permitted to practice in the State of California pursuant to rules 9.44, 9.45, and 9.46 of the California Rules of Court (“special admissions attorneys”).

(2) The State Bar must consider those active licensed attorneys and special admissions attorneys for whom it is already receiving subsequent arrest notification services as having satisfied the fingerprinting requirement of this rule and thereby exempt. The State Bar must adopt a procedure for notification of all attorneys as to whether they have been deemed to have already satisfied the requirement.

(b) Active licensed attorneys

Each active licensed attorney, with the exception of those attorneys specifically exempt under (a)(2) of this rule, must, pursuant to the procedure identified by the State Bar, be fingerprinted for the purpose of obtaining criminal offender record information regarding state and federal level convictions and arrests from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These fingerprints will be retained by the Department of Justice for the limited purpose of subsequent arrest notification.

(c) Inactive licensed attorneys

An attorney whose license is on inactive status with the State Bar (“inactive licensed attorneys”), with the exception of those attorneys specifically exempt under (a)(2) of this rule, must, pursuant to the procedure identified by the State Bar, be fingerprinted prior to being placed on active status for the purposes described in (b) of this rule.

(d) Active licensed attorneys in foreign countries

Active licensed attorneys who are residing outside the United States and required to submit fingerprints under this rule should have their fingerprints taken by a licensed fingerprinting service agency and submit the hard copy fingerprint card to the State Bar. If fingerprinting services are not provided in the jurisdiction where the attorney is physically located, or the attorney is able to provide evidence that he/she is unable to access or afford such services, the attorney must notify the State Bar pursuant to the procedure identified by the State Bar. The attorney will be exempt from providing fingerprints until he or she returns to the United States for a period of not less than 60 days.

(e) Special admissions attorneys

Attorneys permitted to practice in the State of California pursuant to rules 9.44, 9.45, and 9.46 of the California Rules of Court, with the exception of those attorneys specifically exempt under (a)(2) of this rule, must, pursuant to the procedure identified by the State Bar, be fingerprinted for the purpose of obtaining criminal offender record information regarding state and federal level convictions and arrests from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These fingerprints will be retained by the Department of Justice for the limited purpose of subsequent arrest notification.

(f) Implementation schedule and penalty for noncompliance

(1) The State Bar must develop a schedule for implementation that requires all attorneys subject to fingerprinting under (b) of this rule to be fingerprinted by December 1, 2019. The State Bar must develop a schedule for implementation that requires all special admissions attorneys subject to fingerprinting under (e) of this rule to be fingerprinted by the renewal of their application to practice law in the State of California.

(2) The State Bar has ongoing authority to require submission of fingerprints after December 1, 2019 for attorneys for whom it is not receiving subsequent arrest notification services and for attorneys transferring to active status. Failure to be fingerprinted if required by this rule may result in involuntary inactive enrollment pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 6054, subdivision (d).

(3) The State Bar has ongoing authority to require submission of fingerprints after December 1, 2019, for special admissions attorneys for whom it is not receiving subsequent arrest notification services. Failure to be fingerprinted if required may result in a State Bar determination that the attorney cease providing legal services in California.

(g) Information obtained by fingerprint submission; disclosure limitations

Any information obtained by the State Bar as a result of fingerprint submission under this rule must be kept confidential and used solely for State Bar licensing and regulatory purposes.

(h) Fingerprint submission and processing costs

(1) Except as described in (h)(2), all costs incurred for the processing of fingerprints for the State Bar, including print furnishing and encoding, as required by Business and Professions Code section 6054, must be borne by the licensed attorney or special admissions attorney.

(2) The State Bar must develop procedures for granting waivers of the processing costs of running Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks for licensed attorneys with demonstrable financial hardship.

(i) Attorneys who are physically unable to be fingerprinted

(1) If the Department of Justice makes a determination pursuant to Penal Code section 11105.7 that any attorney required to be fingerprinted under this rule is presently unable to provide legible fingerprints, the attorney will be deemed to have complied with the fingerprinting requirements of this rule.

(2) Attorneys required to be fingerprinted under this rule may also submit notification to the State Bar that they are unable to submit fingerprints due to disability, illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond their control. The State Bar must evaluate the notification and may require additional evidence. If the State Bar determines that the attorney is unable to submit fingerprints based on the information provided, the attorney will be deemed to have complied with the fingerprinting requirements of this rule.

(3) A determination of deemed compliance under (i)(1) and (i)(2) will apply only to those attorneys who are unable to supply legible fingerprints due to disability, illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond their control and will not apply to attorneys who are unable to provide fingerprints because of actions they have taken to avoid submitting their fingerprints.

Judicate West Open House, 25-Year Celebration

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 30 May 2018 06:28:37 GMT

June 7 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm

1851 East 1st Street, Suite 1600 Santa Ana, CA 92705

Welcoming: Hon. Frederick P. Aguirre, Ret., Hon. Thierry P. Colaw, Ret., Ed Fernandez, Esq., Hon. Steven Perk, Ret., and Hon. Clay Smith, Ret.
RSVP to susi@judicatewest.com.

Nominations for OCBA due Monday, June 25th

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 30 May 2018 03:21:00 GMT

Invitation to Apply for OCBA

Board of Directors &

Office of Secretary

Qualified individuals are now being sought to run for open seats on the Orange County Bar Association’s Board of Directors for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2019.

Nominations are being accepted for three seats for Directors At Large. All active attorney OCBA members are eligible to run for the Director At Large seats on the Board, regardless of the location of their principal office.

Nominations are also being accepted for the Office of Secretary. The individual elected as Secretary will serve a one-year term in that office beginning January 1, 2019. This is a multi-year commitment. Following their year as Secretary, the individual will be expected to continue to serve on the Executive Committee in the following capacities: Treasurer (2020), President-Elect (2021), President (2022), and Immediate Past President (2023).

Applications should be submitted to the OCBA Nominating Committee, c/o OCBA, P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658 or e-mailed to mocampo@ocbar.org. All nominations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018. The application form is attached and is also available online at www.ocbar.org. The Nominating Committee, chaired by President-Elect Deirdre Kelly, will meet in July to select the slate of candidates for the OCBA election in the fall.

Deadline: All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 25, 2018

DOWNLOAD FORM

Invitation to Comment- Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM)

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 29 May 2018 18:23:21 GMT

Comments sought:

The Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions has approved and posted for public comment the latest cycle of proposed revisions, additions, and deletions to the criminal jury instructions (CALCRIM). The committee is very interested in your input.

The proposed changes are at this link: http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.

Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to kara.portnow@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online. And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do NOT comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

Comments by letter should be sent to:

Ms. Kara Portnow, Attorney
Judicial Council of California
Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102

The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, June 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
The committee will review all comments and make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please:
Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
Provide any applicable authority for your position.

We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach. We appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions
Hon. René Auguste Chouteau, Chair

Kara Portnow, Staff Attorney: Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions
Legal Services | Leadership Services Division
Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
415-865-4961 kara.portnow@jud.ca.gov | www.courts.ca.gov

Notice from the Clerk: Amended Local Rules Effective June 1, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 08 May 2018 18:53:25 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding amended local rules effective June 1, 2018.

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/amended-local-rules-effective-june-1-2018

Apply for the 2018 HNBA LGBT Division Public Interest Scholarship!

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 03 May 2018 17:41:37 GMT

2018 HNBA LGBT DIVISION
Inaugural Public Interest Scholarship
DEADLINE: May 15th, by 5:00 PM EST

HOW TO APPLY
1. Fill out the application HERE.
2. Send application & supporting materials directly to:
Gabriel Zorogastua at gzorogastua@polsinelli.com
with copies to Javier Vargas at: jvargas@courts.state.ny.us
and Marjorie Soto at: marjoriesoto87@gmail.com
*All applications must be received by May 15th at 5:00 PM EST

DONATE TO THE FUND
If you would like to donate to the LGBT Division Scholarship Fund, please click HERE.

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the HNBA’s LGBT Section, the HNBA LGBT Division announced the launch of the LGBT Division Public Interest Scholarship Program at the 2018 Corporate Counsel Conference in San Francisco, CA. Applications are now open!

“The leadership displayed by LGBT Division Chair Raquel Matas in establishing this scholarship exemplifies this year’s theme of ‘Vision in Action’,” stated HNBA National President Erica V. Mason. “In less than 6 months, we were able to take the idea for the scholarship program from concept to fully-funded for the 2018 scholarship year, demonstrating, once again, what we can accomplish when we are all working towards a common goal. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to create and fund this program in such a short period of time, and to all that have contributed thus far. This scholarship is a wonderful way to commemorate the LGBT Division’s 10th Anniversary, and represents an important step in the Division’s legacy of promoting the advancement of Latinx LGBTQ lawyers and advocacy on behalf of the Latinx LGBTQ Community. I encourage our members to contribute to this fund!”

About the Division: The mission of the HNBA LGBT Division is to monitor and ADVOCATE for legal issues affecting the Hispanic LGBT community; EDUCATE the HNBA and others on legal issues facing the Hispanic LGBT community; and PROMOTE the expertise, advancement, and empowerment of Hispanic LGBT legal professionals. In addition to programming and Division meetings through the year, in conjunction with the HNBA Corporate Counsel Conference or Annual Convention each year, the Division hosts its Annual LGBT Division Latinx Legal Professionals Summit. The purpose of the Summit is to: (i) discuss issues of concern within the Latinx LGBT legal professional community and broader community; and (ii) develop advocacy strategies to address them.

LGBT DIVISION PUBLIC INTEREST SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will provide up to $5000.00 in financial assistance to law students or recent law school graduates who are or will become members of the HNBA, and who will be performing public interest work (advocacy, policy, and/or direct legal services) with a direct impact on Latinx LGBTQ individuals during their 2018 Summer (current law students) or 2018 Summer/Fall (recent law grads).

It is the goal of the LGBT Division Scholarship Program that scholarship recipients attend the Annual LGBT Latinx Legal Professionals Summit and contribute substantively by reporting on the work in which they were engaged during the summer and/or fall, respectively.

One or more scholarships of up to $5000 each will be awarded annually, beginning in 2018, subject to the availability of funds and the recommendation of the Division’s Scholarship Committee.

CRITERIA
To be eligible, the applicant must:

(i) be either a first, second or third year law student in good standing in an ABA accredited law school, or a recent law graduate (having received the degree within 12 months of the application date);

(ii) have secured an internship or placement for Summer 2018 (which can extend beyond the Summer) or the fall of 2018 (for a recent law graduate) with a public interest organization engaged in legal, advocacy, or policy work with a direct impact on Latinx LGBTQ individuals.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 15th, by 5:00 PM EST
Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their complete application and supporting materials, academic record, and demonstrated commitment to improve the legal and social standing of the Hispanic community, including Latinx LGBTQ individuals. Every effort will be made to award two scholarships and to reflect diversity in the award recipients.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 02 May 2018 17:39:13 GMT

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts website, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

Judicial Administration: Judicial Branch Contracting Manual (JBCM)

Invitation to Comment No: SP18-10

You are welcome to distribute this within your court and to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 03:32:41 GMT

Comments sought:

Three (3) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms and legislation have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The attached list provides a summary of the proposals and contains direct links to each individual proposal. You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

Invitation to Comment: Judicial Administration: Public Disclosure of Settlement Agreements

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:33:55 GMT

Comments sought:

The Judicial Council’s Rules and Projects Committee has approved the circulation for comment of a proposal entitled “Judicial Administration: Public Disclosure of Settlement Agreements.” This proposal would amend California Rules of Court, rule 10.500 on public administrative records to clarify that settlement agreements must be disclosed in response to public records requests and that the names of judicial officers may not be redacted from settlement agreements produced in response to these requests.

The proposal to amend rule 10.500 is available for viewing on the internet at: http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. The proposal is being circulated on a special expedited cycle so that it can be presented to the Judicial Council at its May 24, 2018 meeting.

The deadline for receiving comments is Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

All comments will be reviewed by the Rule 10.500 Working Group, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.

We encourage your comments and appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Rule 10.500 Working Group
Hon. Marsha G. Slough, Chair

Public Notice of Intent to Consider the Reappointment of Magistrate Judges Pym and Wilner

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 03:35:12 GMT

Please click on the links below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding the matter of the reappointment of Magistrate Judges Sheri Pym and Michael R. Wilner.

Thank you.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-intent-consider-reappointment-united-states-magistrate-judge-sheri-pym

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-intent-consider-reappointment-united-states-magistrate-judge-michael-r-wilner

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 17:20:49 GMT

Comments sought:

Thirty-six (36) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms and legislation have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The attached list provides a summary of the proposals and contains direct links to each individual proposal. You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2018.

Notice from the Clerk: Recruitment Notice for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Trial Attorney Panel

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 17:20:26 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Recruitment Notice for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Trial Attorney Panel. Thank you.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/recruitment-notice-criminal-justice-act-cja-trial-attorney-panel-0

Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach Welcomes Snell & Wilmer Attorney Steffi Gascón Hafen to Board of Directors

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 05:58:03 GMT

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LONG BEACH WELCOMES SNELL & WILMER ATTORNEY STEFFI GASCÓN HAFEN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2018) – Snell & Wilmer is pleased to announce that Orange County and Los Angeles attorney Steffi Gascón Hafen has been elected to the Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. Her term began on March 15, 2018.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach (BGCLB), comprised of 11 distinct facilities across the city, has been helping underprivileged youth reach their full personal and academic potential since 1939. In an effort to ensure that members achieve great futures, the BGCLB provides the Five Core Youth Development Initiative, which focuses on Good Character & Citizenship, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The BGCLB has served more than 225,000 youth, ages 6-18 in its 78-year history.

Hafen is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, California Board of Legal Specialization. At Snell & Wilmer she is a member of the firm's Private Client Services and General Federal Tax practice groups. Hafen's practice is concentrated in tax, trust and estate matters with emphasis in estate planning, trust and probate administration, and estate and gift taxation. She employs advanced estate planning techniques, including grantor retained annuity trusts, family partnerships, limited liability companies, charitable remainder trusts, defective grantor trusts, insurance planning, public charities, and private foundations. She also advises clients regarding succession planning for closely held businesses. In addition, Hafen has experience in state and local taxation, including income taxation, sales and use taxation, and property taxation, as well as issues regarding residency and domicile. Hafen also represents clients in front of the Franchise Tax Board, the State Board of Equalization, and the Internal Revenue Service. She works with clients' certified public accountants, financial planners and other service providers to provide holistic solutions to clients’ needs.

Hafen received her L.L.M. in Taxation from Loyola Law School, her J.D. from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law and her B.A. from University of California, Santa Barbara. She has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association since 2013 and became a Board Member of Orange County Head Start in 2016. Hafen is also an Attorney Member of the Orange County Estate Planning Council.

About Snell & Wilmer
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 400 attorneys practicing in nine locations throughout the western United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles and Orange County, California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.swlaw.com.

###

The Supreme Court's Applicant Evaluation and Nomination Committee is seeking qualified candidates to serve as judges for the State Bar Court

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 05:57:28 GMT

Please be advised that the California Supreme Court’s Applicant Evaluation and Nomination Committee (AENC) is seeking qualified candidates to serve as judges for the State Bar Court. The AENC is seeking applications for the position of Presiding Judge of the Court (a position that will also serve on the Review Department) and two Hearing Court Judges.

Applications are due no later than April 20, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

For more information and a link to the application materials, please click here

Western State law Review Symposium 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:37:02 GMT

Discrimination in the Legal Profession

Naturalization Training & Fair - April 7, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:30:47 GMT

The Public Law Center invites you to be part of our naturalization project by volunteering your time as a legal volunteer at our upcoming Citizenship Fair. Legal volunteers will help clients prepare citizenship applications. Your legal screening will provide clients with a sense of confidence about applying for naturalization.

Naturalization Training:

Training is for legal volunteers participating at our naturalization fairs in 2018. You must be an Attorney, Law Student, DOJ Accredited Representative or paralegal to take this training.

In person training will be provided on Tuesday, March 27, 2018

LOCATION: Western State School of Law

ADDRESS: 1 Banting, Irvine, CA 92618

ROOM: TBD

REGISTRATION TIME: 5:30PM-6:00 P.M.

TRAINING FROM 6:00PM-7:30PM

CLE PROVIDED

The training topics will include:

• Basic requirements of naturalization
• Screening for "red flag" issues
• Intersection of criminal law
• Benefits and process of applying
• What to expect at the fair
• Completing applications in one day

Naturalization Clinic Date:
Saturday, April 7, 2018

From 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

(Shifts available, 9am-1:30pm, 1pm-5pm, and 9am-5pm)

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout the duration of the event.

Clinic Location:
North Orange County Community College District
1830 W Romneya Dr, Anaheim, CA 92801

For questions, please contact Roxana Rosas at rrosas@publiclawcenter.org.

To begin registration, please click HERE >

California YMCA Appellate Moot Court Competition

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:19:26 GMT

June 29-July 1
Wyndham Anaheim/Orange County Justice Center

The California Judicial Competition (CJC) is a statewide YMCA Appellate Court competition program, taking place in Anaheim, CA and is hosted by the California YMCA Youth & Government in partnership with several Southern California Law Firms. 2018 is the inaugural year for the competition.

This program brings together high school students from around the state to face off in an appellate court competition. Teams of two will compete against their peers in Moot Court trials as well have the chance to show off their understanding of the case and case law as justices.

In order for this event to offer true court simulation, attorney and law school student volunteers are needed, that’s where you come in! Please see below and indicate when you would be available and interested in volunteering.

More Information For Students
More Information for VOLUNTEERS: Attorneys and Law Students

Notice from the Clerk - Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:26:03 GMT

The United States District Court, Central District of California, is currently accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives. Please refer to the link below for more information.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/seeking-applications-ninth-circuit-judicial-conference-lawyer-representatives-3

Comments Sought- New Proposal to Amend the Code of Judicial Ethics

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 04:25:48 GMT

Comments sought:

Seven (7) new proposals to amend the Code of Judicial Ethics have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Jacobson, at mark.jacobson@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7898.

Join the HNBA for its 9th Annual Corporate Counsel Conference!

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:13:45 GMT

March 15-18, 6-8pm

Hilton San Francisco
Join the HNBA at its 9th Annual Corporate Counsel Conference & 23rd Annual Uvaldo Herrera Moot Court Competition at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square on March 15-18, 2018.
More Information

Invitation to Comment - Spring Cycle 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 07:03:18 GMT

The Rules and Forms Committee of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, has proposed revisions to the Local Rules of Court. The Court invites your comments pursuant to rule 10.613 of the California Rules of Court, for the following changes to the local rules:

Repeal of Local Rule 700.6 – Family Law Filings. The proposed repeal is being made because the local rule has become obsolete with the implementation of Family Law electronic filing (e-filing).

Revised Local Rule 702(D) – Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The proposed revisions establish a standard protocol for the submission of a qualified domestic relations order or other community property retirement plan benefit order to the court.

Attached please find copies of the proposed repealed and revised rules, which are also posted on the Superior Court’s website at Invitation to Comment. A comment form is attached to download and submit comments by paper format, it is also available online to submit comments electronically. All comments concerning a proposed rule must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Comments submitted by U.S. mail should be directed to:

Honorable Ronald Bauer

Chair, Rules and Forms Committee

Superior Court, County of Orange

P. O. Box 1994

Santa Ana, CA 92702-1994

Notice from the Clerk: Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective June 1, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:06:36 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding changes to Local Civil Rules 5.2-1 and 7-4.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/changes-local-rules-proposed-become-effective-june-1-2018

Volunteer Opportunities: Project Self, Career Day, Senior Exit Interviews

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:27:45 GMT

Elizabeth G. Macias Legal Studies Academy (EGMLSA) at Santa Ana High School

Multiple Opportunities This Spring!

The Elizabeth G. Macias Legal Studies Academy (EGMLSA) is the first academy of its kind in Orange County.

In the summer, EGMLSA holds a four-day enrichment camp filled with activities such as improv/acting training, a visit to local courthouses, a college and law school campus and ultimately participate in a mock trial.

In the fall, the students participate in the Constitutional Right's Foundation (CRF) mock trial competition.

This spring, the students focus on writing skills, interviewing skills, fine-tuning trial skills, and further developing their knowledge of the legal profession through a Speaker Series. These projects enhance their skills and increase their knowledge of legal issues and expose them to the legal community.

Volunteer attorneys from the OCHBA coach the student mock trial teams and teach in the enrichment camp. This spring, EGMLSA has the following volunteer opportunities:

Project Self Interview Preparation.
Date: 3/13/18
Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Santa Ana High School
Volunteers: 5 attorneys
Career day.
Date: 3/20/2018
Time: 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
Location: Santa Ana High School
Senior exit interviews.
Dates: 5/21/2018 & 5/22/2018
Time: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Santa Ana High School
Volunteers: 5 to 10 attorneys

Volunteer Now by contacting OCHBA Board Member Carolina Gomez at carolina@ccgomezlaw.com.

U Visa and VAWA Immigration Training - Beginner/Intermediate Level

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 23:37:26 GMT

Text-to-Pay Service Available for Traffic, Infraction and Criminal Cases

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:24:13 GMT

Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Superior Court has implemented a Text-to-Pay service for traffic, infraction and criminal cases. It is a fast, convenient and secure way to use a smartphone to make payments or explore other case options, even when the Court is closed.
To access services on the Court’s website, a customer sends his or her case-specific OC Pay number via text to (657) 215-4684. A response will appear with the customer’s general case information along with links to various services. An instructional video about where to find the case-specific OC Pay number is available online.
In addition to making a payment, some cases may be eligible to reserve a court date online or to access other features. By clicking on links provided by return text, a customer can easily perform transactions via cell phone (message and data rates may apply). The service is available for delinquent and non-delinquent traffic, infraction and criminal cases.
A video with an overview and a demonstration of the Text-to-Pay service is online.

Judge Steven D. Bromberg Speaks on State Supreme Court case of People vs. Sanchez

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:44:54 GMT

NEWPORT HARBOR BAR ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

Judge Steven D. Bromberg

Speaks on State Supreme Court case of People vs. Sanchez

Holding case-specific statements relating to expert witness testimony and what constitutes inadmissible hearsay.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

5:30 P.M -networking

6:00 P.M. to 7:00 program

One Hour of MCLE

Help Us Dress The Saints of Santa Ana High School

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 21:26:34 GMT

The OCHBA, in collaboration with Santa Ana High School, is holding its Saints’ Closet collection to dress students for mock trial competitions, job interviews and school dances!

We are collecting gently used:

suits
professional attire
event dresses & suits

Please drop off your donation(s) to:
Law Office of Carolina C. Gomez
2112 E 4th Street, Suite 102
Santa Ana, CA 92705
8:30 to 5:30 M-F

Let’s make their closet worthy of Saints!

The OCHBA Congratulates Judge Andre De La Cruz

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 18:07:41 GMT

On January 19, 2018, the OCHBA attended the Enrobing Ceremony for Judge Andre De La Cruz at Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Congratulations 2018 Wally Davis Scholarship Recipients!

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 05:25:20 GMT

The 2018 Wally Davis Scholarship Recipients are Leticia Torres of Western State College of Law, Robbie Godinez Munoz of Chapman University Fowler School of Law and Jennifer Corona of Western State College of Law.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students!

Office of Congressman J. Luis Correa Open House

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 04:10:45 GMT

Congressman Correa is hosting an Open House to celebrate his first year in office - the Open House will take place on Jan. 23rd at our office from 5:30pm-8:30pm. We would like to personally invite you, the OC Hispanic Bar Association, and all your members to the event. Hope to see you then!

Best regards,

Rachel Rolnicki | Field Representative

Office of Congressman J. Luis Correa (CA-46)

2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 | Santa Ana CA 92706

Office: (714) 559-6190

Filing Instructions - January 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 19:46:36 GMT

Revision #18 to the 2008 Edition of the Local Rules – Superior Court of California, County of Orange will be effective as of January 1, 2018.

An electronic copy of the rules is available on the Court’s website at www.occourts.org or you may view them by clicking here.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:30:14 GMT

Comments sought:

Nine (9) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms and legislation have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The attached list provides a summary of the proposals and contains direct links to each individual proposal. You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 16:59:38 GMT

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

· Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM): Revise and Draft Jury Instructions

You are welcome to distribute this within your court and to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

OC Superior Court now searching for Grand Jury applicants

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:05:41 GMT

Orange County Residents Needed to Serve on the Grand Jury!

Santa Ana, CA - The Orange County Superior Court is looking for qualified volunteers to serve on the 2018-2019 Grand Jury. Assistant Presiding Judge Kirk Nakamura, chair of the Grand Jury Recruitment and Selection Committee, said, "I encourage Orange County residents to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to improve our community." The 19-member Grand Jury will take the official oath of office on June 29, 2018 for a one year term.

The Grand Jury's responsibilities include:
Ensuring that the performance of county, city, and other local agencies is proper and ethical;
Providing recommendations to government agencies for improvement;
Responding to citizen complaints about local government agencies;
Ensuring that our local tax dollars are wisely spent;
Evaluating conditions at our county's jails; and
Issuing indictments for serious crimes.
Grand jurors receive training and attend tours and briefings to increase their knowledge of the workings of county agencies to help them assess areas in need of improvement. Grand Jury reports from past civil investigations and responses from the appropriate agencies are posted online at www.ocgrandjury.org/reports.asp.

To qualify to serve on the Grand Jury, you must be a resident of Orange County for at least a year, a United States citizen, at least 18 years old, in possession of sound judgment, and have sufficient knowledge of English. Interested citizens must apply by January 26, 2018. Grand jurors receive a $50 per day stipend, mileage reimbursement, and onsite parking.

The Grand Jury selection process includes Superior Court judges reviewing applications and interviewing qualified applicants, and Orange County Sheriff's Department officers conducting background investigations of qualified candidates. The final selection of the 19-member panel is achieved by a random drawing of 25 to 30 candidates who are nominated and confirmed by Superior Court judges to proportionally represent each of the five Supervisorial Districts in the County, as required by law. The first 19 names drawn will be grand jurors and the remaining names drawn will be alternates in the order selected. Alternates are trained and ready to serve in place of panelists who cannot complete the one year term for any reason.

The application form and additional information are available on the Grand Jury website at www.ocgrandjury.org, by calling the Grand Jury Hotline at 657-622-6747, or in person at the Jury Commissioner's Office, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, 92701.

https://www.facebook.com/Orange-County-Superior-Court-124466157601025/?ref=ts

https://twitter.com/OCSuperiorCourt

https://www.linkedin.com/company/2371015/admin/updates/

OC Removal Defense Training - 11/28/2017

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 19:47:09 GMT

Legal Training Topics:
- Trends in ICE Enforcement
- How to Respond to the Threat of Immediate Deportation
- Litigating Constitutional Rights Violations
- Working Effectively With Community Organizers

Presenters:

Annie Lai, University of California Irvine School of Law
Jennifer Koh, Western State College of Law
Monica Eav Glicken, Esq.

Date: November 28, 2017
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
600 Anton Blvd., Suite 1400
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

MCLE: 3 hours

Fee : $25.00 (free if agree to volunteer with OC Raids Response Network and/or PLC in removal defense in the next year)

Dinner Included

RSVP to Grace Landa, glanda@publiclawcenter.org

News Release: O.C. Residents Needed to Serve on the Grand Jury!

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:03:34 GMT

https://voiceofoc.org/2017/11/orange-county-residents-needed-to-serve-on-the-grand-jury/

Immigrant Defenders Law Center - STAFF ATTORNEY Santa Ana, CA

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 18:23:56 GMT

STAFF ATTORNEY Santa Ana, CA

The Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California. Our organization was established by experienced public attorneys and activists from the immigrant rights community who collectively have decades of experience fighting for the rights of immigrants in Southern California and beyond. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to go into court alone, and we see our universal representation programs for children and adults as a first step towards that goal. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org.

ImmDef seeks a full-time Staff Attorney, based in our Santa Ana office, to provide fearless and zealous advocacy to clients in immigration removal proceedings. The Staff Attorney will work under the direct supervision of a Managing Attorney and in collaboration with their fellow attorneys. Our attorneys receive support from paralegals, administrative assistants and case managers. This is a rewarding and exciting position where the successful applicant will be engaged in cutting edge immigration litigation.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provide creative representation to immigrants before the Immigration Courts, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and CA state court proceedings related to a client's removal case;
Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies;
Comply with data and program reporting requirements.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate degree required;
Active, California State Bar License, or license from another jurisdiction and (for some positions) commitment to “waiving in” to the CA Bar via the Multi-Jurisdictional Practice Program. We will consider those who sat for the July 2017 bar exam and are awaiting their results.
Spanish language proficiency required (will be tested at time of interview);
Experience working with detained immigrants or other incarcerated populations is a big plus;
Preference for experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma;

Experience with removal defense, family law, criminal defense, and/or child welfare related matters is a big plus;

Experience working in a high volume, social-justice law firm is a huge plus;
Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required
Demonstrated ability and willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories;
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure required;
Enthusiasm for working at a progressive, start-up organization;
Passion for social justice for immigrants required.

Salary:

Competitive public interest between $53,000 - $65,000 DOE + generous benefits package, including health, dental, sick and vacation time, 11 paid holidays/year, and our office is closed between 12/25 and 1/2.

As a 501(c)(3) corporation, attorneys are eligible for public service loan forgiveness programs for federal student loans.

Application Instructions:

E-mail cover letter, resume, 3 references, and brief writing sample (5 pages or less) to: Lindsay Toczylowski, Executive Director, Immigrant Defenders Law Center at AttorneyJobs@immdef.org. Please indicate where you came across our job announcement. In the subject line please write FIRST NAME_LAST NAME_STAFF ATTORNEY APPLICATION.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Immigrant Defenders Law Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Notice from the Clerk: Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:00:57 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding amended local rules effective December 1, 2017.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/amended-local-rules-effective-december-1-2017

Save the Date: Thirteenth Annual Law Firm Diversity Reception (Feb. 28, 2018)

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:03:00 GMT

UCLA LAW Academic Outreach Resource Center ~ Law Fellows Program

Dear Friends,

The Thirteenth Annual UCLA Law Firm Diversity Reception will take place Wednesday, February 28, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. We look forward to your participation in this event.

We will follow up with the official invitation after the New Year. Space is limited, so if you could like to confirm your spot now, please let us know. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions in the meantime.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 20:52:58 GMT

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

· SP17-06 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules: 2018 (adopt revised Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules, 2018 Edition)

You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

$10,000 1L Diversity Scholarship - Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 19:09:34 GMT

We offer six scholarships (one each in our Los Angeles,
Portland, Seattle and Washington, D.C., offices, and two
in our New York office), which consist of a paid summer
associate position and $10,000 for the student’s
second-year tuition and expenses.
The online application site opens on December 1, 2017.
Applications for the coming year must be received on or
before January 9, 2018. We will interview finalists before
awarding scholarships.
See application instructions below, or check out our
website at careers.dwt.com/summer-associates.

California DOJ- Attorney General's Honors Program

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 18:56:48 GMT

***ATTENTION THIRD YEAR LAW STUDENTS AND RECENT LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES***

The Office of the Attorney General is now accepting applications for the Attorney General’s Honors Program and Earl Warren Solicitor General Fellowship!

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to launch your legal career with the State of California’s top law agency!

AG Honors Program-Graduate Legal Assistant: https://goo.gl/GuAuVb
AG Honors Program-Deputy Attorney General: https://goo.gl/BCtGL7
Office of the Solicitor General-Deputy Attorney General: https://goo.gl/fWCuKv

For more information on the Attorney General’s Honors Program: https://lnkd.in/gqCxz98

For more information on the Earl Warren Solicitor General Fellowship: https://lnkd.in/gYy4HMa

DOJ Recruitment Unit
Office of Human Resources
Office of the Attorney General
California Department of Justice
Careers@doj.ca.gov

PLC Advocates & OC Lavendar Bar Assoc. 5th Annual Halloween Bash

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 05:41:38 GMT

Public Notice Re: Court Reporter Availablity in Civil Courtrooms, eff. 10/23/2017

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 05:38:17 GMT

2017-10-16_NoticeofCourtReporterAvailability.pdf

Identifying, Understanding and Breaking: The Cycle of Generational Violence

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 04:21:30 GMT

Identifying, Understanding and Breaking: The Cycle of Generational Violence

by YWCA of North Orange County

Date and Time

Fri, November 3, 2017

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM PDT

Add to Calendar

Location

Delhi Center

505 E. Central Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 92707

Description

The Orange County Family Violence Council presents

Identifying, Understanding and Breaking:The Cycle of Generational Violence

November 3rd, 2017

Full Scholarships Available
Free Parking
Continental Breakfast & Lunch Included
Continuing Education Certification Pending

This event is approved by the State Bar of California. UC Irvine School of Law is a State Bar-approved MCLE provider.

Each course also meets the qualifications of Continuing Education credit for MFT’s and LCSW’s as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Human Options, Inc., Provider Number PCE 2205, P.O. Box 53745 Irvine, CA 92619.

Application for Scholarship to Cover Attendance Fee of $25, COPY & PASTE link below:

https://goo.gl/h2DruK

If application is approved, you will receive a discount code to waive the cost of the conference.

HTTF, Criminal & International Law Joint Meeting - Human Trafficking in Orange County

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 04:18:50 GMT

October 18, 2017

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Speakers:

Hon. Maria D. Hernandez
Presiding Judge, Juvenile Court, Orange County Superior Court

Daniel L. Varon, Esq.
Deputy District Attorney, OC District Attorney’s Office

Dr. Anne Light
Medical Director, Social Services Agency OC

Human Trafficking in Orange County

This program will outline the human trafficking issue in Orange County, the laws used to prosecute the traffickers, and the neuroscience of human trafficking victims, including one human trafficking survivor’s story.

Breakfast Club Meeting: Featured Guest - Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 18:06:54 GMT

Save The Date – Breakfast Club Invitation

I pledged to serve with a commitment to maintain an open and consistent dialogue with my constituents and to that end am once again hosting a Breakfast Club meeting for fellow community, local government, business and labor leaders in Orange County. This will allow us to have a firsthand perspective about the issues that are affecting our state.

I would be honored to have you in attendance at our Breakfast Club meeting. I believe you will find the invited speaker's insights on what's happening in California both interesting and timely. I hope you will attend this free Breakfast Club gathering and enjoy a continental breakfast as we bring Sacramento to Orange County.

No Charge

Breakfast Club Meeting:
Featured Guest - Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye

Friday, Oct. 27
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
(Registration begins at 7 a.m.)

Ehlers Event Center, Veterans Hall,
8150 S Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

Orange County Head Start: FREE SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM for eligible children and families

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 17:36:45 GMT

NOW ENROLLING
Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers for this program year!

Orange County Head Start, Inc. is here to serve your child and family!
Would you like your child to:

Be prepared to enter Kindergarten ready to learn?
Have a healthy meal and snack everyday?
Would you like additional support for your child and family in:
Education, Social, Emotional, Health (medical and dental), and Nutritional Services?

Learn More

OCBA MCLE Thailand Trip - January 26 - February 4, 2018

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 06:28:20 GMT

District Court's Korematsu Program

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 06:20:05 GMT

Please see attached an invitation to attend a very special program at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse regarding Korematsu v. Unites States, Lessons Learned 75 Years after Executive Order 9066. The program is taking place on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 12:00 P.M

Please see the attached invitation for further details. If you plan to attend the program, please send your RSVP to SpecialPrograms@cacd.uscourts.gov.

OCHBA Supports OCWLA 42nd Annual Gala

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 04:56:05 GMT

Congratulations to the Orange County Women Lawyers Association on successful The 42nd OCWLA Gala! Congratulations to Judge of the Year, The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez, Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, Superior Court of California, County of Orange and Attorney of the Year Mary-Christine "M.C." Sungaila, Haynes And Boone, LLP and Keynote Speaker Sylvia Torres-Guillén, ACLU Director of Education for California.

Invitation to Comment: Provision of Court Interpreters (Small Claims)

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 04:00:32 GMT

Request for Comments:

A new proposal, LEG17-07, to amend Government Code section 68560.5(a) and Code of Civil Procedure section 116.550 has been posted to http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force and Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee recommend that the Judicial Council sponsor legislation to: (1) amend Government Code section 68560.5(a) to delete an exception stating that interpreters are not required in small claims proceedings; and (2) amend Code of Civil Procedure section 116.550 to authorize courts to appoint certified and registered interpreters in small claims proceedings. Revised Code of Civil Procedure section 116.550 also makes clear that courts should follow the provisional qualification process if a certified or registered interpreter is not available. It also provides judges with discretion to appoint a temporary interpreter to assist a court user during a small claims hearing if a certified/registered or provisionally qualified interpreter is not available even after a continuance, or at the first hearing if the judge makes a similar determination of unavailability, depending on the complexity of the case.

You are welcome to distribute this any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

Scholarship Available: HBA Wallace (Wally) R. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:01:08 GMT

APPLY NOW

Download Flyer

OCHBA Statement on the Trump Administration's DACA Announcement

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 04:41:43 GMT

Santa Ana, CA - September 5, 2017 - The Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (OCHBA) is profoundly disappointed in President Trump's decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program without proposed legislation to safeguard the future of these promising, young Americans. The program, which has the support of Democrats, Republicans, universities, and business leaders throughout the nation, has been a small but powerful step towards protecting those individuals who want nothing more than to contribute to the great American ideal set forth in our nation's founding documents. Through their actions, the administration has left the future of more than 800,000 DACA recipients solely in the hands of Congress stating, "the compassionate thing to do is to end unlawfulness" thus ending DACA, we strongly disagree.

Casting today's actions as a commitment to a "nation of laws" and a "humanitarian" response flies in the face of the words and actions this administration has undertaken since its inception. Compassion is acknowledging that DACA recipients are a generation who came to this country through no fault of their own, and have contributed to its rich landscape and who grew up as Americans. Now, with the onus on Congress to protect these individuals, we urge our members to use all resources at their disposal to pass legislation that provides a lasting, permanent relief for these vulnerable individuals.The criminalization of immigrant populations, simply based on their immigration status, is unacceptable and counter to American ideals.

In times like this, it is easy to get lost in the politics of ideas and forget that those affected are in fact, our friends, neighbors, employees, and family; they are Americans. To remind us of the impact this decision will have on these individuals and to underscore the importance of fighting for a legislative remedy, we leave you with words of a DACA recipient, OCHBA member and Wally Davis Scholarship recipient, Alfonso Maldonado, "Being American and a citizen is not easily defined nor acquired by a piece of paper. Being American is a state of mind. It is the embodiment of the desire, passion, and drive to learn from the past and embrace the future."

These are not the words of someone threatening our nation's freedom, safety, or prosperity; they are the embodiment of these ideals. The OCHBA proudly counts DACA recipients like Mr. Maldonado as attorney members, affiliate members and Wally Davis Scholars and as an organization remains devoted to protecting its membership and the community at-large.

Eric M. Dominguez
President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

Download Release

Invitation to Comment - Fall Cycle 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 02:26:26 GMT

Revised Local Rule 180 – Law Enforcement Use of Body-Worn Cameras. Proposed revisions to Local Rule 180 address the increased use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers. The proposed additional language requires body-worn cameras to be inactive in the courthouse, unless an officer wearing the camera is directly involved in law enforcement activities in the courthouse. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.552)

Revised Local Rule 610.12 – Guardians’ Accounts. This proposal amends Local Rule 610.12 to require electronic lodging of account statements by Guardians when the original accounts are in electronic form. If the original financial statements are on paper, they must continue to be lodged in paper format. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.252.)

Revised Local Rule 611.11 – Conservator’s Accounts. This proposal amends Local Rule 611.11 to require electronic lodging of account statements by Conservators when the original accounts are in electronic form. If the original financial statements are on paper, they must continue to be lodged in paper format. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.252.)

New Local Rule 700.7 – Electronic Filing in Family Law Cases. This proposal mandates e-filing by represented parties in Family Law effective January 1, 2018. (Code Civ. Proc., § 1010.6.) Self-represented parties will be encouraged to e-file, but will be exempt from mandatory e-filing. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2).

Please find copies of the proposed revisions and rules, which is posted on the Superior Court’s website at Invitation to Comment. A comment form is attached to download and submit comments by paper format and is also available online to submit comments electronically. All comments concerning a proposed rule must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017.

Comments submitted by U.S. mail should be directed to:

Honorable Ronald Bauer
Chair, Rules and Forms Committee
Superior Court, County of Orange
P. O. Box 1994
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1994

Apply Now for the Superior Court Leadership Academy!

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 22:03:08 GMT

2017_LeadershipAcademyInvitation_final.pdf

Notice from the Clerk: Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective December 1, 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:39:30 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective December 1, 2017.
http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/changes-local-rules-proposed-become-effective-december-1-2017

Invitation to Comment: Civil Jury Instructions (CACI)

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:06:11 GMT

Comments sought:

The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved and posted for public comment its 31st release of proposed revisions and additions to the civil instructions (CACI). This release includes proposed new and revised instructions and verdict forms, including one revocation and some renumbering, in response to developments in the law over the last six months. The committee is very interested in your input.

The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.

Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online. And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

Comments by letter should be sent to:

Mr. Bruce Greenlee, Attorney

Judicial Council of California

Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions

455 Golden Gate Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94102

The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, September 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please:

Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
Provide any applicable authority for your position.

We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach. We appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions

Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 05:15:16 GMT

SP17-04 Traffic and Criminal Procedure: Forms and rule on ability to pay in traffic and other infraction cases (approve forms TR-321/CR-320 and TR-321/CR-321; adopt Cal. Rules of Court, rule 4.336)

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2017.

http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm

Comments sought: Revised Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM)

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 05:13:20 GMT

Comments sought:

A new proposal to revise the California Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM) has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Seeley, staff to the Criminal Jury Instructions Advisory Committee, at robin.seeley@jud.ca.gov.

OCBA - Human Trafficking Task Force Drive

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 19:36:24 GMT

The two primary first responders to a victim of human trafficking are law enforcement and CPS (Community Service Programs). When a CSP Advocate receives a call, they immediately go to assist the victim. They bring a bag including various necessities to meet the victim wherever he or she is. The victim’s clothing may be taken for evidence or they may have barely any clothing on at all. Oftentimes they need the necessities of life, like shelter, food and toiletries. Your donation will go directly to these victims.

Collect and donate to the Necessities Drive.

Drop off will be throughout the month of July at the OCBA headquarters.

All items must be new/clothing must have tags.

Here is a list of the most needed items:

Target, food, and clothing gift cards.*
Clothes/shoes (new w/tags) in sizes S-XXL.
Backpacks/duffel bags.
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash.
Non-perishable snacks.
Socks/sports bras (new w/tags).
Cash donations may be made directly to CSP at www.cspinc.org and donors will receive a letter certifying that their donation is tax deductible.

*Donations to www.cspinc.org and gift cards will be used by victim advocates to best help victims with necessities and as deemed appropriate by the advocate.

Donations can be dropped off at the OCBA Office, 4101 Westerly Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m.

Disability Rights California Rights is Seeking Board Members!

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 18:59:33 GMT

Join Board of Disability Rights California

Help us create a barrier-free, inclusive, diverse world where Californians with disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, choice, independence and freedom from abuse, neglect and discrimination.

How to Apply

Describe your connection to the disability community and disability civil rights.

Identify and briefly describe prior experience serving on boards, including the dates of service and the activities you engaged in as a board member.

Describe why you want to join Disability Rights California’s board and what you would like to accomplish as a board member.

Describe your educational background, current employment and/or other volunteer activities.

Identify your unique skills and experience such as accounting, legal, public relations, fundraising, disability community connections and languages spoken.

List at least two references. Please include the name, telephone number and email address for each reference. Additionally, please list if you have a relative who is a DRC staff member or on DRC’s Board.

In addition to applying for a position on the Board of Directors, please tell us all of the following Committees for which you would like to be considered: Finance, Legislation, OCRA, PAIMI, and/or Program & Planning.

The following is voluntary: DRC’s Board values diversity. In order to assist the Board in selecting diverse Board members, please identify which of the following group(s) you belong to: Decline to State, African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, White, Multi-racial; Developmental Disability, Psychiatric Disability, Learning Disability, Sensory Disability, Physical Disability, Other Disability; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender.

For PAIMI Advisory Council applications, describe your experience working on issues of importance to mental health consumers, and in what capacity you are a provider of mental health services.

Disability Rights California

We are the largest disability rights advocacy group in the nation, established by federal law to protect and advocate for Californians with disabilities. Last year we assisted more than 25,000 individuals and hundreds of thousands more benefited from our systems litigation, policy work, trainings and publications. Last year we helped Raul get support from the state so he could make his van accessible and keep his job; helped state hospital residents receive dental care; and ensured that voting systems were accessible to Californians with visual disabilities. Read more about our work at http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/AR201501.pdf

DRC’s work is guided by a board, which values diversity of culture, disability and other life experiences. Board members work together to set DRC’s strategic direction, establish the budget and policies, evaluate the effectiveness of our work and raise funds for DRC. We are looking for members who embrace what DRC stands for, are leaders in their community, are engaged and able to actively participate at board meetings and in board committees. Please visit our webpage to learn more about each committee. We currently are seeking Board of Director applicants who are attorneys and/or Californians with learning, physical, or sensory disabilities. We are also seeking public member applications for DRC’s Finance and Legislation Committees. For all positions, we encourage applicants from California’s diverse communities to apply.

Submit a letter of interest and references by Friday, July 14, 2017 to Victor.Alvarez@disabilityrightsca.org or Fax (916) 504-5809. The letter should include your contact information and answer the following questions.

1831 K Street

Sacramento, CA 95811

TTY: (800) 719-5798

Toll Free: (800) 776-5746

Fax: (916) 504-5809

www.disabilityrightsca.org

Notice from the Clerk - Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives - Application Deadline Extended to July 3, 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 02:23:50 GMT

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/seeking-applications-ninth-circuit-judicial-conference-lawyer-representatives-2

Court Notices Regarding Fee Changes

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 02:23:13 GMT

Please see the notices announcing fee changes effective July 1, 2017 posted on the Superior Court of Orange County website, here:

http://www.occourts.org/general-public/notices/general/2017-06-02_Notice_E-filingFeeChange.pdf

http://www.occourts.org/general-public/notices/general/2017-06-02_Notice_FeeChanges.pdf

Nadia Davis-Lockyer Confirmed for LAHSA Commission

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 02:20:26 GMT

Los Angeles, CA (May 11, 2017) -- Nadia Davis-Lockyer has been confirmed unanimously by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to serve on the 10-member Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Commission, the agency's governing board. She replaces Commissioner Owen Newcomer, who resigned.

Davis-Lockyer, who was appointed by Supervisor Janice Hahn, will take her seat at the May 26 meeting of the full commission.

Davis-Lockyer has been a strong advocate for young people ever since she was an undergraduate at UCLA in the early 1990s. While a student at UCLA, she mentored inner-city youth through Project Motivation. At Loyola Law School, where she received her J.D. in 1996, Davis-Lockyer mentored students at a neighboring elementary school.

Following law school, she wrote a handbook and conducted seminars throughout the state for immigrant children and youth seeking higher education.

In 1997, Davis-Lockyer was elected to the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Trustees. As board president, she led efforts to increase college attendance rates and reduce teen pregnancy rates. Davis-Lockyer later served as executive director of the Alameda County Family Justice Center, where she helped children and families cut through red tape to get the assistance and support they needed.

In 2010, Davis-Lockyer was elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. She chaired the SSI Advocacy Committee and worked on such pressing issues as mental health, homelessness, youth violence prevention, and education.

"I am very honored to be named to the LAHSA Commission," said Davis-Lockyer, "and I am eager to join my colleagues in the ongoing effort to end homelessness in Los Angeles County. There is no more critical issue facing our community in these times."

"Nadia has devoted her life to helping those in need," said Wendy Greuel, chair of the LAHSA Commission. "Her dedication and commitment will be great assets to the Commission."

"Homelessness is the most pressing issue currently facing Los Angeles County and LAHSA is at the frontlines," said Supervisor Hahn, who appointed Davis-Lockyer to the commission. "Nadia Davis-Lockyer has dedicated her life to public service and will continue to fight for those most in need in her new role on the LAHSA Commission."

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is a joint powers authority of the City and County of Los Angeles, created in 1993 to address the problems of homelessness in Los Angeles County. LAHSA is the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care, and coordinates and manages more than $132 million annually in federal, state, county and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing and services to homeless persons. For more information visit www.lahsa.org.

News Release: O.C. Grand Jury Selected

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 26 May 2017 20:13:04 GMT

Santa Ana, CA – Nineteen Orange County residents were selected today to serve on the Grand Jury for a one-year term that begins when the jurors take the oath of office on June 30. Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, presided over the proceeding with David Yamasaki, Court Executive Officer and Jury Commissioner, randomly drawing cards printed with the names of the candidates. The Grand Jury panel is comprised of 12 men and 7 women who range in age from 55 to 86 years old.

More than 150 Orange County residents applied for the upcoming term. The 25 judges of the Grand Jury Recruitment and Selection Committee reviewed applications and selected top candidates who were each interviewed by judges from the committee. Superior Court judges voted to approve the final slate of candidates.

The California Penal Code requires that the Grand Jury be selected by a random drawing of no less than 25 and no more than 30 individuals who proportionally represent the five supervisorial districts of the County. The first 19 names drawn constitute the Grand Jury, with the remaining individuals selected as alternates in the order drawn. Alternates will serve in the event that any members cannot complete the one-year term. The grand jurors and alternates will attend a four-day training program in June.

The newly selected grand jurors will take the oath of office in a public ceremony on June 30 at 10:00 a.m. in Department C1 of the Orange County Superior Court. The names of the grand jurors and alternates are on the following page, listed in order of their selection.

2017/2018 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY

1. Dorothy Fenton

2. Patricia Allweiss

3. James Cast

4. Thomas Oliver

5. Yvette Hill

6. Santosh Mohanty

7. John Beauman

8. Everett Geis

9. Richard Carson

10. David Kasabo

11. Barbara Worsley

12. Joyce Zohar

13. Catherine Ford

14. Richard Jolly

15. Stuart Newman

16. Robert Niccum

17. Daniel McCarthy

18. Elaine Mata

19. William Postma

ALTERNATES

1. Trina Dodd

2. James Donckels

3. John Sciacca

4. Steven Randall

5. Stephen Adams

6. Javier Castellon

7. Tim Bardwell

8. Michael Juarez

9. Mary Laub

10. Denise Cunningham

Public Notice of Intent to Consider the Reappointment of Magistrate Judges Abrams, LaMothe, and Segal

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 26 May 2017 20:12:16 GMT

Please click on the links below to access the Notice from the Clerk regarding the reappointment of Magistrate Judges Paul L. Abrams, Louise A. LaMothe, and Suzanne H. Segal. Thank you.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-intent-consider-reappointment-united-states-magistrate-judge-paul-l-abrams

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-intent-consider-reappointment-united-states-magistrate-judge-louise-lamothe

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-intent-consider-reappointment-united-states-magistrate-judge-suzanne-h-segal

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 04:31:37 GMT

A new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

· SP17-03 Criminal Procedure: Judicial Council Form Under Proposition 63 (approve form CR-120)

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 04:25:56 GMT

A new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

· SP17-02 Judicial Administration: Rules for the Advisory Committee on Audits and Financial Accountability for the Judicial Branch (amend Cal. Rules of Court, rule 10.63)

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2017.

New Proposal: Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 03:58:56 GMT

SP17-01 Judicial Administration: Judicial Branch Contracting Manual (revise Judicial Branch Contracting Manual) In consultation with the Judicial Branch Contracting Manual Working Group,2 staff has made additional proposed revisions to the manual, and invites public comment regarding the proposed revisions

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2017.

2016 Annual Report of the Collaborative Courts

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 03:57:30 GMT

Please see the news release with information regarding the 2016 Annual Report of the Collaborative Courts HERE, which sets forth the outstanding results of these programs in significantly reducing recidivism, saving resources, and changing lives.

Notice from the Clerk: Recruitment Notice for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Trial Attorney Pane

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 04:10:55 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Recruitment Notice for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Trial Attorney Panel.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/recruitment-notice-criminal-justice-act-cja-trial-attorney-panel

Notice from the Clerk - Seeking Applications: Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 04:10:31 GMT

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/seeking-applications-ninth-circuit-judicial-conference-lawyer-representatives-1

Comments sought: SPR17-27 Criminal Procedure: Use of Risk/Needs Assessments at Sentencing

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 03:32:02 GMT

A new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

SPR17-27 Criminal Procedure: Use of Risk/Needs Assessments at Sentencing (approve Cal. Standards of Judicial Administration, standard 4.35)

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 28, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

Mexican consulate in Santa Ana, Latino law group vow to work together to help Mexicans as Trump cracks down on immigrants

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 04:06:45 GMT

From left, Consul of Mexico Mario Cuevas Zamora and Eric Dominguez, president of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association, sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Santa Ana on Thursday, March 9, 2017. The MOU establishes a collaboration to protect the legal rights of the Mexican community in Orange County. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

By JESSICA KWONG / STAFF WRITER, OC Register

SANTA ANA – As President Donald Trump rolls out his immigration policies, the Consulate of Mexico in Santa Ana has responded by bolstering its services to Mexicans, the latest step of which is a formal alliance with a large network of Latino attorneys.

Consul of Mexico Mario Cuevas Zamora and Eric Dominguez, president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding strengthening the relationship between the institutions and their capacity to provide free or low-cost counseling and legal representation.

“Things are not easy for our community right now,” Cuevas said in Spanish during a press conference announcing the signing. “These are trying times that should not be wished on anyone, but we need to confront it and what better way than to form alliances.”

The consulate and the bar association already had partnered on monthly immigration clinics and other services, but the memorandum will ensure Mexicans “regularly have access to attorneys as opposed to ad hoc,” whether on-site or over the phone, Dominguez said.

In particular, the bar association is looking to provide legal consultation and representation to people who don’t qualify to be assigned to an attorney pro bono, but who also cannot afford to hire one, Dominguez said.

Of the 360,000 Mexicans living in Orange County, about 200,000 are undocumented, according to the Migration Policy Institute, with immigration statuses that limit their access to quality legal services.

Over the past two years, the consulate has provided 1,851 free legal consults and covered the costs of 307 cases, in collaboration with 12 local organizations. The memorandum will amplify programs the consulate has already developed with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Catholic Charities of Orange County, among others.

On March 3, the consulate, in conjunction with the 49 other Mexican consulates in the U.S., under order by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto launched drop-in immigration information booths and became “centers for legal defense.” The program encourages Mexicans who qualify for U.S. citizenship to pursue it for their protection. The consulate is at 2100 E. Fourth St.

“These are extraordinary times,” Jazmin Castellanos, consul of protection, said. “We know that with lawyers, it’s best to have them at our side than against us.”

While immigration services are in the highest demand, bar association lawyers also will be available to assist in civil and family cases.

The agreement signed Thursday was months in the making.

“This is just the beginning,” Cuevas said. “We’re ready to sit down and work on a map of how we can achieve our goals.”

Contact the writer: 714-796-7762 or jkwong@ocregister.com or on Twitter: @JessicaGKwong

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/consulate-746146-legal-association.html

Memorandum of Understanding Signing between the Consulate of Mexico, Orange County and the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 04:44:12 GMT

What: The Consulate of Mexico, Orange County will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association which seeks to lay a foundation for collaboration between the two institutions in order to protect the legal rights of Mexican nationals living in Orange County.

When: Thursday, March 9, 2017; 12:00 pm.

Where: The Consulate of Mexico, Orange County (2100 E. 4^th St., Santa Ana, CA, 92705).

Who: The Consulate of Mexico, Orange County and the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association

Data from the Migration Policy Institute states that approximately 200,000 immigrants face a barrier to access to free legal services due to their immigration status.

With this agreement, the Consulate and the OCHBA hope to strengthen their relationships with strategic partners and strengthen the capacity to deliver pro- and low-bono legal services in all areas of law, thus facilitating greater access to justice for the communities they represent.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Media Liaison, Bao Nguyen, bao@baonguyen.us, 714-251-6885.

OCHBA President, Eric Dominguez: edominguez@hirson.com, 949 383-5568

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 19:18:26 GMT

Comments sought:

Thirty-two (32) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms and legislation have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The attached list provides a summary of the proposals and contains direct links to each individual proposal. You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 28, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Benita Downs, at benita.downs@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7957.

Got a party dress? Give your dress a second chance:

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 04:44:07 GMT

You're Invited to help Santa Ana high school students attend prom with self-confidence and in style!

What: Donate your Dress

When: On or Before April 3, 2017

Where: Drop off your dress to

The Law Office of Carolina C. Gomez

2112 East 4th Street, Suite 102

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Contact: promdress@ochba.org

Notice from the Clerk: Attorney Admission Fee Increase effective March 17, 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 03:28:29 GMT

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/attorney-admission-fee-increase

Court Reinstates Call Center to Assist the Public with Criminal and Traffic Cases

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 04:23:19 GMT

Westminster, CA – The Superior Court of Orange County has opened a new call center to assist the public with services and information regarding criminal and traffic cases. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese by calling 657-622-8459. An automated phone system is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and customer service representatives are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Court holidays. Since the center’s “soft launch” on January 11, representatives have assisted an average of 145 customers per day.

Due to severe budget cuts, the Court closed its prior call center in 2013 to redeploy staff to fill vacancies in more critical areas. Although the Court is still in a precarious financial situation, it was able to allocate funds to open a smaller center by maintaining a high employee vacancy rate and automating services.

The call center provides resources such as general criminal and traffic information, processing extensions on fines or traffic school enrollment, and reserving a date to appear in front of a judicial officer to enter a plea in response to charges. Also, callers may request to have automated reminders sent to their home or mobile phone with payment due dates and/or court hearing information.

Information and additional resources are also available online at www.occourts.org. For expedited service and information regarding individual criminal and traffic cases, the Court uses an “OC Pay Number” which is printed on the front of the violation information notice to the right of the citation number and on other Court-generated forms and notices. The “OC Pay Number” is used to access information specific to a particular case or citation online or via the automated phone system.

STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA ENCOURAGES ATTORNEYS TO PROVIDE PRO BONO SERVICE AND SUPPORT LEGAL AID

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 04:16:17 GMT

Contact: Laura Ernde

415-538-2283

barcomm@calbar.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2017 – In response to a recent increase in attorneys seeking to do pro bono work, State Bar President James Fox and Executive Director Elizabeth Parker said today:

“We applaud the recent wave of attorneys throughout California looking to provide pro bono legal services around immigration and other legal concerns. The State Bar of California strongly supports access to legal services as a core part of our public protection mission. We support the promise of justice for all, including for low-income people who too often have no choice but to navigate the legal system alone.

We encourage attorneys licensed in California to provide pro bono support to help bridge the gap in access to justice. While upholding ethical standards for attorneys and regulating the legal profession is a core focus of the State Bar’s work, it’s equally critical to ensure that all of California’s residents have access to high-quality attorneys when the need arises.

In addition to the donation of time, a donation of financial assistance can make a huge positive impact, especially with a shifting political landscape. Please consider making a donation to the State Bar’s Justice Gap Fund or directly to your local legal aid provider to help make sure individuals and families who need legal assistance can get help when they need it.”

Information about providing pro bono legal services in California

Attorneys who wish to provide pro bono legal service in California must have active State Bar status. Status can be switched from inactive to active via the State Bar website.

The fee for active status is waived for attorneys who participate in the State Bar of California’s Pro Bono Practice Program.

The Pro Bono Practice Program allows California attorneys who are currently inactive or retired to have active status for the sole purpose of doing pro bono work. Attorneys who are accepted to the Pro Bono Practice Program must work with a qualified legal services provider, certified lawyer referral service, or court-based self-help center. In addition to a waiver of the active status fee, attorneys who qualify for this program have access to free MCLE.

More information about pro bono opportunities is available on the State Bar website. One Justice also houses a pro bono rapid response network for attorneys.

In addition to promoting pro bono service, the State Bar also provides approximately $30 million in grants annually to legal aid organizations throughout California. These grants support groups that address immigration needs, prevent homelessness, keep kids in school, protect elders from fraud and abuse and connect veterans to services, among other critical legal assistance.

Legal aid organizations provide direct services throughout the state. (The statewide list of legal aid providers is available.).

Attorneys who would like to provide additional support for access to justice can donate to the Justice Gap Fund when they pay their annual State Bar of California fees.

Resources for Californians on finding an attorney

The State Bar also provides resources for Californians who need help finding an attorney as well as ways to avoid fraud.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Find Legal Help

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Finding the Right Lawyer / Como Encontrar el Abogado Apropiado

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Avoiding Fraud by Immigration Consultants

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Información Legal en Español

People who think they have been a victim of misconduct by an attorney or someone posing as an attorney should file a complaint with the State Bar.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Filing a complaint against an attorney about misconduct

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Filing a complaint against a notario or someone posing as an attorney

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Client Security Fund application, to recover money lost due to attorney misconduct

###

The State Bar of California is an administrative arm of the California Supreme Court, protecting the public and seeking to improve the justice system since 1927. All lawyers practicing law in California must be admitted to the State Bar.

California Bar Foundation 3L Diversity Scholarship – Deadline February 14, 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 05:13:31 GMT

California Bar Foundation 3L Diversity Scholarship Application is now open! Any diverse 3L who plans to practice public interest law in California, and who plans to take the July 2016 California Bar Exam, is eligible. Scholarship recipients receive a free BARBRI prep course along with a living stipend. Deadline is Tuesday, February 14 at 5 PM PST. The application can be found here: http://www.calbarfoundation.org/3l-diversity-scholarship.html

Please forward this opportunity to any diverse 3Ls that you know!

California Bar Foundation is committed to building a better justice system with fewer barriers and more opportunities for all Californians. For more information email Bianca Sierra Wolff, Director of Strategic Partnerships, at bwolff@calbarfoundation.org.

Invitations to Comment: Proposals to amend rules and forms

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:16:46 GMT

Comments sought:

Six (6) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court and Judicial Council forms have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. If approved, the amendments would be effective September 1, 2017.

The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2017.

Additionally, in 2016 the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) initiated a workstream to update the Tactical Plan for Technology 2014-2016. After analyzing branch business drivers, evaluating existing initiatives, and incorporating new initiatives, the workstream now requests input on the initial draft of the updated Tactical Plan for Technology 2017-2018.

Deadline for comments on the proposed plan is Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

Filing Instructions - January 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:15:14 GMT

Revision #16 to the 2008 Edition of the Local Rules – Superior Court of California, County of Orange will be effective as of January 1, 2017. An electronic copy of the rules is available on the Court’s website at www.occourts.org or you may view them by clicking here.

If you would like a hard copy mailed to you or if you have any questions, please contact:

Sheri A. Bull
Program Coordinator / Specialist
Judicial Assistance Group (JAG)

Orange County Superior Court
700 Civic Center Drive West
P.O. Box 1994
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1994

P: 657-622-7872
E: sbull@occourts.org

PLC is Hiring! Join the team at Orange County's Non-Profit Pro Bono Law Firm

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:45:12 GMT

The Public Law Center, Orange County's non-profit pro bono law firm, is committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Now in its 35th year of service, PLC's staff of 30 works with more than 1,400 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students to provide free civil legal services, including counseling, individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices.

We are looking for a few great attorneys and advocates to join our team. Check out the positions below to see if one is right for you!

Director of Litigation, Training & Advocacy
An experienced litigator will work closely with PLC's Executive Director, senior staff and community partners to develop policy advocacy and impact litigation to benefit Orange County's low-income residents. Will also serve as an internal leader and mentor to PLC's program staff.

Directing Attorney - Health Unit
The leader of PLC's Health Unit will develop and implement the goals of a dynamic unit that includes our AIDS Legal Assistance Project and several Medical-Legal Partnership Clinics.

Staff Attorney - Family Law Unit
An attorney with experience in family law will handle cases referred by several community partners and organize domestic violence and guardianship clinics at local courthouses.

Staff Attorney - Family Law Unit & Immigration Unit
An attorney with experience in family law or immigration will assist victims of crime and help staff domestic violence and guardianship clinics.

Project Coordinator - Victims of Crime Project
An experienced advocate will coordinate and assist in the delivery of legal service to low-income crime victims.

Administrative Assistant - Housing Unit
A self-motivated team player will work with the lawyers in our Housing Unit to protect low income tenants and those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

All positions are full-time and come with competitive salaries and benefits. We hope you will consider joining our amazing team of lawyers and advocates working to make Orange County a better place.

Invitation to Comment: CALCRIM and Appellate Procedure

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 06:50:20 GMT

Comments sought:

Two proposals have been published for comment at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

CALCRIM 2016-02: Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM) - Revisions
The Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions is seeking comment on new and revised instructions reflecting developments in the law. The deadline for comment is Friday, January 6, 2017.

SP16-13: Appellate Procedure: Expedited Review of Certain Orders Denying Motions to Compel Arbitration
Recent legislation requires the Court of Appeal to issue its decision in cases involving the review of certain orders denying motions to compel arbitration no later than 100 days after the notice of appeal is filed. The legislation also requires the Judicial Council to adopt rules to implement this requirement and to establish a shortened notice of appeal period in these cases. These proposed rules are intended to fulfill this legislative obligation. The deadline for comment is Wednesday, January 11, 2017.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

CSUF: Legal Interpretation & Translation Registration Open

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:31:29 GMT

Earn Your Legal Interpretation & Translation Certificate
Our Legal Interpretation & Translation (English/Spanish) program returns in spring and registration is now open.

If you are fluent in Spanish and English and have a desire to help others; legal interpretation and translation could be the career for you.

Many Spanish speakers live in California, but many are without interpreters to help in their legal transactions. It is estimated that by 2020, the need for interpreters and translators will increase by 42%.

This comprehensive program cycles through discussions, role-plays and hands-on practice. You will have access to our state-of-the-art language laboratory and will receive instruction from industry renowned interpreters and translators. The program also helps you better prepare for the California Court Interpreter Certification Exam.

If you're ready to start in this exciting field, you'll need to take the Bilingual Proficiency Test first just to be sure your Spanish and English skills are up to speed. Once you pass the test, you will be invited to a special orientation where you will have the chance to meet other interpreters and get a firsthand look at the job.

Please view our Program Guide for a closer look at this program and course details.

Registration is Now Open.

Register Online
Have Questions?
We would love to hear from you. Please contact our program coordinator; Veronica Martinez at (657) 278-3123 or vmartinez@fullerton.edu.

Orange County Bar Association To Honor Dean J. Zipser With Franklin G. West Award

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:22:51 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (November 21, 2016) – The Orange County Bar Association will present attorney Dean J. Zipser with the Franklin G. West Award at its 2017 Judges’ Night & Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa in Huntington Beach, Calif.
First established in 1971 in honor of the late Judge Franklin G. West, the Franklin G. West Award represents the highest honor awarded by the OCBA.

Widely regarded as a leader in the Orange County legal community, Mr. Zipser is a founding partner of Umberg/Zipser LLP, headquartered in Irvine, Calif. He has been practicing law for more than 36 years, and continues to serve the Orange County bench and bar as well as the greater legal community through his work, mentoring, and community service.

“The Orange County legal community is fortunate to have attorneys of Dean’s caliber,” said OCBA President Todd Friedland. “His selfless efforts have made a positive impact on countless OCBA members.”

In 2005, Mr. Zipser served as President of the OCBA, for which he founded and currently co-chairs the association’s Mentoring Committee. In years past, he served as a President of the OCBA Charitable Fund, and Chair of the OCBA Masters Division that includes members who have practiced law for 25 years or longer. Additionally, he is a founding member and Secretary of the Federal Bar Association, Orange County, and was a former President of the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. Both at and beyond the OCBA, his service to the legal community has and continues to be a humbling example of service and leadership.
“Dean has always been a quiet leader, one who so clearly puts the interests of the legal community before his own,” shares U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton about her experience working with Mr. Zipser. “He is both reflective and inclusive in his decision making process. Because he puts others before himself, the members of the organizations he leads know they are in capable hands.”

He is currently one of two vice chairs for the California State Bar’s Second Commission on the Revision of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and previously served as a member of the Pro Bono Panel for the Central District of California as well as a lawyer representative for the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.

Just as dedicated to the underserved and underrepresented communities in Orange County, Mr. Zipser is Vice President of the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County, and works extensively with Orange County Bar Foundation and Public Law Center. In 2003, he received the Jurisprudence Award from the Anti-Defamation League, which annually recognizes an individual who exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession and demonstrates committed service to the community.
Earlier this year, Mr. Zipser was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Orange County Intellectual Property Litigation by Best Lawyers, which recognized him as “Lawyer of the Year” in the category of Orange County Bet-the-Company Litigation in 2014.

Moreover, he has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers for the areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation, and Real Estate Litigation since 2008, and as a “Super Lawyer” for the Southern California region since 2005.

Prior to establishing Umberg/Zipser LLP, Mr. Zipser was managing partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP until joining Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, where he was a partner since May 2008.

Mr. Zipser holds a B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned his J.D. from Stanford University Law School in 1980, and served as a member of the Stanford Law Review.

About the Orange County Bar Association
Established in 1901, the Orange County Bar Association, with over 8,000 members, is one of the largest voluntary bars in California. The mission of the Orange County Bar Association is to enhance the system of justice, to support the lawyers who serve it and to assist the community served by it.

About the Franklin G. West Award
Established in 1971 in memory of the late Judge Franklin G. West, a highly respected jurist who served on the bench from January 1939 to March 1965, the West Award is bestowed upon an outstanding attorney or judge who has made significant contributions to advance and elevate justice and law. Judge West’s 26 years and two months on the bench constituted the longest term ever served by a judge in California.

Contact
Jane Kim, (949) 440-6700, ext. 123
jkim@ocbar.org

Notice from the Clerk: Changes to Miscellaneous Fee Schedule Effective December 1, 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 17:43:19 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk re Changes to the District Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule Effective December 1, 2016.

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/changes-district-court-miscellaneous-fee-schedule

Notice of Change in Traffic Calendar Scheduling

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 05:22:47 GMT

Effective January 3, 2017, the Superior Court of Orange County will implement the following change to traffic calendar scheduling:

Traffic Court Trials will be heard daily starting at 1:30 p.m.
- Unless otherwise specified below, only the time of the hearing is changing; the existing court trial setting guidelines designating law enforcement agencies for specific days of the week will remain.
- Court trials that have already been set for 8:30 a.m. will remain as set.
Traffic Arraignments and Hearings will be heard at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday, every week of the month.
There will be no changes made to the current Night Court or Collections Court Calendar Model.
As part of this new traffic calendar model, the following agencies calendar schedule will be modified as follows:
- Garden Grove Police Department: Photo Enforcement Court Trials will remain on Tuesdays, but will expand to every week of the month. All other Court Trials will also be heard on Tuesdays.
- Los Alamitos Police Department: Photo Enforcement Court Trials will be changed to Thursdays, every week of the month. All other Court Trials will continue to be heard on Fridays.

The Court Notice is posted online here:
http://bit.ly/2fuZERq

OCBA 2017 Judges Night & Annual Meeting - January 26, 2017

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 17:29:37 GMT

The Orange County Bar Association’s 2017 Judges Night & Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Please go to www.ocbar.org to register.

Notice from the Clerk: Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 17:25:57 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk re Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2016.

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/amended-local-rules-effective-december-1-2016

KidWorks Toy Drive

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:04:25 GMT

Dear Sir or Madam,

We need your generosity this Christmas to help bring joy to at-risk children in central Santa Ana. Through your participation in KidWorks’ 14th Annual Christmas Store event, you will ensure that over 400 children from low-income families have a very merry Christmas.

As many of you know, the Christmas Store was born out of the realization of supporters like you that for the families living in the at-risk neighborhoods of Santa Ana, Christmas can often be a painful season. Many families are in a desperate financial struggle – and have had to rely on free handouts, which can be embarrassing for parents. To help restore dignity, donors like you make it possible for KidWorks to host a toy-store where parents can shop for their child’s gifts at a very affordable price, just 10-20% of the actual retail value. The small proceeds from the store go into a benevolence fund that helps meet some of the emergency needs of families we serve during the Christmas season and beyond.

Will you consider hosting a toy drive to stock the KidWorks Christmas Store with gifts for the children in central Santa Ana?

If you want to be involved, simply place a box at work, your local church, or with your community group to collect new, unwrapped toys between now and December 9th. You can promote your toy drive using the enclosed flier. We will arrange to pick-up toys on December 7th-9th between 10am – 3pm, or they can be dropped off at KidWorks anytime before the morning of December 13th.

Please contact Melissa at (714) 834-9400 ext. 115 or melissa.peralta@kidworksoc.org to get more information or to let us know that you are hosting a toy drive. Thank you for your support of the children of Santa Ana, and Merry Christmas!

PLC’s Annual Halloween Bash

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 17:22:17 GMT

http://www.publiclawcenter.org/halloween-bash/

OCBA & Thurgood Marshall Bar Association Seminar: Fair Housing Laws & Policies, Tues., 11/1

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 17:18:50 GMT

On November 1, 2016, the Orange County Bar Association and Thurgood Marshall Bar Association will present a very important program entitled Fair Housing Laws and Policies: The Historical Seeds of Segregation and How They Continue to Impact Us Today.

This program presents a rare opportunity to hear from the nation’s leading experts on critically important issues that impact us all.

Richard Rothstein has worked as an education policy analyst and written a number of books on the interplay between race and class in education policy. One of his recent works, The Making of Ferguson, received critical coverage by The Washington Post, The New York Times and other publications. He was also featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

As I am sure you know, Erwin Chemerinsky is a leading constitutional scholar and the Founding Dean of the University of California, Irvine, School of Law, and needs no introduction.

This program will include a historical review of the causes of segregation, the inequality that persists today as a result of the historical seeds of segregation in residential housing, why and how segregation in residential housing still affects us today in all facets of society and what we can do to address these issues.

Invitation to comment: 2017 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 04:17:31 GMT

A proposal to update the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule has been published for comment at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

SP16-12: Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule: 2017 Edition
The Traffic Advisory Committee proposes revisions to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules: 2017 Edition, to become effective January 1, 2017. The proposed revisions conform the schedules to recent legislation as required under Vehicle Code section 40310 and Penal Code section 1269b.
The deadline for comment is Monday, October 31, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

OCBA & Thurgood Marshall Bar Association Seminar: Fair Housing Laws & Policies, Tues., 11/1

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 22:45:40 GMT

On November 1, 2016, the Orange County Bar Association and Thurgood Marshall Bar Association will present a very important program entitled Fair Housing Laws and Policies: The Historical Seeds of Segregation and How They Continue to Impact Us Today.

This program presents a rare opportunity to hear from the nation’s leading experts on critically important issues that impact us all.

Richard Rothstein has worked as an education policy analyst and written a number of books on the interplay between race and class in education policy. One of his recent works, The Making of Ferguson, received critical coverage by The Washington Post, The New York Times and other publications. He was also featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

As I am sure you know, Erwin Chemerinsky is a leading constitutional scholar and the Founding Dean of the University of California, Irvine, School of Law, and needs no introduction.

This program will include a historical review of the causes of segregation, the inequality that persists today as a result of the historical seeds of segregation in residential housing, why and how segregation in residential housing still affects us today in all facets of society and what we can do to address these issues.

http://www.thurgoodmarshallbarassociation.org/events/mcle-program-fair-housing-laws-and-policies/

Western State: You're Invited to the Immigration Clinic Anniversary Brunch

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 22:43:11 GMT

Western State College of Law Immigration Clinic
cordially invites you to
A Celebration and Reunion Brunch

Recognizing 5 Years of the WSCL Immigration Clinic and its Partners, Alumni and Supporters

Saturday, November 5, 2016
11AM - 2PM

Western State College of Law
1 Banting, Irvine, California

Questions/RSVP to: WSCLImmigrationClinic@gmail.com

Notice from the Clerk re Opening of New 1st Street Courthouse

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 21:54:54 GMT

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/opening-new-1st-street-courthouse

ORANGE COUNTY HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION’S Wallace (Wally) R. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 21:44:21 GMT

Award
Up to four (4) scholarships will be awarded and a maximum of $20,000 will be distributed among the scholarship winners.

Eligibility
Eligible students must be current 1- or 2-L law students of Latino origin and involved in the Latino community. Priority will be given to students with significant ties to Orange County. Scholarships are open to students regardless of immigration status.

Deadline
November 18, 2016

APPLY HERE

OCAABA's Fall Membership Mixer

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 03:24:47 GMT

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Ten Asian Bistro
4647 MacArthur Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92660

http://www.ocaaba.org/events/october-13-2016-fall-membership-mixer/

Call for Nominations for HBA Board and Executive Officers

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 03:17:14 GMT

Dear HBA Members,

Do you or someone you know have leadership skills and is concerned about legal issues affecting the Latino community in Orange County? Now is your chance to submit nominations for the HBA Board of Directors for the 2017-2019 Term.

Please also send nominations for the following Executive Officer positions for the 2017 Board:

President-Elect
Vice President
Chief Financial Officer (Treasurer)
Secretary

You may self-nominate or nominate a current non-member, so long as that person joins the HBA and is an attorney in good standing with a state bar association by the beginning of 2017. Please visit www.ochba.org to learn more about the duties of the HBA Board of Trustees. Nominations are due by close of business October 21, 2016. Please submit all nominations to info@ochba.org.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely yours,

Eric M. Dominguez
President-Elect
Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

David H. Yamasaki Selected as Court Executive Officer

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 18:47:14 GMT

Santa Ana, CA – David H. Yamasaki, a statewide leader in court administration, has been selected as Court Executive Officer of the Superior Court of Orange County. “Mr. Yamasaki’s exceptional experience with court administration in California will be an asset for his leadership role in our Court,” said Presiding Judge Charles Margines. Mr. Yamasaki’s appointment will be effective December 2, 2016.

Mr. Yamasaki has served as the Court Executive Officer of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County since July 2008. Recently, he has been instrumental in the development, planning, and opening of a new Family Justice Center courthouse in San Jose. He has overseen the implementation of a new civil case management system and e-filing for the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. He was also a member of the statewide Trial Court Budget Working Group from 2009 to 2013. Prior to his current position, Mr. Yamasaki served as Assistant Executive Officer of the Superior Court of San Diego County for 10 years.

The Judicial Council of California presented Mr. Yamasaki with its 2015 Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the state court system’s governing body. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and made significant contributions to the administration of justice. The Judicial Council’s announcement stated:

David H. Yamasaki has been a statewide leader in addressing some of the most challenging issues facing the judicial branch. As a Judicial Council member from 2011-2014, and as chair of the council’s Court Executives Advisory Committee for two consecutive years, Mr. Yamasaki was at the forefront of, and continues to be an important contributor to, major policies and strategic initiatives implemented by the courts, including sustainable funding, equal access and procedural fairness, and technology to improve service and operational efficiency.

Mr. Yamasaki holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University.

Chief Executive Officer Alan Carlson, who has had a distinguished court management career, including eight years with the Superior Court of Orange County, plans to retire in October 2016.

LLBA's 19th Annual Awards & Scholarship Dinner ~ Fri., October 14 ~ Millennium Biltmore

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 18:42:07 GMT

The Latina Lawyer's Bar Association 19th Annual Dinner will be on Friday, October 14, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Millennium Biltmore, located at 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA 90071. We hope you're able to join us for an evening of celebration and acknowledgement as we recognize our phenomenal honorees and scholars!

Sandra C. Muñoz, Mary V. Orozco Abriendo Caminos Award
Hon. Yvette M. Palazuelos, Francisca Flores Community Service Award
Laura Genao, Mary V. Orozco Abriendo Caminos Award

More Information: http://www.llbalaw.org/

Job opportunity at PLC: Health Unit - Directing Attorney

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 18:39:43 GMT

Organization Description

The Public Law Center (PLC), Orange County's non-profit pro bono law firm, is committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Through volunteers and staff, PLC provides free civil legal services, including counseling, individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices. Now in its 35th year of service, PLC works with more than 1,400 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students from throughout the county who volunteer their time and expertise.

Qualifications

Active membership in the California State Bar; Minimum five (5) years’ experience in the practice of law
Experience litigating cases in state or federal court, including legal research, writing, negotiation, law and motion, discovery, trial, and appellate work
Demonstrated ability in the development of strategies to resolve complex problems with a broad impact on the community
Demonstrated commitment working with volunteer lawyers and law students; experience supervising lawyers and/or law students
Strong public speaking skills and ability to train a variety of audiences, from clients to pro bono attorneys
Ability to take initiative and work under pressure with limited supervision
Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese a strong plus
Must have own transportation, valid CA Driver’s license, and good driving record

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and implement the vision and goals of PLC’s Health Unit, including PLC’s AIDS Legal Assistance Project and PLC’s Medical-Legal Partnership Clinics
Supervise attorney, administrative assistant and law student staff members
In coordination with the Executive Director develop and execute strategies, including policy advocacy and impact litigation, to resolve health problems with a large impact on the low income community
Work collaboratively with other PLC substantive units, as well as other legal services providers, community groups, and government officials
Participate in PLC leadership meetings and regularly contribute to organizational decisions
Develop local and state policies addressing health issues
Oversee case referrals and provide support to volunteer attorneys and law students
Staff, coordinate and supervise legal clinics and trainings
Represent PLC at legal networking and community outreach events
Full time position; occasional evening and weekend work required
Other duties as assigned

Salary & Benefits

Salary dependent on experience; range $55,000 to $80,000
Competitive benefits provided

Please submit Resume, Cover Letter and Writing Sample (10 pages or less) to:
Grace Landa at glanda@publiclawcenter.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until Filled

Critical Race Studies Fellowship - Applications now being accepted

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 18:39:01 GMT

Dear CRS community,

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Critical Race Studies (CRS) Fellowship. The CRS Fellowship is designed to support the research and professional development of a candidate interested in pursuing a career in law teaching. As you may already know, CRS is the only program of its kind in the country and is the premier institutional setting for the study of the intersection between race and the law. Anchored by renowned scholars whose research helped found and continues to advance Critical Race Theory in legal scholarship and related disciplines, CRS supports a unique intellectual community for faculty and students, including formal JD and LLM specializations in Critical Race Studies.

A CRS Fellowship candidate should possess (or expect to possess by June 30, 2017) a JD, LLM, or equivalent legal training; a strong academic record; excellent analytical and writing skills; and demonstrated interest and background in Critical Race Theory. For the 2017-18 Fellowship, we now welcome applications from graduates of any law school, though UCLA CRS graduates remain strongly encouraged to apply.

You can find more information about the program and the Fellowship, including details regarding the application process, here.

Lunch Meeting - Mediation Advocacy: How to Get the Most Out of Your Next Mediation

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 18:38:26 GMT

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
OCBA Headquarters, 4101 Westerly Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Rebecca Callahan is a highly respected mediator, arbitrator, discovery referee, settlement advisor and arbitration consultant with Callahan Dispute Resolution who regularly speaks and writes on various ADR topics and teaches for the American Arbitration Association. Rebecca will present on how to get the most of your next mediation, including a discussion on mediator selection, advocacy in the context of mediating the litigated dispute, substantive preparation, advocacy techniques that do and do not work to advance the mediation process and/or promote settlement, and why this matters. Don't miss what is sure to be an interesting and useful presentation.

Lunch will be provided courtesy of Callahan Dispute Resolution. RSVP to events@ocbar.org.

OCCDL Partners in Diversity Mixer on 10/13

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:41:53 GMT

You and your firm are invited to a complimentary evening of socializing, hors d'oeuvres and drinks at Andrei’s in Irvine on Thursday, October 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This event is geared to raise awareness and engagement with the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law (OCCDL), a group of law firms, law schools, and other partners who have joined forces to achieve cultural diversity in the Orange County legal community.

The OCCDL puts on diversity-related programs and events, and also supports a number of local bar groups, pipeline events and other related initiatives. Additional information is available at http://occdl.org. After 20 years of successfully advancing diversity in Orange County, we want to further expand our organization and hope you will join us to learn more about how you can become a member.

Please click here to RSVP no later than Friday, September 30.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Meredith Williams & Michael Preciado
OCCDL 2016-2017 Co-Chairs

Notice from the Clerk: Two-Hour Closure of Intake, Records and Fiscal Sections on Wednesday, September 28, 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 03:03:36 GMT

On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, the Intake, Records and Fiscal Sections of the Central District of California will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. For emergency filing matters only during this closure, please contact the Intake Section staff as follows:

Western Division
Civil and Criminal Call (213) 894-1475

Eastern Division Call (951) 328-4480

Southern Division Call (714) 474-6264

Regular service hours will resume on Thursday, September 29, 2016. Thank you for your cooperation.

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/two-hour-closure-intake-records-and-fiscal-sections-wednesday-september-28-2016

Orange County Family Violence Council Presents 2016 Conference

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 04:39:06 GMT

Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Family Violence Council is presenting a family violence conference, “Identifying, Understanding and Breaking the Cycle of Generational Violence,” on November 4, 2016, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. The conference focuses on the effects of family violence and selecting smart strategies to combat harm, as it occurs through all stages of life, from fetus to elder adult.
The curriculum highlights best practices and seeks to reinvigorate those who have dedicated their professional and volunteer time to this important field. The conference features renowned speaker Linda Chamberlain, Ph.D., who is an expert on the impact of early trauma throughout the lifespan, and an inspirational keynote message from a family violence survivor. Other topics include:

Sorting Out Legal Tools and Resources: Civil, Family, Juvenile, and Criminal
Elder and Dependent Adult Issues
Veterans and Their Families
Effective Treatment of Batterers: Are We Being Successful?

Originally organized at the behest of the California Judicial Council and supported by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the Orange County Family Violence Council brings together all justice partners involved in every aspect of family violence and its effects upon Orange County families. This collaboration of judges, law enforcement partners, nonprofit agencies, defenders, council, and treatment providers is dedicated to inspiration, education, and sharing smart solutions.
The 2016 conference is made possible through the generous support of the YWCA-North Orange County, the Wilson W. Phelps Foundation, and the U.C.I. Initiative to End Family Violence. The cost to attend is $25, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and free onsite parking. Continuing education credit for licensed providers and professionals is pending and scholarships are available. Please register online at http://iubcgv.eventbrite.com.

Notice from the Clerk: Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective December 1, 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 03:44:02 GMT

Please click on the link below to access the Notice from the Clerk re Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective December 1, 2016.

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/changes-local-rules-proposed-become-effective-december-1-2016

Orange County Mother Wins Ninth Circuit Ruling in Bankruptcy Case

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 18:06:44 GMT

In published opinion, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reverses judgment of the
Bankruptcy Appellate Panel and raises concerns over the County's actions

Santa Ana, CA - The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals concluded on August 10, 2016 that a mother's debt to Orange County arising from her son's involuntary juvenile detention is not a "domestic support obligation" and thus excepted from discharge in bankruptcy. Brett H. Ramsaur and Todd E. Lundell of Snell & Wilmer briefed and argued on Ms. Rivera's behalf in front of the Court of Appeals after Caroline Djang of Rutan & Tucker briefed the trial court case. PLC's Leigh Ferrin and EmmaElizabeth Gonzalez served as co-counsel throughout the case, including briefing and arguing before the trial court and the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.

"This is huge win for not only our client but countless 'honest but unfortunate' debtors in Orange County and throughout the Ninth Circuit," said Ferrin, Directing Attorney of PLC's Consumer Law Unit.

In the published opinion, the panel reversed the judgment of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, which had affirmed the bankruptcy court's denial of Ms. Rivera's motion to sanction Orange County for persisting post-discharge in its efforts to collect the debt. Upon her son's release from detention, the County sent Ms. Rivera a bill for $16,372. Ms. Rivera sold her house to pay for $9,508 of the bill, and her ex-husband paid the bill down further.

Ms. Rivera, who had to quit her job to take care of her ill son, filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy case and received her discharge. Nevertheless, the County continued to hound Ms. Rivera with collection-agent type tactics. The panel noted that "in relentlessly pursuing [Ms. Rivera's] collection and opposing its discharge, the County raises yet another obstacle to [Ms.] Rivera's efforts to provide her son with the support about which the County claims to be so deeply concerned."

While Brett Ramsaur of Snell & Wilmer is ecstatic with the outcome, he is particularly proud of the relief it will provide Maria, saying "we are grateful for the opportunity to fight for Maria in front of the Ninth Circuit and couldn't be happier with the result."

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that the Bankruptcy Code Amendments of 2005 did not "change the fundamental requirement that Domestic Support Obligations be for the purposes of child or family support." The panel further explained that Ms. Rivera "incurred her debt through no fault of her own. It was her son's actions, not hers, that led to his detention in juvenile hall, and thus his actions, not hers, that enabled the County to burden her with this debt. Nevertheless, in the wake of her child's incarceration, Ms. Rivera made a good faith effort to pay her bill [and] paid over half of it at great personal sacrifice. Rivera's debt thus arises in precisely the circumstance in which the Bankruptcy Code seeks to provide a fresh start."

Caroline Djang of Rutan & Tucker summed it up when she said "Rutan could not have asked for a better result for Ms. Rivera. Not only does the opinion vindicate our argument, i.e. that the debt to the County did not fit within the spirit of the law excepting 'domestic support obligations' from discharge, but it also states in no uncertain terms that the County acted in a manner contrary to the objectives of the Bankruptcy Code. Every now and then in this profession, we encounter a truly "feel-good" win. This is one of those wins."

# # #

Public Law Center
601 Civic Center Drive West,
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 541-1010

www.publiclawcenter.org

Superior Court Leadership Academy - Application Deadline Extended to 8/18/2017!

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 18:04:09 GMT

The 2016 Academy is on six consecutive Wednesday afternoons/evenings in September/October, as explained in the attached letter. The application deadline has been extended to August 18.

Application Form

Pro Bono Training--Naturalization Law for Attorneys & Law Students

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 17:29:02 GMT

Help immigrants achieve the American dream!

Join PLC and earn 1.0 CLE credit at our upcoming training on naturalization law. The training is complementary in exchange for volunteering at our Saturday, August 27 Naturalization Clinic.

Training Date

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Registration: 5:30 pm; Training: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chapman University
Dale E. Fowler School of Law
One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866
(Details will be sent in a separate confirmation email)

Clinic Date

Saturday, August 27, 2016
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
(morning and afternoon shifts available)

Sycamore Jr High School
1801 E Sycamore St
Anaheim, CA 92805
(Details will be sent in a separate confirmation email)

Topics

Basic requirements of naturalization
Screening for "red flag" issues
Intersection of criminal law
Benefits and process of applying
What to expect at the Clinic
Completing applications in one day

Speakers

Jacquelyn Santos, Esq., Staff Attorney, Public Law Center
Roxana Rosas, Project Coordinator, Public Law Center

>> Register NOW! <<

For questions, please contact Grace Landa.

Salvation Army Free CLE Symposium

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 16:50:39 GMT

The Salvation Army is offering 5 free CLE credits at a symposium to be held 9/21 at it's Western Territorial Headquarters in Long Beach.

The Salvation Army Southern California Division
180 E. Ocean Blvd., Ste. 500, Long Beach, CA 90802
C: 805.769.4274 O: 800.275.3197 F: 562.264.3804
www.salvationarmy-socal.org

Download Flyer

Invitation to Comment: Traffic; installment payments (Deadline 8/26)

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 22:35:07 GMT

Comments sought:

Three new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court and Judicial Council forms have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

SP16-08: Traffic and Criminal Procedure: Infraction Procedures Regarding Bail, Fines, Fees, and Assessments; Mandatory Courtesy Notices; and Ability to Pay Determinations

SP16-09: Traffic: Installment Payment of Bail Forfeiture and Traffic Violator School Fees

SP16-10: Traffic: Online Installment Payment of Bail Forfeiture and Traffic Violator School Fees

You are welcome to distribute this within your court and to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

We greatly appreciate your time and dedication to the continued improvement of administration of justice in California.

Judge Maria Hernandez and Alan Carlson to Receive Distinguished Service Award

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:58:17 GMT

The Judicial Council of California is honoring Superior Court of Orange County Juvenile Presiding Judge Maria D. Hernandez and Chief Executive Officer Alan Carlson with its 2016 Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Carlson and Robert Oyung, Chief Information Officer of the Superior Court of Santa Clara, are being honored jointly. This is the highest award presented by the Judicial Council of California.

The Judicial Council of California News Release includes the following information about the selection of Judge Hernandez and Mr. Carlson:

Judge Maria D. Hernandez has displayed personal dedication and extraordinary commitment to advancing and improving the juvenile justice system. In 2015, she convened the first Orange County Juvenile Justice Summit, bringing together more than 400 court leaders, attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement, and education and treatment professionals to talk about improving outcomes for juveniles. In addition to supervising Orange County’s juvenile court judicial officers, Judge Hernandez is a member of many state and local committees, including the Judicial Council Advisory Committee on Access and Fairness and the Chief Justice’s “Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court” Steering Committee. She has also served as faculty and speaker on issues affecting families and children in the justice system. Judge Hernandez was appointed to the Superior Court of Orange County as a commissioner in 2006 and later a judge by former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009.

Alan Carlson and Robert Oyung have been leaders in using technology to modernize and enhance court operations. Mr. Carlson is a state and national leader in the field of public access to court records and e-filing. His court piloted and adopted mandatory e-filing in civil, probate, and mental health cases in 2013.
The Distinguished Service Award honors California judicial branch members; federal, state, or local justice partners; or individuals for their extraordinary dedication, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions to advancing the council's strategic goals for the judicial branch:

Access, fairness, and diversity;
Independence and accountability;
Modernization of management and administration;
Quality of justice and service to the public;
Education for branchwide professional excellence;
Branchwide infrastructure for service excellence; and
Adequate, stable and predictable funding for a fully functioning branch.

The awards will be presented by the Judicial Council of California at a special ceremony on August 25 in San Francisco.

Call for 2017 Honoree Nominations

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 03:43:57 GMT

Dear HBA Member,

The 2017 Dinner Committee and the Board of Directors are accepting nominations for the following awards which will be presented at the OCHBA's 39th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Installation Dinner on Saturday, March 4, 2017:

Attorney of the Year Award
Guardián de Justicia Award
Corporate Citizen Award
Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award

The Criteria for The HBA Installation & Scholarship Dinner Awards are as follows:

The Hispanic Bar Association Attorney of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Orange County attorney who has made a significant contribution to the legal community and/or has enhanced the quality of life of the Latino community. This attorney has demonstrated a long-term commitment to and involvement in the community; has used the legal profession to protect the rights of others, or whose contribution has expanded the educational and professional opportunities for Latinos.

The Hispanic Bar Association Guardián de Justicia Award recognizes an outstanding community member who has dedicated his or her life to protecting the rights of others and encouraging civic responsibility. This individual has worked tirelessly to encourage and empower the Latino community and whose commitment to justice is a model for others to follow.

The Hispanic Bar Association Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a remarkable individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to enhancing the quality of life of our community. This individual is a pioneer in his/her own right and has given generously of his/her time and talent to the community. He/she has been a model for others to emulate and without whom the world would be a very different place.

The Hispanic Bar Association Corporate Citizen Award recognizes a corporation that is leading the way in terms of corporate responsibility. This corporation continues to make significant contributions to the Latino community and is an industry leader in increasing diversity within their industry. This corporation is committed to these values and believes diversity is the catalyst for long-term economic sustainability.

Please send your nomination(s), including the reasons for your nomination(s), to info@ochba.org no later than August 15, 2016. To learn more about Past Honorees and other Annual Dinner information, please visit our website at www.ochba.org.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Eric M. Dominguez
2016 President-Elect
Chair, 2017 Dinner Committee

Request for comment: Civil Jury Instructions

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:53:38 GMT

The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved and posted for public comment its 29th release of proposed revisions and additions to the civil instructions (CACI). This release includes proposed new and revised instructions and verdict forms in response to developments in the law over the last six months. The committee is very interested in your input.

The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.

Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online. And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

Comments by letter should be sent to:

Mr. Bruce Greenlee, Attorney
Judicial Council of California
Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, August 26, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please:
Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
Provide any applicable authority for your position.

We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach. We appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

Immigrant Rights Forum: July 21

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:30:57 GMT

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (DELHI) CHURCH INVITES YOU TO AN
IMMIGRATION RIGHTS FORUM
THURSDAY, JULY, 21, 2016 from 6 to 9pm

641E. CENTRAL AVE. SANTA ANA CA.92707

● Update on DACA + and DAPA
● “Notario” Fraud prevention
● How to effectively outreach for legal assistance
● What to do if you have criminal record
● Family petitions,601-Waiver
● U-Visa, domestic Violence
● Others forms of Relief

To reserve your spot for a free consultation call and leave a Message. (714) 833-9739.

Filing Instructions - July 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 02:24:09 GMT

Revision #15 to the 2008 Edition of the Local Rules – Superior Court of California, County of Orange are effective July 1, 2016. An electronic copy of the rules is available on the Court’s website at www.occourts.org or you may view them by clicking here. Relevant rule changes are identified in the attached filing instructions.

Sebastian Nathan De La Cruz

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:30:47 GMT

It saddens me to announce the untimely death of Sebastian Nathan De La Cruz, the nine-year old son of current OC HBA board member Andre De La Cruz. Sebastian passed away on June 20, 2016.

Sebastian was an avid Cub Scout, loving to participate in his scouting events such as camping, meetings, building things, and learning about the outdoors. On Tuesday, June 28th at 6:00 PM a Rosary & Vigil Service will be held for Sebastian at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish located at 51 Marketplace in Irvine. On Wednesday, June 29th at 1:00 PM a Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Thomas More. Burial will be immediately following in Riverside. http://www.whiteemerson.com/obituaries/Sebastian-De-La-Cruz/#!/Obituary

In lieu of flowers, his family is asking everyone to consider to a memorial contribution in memory of Sebastian. Contributions are being collected at Woodbury School, 125 Great Lawn, Irvine, CA 92620.

Additionally, a memorial fund has been set up for the family. If you would like to contribute, please visit http://www.plumfund.com/memorial-fund/for-the-family-of-sebastian.

Our thought and prayers go out to Andre and his family.

Lyo Figueroa
President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

Diane Nordby

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:28:46 GMT

It is with deep personal regret that I have to announce the death of Diane Nordby.

Diane passed away this past June 24th after a long hard battle with brain cancer. Diane was a very accomplished attorney and will forever be remembered as being hugely influential to the OCHBA. Diane was the first female President for the OCHBA, and served on the Board of Trustees for over twenty-years. She was instrumental in originally starting and planning the HBA Annual Memorial Day Weekend Travel Seminars. In 2014, the HBA recognized Diane’s vast contributions and dedication to social justice, when we awarded her with The Honorable Francisco P. Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award.

The following link is the video tribute from 2014 in honoring Diane with our Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.facebook.com/peter.yamasaki/videos/10102799645404979/

A celebration of her life will be planned in the near future. We can provide additional details as soon as we have them.
Our thought and prayers go out to Diane’s family.

Lyo Figueroa
President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

Notice from the Clerk - Seeking Applications: Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 14:23:46 GMT

The United States District Court, Central District of California, is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives. Please refer to the link below for more information.

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/seeking-applications-ninth-circuit-judicial-conference-lawyer-representatives-0

Statement of Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County on Judicial Independence

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 18:31:35 GMT

Santa Ana, CA - June 8, 2016 - The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County was founded nearly 40 years ago to encourage and support Latino participation in the legal profession and judiciary. Many of our members are Latinos. Many are not. All of our members support and encourage outstanding Latino attorneys’ increased representation in the bar and on the bench of our great State and Country.

Whether from the left, right, or center, any candidate for the highest office in the executive branch of government should refrain from explicit attacks on members of the judiciary based on that jurist’s ethnicity.

“Donald Trump’s allegation that Judge Curiel is biased and should recuse himself solely on the basis of Judge Curiel’s Mexican heritage is a blatant attack on our judiciary and Latinos throughout this country. Bigoted statements like this, regardless of the candidate making it, have no place in the election of the highest office in this great country,” said OCHBA President Lyo Figueroa.

The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County denounces such accusation and statements like this, regardless of the candidate who makes such statement. Accusations of bias arising solely from a Judge’s ancestry, whether Latino or not, go directly against the mission of the HBA and raise serious concerns in light of the importance of an independent judiciary.

Lyo Figueroa
President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County

Download Press Release

MIGUEL P. PRIETTO, JR. NAMED SUPER LAWYERS RISING STAR

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:22:46 GMT

Newport Beach, CALIF., June 7, 2016 – Archer Norris Senior Associate Miguel P. Prietto, Jr. has been recognized by Super Lawyers magazine as a Southern California Rising Star in 2016. Based in the firm’s Newport Beach office, Super Lawyers has recognized him as a Rising Star, and lists him as a top rated business and corporate attorney in Newport Beach, California.

The patented multi-phased selection process includes independent research, peer nominations evaluations, identifying attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state; nominees are 40 years old or younger or practicing for 10 years or less.

“It is gratifying to receive such strong recognition for the contributions Miguel brings to his business and corporate practice and the firm,” said Managing Partner Gene Blackard. “Peer recognition, a true measure of work excellence, is even more powerful with the Super Lawyers endorsement. We are honored Miguel has been recognized by Super Lawyers and his peers.”

Prietto is a member of the firm’s Business practice group where he focuses his practice on both the transactional and litigation business needs of his clients. With additional credentials including an M.B.A. and a California Real Estate Broker’s license, Prietto routinely acts as advisor to business clients in various professions and industries, having assisted companies grow from start-ups to multi-million dollar operations. Prietto is also active in his community, serving as President of the Associate Board of the Orange County Bar Foundation, where he actively participates and fundraises for the OCBF’s numerous philanthropic programs and initiatives serving over 1,100 at-risk youth each year.

About Archer Norris

A leading California law firm, Archer Norris PLC has approximately 100 attorneys admitted to practice in 17 states. BTI Consulting Group named Archer Norris to its 2016 Client Service A-Team as an unparalleled leader in client service, and the National Law Journal recognized Archer Norris on its “Midsize Law Firm Hot List” in 2015 and 2016. The firm focuses on business law from five strategically located California offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Newport Beach and Los Angeles. Archer Norris counsels clients in commercial and complex litigation, insurance coverage, bad faith litigation, business, health care, intellectual property, patent, public entity, environmental, and real estate transactions throughout California and wherever our clients need us.

For more information about the firm, please contact Jann Dudley at 925.952.5406 or visit the Archer Norris website at www.archernorris.com.

Invitation to Comment: CALCRIM

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 29 May 2016 17:05:45 GMT

Comments sought:

A new proposal to revise the California Criminal Jury Instructions (CALCRIM) has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm. You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

Judges Elect Two New Commissioners

OCHBA Administrator — Sun, 29 May 2016 17:04:20 GMT

Santa Ana, CA –The Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, have elected Sheila Recio and Paul Minerich as Commissioners, announced Presiding Judge Charles Margines. Commissioners serve as subordinate judicial officers of the Court. They may be assigned to hear cases such as family, juvenile, traffic, small claims, and landlord/tenant matters.

http://www.occourts.org/media-relations/current-news-releases/05-25-2016_JudgesElectCommissioners.pdf

News Release: Orange County Grand Jury Selected

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 23 May 2016 17:08:29 GMT

2016/2017 Orange County Grand Jury Selected

Santa Ana, CA – Nineteen Orange County residents were selected to serve on the
Orange County Grand Jury for the term that begins July 1. Hon. Charles Margines,
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Orange County, presided over the May 18 court hearing with Alan Carlson, Chief Executive Officer and Jury Commissioner, randomly pulling cards printed with candidate names from the grand jury box, as required by statute.

The new Grand Jury panel is comprised of 13 men and 6 women who range in age from 54 to 78 years old. More than 140 Orange County residents applied to serve. The 26 judges of the Grand Jury Recruitment/Selection Committee reviewed applications and selected top candidates who were then interviewed by teams of two judges from the committee.

Superior Court judges approved the final slate of candidates by a majority vote.
The California Penal Code requires that the Grand Jury be selected by a random drawing of no less than 25 and no more than 30 individuals, who proportionally represent the five supervisorial districts of the County. The first 19 names drawn constitute the Grand Jury, with the remaining individuals selected as alternates in the order drawn. Alternates may be called upon to serve in the event that any acting members cannot complete the one year term. The grand jurors and alternates will attend a mandatory four-day training program in June.

The 19 members of the newly selected Grand Jury will take the oath of office on July 1 at 10:00 a.m. in Department C1 of the Superior Court of Orange County. The names of the Grand Jury members and alternates are listed on the following page, in the order of their selection.

Notice from the Clerk - Seeking Applications: Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 10 May 2016 17:35:19 GMT

2016 Judicial Council Advisory Body Nominations

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:21:17 GMT

The Judicial Council’s Executive and Planning Committee is accepting nominations through Friday, May 6 for positions on many of our advisory bodies. I invite you to consider submitting your own nomination or nominating someone who you believe qualified to serve.

Advisory bodies are vital contributors to the judicial branch’s policymaking process. We rely on the expertise of those who volunteer and participate. These positions can also represent an opportunity to contribute and gain experience at the statewide level. Here are some of the advisory bodies now seeking nominees:
·        Appellate Advisory Committee
·        Court Interpreters Advisory Panel
·        Civil Jury Instructions
·        Judicial Branch Workers’ Compensation Program
·        Probate and Mental Health
·        Trial Court Facility Modification
·        Workload Assessment
·        Criminal Jury Instructions

For further information and an application, please see the California Courts website at: http://www.courts.ca.gov/4650.htm. You are also welcome to contact Judicial Council staff member Maria Kwan at Maria.Kwan@jud.ca.gov.

Recruitment Notice for CJA Trial Attorney Panel

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:04:18 GMT

The Recruitment Notice for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Trial Attorney Panel may be located using the following link:

http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/recruitment-notice-cja-trial-attorney-panel-0

Invitation to Comment: Forms, Rules of Court, and Legislation

OCHBA Administrator — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 23:35:22 GMT

Comments sought:

Thirty-six (36) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms and legislation have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

STEVE KIM APPOINTED AS UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 01:22:30 GMT

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Steve Kim as a United States Magistrate Judge. Judge Kim, who was sworn in on April 11, 2016, will sit in Los Angeles in the Court’s Western Division. He succeeds retired Magistrate Judge Carla M. Woehrle.

Before his appointment as a Magistrate Judge, Judge Kim was the Regional Managing Director at Stroz Friedberg, LLC, in charge of the firm’s three West Coast offices. Specializing in law and technology, Judge Kim counseled law firms, government agencies, and corporations on cybersecurity, data privacy, digital forensics and electronic discovery. He led and managed hundreds of matters involving trade secret litigation, internal corporate or forensics investigations, government subpoenas and search warrants, and data breach responses and notifications. Judge Kim advised lawyers, executives and corporate boards on information governance, digital risk assessments, incident response, and cybersecurity compliance.

Prior to working at Stroz Friedberg, LLC, Judge Kim served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s Office. He prosecuted cases involving violent and white-collar crimes, immigration offenses, and drug trafficking charges. He also investigated and charged defendants for computer crimes, identity theft, and intellectual property violations. Judge Kim authored numerous appellate briefs filed in the Ninth Circuit and successfully argued several cases in oral argument. Before his work as a federal prosecutor, Judge Kim was a civil litigator handling complex litigation and appeals at Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP.

Judge Kim received his Bachelor of Arts in Letters, with Special Distinction, from the University of Oklahoma, where he was the recipient of the Carl Albert Award for the Most Distinguished Graduate in the College of Arts & Sciences. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and served on the law review. After law school, Judge Kim clerked for Judge Sidney R. Thomas of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and District Judge Stephen V. Wilson of the Central District of California.

Including the position now occupied by Judge Kim, the Central District of California has 24 authorized full-time Magistrate Judges and one part-time position. The Central District of California is comprised of the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. It serves approximately 19.6 million people – nearly half the population of the State of California.

KIRY K. GRAY
CLERK OF COURT

Public Law Center Full-time Staff Attorney – Health Law Unit

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 16:28:43 GMT

Organization Description
The Public Law Center (PLC), Orange County's pro bono law firm, is committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Through volunteers and staff, PLC provides free civil legal services, including counseling, individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices. Now in its 35th year of service, PLC works with more than 1,600 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students from throughout the county who volunteer their time and expertise.

Qualifications

Admission to the California State Bar
Bilingual English/Spanish fluency
Knowledge of health law, public benefits, and probate a strong plus
Experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS a strong plus
Ability to present legal concepts to audiences of varying sophistication, such as clients or attorney volunteers
Excellent public speaking skills
Commitment to working with volunteer lawyers and law students
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Must have own transportation, valid CA Driver’s license, insurance and good driving record

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide quality legal services to low-income residents of Orange County in collaboration with an established team of attorneys
Organize and staff clinics at health care facilities in various locations in Orange County
Coordinate and supervise volunteer attorneys and law students at clinics
Oversee case referrals and provide support to pro bono attorneys
Handle a case load of health law and probate matters
Conduct community education presentations to clients, partner agencies, and service providers
Represent PLC at legal networking and community outreach events
Occasional evening and weekend work required
Other duties as assigned

Salary & Benefits

Salary dependent on experience
Full range of excellent benefits provided, including health, dental, vision, life and 403(b)
Generous holiday, vacation and flex plan policy allowing for periodic 3 day weekends
State and local Bar dues paid

Please submit resume, cover letter and writing sample (10 pages or less) to
glanda@publiclawcenter.org. Please no phone calls.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

Public Law Center Full-time Staff Attorney – Immigration Unit

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 16:24:05 GMT

Organization Description
The Public Law Center (PLC), Orange County's non-profit pro bono law firm, is
committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Through
volunteers and staff, PLC provides free civil legal services, including counseling,
individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices. Now in its 34th year of service, PLC works with more than 1,600 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students from throughout the county who volunteer their time and expertise.

The Immigration Unit provides assistance in the following areas: U visa, T visa,
asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, DACA, naturalization, and some
deportation defense. The staff attorney would be expected to provide assistance in these areas through direct representation and providing technical assistance to our pro bono volunteers.

Qualifications

Active membership in the California State Bar
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
1-3 years demonstrated experience in immigration law, including case preparation, legal research, and client representation before USCIS and EOIR
Demonstrated commitment to working with immigrant communities
Excellent oral/written communication skills
Strong public speaking skills and ability to train a variety of audiences, from clients to pro bono attorneys
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently
Must have own transportation, valid CA Driver’s license, insurance and good driving record

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide direct legal services to low income clients in the areas of: SIJS petitions, asylum applications, U visa, T visa, DACA, and naturalization
Help organize and coordinate immigration legal services through clinics and workshops throughout Orange County
Provide training to pro bono attorneys and volunteers as needed
Represent PLC at legal networking and community outreach events
Full time position; occasional evening and weekend work required
Other duties as assigned

Salary & Benefits

Salary dependent on experience
Full range of excellent benefits provided, including health, dental, vision, life and 403(b)
Generous holiday, vacation and flex plan policy allowing for periodic 3-day weekends
State and local Bar dues paid

Please submit resume, cover letter and writing sample (10 pages or less) to
glanda@publiclawcenter.org. Please no phone calls.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

Fowler School of Law Social Justice Symposium Addresses Important Issues of Immigration, Race and Criminal Justice

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 18:12:59 GMT

Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law’s Diversity Initiative Symposium and Publication hosted its inaugural symposium, Blinded Justice: A Discussion About Whether the Legal System Values and Protects Diverse Communities, on March 3, 2016. The symposium invited both legal practitioners and social activists for a candid discussion about unequal justice in diverse communities.

Panel I: Inequalities: The Immigration and Asylum Process

Panelists discuss the immigration and asylum process

Asylum law is stacked against the poorest and most vulnerable of asylum seekers, panelists asserted in the first panel moderated by Orange County Hispanic Bar Association Chief Financial Officer Darrell P. White and Orange County Hispanic Bar Association Board Member Sasha Tymkowicz.

Munmeeth Soni, an immigration advocate with the Public Law Center, opened the discussion with an overview of immigration procedures and the statutory grounds under which an applicant may qualify for asylum. Those seeking asylum after being threatened, beaten, raped or tortured often are unable to articulate their experience in a way that will satisfy current U.S. asylum statues, she noted.

Gary Silbiger, a member of the National Lawyers Guild Los Angeles Chapter’s Immigration Court Watch, said he has also documented numerous procedural abuses while observing in immigration court. He noted a failure of judges to provide the legal guidance to pro per applicants that the judges are supposed to provide. Shockingly, panelists explained, procedural shortcomings are so rampant in immigration court that having an attorney may not help. They spoke of the “rocket dockets” – courts noted for their speedy disposition of cases – that push asylum seekers, particularly undocumented children, through the court process without sufficient time to prepare their case. Likewise, attorneys may not have any chance to speak privately with their clients who appear in court from a distant location via video conference.

Fatima Dadabhoy, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, discussed procedural abuses of those politically disfavored, particularly Muslim immigrants. She noted that she represents clients whose asylum and immigration applications have been delayed by years after the FBI demanded information that her clients did not have.

Panelist Jorge Guitierrez speaks as part of the 2016 Social Justice Symposium

Jorge Guitierrez, founder of Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, pointed to the systemic abuses faced by gay men and transgender women, politically disfavored populations with high deportation rates.

Panelists proposed a variety of solutions. At the top of their list was creative lawyering; panelists said they spend significant time conducting client interviews to find some way to connect their client’s abuse to a statutory ground for asylum. Their second suggestion was to incorporate into asylum law domestic violence protections for women and children subjected to abuse in home countries that not only fail to prosecute abusers but in fact tacitly approve of the violence. And finally, panelists encouraged others to get involved as volunteer attorneys to assist with asylum claims and representation for activists arrested at protests outside federal immigration facilities and private detention centers.

View the webcast.

Panel II: Inequities: The School to Prison Pipeline

James Bell, founder and director of the W. Haywood Burns Institute, and Stacey Lamont, who handles school expulsion defense cases at Moore Law For Children, addressed systemic causes of the school to prison pipeline and its impact on local youth.

Panelists Stacey Lamont and James Bell discuss the school to prison pipeline

At the heart of the crisis, Bell identified zero tolerance policies and the outsourcing of student discipline from schools to law enforcement. Zero tolerance policies criminalize the developmentally normal behavior problems of children. When school officials stop taking corrective measures within the school and instead rely on suspension or calling the police – whose tool bag is limited to warnings and arrest – the perfect storm is created that ensures large numbers of young people will have academic gaps and a criminal record. According to Lamont, whether a student receives a suspension, expulsion, or arrest, there is a ripple effect on the child’s future.

The solutions Bell and Lamont recommended began with eliminating zero tolerance policies. Schools must reclaim responsibility for student discipline. The discipline employed must reflect an understanding of normal juvenile brain development and the goal of keeping children in school. At the same time, schools must increase academic standards and faculty diversity. If children are going to work for success in school, they must be challenged, engaged, and kept in school.

View the webcast.

Panel III: Impunity: The Failure of the Criminal and Civil Justice System to Respond to Violence Against Diverse Communities

Panelists Margaret Prescod and Nana Gyamfi

The final panel of the evening got to the heart of the symposium question, whether the justice system values and protects diverse communities. The overwhelming response from the panel: No. Margaret Prescod, founder of the Black Coalition Fighting Back Serial Murders and host of the nationally syndicated Sojourner Truth radio show, put the question in context. She discussed the roots of policing in America which stem from the early slave patrols and developed from there as a means of social control.

How does this system of social control relate to those listening today, particularly white listeners? Prescod spoke of social control being hierarchical, a pyramid in which those lacking equality of treatment were pacified by having their superiority to those lower in status made clear. Today, just as in the past, superiority is an illusion paid for with our own oppression. Her powerful and moving example was the extent of current media coverage for a white journalist that was videotaped nude, while little attention is being paid to the trial of a man who murdered numerous poor, black women in South Los Angeles. And how is the justice system implicated in this? The official police reports for the murders of those women in South Los Angeles list the crime as “NHI,” a police acronym for “No Human Involved.”

Attorneys Nana Gyamfi and John Burris spoke of their work to hold police accountable for misconduct. Burris, who has been litigating high profile civil rights cases for more than 40 years, spoke of the revolution that video footage has had in these cases. Twenty years ago, when he was representing Rodney King – the first high profile police beating that was videotaped – the video had little impact. Today, video footage can make all the difference.

Chapman University Fowler School of Law Professor Bobby Dexter moderates the final panel

Gyamfi was quick to point out that video recordings, particularly those from police dash cams and body cameras, are not a cure-all and in fact cause problems because rules are not clear on their usage. She discussed instances where prosecutors have denied having footage against one defendant, the relevant footage being used by the prosecutor in another related case. Her most troubling issue is with the selective use of the cameras. In one case the police turned the cameras on and off repeatedly throughout the course of their interaction with her client. The judge had no issue with the gaps in the footage the prosecutor seeks to use. Burris advises that the solution is to move forward with video usage and let rules be established through impact decisions.

View the webcast.

Keynote Presentation by Hamid Khan

2016 Social Justice Symposium Keynote Speaker Hamid Khan

Hamid Khan, activist and community organizer who has advocated for the empowerment of marginalized communities across Southern California for decades, delivered the keynote address at the 2016 Social Justice Symposium at Fowler School of Law.

Khan began his discussion on the impact of modern policing with this supposition that police exist to protect and serve. But, he posed the question of whose interests are served. To arrive at the answer, and to see the systemic flaws in policing, Khan asked attendees to consider the structures of modern policing. Specifically, what informs those structures, how they are guided, how policies are created, who is involved in crafting those policies, and how those policies are financed and enforced.

Khan began an examination of modern policing with a quote from Edward Banfield, who wrote, “The implication that lower-class culture is pathological seems fully warranted. Rather than waste time and public money implementing policies based on the false notion that all men were created equal, better to just face facts and acknowledge the natural divisions that exist. . . . And the police should feel free to crack down on young lower-class men.”

The application of this “scientific” justification for state violence was guided by “the five faces of the ‘other’” that our society already had: the savage native face, the criminal black face, the manipulative Asian face, the illegal Latino face and the terrorist Muslim face. Khan pointed out that the list of ‘others’ is far more expansive and includes those who threaten the property-focused justice system. He shared a memo issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security in which officers were advised to open suspicious activity reports against anyone organizing against gentrification. The memo described opponents of gentrification as “anarchist extremists.”

Increasingly the craftsmen of these policing policies are police officers and the architects of federal counter-intelligence/counter-insurgency policy. Khan noted the growing presence of police officers on the Los Angeles City Board, a city that leads the nation in killings by police.

The cities are receiving federal financing for anti-terrorist policing, yet the policing disproportionately targets the black community and those who advocate for social change, he said. Khan noted that more than 30 percent of suspicious activity reports, a focus of the federally funded “anti-terrorism” program, were opened against black people. In addition to the surveillance, local police departments are the beneficiaries of tremendous amounts of military grade weaponry. The deployment of armed drones and militarized “Robocops” against the “other,” he said, belie any thought that the police are there to protect and serve marginalized communities.

Khan urged attendees to consider the information they heard during the symposium as a call to action. He reminded guests that there is opportunity for collective learning and engagement, and advised everyone to get involved in some way, such as providing legal research, pro bono representation or committing to attend further education and action events. The onus is on each one of us to shed the shackle of passivity that a control centered system has placed on us, he said.

View the keynote presentation webcast.

Invitation to Comment: Rules of Court and Judicial Council forms

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 19:24:07 GMT

Comments sought:

Four (4) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court and Judicial Council forms have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The proposals are:
SP16-02: Traffic and Criminal Procedure: Infraction Procedures Regarding Bail, Fines, and Assessments
SP16-03: Traffic: Installment Payment of Bail Forfeiture and Traffic Violator School Fees
SP16-04: Traffic: Online Installment Payment of Bail Forfeiture and Traffic Violator School Fees
The deadline for these three proposals is 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

SP16-05: Judicial Administration: Judicial Branch Contracting Manual
The deadline for this proposal is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 5, 2016.

You are welcome to distribute this email to any other interested parties. If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.

Invitation to Comment - Spring Cycle 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 05:55:44 GMT

The Rules and Forms Committee of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, has proposed revisions to its Local Rules of Court. The Court is seeking comments pursuant to rule 10.613, California Rules of Court, in the following areas listed below.

Rule 180 – Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting in Court. The proposed revisions clarify what types of media events are permitted at the various justice centers, to conform to existing court policy. A definition of “media event” is added to the rule, along with a number of limitations as to when and under what circumstances media events can be held inside a justice center.

Rule 250 – Conflict of Interest Code. The proposed revisions will change the language in Section D, Designated employees who must file a Statement of Economic Interest, by replacing eight managerial classifications with “Cost Center Managers” as designated employees. Court employees who are designated as Cost Center Managers may make or participate in making governmental decisions which may have a material effect on their personal financial interests. In addition, the proposed revision changes the disclosure categories for employees in the research attorney classifications. It requires research attorneys to disclose all interests in real property located in or within 2 miles of Orange County, and all investments, business positions, and sources of income; and deletes the former disclosure category for these employees. The revision deletes current provisions for Family Centered Case Resolution and makes it more flexible to implement procedures authorized by California Rules of Court, rule 5.83, and improves the ability to use technology to resolve family law cases in a timely, fair, and effective manner.

Rule 708(D) – Expedited Judgments. Proposed rewrite of Local Rule 708(d) makes minor revisions to streamline submission of expedited attachments to family law judgments. The rule is being changed to make it current. Also, in event the Court needs to eventually renumber the expedited attachment forms, additional updates will be unnecessary.

Rule 603.10 – Notice to Public Administrator. Proposed Revision to Local Rule 603.10 will reflect the change of the public administrator being consolidated with the district attorney’s office and will show the public administrator’s name. In addition, the mailing address is being removed.

Attached please find copies of the proposed revisions and rules, which is posted on the Superior Court’s website at www.occourts.org. A form is available online to submit comments electronically or to download and submit in paper format. All comments concerning a proposed rule must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2016. Comments submitted by U.S. mail should be directed to:

Honorable Ronald Bauer
Chair, Rules and Forms Committee
Superior Court, County of Orange
P. O. Box 1994
Santa Ana, CA 92702-1994

Annual Diversity Day Shows the Benefits of Higher Education to Local Middle and High School Students

OCHBA Administrator — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 19:50:43 GMT

Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law hosted its annual Diversity Day on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Organized by the Office of Admission in conjunction with the Minority Law Students Association, the event was an inspiring and thought-provoking opportunity to shed light on diversity in the legal profession, illuminating the path to success for hundreds of Orange County’s future leaders.

The Honorable Frank Ospino of the Orange County Superior Court addresses local high school students

Diversity Day, co-sponsored by the Law School Admission Council’s DiscoverLaw.org, brought Latina and Latino judges and practitioners to speak at a panel and inspire more than 200 middle and high school students on the importance of higher education and community service. Panelists discussed legal practice and community involvement, and spoke candidly about their experiences growing up.

The California Bar Foundation 3L Diversity Scholarship is now open!

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:29:07 GMT

Deadline is Tuesday February 16, 5pm. Any diverse 3L who plans to practice public interest law in California, and who plans to take the July 2016 California Bar Exam, is eligible. Winners receive a free Barbri bar prep course along with a living stipend. Application can be found here: http://www.calbarfoundation.org/3l-diversity-scholarship.html

And for the first time, the Foundation is thrilled to offer co-sponsored 3L Diversity scholarships with the following five affinity bar associations throughout California:

Asian American Bar Association Law Foundation
Orange County Asian American Bar Association
East Bay La Raza Lawyers
Black Women Lawyers Foundation
The Charles Houston Bar Association

In partnering with these groups, we are connecting with even more diverse law students throughout California. Specific criteria for these special co-sponsored scholarships are available on the application registration page.

Comments sought: CA Civil Jury Instructions (CACI)

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:35:11 GMT

The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved and posted its 28th release of proposed revisions and additions to the civil instructions (CACI) for public comment. This release includes proposed new and revised instructions and verdict forms in response to developments in the law over the last six months. We are very interested in your input.

The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet at (http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm).
Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle.

civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online. And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

Comments by letter or fax should be sent to:

Mr. Bruce Greenlee, Attorney
Judicial Council of California
Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Fax: 415-865-7664
The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, March 4, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please:
Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
Provide any applicable authority for your position.

We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach. We appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions
Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

Camilla Kieliger, Analyst
Legal Services | Leadership Services Division
Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
415-865-7681 | camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov | www.courts.ca.gov

Eleventh Annual UCLA Law Firm Diversity Reception

OCHBA Administrator — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:14:54 GMT

The Eleventh Annual UCLA Law Firm Diversity Reception will take place Wednesday, February 24, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Last year about 200 diverse students from UCLA, USC, and Loyola attended the reception.

Please find attached an invitation for the Eleventh Annual Law Firm Diversity Reception and information about UCLA’s Law Fellows Program.

Geneva Thompson
UCLA School of Law
Academic Outreach Resource Center
mentor@law.ucla.edu
(310) 825-0699

Judges Elect Hon. Kirk Nakamura as Assistant Presiding Judge

OCHBA Administrator — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 01:57:34 GMT

Santa Ana, Calif. – The judges of the Orange County Superior Court have elected Hon. Kirk Nakamura as Assistant Presiding Judge, announced the Court’s Presiding Judge, Hon. Charles Margines. Judge Nakamura begins serving immediately as he is filling a vacant position for the term that ends December 31, 2017.
Judge Nakamura graduated from Duke University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree in 1980 and from the University of California, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science in 1977, where he was a Chancellor’s Scholar. Judge Nakamura grew up locally in Orange County and attended Walt Disney Elementary School, Brookhurst Junior High School, and Savanna High School in Anaheim. Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Nakamura practiced civil litigation for 19 years.
He was appointed as Planning Commissioner for the City of Yorba Linda. He is past president of the Orange County Japanese American Lawyers Association and the Orange County Asian American Bar Association. He was also a director of the Orange County Bar Association and a member of the Duke Alumni Interview Advisory Committee.
Judge Nakamura was appointed to the Orange County Superior Court bench by Governor Gray Davis 2001. In his first assignment, he heard civil and criminal cases at the West Justice Center in Westminster. Since 2004, he has been assigned to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana and has heard limited and unlimited civil cases.
As a judge, he has served as a member of the Superior Court Executive Committee, chair of the Temporary Judge Committee, chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, member of the Grand Jury Selection Committee, and member of the Jury Orientation Committee. He was an adjunct professor for Chapman Law School teaching Construction Law in 2004. He received the Outstanding Service Award from the Orange County Asian American Bar Association in 2008, the Constitutional Rights Foundation-Orange County Judge of the Year in 2010, and the Trailblazer Award from National Asian Pacific American Bar Association in 2011. He has presided over numerous mock trials for high school, college, and law students and has supervised more than 20 law school interns at the Court.

The Honorable Cheri Pham, Judge, Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, presents Felony Cases through trial, Observations from the Bench

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 04:03:26 GMT

Presented by THE NEWPORT-HARBOR BAR ASSOCIATION

Judge Cheri Pham, will provide her observations about all aspects of felony trials from the Bench perspective.
Bring your questions, your friends and associates for this very informative presentation.

Wednesday Jan. 20, 2016 – 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
1 Hour MCLE (Networking from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the Palm Garden Room with a HOSTED BAR)

When & Where
DATE: Wednesday January 20, 2016
TIME: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION: Radisson Hotel – Newport Beach
4545 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660
COST: PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR DINNER PRICES HAVE INCREASED:
Member - $50 with RSVP
Member without RSVP - $55
Non-Member with RSVP and advance payment $55
Non-Member without RSVP pay at door $60
Sitting & Retired Bench Officers $45

Questions: Contact John R. Cogorno, President NHBA
(714) 892-2936
SEE YOU ALL THERE!!

Public Law Center Full-time Staff Attorney – Immigration Unit

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:14:32 GMT

Organization Description
The Public Law Center (PLC), Orange County's non-profit pro bono law firm, is
committed to providing access to justice for low-income residents. Through
volunteers and staff, PLC provides free civil legal services, including counseling,
individual representation, community education, and strategic litigation and advocacy to challenge societal injustices. Now in its 34th year of service, PLC works with more than 1,600 volunteer lawyers, paralegals and law students from throughout the county who volunteer their time and expertise.

Qualifications

Active membership in the California State Bar
Bilingual English/Spanish required
1-3 years demonstrated experience in immigration law, including case preparation,
legal research, and client representation before USCIS and EOIR
Demonstrated commitment to working with immigrant communities
Excellent oral/written communication skills
Strong public speaking skills and ability to train a variety of audiences, from
clients to pro bono attorneys
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently
Must have own transportation, valid CA Driver’s license, insurance and good
driving record

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide direct legal services to low income clients in the areas of: SIJS petitions,
asylum applications, U visa, T visa, DACA, and naturalization
Help organize and coordinate immigration legal services through clinics and
workshops throughout Orange County
Provide training to pro bono attorneys and volunteers as needed
Represent PLC at legal networking and community outreach events
Full time position; occasional evening and weekend work required
Other duties as assigned

Salary & Benefits

Salary dependent on experience
Excellent benefits provided
State and local Bar dues paid

Please submit resume, cover letter and writing sample (10 pages or less) to
glanda@publiclawcenter.org. Please no phone calls.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

The OC HBA posts job opportunities for members. To read more postings, join now!

Revision #14 to the 2008 Edition of the Local Rules – Superior Court of California, County of Orange became effective January 1, 2016

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 05:40:47 GMT

Revision #14 to the 2008 Edition of the Local Rules – Superior Court of California, County of Orange became effective January 1, 2016. An electronic copy of the rules is available on the Court’s website at www.occourts.org or you may view them by clicking here. Relevant rule changes are identified in the attached filing instructions.

Court Extends Deadline to Apply to Serve on the Next Grand Jury

OCHBA Administrator — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 19:39:06 GMT

Santa Ana, CA – Hon. Charles Margines, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, has extended the deadline to apply to be on the next Grand Jury to January 29, 2016. Judge Margines said, “The Court empanels a new 19-member Grand Jury each year to serve a one-year term that begins July 1. We are hopeful that by extending the application deadline, additional qualified individuals will apply, especially residents from the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Santa Ana and Westminster.”

The Grand Jury performs civil oversight of local government by reviewing and evaluating county, city, and other local agencies, including jails, schools, and special districts within Orange County. The Grand Jury writes a final report with its findings and recommendations for improvement. In addition, the Grand Jury considers evidence for possible indictment of individuals in criminal cases and reviews complaints submitted by citizens.

The current stipend for Grand Jury service is $50 per day, up to five days per week. The panelists receive reimbursement for mileage at the current County of Orange rate and free onsite parking.

Superior Court judges interview qualified applicants and choose the top candidates. Final selection of the 19-member Grand Jury is accomplished by a random drawing of the 25 to 30 nominees who represent a cross section of the County. Current members of the Grand Jury and their advisors provide training to the panelists.

The requirements to serve are:
• At least 18 years old
• United States citizen
• Resident of Orange County for at least one year
• Sufficient knowledge of English
• In possession of sound judgment and a sense of fairness

The application form and more information are available online at www.ocgrandjury.org, by calling 657-622-6747, or in person at the Jury Commissioner’s Office, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana.

Invitation to Comment - proposed changes to rules and forms

OCHBA Administrator — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:35:33 GMT

Comments sought:

Sixteen (16) new proposals to amend the California Rules of Court and Judicial Council forms have been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The attached list provides a summary of the proposals and contains direct links to each individual proposal. You are welcome to distribute this to any other interested parties. The deadline for comment is 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Camilla Kieliger, at camilla.kieliger@jud.ca.gov, or at 415-865-7681.