Lawyer - Contra Costa County Bar Association

Contra CostaLawyerVolume 24, Number 1 | January 2011Member-OnlyBenefitspage 12Grow YourPractice:Join LRISpage 23Your Bar AssociationMeet your 2011Board Presidentand Sectionspages 17, 25Presiding Judge Bectonwith CCCBA Board PresidentKathryn Schofield

WHITING, FALLON, ROSS & ABEL, LLPMATRIMONIAL ATTORNEYSAnnouncesLaura R. Ramsey has joined the firm as an associate attorney.She has been practicing family law exclusively for three years in Southern California.Laura has returned to the Bay Area where she was born and raised.Partners, William F. Whiting, Andrew Ross, R. Ann Fallon and Gregory C. Abelhave been selected by their peers for inclusion in this year’sNorthern California Super Lawyers.Ann Fallon was awarded the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists2009 Hall of Fame Award for her contributions to family law.Messrs. Whiting and Ross were named “Best Lawyers”in the practice area of family law in the 2011 edition.The firm received the highest ranking by U. S. News & World Report,the leading rankings publication in the United States.WILLIAM F. WHITING* ANDREW ROSS* R. ANN FALLON* GREGORY C. ABEL* KIMBERLY V. CAMPBELLCOURTNEY O’HAGAN ANNE FREEMAN SCOTT LANTRY LAURA R. RAMSEYWHITING, FALLON, ROSS & ABEL, LLP101 YGNACIO VALLEY ROAD, SUITE 250WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA 94596Telephone (925) 296- 6000 • Facsimile (925) 296-6001E-mail:whiting@disso.com*Certified Specialist, Family Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellow, International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers2January 2011

2011 BOARD of DIRECTORSKathy Schofield PresidentAudrey Gee President-ElectJay Chafetz SecretaryStephen Steinberg TreasurerRon Mullin Ex OfficioRichard AlexanderPhilip AndersenAmanda BevinsDenae Hildebrand BuddeOliver BrayNicholas CasperCCCBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLisa Reep | 925.288.2555 | lgreep@cccba.orgCCCBA main office 925.686.6900 | www.cccba.orgJennifer ComagesMembership CoordinatorEmily DaySystems Administrator andFee Arbitration CoordinatorManny GutierrezAdministrative Assistantand Legal InterviewerEDITORNicole Mills925.351.3171CO-EDITORCandice Stoddard925.942.5100BENCH LIAISONHon. Mary Ann O'Malley925.646.4001BOARD LIAISONCandice Stoddard925.942.5100COURT LIAISONKiri Torre925.957.5607PRINTINGSteven's Printing925.681.1774PHOTOGRAPHERMoya Fotografx510.847.8523Elva HardingLeigh JohnsonRashmi NijagalAlan RamosDana SantosCandice StoddardKerstin FirminCommunicationsCoordinatorBarbara TillsonLRIS CoordinatorMichele VastaSection Liaison/Education & ProgramsCoordinatorContra Costa LawyerEDITORIAL BOARDMark Ericsson925.930.6000Matthew Guichard925.459.8440Patricia Kelly925.258.9300Craig Nevin925.930.6016David Pearson925.287.0051Erika Portillo925.459.8440Andy Ross925.296.6000Dana Santos925.901.0185Kathy Schofield925.253.7890Audrey Smith925.969.3561Stephen Steinberg925.385.0644Marlene Weinstein925.942.5100The Contra Costa Lawyer (ISSN 1063-4444) is published 10 times ayear by the Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA), 704 MainStreet, Martinez, CA 94553. Annual subscription of $25 is included inthe membership dues. Second-class postage paid at Martinez, CA.POSTMASTER: send address change to the Contra Costa Lawyer,704 Main Street, Martinez, CA 94553.The Lawyer welcomes and encourages articles and letters from readers.Please send them to: Kerstin Firmin at kfirmin@cccba.org.The CCCBA reserves the right to edit articles and letters sent infor publication. All editorial material, including editorial comment,appearing herein represents the views of the respective authors anddoes not necessarily carry the endorsement of the CCCBA or theBoard of Directors. Likewise, the publication of any advertisementis not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or serviceoffered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is suchapproval or endorsement.Contra CostaLawyerVolume 24 Number 1 | January 2011featuresMEMBERSMEMBERSONLYONLYdepartments19 Question ManWhat steps are you planning to take in 2011 to improve your practice?20 Center: Holiday Party & The Opening of the Arnason Justice Center22 Meet Kerstin | CCCBA’s Communication Coordinator36 2010 Year-End Financial REport37 2011 Judicial Assignments38 ClassifiedsThe official publication of theMeet your New Board Members:Denae Hildebrand-Budde, Nick Casper,Elva Harding & Rashmi NijagalYour CCCBA MembershipLisa Reep, CCCBA Executive DirectorMember-Only BenefitsB A RA S S O C I A T I O N6912Meet your New Board PResident:17Kathryn SchofieldGrow your Business23LRIS Membership Makes Good Business SenseMeet Your Sections25Cover Image: Presiding Judge Diana Bectonand CCCBA Board President Kathy SchofieldContra Costa Lawyer 3

©.A.N,kgirlA.A.N,kPRIVATE MORTGAGE BANKINGProven expertise.Exceptional service.Meet Your New Private Mortgage BankerWells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking has appointed ahighly capable professional to serve your area. With a localmarket perspective, this financing specialist is empoweredto deliver upscale home financing strategies that can:nnnLeverage currently held assetsComplement wealth-management goalsMake complex transactions pleasingly simpleEnjoy a full-service approach to your high-endtransaction. Work with a Private Mortgage Banker whooffers convenient access to the powerful resources of arespected banking and financial services network.Experience a solutions-driven difference.Contact us today.gnilwoD divaD, dvlB ainrofilaC 02 etiuS N 091keerCAC 69549 tunlaW9102-549-529enohP2189-202-529el iboMmoc.ografs l lW Fsle arg oB a n2 0 1 0W Fsle arg oB a nhtrse s erv e .dussid ahcot nitnirpfoetadfosaetarucasin tcejb ag ng graFslle n Ho W.ecito htiwe ontu oisividasi fon mMe mrofnIoita agtro g e104039 -93040101/21-4January 2011

featuringHonorable Consuelo Maria CallahanU.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit“The Collision of Evolving Technologyand the Fourth Amendment”- and honoring –Presiding Judge Diana Becton“State of the Court Update”$35 CCCBA members$45 non CCCBA members1 hour MCLE CreditMenu choices:Chicken Scaloppiniwith Mushroom Marsala Sauce;Poached Salmon Filet with Kettle Oneand Green Olive Buerre Blanc;– or – Vegetable WellingtonCCCBA Member Directory photosmay be taken from 11:00am to noon–and – 1:30 to 2:00pmto register, contact Michele Vasta at 925/370-2548,via e-mail at mvasta@cccba.org,or on our website at www.cccba.orgAnnual CCCBA Officer InstallationContra Costa Country Club801 Golf Club Road – Pleasant HillFriday, January 21, 2011OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED: BOARD MEMBERSKathy Schofield, President | Audrey Gee, President-Elect| Jay Chafetz , Secretary | Stephen Steinberg, Treasurer |Ron Mullin, Ex Officio | Richard Alexander | Philip Andersen| Amanda Bevins | Denae Hildebrand Budde | Oliver Bray| Nicholas Casper | Elva Harding | Leigh Johnson | RashmiNijagal | Alan Ramos | Dana Santos | Candice StoddardOFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED: SECTION LEADERSCAREER CLOSET:HELP STUDENTS DRESS TO IMPRESS!SUITSBELTSButton-DownShirtsDonate your gently used professional and business-casual clothingto help students dress for mock trials, classroom presentationsand special events. The Deer Valley High School Law Academy islooking women’s and men’s clothing and accessoriesPlease bring your donation to the Installation Luncheon.Sponsored by the Women’s section –Benefitting Deer Valley Law Academy studentsJohn S. Warnlof, ADR | Gary A. Watt, Appellate | NickCasper, Barristers | D. Benjamin Borson, Business Law &Corporate Counsel | David A. Schuricht, Bankruptcy Law| Janice Crosetti Titmus, Conservatorship, Guardianship,Probate & Trust | Peter Johnson, Criminal | Mary GraceGuzman, Diversity | Arlene Segal, Elder Law | MichelleFerber, Employment | Daniel S. Harkins, Family Law| Stuart J. West, Intellectual Property | Rhonda Wilson-Rice, Juvenile Law | Josh Cohen & Geoffrey Steele, Litigation| Pippin C. Brehler, Real Estate | William A. Hickey,Solo Practice & Small Firm | Harpreet Sandhu & ShannonWebster-White, Student | Michael N. Gendelman,Taxation | Jeanne N. Mirante & Adriana Quintero, WestCounty | Denae Hildebrand Budde, Women’sCOATSJacketsBlousesSLACKSTiesSkirtsContra Costa Lawyer 5

BoardMembersMeet your newDenaeHildebrand BuddeDenae is a partner in thelaw firm of Alborg Veiluva& Martin LLP in WalnutCreek. Currently her practice consistsof title and commercial insurancecoverage as well as litigationin which she represents insurers,financial institutions, escrow companiesand corporations. Denae hasextensive civil and criminal litigationexperience, having tried casesranging from multi-million dollarinsurance coverage to rape andcarjacking cases. She is a certifiedmediator and has resolved severalmatters through mediation. Denaemoved to Contra Costa County afterspending the first ten years of herpractice in Tulare County.She is a member of the CCCBA’sADR section, Real Estate Section,and is the 2010 President of theWomen’s Section. In addition toher involvement with CCCBA, Denaeis a member of the Contra CostaCounty Chapter of the Robert G. Mc-Grath Inn of Court. She graduatedfrom the University of Santa Clarain 1993 and was a Comments Editorof the Computer and High TechnologyLaw Journal. After earningher Masters in Education, from theUniversity of California, Los Angeles(UCLA) in 1986, she taught elementaryschool for four years priorto attending law school. Denae alsoreceived her Bachelor’s degree fromUCLA in 1985. Denae is licensedto practice in California, the NinthCircuit Court of Appeals, and theUnited States District Courts for theNorthern, Southern and EasternDistrict’s of California.Denae lives in Moraga with herhusband, a commercial airline pilotand Commander in the NavyReserves, and their three daughters.With her husband being gone6January 2011

half of every month, shuttling theirthree girls to their activities and socialengagements consumes mostof her free time. But when there isa little left, she enjoys traveling, skiing- water and snow - and baking.NickCasperNick received his undergraduateeducation from theUniversity of California,Los Angeles, earning a Bachelor ofArts degree in Political Science in2001. He graduated from the Universityof San Francisco School ofLaw in May 2006, and was admittedto the California Bar on December 1,2006.Nick worked as a judicial externfor the Honorable Mark Simons onCalifornia’s Court of Appeal, FirstDistrict. He also worked at the ContraCosta Public Defender’s Office,both as a law clerk and as a clerkon a death penalty case with (nowJudge) Christopher Bowen.In March 2007, Nick joined thePlaintiffs’ Civil Litigation firm ofCasper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cookin Walnut Creek, reinforcing theadage that ‘the apple never falls farfrom the tree’. As the firm’s associate,Nick has been actively involved inlitigating many of the firm’s largestcases involving catastrophic injury,wrongful death, medical malpractice,employment discrimination/harassment, civil rights violations,and child sexual abuse. In the lastyear, Nick has also taken several ofthe firm’s cases to jury trial.Nick is involved in a variety oflegal organizations, both at the locallevel and state-wide. He has beenserving as Chair of the CCCBA Barrister’sSection since 2009, is a memberof the Robert G. McGrath AmericanInn of Court, is on the Board ofGovernors of the Alameda-ContraCosta Trial Lawyers Association(ACCTLA), and was active in thedevelopment of the fledgling NewLawyers Division of the ConsumerAttorneys of California (CAOC).Nick currently lives in the MissionDistrict in San Francisco, wherehe has resided since 2003. Althoughbraving the reverse commute fromthe city to Walnut Creek may not beideal, Nick loves being in the midstof the amazing restaurants, neighborhoodsand happenings in SanFrancisco. Nick likes to stay fit andhealthy and is an avid skier.ElvaHardingElva Harding began her careerin real estate over 15 years agowith the purchase of her firstinvestment property. After gainingexperience in the field of rentcontrolled housing, she joined anational private-equity investmentfirm as asset manager of its Bay Areaportfolio. Her experience managingbudgets, litigation and negotiatingher way through local and stateagencies informs her legal advicewith a practical perspective that herclients appreciate.In 2008, Elva joined Shapiro BuchmanProvine’s Real Estate andBusiness practice. Elva provides realestate and business advice to investors,contractors, medical groups,on-line and bricks-and-mortar retailoperators. She represents clients inYoungman & Ericsson, LLP1981 North Broadway • Suite 300Walnut Creek, CA 94596Tax Lawyers.www.youngman.com (925) 930-6000— Wanted —ConservatorshipsthinkMatt Tothas inPedder, Hesseltine,Walker & Toth, LLPoldest partnership in Contra Costa County(since 1955)p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-36833445 Golden Gate Way, P.O. Box 479Lafayette, CA 94549-0479AV Martindale-HubbellContra Costa Lawyer 7

the purchase, sale, financing andleasing of commercial real estate,business licensing and employmentissues. She also advises clientsregarding real estate and businessdisputes including fraud litigation,partnership disputes and collectionmatters. She is an active member ofthe Contra Costa County Bar Association,serving as an officer of theWomen’s Section, member of thefundraising committee for the ElderLaw Center and member of the RealEstate Section. Additionally, she isa member of the San Francisco Bar,Queen’s Bench and East Bay CREW.Elva received her Bachelor’s degreein Political Science from theUniversity of California, Los Angeles.Through the University of California’sEducation Abroad Program,Elva spent a year at Trinity College,Dublin in Ireland, studying politicaland economic development.She is a graduate of Santa Clara UniversitySchool of Law, where she receivedthe Cali and Witkin awardsfor Insurance Law.As a volunteer in the Amigos delas Americas program (www.amigoslink.org)in 1984, Elva servedon a health and sanitation projectin the Dominican Republic. Today,Elva believes in the power of youthleadership to improve communitiesat home and abroad. She continuesher Amigos service as an officer ofthe East Bay Chapter of Amigos andoccasional advisor to Amigos’ InternationalBoard.Elva and her husband, SeamusVanecko, are avid travelers. Theymet while attending Trinity College,Dublin and, after completing theirundergraduate degrees, moved toParis. Today, they are happily settledin Rockridge with their IrishBulldog, Murphy. Seamus is a constructionlitigation consultant withHiguera Associates and a generalcontractor. Elva and Seamus enjoyscuba diving and hope to enjoy yetanother good season of cross countryskiing in the Sierra this winter.RashmiNijagalRashmi lives in Pleasantonsurrounded by her threeboys: her husband, Satinder,her four-year-old son Sohan,and her two-year-old son Tejan. Tomake up for the lack of estrogen inthe house, she loves buying dressesand hair clips for her niece.Rashmi has been practicing lawfor six years and has had the pleasureof practicing in a variety offields including criminal defenseat the Alameda County Public Defender’sOffice, medical malpracticedefense in Walnut Creek andnow as an appellate attorney onthe Contra Costa County AppellatePanel. She also works in the healthcare law area representing hospitalmedical staffs. She has been on theContra Costa County Bar Association’sConference of California BarAssociations since 2007 and hasbeen the Chair of the county’s delegationsince 2009.Rashmi obtained her Bachelor’sdegree from the University of California,Los Angeles, and her lawdegree from the University of California,Davis. Before law school, sheworked as an editor for a children’sart publishing company and as aHR manager at a small (and thenlarge) start-up in Emeryville. Rashmiloves cooking with and for herkids and running half marathons. sLaw Offices ofCandice E. Stoddard1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 420Walnut Creek, CA 94597Candice E. StoddardPersonal InjuryReal Estate LitigationTrust and Estate DisputesMediationn925.942.5100 • fax 925.933.3801cstoddard@stoddardlaw.comPracticing law in the East Bay for over 25 years— Wanted —Will/Estate ContestsConservatorshipsYou handle the estate, we do the contest.Cases, except conservatorships, oftenhandled on a contingent fee basis, but canbe hourly. Referral fee where appropriate.Pedder, Hesseltine,Walker & Toth, LLPoldest partnership in Contra Costa County(since 1955)p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-36833445 Golden Gate Way, P.O. Box 479Lafayette, CA 94549-0479AV Martindale-Hubbell8January 2011

Your CCCBAMembershipTake advantage of everything we have to offer!VIPMEMBERSONLYThe Contra Costa County Bar Association’smission is to represent its members and to advocateon their behalf; to educate its membersand the public concerning the law, the legalprofession and the judicial system; to providea means of communication both among itsmembers and between its members and thepublic; and to provide services that will supportits members in their legal practice.by Lisa ReepExecutive DirectorA COMPREHENSIVELIST OF MEMBERSHIPBENEFITSIn keeping with its mission, theCCCBA is committed to assist itsmembers in developing and improvingtheir practice of law byproviding information, services,networking opportunities, careerdevelopment programs, communityservice opportunities and otherresources. Most programs conductedor sponsored by CCCBA and its 21Sections offer substantial discountsto members.PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT ANDNETWORKINGMembership in any of our 21 Sectionsprovides opportunities to networkwith other practitioners whoshare common interests. To learnmore about our Sections, see pages25 - 34. We also offer regular opportunitiesto interface with membersof our local bench.COMMUNITY SERVICEThe CCCBA, with enthusiastic participationfrom our volunteer members,sponsors myriad communityservice opportunities. These includeour seventeenth annual “FoodFrom the Bar” Drive in the spring(over the past 18 years, our membershave donated $820,000 and 53tons of food, making CCCBA oneof the Food Bank of Contra Costa& Solano’s largest supporters), ourongoing Education Outreach Programwith local middle and highschools – including regular courttours during the academic year inboth Martinez and Richmond, ourregular consumer-focused free legalworkshops offered at various publicvenues throughout the county, ourannual Court Scholarship Programand numerous pro bono opportunitiesin cooperation with local legalservices agencies. If you are interestedin participating in any of theseprograms, contact the CCCBA staff at925/686-6900 or visit our website atwww.cccba.org.CONTINUING LEGALEDUCATIONCCCBA, together with its Sectionsand Committees, offers frequentseminars, courses and forums thatfulfill the State Bar of California’sMCLE requirements. These includeour seventeenth annual MCLESpectacular, our most popular andwell-attended event, which will beheld on November 18 th at the WalnutCreek Marriott.We are also pleased to continue ouralliance with the State Bar of California.One component is an onlineContra Costa Lawyer 9

consortium comprised of a numberof local bars throughout Californiawho have been working togetherwith the State Bar to develop anddeliver quality and meaningful onlineMCLE. Through this alliance,we can deliver hundreds of hoursof California State-specific contentgenerated by the State Bar of Californiaand other alliance members.To learn more about this memberbenefit, visit our website at www.cccba.org. Our state-of-the-art websiteoffers on-line registration andpayment for MCLE programs andevents, an easy way to keep trackof all CCCBA-sponsored MCLE programsyou attend henceforth andthe means to download our eventscalendar to Outlook and other standardcomputer calendaring programs.LAWYER REFERRAL &INFORMATIONSERVICEThe Lawyer Referral & InformationService (LRIS) provides referrals toattorneys who have met specificexperience requirements for membership.Nearly 5,000 client consultationsare scheduled with membersof our LRIS each year throughboth our phone-based service andthe Internet. Close to $1.5 millionin attorneys’ fees were collected byour LRIS panelists during the 2010calendar year. Special malpracticeinsurance rates are available forsolo practitioners participating onour LRIS. For information on LRISmembership and malpractice insurance,call (925) 686-6900 or visit ourwebsite at www.cccba.org (Pleaserefer clients to 925-825-5700). (Seearticle entitled “Grow Your Business- LRIS Membership Makes GoodBusiness Sense”, page 23)PUBLICATIONSYou will notice a lot of positivechanges in the way we communicatewith our members this year. Inaddition to receiving six print issuesof our highly regarded magazine,Contra Costa Lawyer, which nowfeatures a colorful and more professional-lookingdesign, memberswill continue to receive our annualpictorial Membership Directory.With the environment in mind,and to cater to our entire membership(half of which prefer a hardcopy magazine, the other half ofwhich prefer to receive everythingon-line), we offer the option of receivingContra Costa Lawyer via USMail or in a new html-based “real”online magazine format. In monthswe do not produce our magazine inprint, it will be available online andwill include timely information,articles and valuable resource linksto enhance your practice. E-mailed“News & Upcoming Events” broadcastsare also sent to our membersevery Tuesday morning. Upcomingevents are linked directly toour website and calendar - www.cccba.org - where you can registerand pay for events online. We areconfident you will consider theseweekly broadcasts and our websiteextremely valuable resources. s10January 2011

We represent plaintiffs in serious injury and death casesdue to vehicular accidents, product failures, medical malpractice,and other forms of negligence and misconduct.For over 30 years, we have been committed to servingour clients’ unique needs.Standing: Larry E. Cook, Michael D. Meadows, Thomas Seaton, Andrew C. Schwartz;Seated: Nick Casper , Stan CasperAll four partners have been named Northern CaliforniaSuper Lawyers, and the firm has maintained Martindale-Hubbell’s superior AV rating for 20 years. Both Casper andSchwartz are certified civil trial specialists with the NationalBoard of Trial Advocacy, and Casper and Cook are pastpresidents of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.It’s easy to see why the bulk of our cases come fromother attorneys’ referrals.2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 1020 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596Phone: (925) 947-1147 | Fax: (925) 947-1131 | www.cmslaw.comContra Costa Lawyer - Display Ad - 1/2 page horizontal: 7 3/16 x 4 11/16Mark V. MurphyWe value our professional referral sourcesNEW SAN JOSE OFFICE!Contra Costa Lawyer - Display Ad - 1/2 page vertical: 4 11/16 x 7EXPERIENCE AND INTEGRITY FOR OVER 30 YEARSPersonal InjuryReferrals RequestedOver 25 years experiencerepresenting injury victims.Practice dedicated solely toPersonal Injury.Each client given prompt,courteous attention.Antioch andSan Ramon Offices925.552.9900Hon.RichardFlier(Ret.)Hon.BonnieSabraw(Ret.)SAN FRANCISCO OFFICEDorene Kanoh, VP50 Fremont St., Ste. 2110San Francisco, CA 94105tel 415.772.0900email dorene@adrservices.orgHon.DouglasSwager(Ret.)Hon.JamesTrembath(Ret.)www.adrservices.orgMichaelCarbone,Esq.EricIvary,Esq.NEW SAN JOSE OFFICE!Dorene Kanoh, VP152 N. 3rd St., Ste. 603San Jose, CA 95112tel 408.293.1113email dorene@adrservices.orgStanding: Larry E. Cook, Michael D. Meadows, Thomas Seaton, Andrew C. Schwartz; Seated: Nick Casper , Stan CasperContra Costa Lawyer 11

ONLYMEMBERSMember-OnlyBenefitsONLYMEMBERSThe following businesses offer discounts toCCCBA members that would not otherwise beavailable. Simply identify yourself as a currentCCCBA member to the participating business atthe time of your transaction.12ADMINISTRATIVEASSISTANCEB.A.R. GROUP(925) 482-8330www.thebargroup.orgThe Business Advisory Resource(BAR) group is an independent networkof local professionals providingefficient and effective servicesfor small & solo law firms in ContraCosta County in the following areas:Accounting/Tax; Administrative;Answering Service; Banking/Financing;Business Benefits; Bookkeeping;Financial Planning; Insurance;Legal Research/Data;Marketing; ParalegalAs your practice grows life doesn’tget simpler - it gets more complex.Consider the BAR Group a tool tosimplify your lifeDiscount: Free initial consultationsand discounts ranging from10%-50% on products and servicesAIRPORT PARKINGPark SFO195 North Access RoadSouth San Francisco, CA 94080Contact: 800-996-9214Discount: Free membership toPARK SFO Club (normally $100.00a year), personalized PARK SFOmembership card, free upgradefrom standard parking to valet parking,coupons good for one free dayof parking (one per visit), and autodetailing discounts.Expresso Airport Parking880 Doolittle DriveSan Leandro, CAContact: Go towww.expressoparking.comDiscount: Enter “con” (all lowercase) and print off discounted coupon.Present coupon and photo IDat checkout to receive discount.Over 2000 parking spaces. Indoorvalet service, self-park indoor andoutdoor spaces. 24/7 shuttle service.Fully fenced and monitored facility.Free coffee, muffins, newspapers.Car wash service available. 10 minuteshuttle ride to OAK airport.CLIENT GIFTSAdvertising MagicContact: Rosalind Boukis2116 N. Main Street, Suite GWalnut Creek 94596Ph. 925/939-1111Promotional advertising, clientgifts, marketing, imprinted items.www.advertisingmagic.comDiscount: Set-up and screen chargeswaived.COMPUTER & ITCONSULTINGPacific ComputerConsultants, Inc.Contact: David JordanPh: 925-215-3559 x101Web Site: www.pcc-sf.comEmail: info@pcc-sf.comDiscount: Free Internet based SecurityAssessment ($900.00 value)and Free no obligation in-personnetwork health check.We’ll make all your computer problemsgo away and ALWAYS giveyou a friendly, knowledgeable personto talk to when you have anIT Support problem. You get fixedprices - get all the IT Support yourbusiness needs for one low, fixedmonthly subscription withoutany extra surprises or hidden costs.100% money back guarantee onALL work.CREDIT CARDPROCESSING SERVICESBankCardUSA.ComContact: Jerry MacDonaldPh. 800/589-8200, Ext. 3456Discount: 1.59% Swiped rate and2.05% Keyed rate. Life Time Warrantyfor POS Equipment and Monthto Month Service Agreements!Transaction funds deposited in 48-72 hours. Accept Visa, Mastercard,American Express and Discovercards. For more information email:jerry.macdonald@bankcardusa.comE-Paynow.com383 Diablo Road, Ste #217Danville, CA 94526Contact: Richard WoodPh: 925/788-5057www.e-paynow.com/cccba/index.htmDiscount: There are over 270 Inter-January 2011

change categories, or discount rates,that are set by MasterCard© andVisa©. Most processors ‘simplify’the complexity of Interchange, theactual cost of a transaction, by bundlingmerchant’s Visa/MasterCardrates into three tier billing of Qualified/MidQualified/Non Qualified.The fact is that while this is simpler,it also means many merchants paymore than they should for mosttypes of credit and debit cards. E-paynow.com is proud to offer theContra Costa County Bar Associationmembers access to the highestquality Credit Card Processing &Payment solutions. E-paynow.comprovides Interchange-Plus merchantaccounts (NOT 3 tier pricing)with the Authorize.net paymentgateway (you can use any internetenabled computer to process transactions),that will help you acceptcredit card and electronic checkpayments quickly and affordably,without having to pay more, or purchasinga physical terminal, and wewill even waive the set up fee withproof of bar membership.DOCUMENT SOLUTIONSThomson WestContact: Karen CornellPh: 510/530-6181e-mail: Karen.cornell@thomsonreuters.comPROLAW Front and Back officeManagement software.Discount: 10% discount for CCCBAMembers.Toshiba Business Solutions12677 Alcosta Blvd. Ste 100San Ramon 94583Contact: Melanie Wild 925.277.2182Melanie.Wild@tbs.toshiba.comElectronic Content ManagementSolutions: DocuWare, e-Discovery,Re-Search, Re-Rite, Re-Find. BusinessEquipment: Multi-FunctionalDevicesDiscount: 10% Discount for allCCCBA membersFINANCIAL SERVICESWells Fargo AdvisorsTice Valley Plaza1880 Tice Valley Blvd.Walnut Creek, CA 94595Contact: Bill ParkerPh. 925/935-0911Discount: 20% off set-up costs and10% off any transactional commissions.Wells Fargo BankContact: Orin Pierceorin.pierce@wellsfargo.comph. 925/686-8072fax: 877/473-1197CCCBA Firm Membership includes:Business Banking Services:Free business checking account forsix months, free order of businesschecks, Discount on treasury managementsolutions and advice tohelp law firms stay in compliancewith depository regulations, reducefraud, and check float.Business Credit: 50% off standardloan origination fee (typically 1%.This could provide a savings of$1,250 for a $250,000 loan), 50% offappraisal fee (Can be applied to linesof credit, term loans and real estatefinancing), Payroll Services: Setupfees waived, Merchant Card: Freeevaluation of current merchant servicesor a consultation for new businesses& initial setup and monthlyservice fee waivedInvestment Services: Complimentaryinvestment analysis CCCBAMember Firm Employees includes(with payroll direct deposit):Premium Membership Checking:Interest paid on entire daily balanceeach day balance is $500 or more,Free Wells Fargo Exclusive Checksor $8 discount on other check designs.No-fee personal money orders,cashier’s/official checks andsingle-signer Traveler’s Checques(Discount on cheques for Two), $12monthly service fee waived with$2,500 combined deposit, credit cardor credit balances, automatic loanpayment or Direct Deposit and threeadditional accounts or services.Savings Account: Fee waived with$2,500 in combined deposit, creditcard or credit balances, automaticloan payment or Direct Deposit andthree addtl. accounts or services.Checkcard: No annual fee, Nopoint-of-sale fee, Free online banking,Free online bill pay.Credit Card: Low introductory rate,online account access, rewards program,special interest rate on personalor home equity loan or line ofcredit from Premium MembershipChecking.925.790-2600 • info@amllp.com • www.amllp.comContra Costa Lawyer 13

FLORISTS, GIFTSJory’s Flowers1330-B Galaxy WayConcord, CA 94520925/689-0966www.jorysflowers.comContact: ManagerDiscount: 10%HEALTH & WELLNESSGMA Chiropractic913 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #284Danville, CA 94526925/838-9996925/838-9915 faxContact: Dr. Gabe AllendeDiscount: 30% discount to all CCC-BA Members for services includingChiropractic and Massage Therapy.Dr. Gabe Allende specializes in thetreatment and prevention of a widevariety of muscular and skeletal injuriesincluding work, sports, andauto injuries.Personal & ProfessionalCoachingContact: Joy TomasinoPh. 925/855-1032 or925/785-5929email:joy@joytomasino.comCollaborative coaching, offering adiverse set of tools to provide a safe,supportive, confidential environmentto explore how to get whatyou want in life. Skills Development,Values Clarification, Life andCareer Transition, Stress Management,Trust and Boundaries Issues,(Professional Coaching, continued)Marriage, Divorce, & Family Challenges.The only requirements arecourage and the desire to make achange!Discount: 25% discount to all CCC-BA Members.JUDICIAL COUNCIL &LOCAL COURT FORMSMartin Dean’s Essential FormsCA Judicial Council Forms & LocalCourt FormsDiscount: Purchase of EssentialForms entitles CCCBA members tochoose TWO local county modulesof their choice from the 51 countiesavailable (a $338 value). To receivethis discount when ordering, pleaseidentify yourself as a CCCBA member.LEGAL FEE RECOVERYSERVICESDiversified ServicesContact: Robert Schwartz1824 W. Grand Avenue, Ste. 200Chicago, Il 60622Ph. 888/494-7900Fax 877/566-6009Discount: 28% contingency rate(regularly 33%).LEGAL & BUSINESSPUBLICATIONSThe Recorder1035 Market Street, Ste. 500San Francisco, CA 94103Contact: CirculationPh. 415/490-1057Discount: $310.00 per year plusapplicable sales tax (new subscribersonly). Anyone with a paid subscriptionreceives access to www.therecorder.comSan Francisco Daily Journal44 Montgomery St., Ste. 250San Francisco, CA 94104Contact: CirculationPh. 866/531-1492Discount: New Subscribers: $371per year, plus tax ($296.00 less thanregularrate of $667.00).LEGAL RESEARCHWest,a Thomson Reuters BusinessContact: Karen CornellPh: 510/530-6181e-mail: karen.cornell@thomsonreuters.comDiscount: Westlaw, West LegalEdcenter, Books and CD-ROMS allqualify for the 20% CCCBA discountif you contact Karen Cornell. LegalCalendaring and ProDoc now available.INSURANCE SERVICESAttorneys & ProfessionalsInsurance Services3450 Clayton RoadConcord, CA 94519Contact: Michele Epstein, AAI, AIS,ACSR,CISR, CPIW,DAEPh. 925/688-2396Fax 925/688-2399e-mail: attyins@pacbell.netwebsite: www.attyins.comDiscount: Broker fees waived forprofessional liability wheneverpossible for CCCBA members. Nevera broker fee for General Liability,Workers’ Comp, Bonds or EmploymentPractices Liability. One-stopshopping through APIS, Inc. Let usdo all the leg work to save you timeand money. Access to over 15 CA admittedcarriers.Kosich & Callahan InsuranceServicesColleen Callahan, CLU, CASL,LUTCF - CA License #07715243435 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Ste 210Lafayette, CA 94549Phone: (925) 284-5433Website: http://www.callahaninsurance.com/association-members.htmlFor your auto, home, and businessinsurance: http://www.kosich.comIn partnership with The GuardianInsurance Company, we offer CCC-BA members discounts on individualdisability, business overheadexpense, and long-term care insurance.Additionally, we providehigh quality, personalized serviceto help current and prospective clientsselect the products or benefitsthat best meet their personal andbusiness financial goals. We provideassistance with group benefits(medical, life, disability, 401k, andvoluntary products) as well as individualinsurance (life, medical, disability,and long-term care).Discount: 10% discount availableto CCCBA members on individual14January 2011

disability, business overhead expense,and long-term care policiesoffered by The Guardian.Immigration LawyerMarsh Affinity Group Services160 Spear Street, 15th FloorSan Francisco, CA 94105Ph: 800/343-0132Fax: 415/983-5197www.mystatebar.comThe State Bar of California sponsoredProfessional Liability InsuranceProgram provides high quality coverageand valuable added benefitssuch as free online legal research,a risk management website, and atoll-free claims prevention hotline.Marsh is working with CCCBA toprovide direct access to this outstandingprogram in a way thatsupports CCCBA and its mission.• Permanent Residence• Nonimmigrant Visas• Immigrant Visas• Citizenship & Naturalization• Deportations• Bilingual: English and SpanishErika PortilloMyers-Stevens-Mello & Co., Inc.1(800) 862-4243 or emailmailbox@myersstevens.comDental, Vision, Life and Disabilityinsurance plans are available toyou, your family and your employeesthrough our broker/administrator,Myers-Stevens-Mello & Co., Inc.Dental: CCCBA’s Dental Plan, underwrittenby Lincoln FinancialGroup, offers two different calendaryear maximum options that areavailable to firms with two or moreenrolled attorneys and/or employees.Both plans allow you to chooseany dentist; however, you can maximizeyour benefits by utilizing PPOproviders. Firms with at least fiveenrolled employees do not have awaiting period for Major work. Inaddition, there is an Indemnity (goto any dentist) plan with a highercalendar-year maximum for thosefirms with at least fifteen attorneysand/or employees enrolled.Vision: CCCBA’s Vision Plan, underwrittenby MES/Blue Shield LifeInsurance Company, provides foreye exams and eyewear (includingcontact lenses). Members may useany optometrist or ophthalmologistbut will receive higher benefitswhen they use participating providersor vendors.www.gtplawyers.com1800 Sutter Street, Suite 730 • Concord, CA 94520Phone: 925.459.8440 • Fax: 925.459.8445 • Email: eportillo@gtplawyers.comFinancial Planning | Trust and Estate Services | Private Banking | Investment ManagementIt’s more than a matter of trust. It’s a matter of getting the job done whenyour client needs trust and investment management services. Our team hasthe experience, expertise, and depth to handle the most complex situations.Or the simplest.• Qualified Domestic Trusts• Charitable Remainder Trusts• Business Ownership InterestsAs a Corporate Trustee, Co-Trustee, or in any number of other roles, we provideunique custom solutions rather than pre-packaged products. We’re also independentand locally owned. So while the big banks are focused on their balance sheets, we’refocused on serving you and your clients. And after more than 100 years, people trustus for who we are. And for what we do.800.781.3441www.mechanicsbank.comSome Wealth Management productsmay not be FDIC insured, may lose valueand may not be bank guaranteed.• Business Succession Planning• Commercial and Residential Real EstateMEC 3071 _CCLA_AD_4.6875X4.5625_V3.indd 12/5/10 4:47:50 PMContra Costa Lawyer 15

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment:CCCBA membersmay apply for up to $2,000,000 withsuper-preferred rates on amountsof more than $500,000 (Available atage 30 and up). Coverage is guaranteedrenewable to age 75 and convertibleto a permanent policy anytimebefore the policy terminates atage 75. This plan includes an acceleratedlife benefit payout for terminalillness. CCCBA members’ spousesare able to apply for coverage ifthe member does not apply. A rideris also available to cover children.New members Age 49 and youngermay apply for a guaranteed issueamount of $50,000. Contact Myers-Stevens-Mello for details. ING/ReliaStar Life Insurance Company,one of the largest nation’s insurers,underwrites this plan.Disability Insurance: Underwrittenby Standard Insurance Company,this plan offers two benefitoptions and you select from a 60 or90-day waiting period. You can insureup to 60% of your pre-disabilityearnings to a monthly benefit maximumof $5,000. This plan featuresa Return to Work Incentive, SurvivorBenefit, Rehabilitation Benefit,Lifetime Security benefit and more.New members may apply for aguaranteed issue amount. ContactMyers-Stevens-Mello for details.Health Insurance: CCCBA doesnot have a sponsored health planat this time. However, through itslong-term relationships with majorhealthcare providers, Myers-Stevens-Mello is able to researchvarious health insurance plansand programs that are available toyou, whether as an individual or alaw firm with employees. They willreview and analyze your currentprogram, help you select a plan thatmeets your objectives and assistyou through the enrollment process.Thereafter, they will continueto provide assistance with renewalsand all other claims/customerservice issues. You are invited totake advantage of Myers-Stevens-Mello’s expertise and services toget competitive rates and benefitsfor your health insurance needs.Group Life and Disability plans arealso available for law firms.These are brief summaries preparedfor this publication. Completedescriptions of benefits andlimitations of these plans will befound in the Insurance Policies. Ifyou would like more informationon any of these plans, call Myers-Stevens-Mello at 1(800) 862-4243 oremail mailbox@myersstevens.comON-LINE MCLEThomson WestWest Legal Education CenterContact: Karen CornellPh: 510/530-6181e-mail: Karen.cornell@thomsonreuters.comDiscount: 15% off MCLE: Rutter,PLI, CEB, AALL, ABA and more!(Only $59.50/mo. for an unlimited12 month pass). Log on at:www.cccba.org – Go to MCLE link;MCLE On-linePRINTING & COPYINGCopy Station2175 N. California Blvd. Suite 210Walnut Creek CA 94596Ph. 925/287-9122Contact: Peter HoltzDiscount: 20% off all onsite copyingor 25% off any first jobwith new account registrationfilled out in full. 20% off high-speedscanning/archive to CD ROM. Freepick-up and delivery.TELEPHONE & WEB CON-FERENCING SERVICESPGiContact: Jason Pabst,Account Executive800/274-0742 oremail: jason.pabst@pgi.com(reference CCCBA membership fordiscount).Discount: Up to 50% off CPMCPM = cost per minutePP = per participantAutomated Audio conferencing$ .06 cpm/pp; Document & DesktopSharing available starting at .15cpm/pp. Bundled audio and webplans available.Operator assisted calling rates aslow as $0.19 cents per minute.Available for depositions, litigationand client calls. Exclusive LegalBridge to capture Client Matterfor billing. Excellent resourcefor conducting law & order ofall levels and court reporters arewelcome.*Volume discounts areavailable, contact Jason Pabst formore information. www.pgi.comTIME CAPTURESOFTWAREChrometaContact: Brett OwensPh: 888/340-6425 x1brett@chrometa.comSoftware that captures your billabletime automatically – free 30-day trialavailable at www.chrometa.comDiscount: 25% off regular licenseprice (use this link: http://www.chrometa.com/pricing.php?id=9rWb5bdJZcdX) ; free phoneand email support; free training(email brett@chrometa.com to signup)TRAVEL SERVICESThe Hertz CorporationMembers Only toll-free number:800/654-2210(Mention your HERTZ CCCBACDP#438042*)Discount: 10% discount off HertzDaily Member Benefit Rates; 5% orgreater off Hertz Leisure Rates, allcar classes (advance reservationsrequired); Discounts in Europe andworldwide; and Hertz #1 Club membership,computerized driving directions,Hertz NeverLost, expressreturn, and 24-Hour emergencyroadside assistance. s16January 2011

Meet your New Board PresidentKathrynSchofieldTell Us AboutYourselfI grew up in Napa and then adventuredoff to The College of Williamand Mary in Virginia for a doublemajor in psychology and fine arts.After coming back to California,getting a master’s degree in childdevelopment and working for U.C.Davis School of Medicine doing researchon aging, I decided to changecourse and attend U.C. Davis Schoolof Law. I found my niche. I movedto Contra Costa in 1999 with myhusband, started my own practicein 2006 and now I can’t imagineraising my son anywhere else. I absolutelylove practicing law and beingpart of this community.Why did youchoose thelaw as yourprofession?I get charged up by the problemsolvingand the intellectual challengeof my work. I like the diversityan elder law practice provides.One day I am dealing with longterm care planning, on another dayI am dealing with financial elderabuse. The common denominatoris that my work helps families – anincredibly satisfying way to spendmy day.How did youget involvedwith the BarAssociation?When I moved to Contra Costa, thefirm I worked for (Bramson, Plutzik,Mahler and Birkhaueser) encouragedme to get involved with thebar association. I immediately becameinvolved with the Women’sSection board, which led to beingpresident of the Women’s Section,which led to the CCCBA board ofdirectors. I can’t overstate the valueof getting involved with a CCCBAsection. The networking and skillbuildingopportunities availablethrough the CCCBA are what madeit possible to start my own practice.The people who practice law in thiscounty are top-notch – not just professionally,but personally. I couldnot have done it if it weren’t formy involvement with the CCCBA. Iowe a lot to the attorneys who havegiven advice and help along theway and I would never have metthem but for the CCCBA.What are yourgoals andvisions for theBar Association?Most of the attorneys practicing inthis county are solo or small firmattorneys and many are feeling thepressure of this economy.The CCCBA is particularly wellsituatedto support the local smallfirmlawyer. In the past year, theCCCBA has taken great strides inmaking itself more relevant to theselocal practitioners – people who arestrapped for time, looking for waysto grow their business and lookingfor educational opportunities.These are the big issues for my practiceand I know they are for othersas well. To that end, my goals for2011 will continue the trend by:• Focusing on the sections to expandnetworking and educationalopportunities• Taking advantage of our ever-increasingweb presence to promotethe CCCBA and our individualmembers• Evaluating exactly how we aregenerating and spending our revenueso our membership gets thebiggest bang for its buckWhat would youlike your CCCBAlegacy to be?I am realistic – I am privileged to bePresident for only a year. What I accomplishthis year is a reflection ofthe amazing people who have donethis job before me, will have it afterme and all those who keep the sectionshumming along.What makes the CCCBA one of theContra Costa Lawyer 17

est local bar associations in thecountry – and it really is – is the generosityof the membership.Roger F. Allen510.832-7770Ericksen, Arbuthnot155 Grand Avenue, Suite 1050Oakland, CA 94612rallen@ericksenarbuthnot.comElder Law isAlzheimer’sPlanningNorthern CaliforniaMediator / Arbitrator14 years as Mediator23 years as Arbitrator31 years in Civil Practice• Training includes Mediation Course atPepperdine University 1995• Serving on Kaiser Medical MalpracticeNeutral Arbitrators Panel• Settlement Commissioner, Alameda andContra Costa Counties• Pro Tem Judge, Small Claims, Alameda County• Experienced in all areas of Tort Litigation,including injury, property damage, fire loss,malpractice, construction defectThe average survival rate is eight years afterbeing diagnosed with Alzheimer’s — some live asfew as three years after diagnosis, while otherslive as long as 20. Most people with Alzheimer’sdon’t die from the disease itself, but frompneumonia, a urinary tract infection orcomplications from a fall.Until there’s a cure, people with the disease willneed caregiving and legal advice. According tothe Alzheimer’s Association, approximately onein ten families has a relative with this disease.Of the four million people living in the U.S.with Alzheimer’s disease, the majority live athome — often receiving care from familymembers. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s,call elder law attorneyMichael J. YoungEstate Planning, Disability, Medi-Cal,Long-term Care & VA PlanningProtect your loved ones, home and independence.n925.256.0298www.YoungElderLaw.com1931 San Miguel Drive, Suite 220Walnut Creek, California 94596We give to fellow practitioners andour local community in astonishingamounts. Our membership continuesto grow and thrive through opportunitiesto channel that generosity.Whether it is writing an article,participating in sections, attendingsocial events or volunteering, whenwe give our time to the CCCBA, itcomes back to us all in spades. Iknow it has for me and I wish everyonecould get as much from theCCCBA as I have gotten from it.On that note, a new opportunitythe CCCBA has to offer in 2011 isour new Elder Law Center (ELC)and companion elder law trainingprogram – ideas generated by communityneeds, fueled by volunteersand ultimately a way for membersto grow their practices and professionalnetworks. Programs likethese are what will keep the CCCBAa vibrant and vital organization formany years to come. I can’t takecredit for the ELC, but I am glad tohave a part in it.I encourage you to participate inthe ELC or any other CCCBA programthat strikes your fancy - thereare plenty to choose from. If I couldpick one thing to be my legacy, itwould be that every single memberparticipated in some meaningfulway in the CCCBA this year. I knowfrom personal experience that youwill get far more out of it than youput in. If you can’t think of somethingto do or you have an idea youwant to toss around, give me a call!It’s the least I can do for a fellowContra Costa practitioner and theCCCBA. Thanks for giving me theopportunity to be CCCBA Presidentthis year. It truly is an honor. s- Kathy Schofield, owner of the SchofieldLaw Group, focuses her practiceon Elder Law , Conservatorships, EstatePlanning and Probate/ Trust Administration- www.schofieldlawgroup.com18January 2011

What steps are youplanning to take in 2011to improve your practice?QUESTIONMAN!1. Continue establishing mutuallybeneficial relationships with opposingcounsels in certain areas of lawso that we can settle cases quicklyfor the benefit of all involved.2. Set trial dates sooner to resolvematters sooner.3. Update websiteAndrew W. ShalabyEast Bay Law1. I’m going to stopworking for peoplewho don’t pay.2. I’m going to startevery morningwith Lexapro.3. We’re movingcloser to a Starbucks.4. I’m buying ear muffs.5. I’m getting less comfortablechairs for my office.Merrit WeisingerWalnut Creek Family Law CenterI signed up for the Rutter Grouppass and I am taking courses wayoutside my normal areas of interest.It’s just a way of broadening myperspective(s ). It turns out there isa lot of cross over.Daniel HorowitzLaw Offices of Daniel HorowitzIn 2011, I plan tostay on top of mybilling and collections.And nolonger work for freefor clients whocan’t pay.Jordan J. “Jody” YudienYudien Law FirmI plan to spendmore time with myfamily. I believe awell rounded lawyeris much moreeffective than aworkaholic lawyer.It’s hard to strikethe right balance but importantstrive for it.Magany Abbass, JD, LLMLaw Offices of Magany AbbassI will be using theCCCBA servicesthroughout 2011,they do so muchgood and their officestaff have been thebest, as I am surethere is agreementthat we just are so grateful to themall. Happy new year!Marc BouretThe Bouret Mediation & ADR firmWayne V.R. SmithAttorney - MediatorOrganize my officeto simplify approachesto issues,and use a newsletterthat highlightshumor in the law.I will be participating in morepublic speaking engagements, incl.university presentations and CLEpanels. I have also formed a smallnetwork group of 6-8 attorneys, allfrom different legal fields, to maximizereferral potential and buildlasting professional relationships.Jennifer SmytheLaw Office of Gali Schaham GordonI plan to reach out more to the legaland other “communities” for marketingpurposes and also for socialand personal connections. I intendto be more involved with the Barthis year, including joining thesolo-practice group! In these tougheconomic times, as I tell my clients,you have to appreciate (and beinvolved with) what you have anda big and important piece of that isyour friends and family!Peter SproulMullen & Sproul LLPContra Costa Lawyer 19

Holiday Party & Open Houseat the Contra Costa County Bar AssociationCCCBA Board MembersElva Harding, RashmiNijagal & President-Elect Audrey GeeCCCBA Board MemberRichard Alexander withJudge Christopher Bowenand Presiding JudgeDiana BectonThank you for joiningus at our holiday partyon December 16, 2010.Happy New Year!CCCBA Board MemberNick Casper & formerBoard PresidentStan CasperJudge Thomas Maddock& Dick FrankelBoard MemberLeigh Johnson& Richard JennyWant to see morephotos? Visit the ContraCosta County Bar AssociationFacebook page!Dan Pocklington &Jon ThompsonEx-officioPresidentRon Mullin &Board MemberCandice StoddardWendy Graves ,CCCBA ExecutiveDirector Lisa Reep,Suzanne Boucher &Court Executive OfficerKiri Torre20January 2011

The Opening of theby Mimi LysterDirector, Court Planning, Information & ProgramsWith the dedication ceremonyon November12, 2010, the “Dean” ofContra Costa’s bench,the Honorable Richard E. Arnason,has added new gravitas to his presencein our legal community. TheArnason Justice Center, spanningthe tenures of Presiding JudgesMaddock, Bruiniers and O’Malley,has received the highest ratings asa Silver LEED green building andprovides dignified frames throughwhich to observe the area’s hills.The stately courtrooms, wide hallways,accessible self help center,electronic calendar displays, queuingsystem for the clerk’s windowsand welcoming child care facility(scheduled to open in March 2011)are a fitting tribute to the dignity ofthe judicial branch and the nobilityof its purpose.Each of the afternoon’s speakers,including keynote speaker ChiefJustice Ronald George and AdministrativeDirector of the Courts WilliamVickrey, spoke eloquently ofboth Judge Arnason’s accomplishmentsand contributions to the lawand jurisprudence and to the importanceof providing adequate spaceto handle both current and futurecaseloads in the East County. Byvacating the cramped and dilapidatedbuilding in the Arnason JusticeCenter’s shadow,the Contra Costa SuperiorCourt will nowbe able to transfer incustodydefendants insecure corridors, provideadequate space for parties andtheir attorneys to confer and movesome family law and juvenile proceedingscloser to the communitieswe serve. Jurors summoned to thisfacility will be treated to a welcomingassembly room, readily availablerefreshments and spacious deliberationrooms.Among those who spoke at theevent, Supervisor Federal Glovercommented on the importanceof the court’s presence in the EastCounty Civic Center and hailed theboost its construction gave to thelocal economy. Pittsburg MayorSalvatore Evola spoke highly of theproject and its impact on the City,and in an extraordinary gestureto Judge Arnason, the Chief andthe court, presented albums witha shovel-to-ribbon-cutting photographicrecord of the building’s construction.The Arnason Justice Center isnow open to the public and will bean exemplar for court constructionprojects for many decades to come. sContra Costa Lawyer 21

Meet KerstinCCCBA’s Communciation CoordinatorI started working for the ContraCosta County Bar Associationthis past summer. As a newcomerto the legal field it has been a steeplearning curve for me but a very rewardingexperience as well. In thepast few months, we have madegreat strides laying the foundationfor some exciting changes to ourBar Association publications andcommunications: We conducted acommunications audit and membershipsurvey. Together with theCommunications Committee andthe Editorial Board, we evaluatedour members’ feedback and fleshedout new approaches: Our print publications,including the Contra CostaLawyer magazine received a faceliftand new features. Next month,we will also publish the inauguralissue of the brand-new online companionto our magazine. The BarAssociation also went social witha Facebook page, LinkedIn Groups,and a Twitter feed.Moving forward, I will continueto work towards positioning theContra Costa County Bar Associationas the most relevant and rewardingorganization for our membersand a resource for our community.My goal for the Contra Costa Lawyer,both online and in print, isto provide an attractive platformfor members to publish and enjoytimely, interesting articles, columnsand much more. Our online presencewill be a place to engage andnetwork with other members andthose we serve in the communitythrough our Lawyer Referral andInformation Service and ModerateMeans Programs. Our new, expandedpublications also allow our advertisersto get more exposure – wenow offer advertising opportunitiesboth in print and online. It’s an excitingtime for our Bar Associationand a great time to get involved:If you have an article youwant to publish, a story idea todiscuss or an advertisement toplace, contact me! We are alsoalways interested in highlightingthe accomplishments and pro bonowork of our members – if you knowsomeone you think should be featuredin one of our columns, pleaselet me know! You can reach meat kfirmin@cccba.org or at (925)370-2542Finally, a bit about myself:I grew up in Germany, near Bambergwhere I went to school. Aftergraduating (Fine Arts and German),I took the opportunity of a yearabroad and fell in love with the SanFrancisco Bay Area. After a briefstint back home, I decided I wantedto live in California.That was more than 10 yearsago and I have lived and workedmost of this time in Contra CostaCounty. The nonprofit field was anatural fit for me, as I have beeninvolved in community outreachand youth programs since I was 12.At Shelter, Inc. here in Martinez, Istarted managing publications andit eventually became my full-timejob. While taking part in two rebrandingprocesses, at Shelter, Inc.and as a graphic design volunteerwith the Taproot Foundation, I becameincreasingly intrigued by strategiccommunication, branding andmarketing. About two years ago, Idecided to pursue a degree in thatfield and chose a communicationsprogram with a technology focus.In my free time, I:Punk Rock & live musicMini-vacations & urban hikingTheater (Shotgun Players!)Roller DerbyBooks & magazinesEnvironmental scienceOutdoors: Running & hikingPoliticsAlarm ClocksShopping MallsUmbrellasTreadmillsPoliticsJoin the CCCBA on LinkedIn,Facebook and Twitter:Contra Costa County BarAssociation LinkedIn GroupContra Costa County BarAssocation Facebook page@CCCBAR Twitter feed22January 2011

Client ReferralsQuality ScreeningMarketingand more...Grow your businesswith our Lawyer Referrral & Information Service (LRIS)LRIS Membership Makes Good Business SenseOur Lawyer Referral & InformationService (LRIS) staff handles over12,000 calls and online requestseach year from members of the publicwho contact us with legal-relatedproblems; nearly 4,000 of thosecalls result in client consultationswith members of our LRIS eachyear. Clients are carefully screenedto determine whether a consultationwith an attorney or a referralto another agency is the most appropriatecourse of action. When itis clear that the caller would benefitfrom consulting with an attorney,a 30-minute consultation is scheduledwith an LRIS panelist who hasmet specific experience requirements,maintains malpractice insurancecoverage 2 and who practicesin the geographic and subjectmatter areas that match the client’sneeds. The LRIS is a public serviceof the Contra Costa County Bar Association,a non-profit organization.Our Lawyer Referral & InformationService is certified by the State Bar ofCalifornia (Certification #0018) andmeets American Bar AssociationStandards.MODERATE MEANSPROGRAMHelp make quality legal support areality for moderate income clients“I am very pleased with the service you offer! The lawyer Isaw spent more than enough time answering all of my questions.I would definitely recommend this attorney, as well asyour service in general, to anyone I know that needs legaladvice for a reasonable fee. Thank you.” 1by joining the Moderate MeansProgram! As an adjunct to the LawyerReferral & Information Service,this program offers reduced-feerepresentation in family law andimmigration matters. The programis designed to make legal servicesavailable for those who do notqualify for pro bono services butwho still do not have the means toretain attorneys at their usual rates.Moderate Means clients pay participatingattorneys a modest retainerand hourly rate that fit within theprogram guidelines. Panel attorneyscome from all different legalbackgrounds and experience levels.FAMILY LAW ALTER-NATIVE RESOLUTION(FLARe) PROGRAMAlso an adjunct to LRIS, the FLAReprogram provides a mediation alternativefor parties with a family lawsituation who agree to attempt resolutionof their dispute using thisprocess. A 90-minute session at amuch-reduced rate is offered to giveclients the opportunity to determineif mediation would be usefulin attempting to resolve their entirefamily case. The FLARe program isnever offered where domestic violenceis a factor.WHY you SHOULDJOIN THE LAWYERREFERRAL & INFOR-MATION SERVICEWe do the marketing for you:We get over 12,000 calls each yearfrom people who are looking forlegal representation. Rather thanplace expensive ads in the yellowpages, magazines or other publicationshoping that prospective clientsmight need your services someday, your LRIS membership givesyou access to the people who reallyneed your help today.LRIS referrals are paying clients:Over $1.3 million in attorneyfees are collected annually from clientsreferred by our LRIS. Althoughnot every case leads to a paying client,there are rewards realized evenfrom prospective clients who onlycome in for a consultation. An initialconsultation can lead to a longContra Costa Lawyer 23

and profitable attorney-client relationship,as well as future referralsto colleagues, friends and family.Better clients as a result of theLRIS: There is a growing distrustof what are often perceived as selfservingyellow page ads and TV infomercials.The public is looking fora referral source that can be trusted.Your LRIS is certified by the StateBar of California and approved bythe ABA as an independent providerof competent and reliable legalrepresentation.Join the LRIS now by contacting theContra Costa County Bar Associationat 925.686-6900 or by visitingour website at www.cccba.org. s1The quote used in this article was takendirectly from our regular client surveys.2Affordable LRIS malpractice insurancecoverage is available to solopractitioners through Lawyers’ MutualInsurance Company. Please call1800.252-2045 far rates and details.and Mediation CenterSpecializing in accountings for:TrustsProbatesGuardianshipsConservatorships“A unique and effective style -a great mediator”Candice StoddardRon MullinBarbara Hasey1128 Daniel Lane • Concord, CA 94518925.689.1943bthasey@astound.netWillows Office Park p 1355 Willow Way, Suite 110Concord, California 94520Telephone (925) 798-3413 p Facsimile (925) 798-3118Email ronald@mullinlaw.com24January 2011

Meet your SectionsADRAlternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) continues to expand as anattractive alternative to litigation.Private litigants increasingly turnto ADR to resolve their disputes. Inmany cases, parties obtain betterresults through ADR than throughconventional litigation. With ADR,the parties may avoid the delay andexpense of litigation, maintain confidentiality,control the process andachieve a better outcome throughagreements reached as a result oftheir direct participation.The ADR Section’s activities include:presenting educational programsfor the continued professional developmentof its members; analyzingand commenting on proposals(including local court rules) relatedto ADR; drafting proposals for considerationby the court and theboard of directors and identifyingissues impacting ADR as an accessible,efficient and effective meansof dispute resolution. Section membersare lawyers who also serve asmediators, arbitrators, neutral caseevaluators and special masters.ChairJohn S. Warnlof2033 North Main Street., Suite 750Walnut Creek, CA 94596925.937.9200jwarnlof@aol.comJohn S. Warnlofis an attorneyand ADRneutral with officesin WalnutCreek . His practiceemphasizesconstruction,The Barristers/Young Lawyers Sectionseeks to provide attorneys inpractice for six years or less withnetworking, education and mentorrealproperty, common interest developments,commercial litigationand business counseling to corporations,partnerships and individuals.John arbitrates and mediates realestate, construction, personal injury,employment and commercialdisputes. He also serves as the hearingofficer for the San Francisco EmployeesRetirement System. Johnis a frequent lecturer on variousADR topics. He is the Vice-Chair ofthe State Bar ADR Committee andserves on the Contra Costa SuperiorCourt ADR Advisory Committee.APPELLATEThe Appellate Section - formed in1991 - focuses on continuing educationand the improvement of appellateadvocacy. Members includeattorneys whose practice is devotedto appeals and writs as well as triallawyers interested in enrichingtheir understanding of the appellateprocess and issues.The section hosts periodic MCLEseminars. Seminar speakers haveincluded appellate court justices,appellate and supreme court researchattorneys and attorneys withspecial expertise in appeals, writsand post-trial motions.The Appellate Section welcomes alllawyers and law students to joinand attend programs. Many programshave broad appeal to litigatorsand are presented in partnershipwith the Litigation Section.The section has been approved asa provider of appellate specialtyMCLE credits, an extra benefit forattorneys who are, or are seeking tobecome, certified appellate specialists.ChairGary A. WattARCHER NORRIS2033 North Main Street, Suite 800Walnut Creek ,CA 94596925.930.6600gwatt@archernorris.comGary Watts is amember of theArcher Norrisappellate practicesection. Hehandles appealsin all the stateappellate courts,including theSupreme Court, as well as the NinthCircuit. Gary is director of the HastingsAppellate Project, Hastings Collegeof the Law’s Ninth Circuit clinicalprogram. Gary is also an adjunctprofessor of appellate advocacy atHastings and faculty coach of Hastings’sNational Environmental LawMoot Court Competition and MootCourt National Championshipteams. His law practice articles arefrequently published in the DailyJournal and his appellate musingscan be found at www.caappellatelaw.com.He is a graduate of CaliforniaState University, Hayward(economics) and received his J.D.from the University of California,Hastings College of the Law.Directors at LargeJohn T. Schreiber, 925.832.1882Bryce C. Anderson, 925.757.7020BARRISTERSContra Costa Lawyer 25

ing opportunities. This section providesa great way for newer membersto become involved in our localbar association. Membership is freeto all CCCBA attorney members inpractice for six years or less.ChairNick CasperCasper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook2121 N. California Blvd. Suite 1020Walnut Creek CA 94596-7333925.947.1147ncasper@cmslaw.comNick Casper isan associate withthe Plaintiffs’ CivilLitigation firmof Casper, Meadows,Schwartz &Cook in WalnutCreek,. (See Nick’sfull bio under“Meet Your New Board Members”,page 7)BUSINESS LAW& CORPORATECOUNSELCorporate Counsel are among themost important members of a businessteam. They work with all keymembers of the enterprise to providea wide range of strategic andlegal insights to address and resolveroutine as well as thorny mattersfacing entrepreneurs and developedbusinesses. The Business Law& Corporate Counsel (BLCC) Section’smission is to provide up-todateinformation on issues facingCorporate Counsel in our competitiveclimate, to provide continuinglegal education to attorneys in Californiaand to provide opportunitiesfor networking in our growing EastBay legal community.The BLCC supports regular meetings,with experts in the wide varietyof issues facing CorporateCounsel to support new ventures, topromote business development andto provide a basis for corporationstaking advantage of the many newinitiatives for business growth anddevelopment. Because Contra CostCounty is in an ideal position to bea corporate growth center in NorthernCalifornia, the BLCC strives tobring strategic and legal expertise toyou.During 2011, we plan to present programsaddressing Corporate Formation,Corporate Reporting, Due Diligence,public offerings, compliancewith Sarbanes-Oxley, protection ofintangible Corporate Property (tradesecrets, patents, copyrights, andtrademarks) and other issues of topicalimportance. As incoming Chairof the Section, I hope to engagemembers of the Section in a series ofinteractive, enjoyable meetings todevelop and support your practicein business and corporation law.As we develop our programmingfor the next year, we would greatlyappreciate hearing from you aboutWill & Trust LitigationElder Abuse Litigation • ConservatorshipsB A R R & B A R RA T T O R N E Y S318-C Diablo Road • Danville, CA 94526-3443 • (925) 314-9999Edward E. Barr (retired)Janet M. LiLoren L. Barr*Christopher M. MooreJoseph M. MorrillKonstantine A. DemirisRuth Koller BurkeTracey McDonald, Paralegal*Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization26January 2011

specific areas that are important toyou and your clients.ChairD. Benjamin Borson, MA., J.D.,Ph.D.Borson Law Group, PC1078 Carol Lane, Suite 200Lafayette, California 93449-4760925.310.2060bborson@borsonlaw.comDr. BenjaminBorson is thefounder and presidentof BorsonLaw Group, PC, aLafayette-basedlaw firm specializingin assistingcompaniesin business strategies developingand exploiting intangible assets, includingpatents, trade secrets, trademarksand copyrights. Dr. Borsonhas over 15 years of experience inthe law and is counsel to numeroussmall and mid-sized companies inthe life sciences and high-technologyindustries. Dr. Borson holds aPh.D. in Physiology from the Universityof California, San Francisco,and a J.D. from the University ofSan Francisco School of Law.Dr. Borson is active in public serviceas Chair of the Legislation Committeeof the State Bar of California IntellectualProperty Law Section, isa frequent author and lecturer andis Adjunct Professor of Law at GoldenGate University School of Law.Prior to entering the law, he wason the faculty of the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco, where hetrained students and post-doctoralfellows in scientific methodology,Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry,Nursing and Physical Therapy, andran a research program in basicmedical science. He is the recipientof numerous grant awards, haspublished numerous scientific andlegal articles and has worked withclients to obtain many patents andtrademark registrations. He has authorednumerous legal opinionsrelating to patent infringement,validity and licensing. Dr. Borson isalso a member of the Patent PublicAdvisory Committee, where he advisesthe United States Patent andTrademark Office, the President andCongress on matters relating to thepatent system.BANKRUPTCYLAWThe Bankruptcy Law Section is primarilycomprised of attorneys whorepresent debtors and/or creditorsin bankruptcy cases. The section hasalso had non-attorney members,including accountants and bankruptcytrustees. The purpose of thesection is to provide a forum of fellowshipand learning concerningtopics of interest to attorneys whopractice in bankruptcy court andnon-attorneys who provide supportto the bankruptcy bar. Formerlyknown as the Commercial Law andBankruptcy Section, the section includescommercial law as well asbankruptcy law issues within itsscope. There are approximately fortymembers.The section typically meets three tofive times each year, usually for continuingeducation programs heldat lunchtime at the JFKU School ofLaw in Pleasant Hill. At these luncheons,speakers discuss topics ofinterest to the bankruptcy bar. Theprograms are usually approvedfor one hour of MCLE credit. Pastspeakers have included bankruptcyjudges and trustees, private practiceattorneys in the area and other professionals.If you would like more informationregarding the section, please contactthe chair.ChairDavid A. SchurichtKatzen & Schuricht1981 N. Broadway, Suite 340Walnut Creek, CA 94596925.279.3080Schuricht@ksfirm.comDavid Schurichtgraduated fromBoalt Hall Schoolof Law at the Universityof Californiaat Berkeleyin 1974 and thenserved as a lawclerk for the CaliforniaState Court of Appeal. Afterseveral years with federally-fundedlegal services organizations, Mr.Schuricht moved into private practicein 1983. Before co-founding Katzen& Schuricht in 1996 (where hefocuses his practice on bankruptcymatters), Mr. Schuricht spent morethan 13 years handling real estate,business litigation, bankruptcy, anddebtor-creditor problems. Mr. Schurichthas served as Chairman ofthe CCCBA Bankruptcy Law Sectionfor the past several years. He is amember of the Bay Area BankruptcyForum and the American BankruptcyInstitute and also serves onthe Board of Directors of The LawCenter, a non-profit organization devotedto helping persons of limitedmeans secure assistance with civillegal problems.CONSERVATORSHIP,GUARdIAnSHIP,PROBATE & TRUSTThe Conservatorship, Guardianship,Probate & Trust Section was establishedin 1993. Membership is opento practicing attorneys, private professionalfiduciaries, accountingpractitioners and law students. Sectionmembers and non-membersare invited to attend our programs.Our programs begin in Januaryeach year at the Contra Costa CountryClub with the annual ProbateBench Luncheon. This year the programwill be of particular interest aswe will learn of significant changesin the Probate Department and wewill have opportunity to welcome,and become acquainted with, theHon. John H. Sugiyama who comesto Dept. 61 in January.Contra Costa Lawyer 27

Ever since 1994 our section, withco-sponsorship of The MechanicsBank’s Trust Department, has presentedan Annual Estate PlanningSymposium. The symposium isheld at the Dean Lesher RegionalCenter for the Arts in Walnut Creekeach year in March. The event drawscounsel, educators and professionalsto present topics of current interestto the Bar, tax professionals andstudents. We are pleased to presentthis program with availability ofspecialization credit.Board members and section liaisonscontinue to provide volunteerservice, each devoting time and energyto insure that our events providebroad continuing educationopportunity for our members at acompetitive cost. Our newest boardmember, Mark W. Frisbie, heads theGuardianship Clinic establishedto assist Pro Per petitioners completethe guardianship procedures.Counsel interested in providingsuch volunteer service should contactMark.The section continues its practice ofdonating to local legal service organizationsthrough the Contra CostaCounty Bar Association’s “The BarFund”. In 2010 our $5,000.00 donationprovided support to the reconstitutedElder Law Center (ELC).Our section is broadly based amongprobate, estate planning, conservatorship,guardianship, and trustpractitioners. We strive to presentopportunities for members to obtainMCLE credits at programs thataddress these areas of practice andwelcome suggestions from ourmembership.ChairJanice Crosetti TitmusLaw Offices of Crosetti & Titmus889 Moraga RoadLafayette 94549925.299-2030jct@ctattorneys.comJanice Crosetti Titmus is a graduateof U.C. Berkeley, with honors inEnglish. She graduated from JFKULaw School in 1981. Before enteringthe practice of law, Janice acquired14 years combined experience as alegal assistant for a probate attorneyand as manager of the claims departmentfor an insurance brokeragefirm. She has been practicing inContra Costa County since Decemberof 1981, beginning in generalpractice and over time with emphasisin estate planning, probate, conservatorshipand guardianship. Inaddition to serving as chair of thissection, Janice is a past president ofSoroptimist International Lamorinda;Lafayette Historical Society andformer President of the Lafayette SeniorHousing Association, ChateauLafayette.Co-ChairsDavid J. Elefant, 925.943.1991Ira L. Hillyer, 925.256.3033Barbara L. Lanier, 510.527.7070Oliver W. Bray, 925.228.2550Norman Lundberg, 925.228.5354Mark W. Frisbie, 925.947.1714Court Liaison:Maurice E. Huguet, Jr. 925.228-3433Probate Court InvestigationsLiaison:Kathleen U. Poling, 925.256-9217CRIMINALThe Criminal Law Section holds regularmeetings at various locationsin the county and features a widevariety of speakers with emphasison education and training. Speakersinclude judges, attorneys, expertwitnesses and county administrators.Additionally, our programsprovide information specific to practicinglaw in our county courts. Ourprograms offer MCLE credit and aregenerally held as luncheons.The goal of this section is to provideinformation that can be of practicalassistance to criminal defense attorneysin motions and trial practiceand case management. Officers andall members of the section are eligibleto run for vice chair and chair.If you have any questions, pleasecontact Peter Johnson.PresidentPeter JohnsonLaw Office of Johnson & Johnson801 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Ste. 101Walnut Creek CA 94596925.952.8900jjlaw2@earthlink.netPeter Johnsonbegins his fourthterm this year aspresident of theCriminal Law Section.He has practicedcriminaldefense in ContraCosta Countysince 1993. Peter is partners with hiswife, Carin Johnson, at the Law Officeof Johnson & Johnson, with officesin Pittsburg and Walnut Creek.Peter is a member of the NationalAssociation of Criminal DefenseLawyers, California Public DefendersAssociation, National Collegeof DUI Defense, and the CaliforniaAssociation of DUI Lawyers. Hegraduated from St. Mary’s Collegein 1987 and received his J.D. fromGolden Gate University in 1993.Vice ChairJoseph Tully, 925.229.9700DIVERSITYWith the encouragement and enthusiasticsupport from the CCCBAleadership, general membership,and the county judiciary, Diversityis the newest section. This sectionworks to further the goals and interestsof attorneys, law students,legal professionals, and residents ofcolor and other under-representedgroups within our county.We welcome all bar members to oursection and look forward to yourparticipation and input.ChairMary Grace GuzmanGuzman Legal925.822.6030mguzman@guzmanlegal.com28January 2011

Mary Grace Guzman graduatedfrom U.C. Berkeley with a B.A. inAnthropology. She attended SantaClara Law where she received acertificate in Social Justice and wasawarded two Cali Awards for her researchand writing. She completeda graduate fellowship at Santa ClaraLaw’s Center for Social Justice andPublic Interest, assisting professorswith their legal research for a bookand co-creating a companion websiteto Women and Law Stories. Sheis now a solo practitioner specializingin small business law in ContraCosta County.ELDER LAWThe purposes of the Elder Law Sectionare to present programs thathelp keep attorneys informed aboutelder law, create a forum for attorneyswho are dealing with elderlaw issues and provide memberswith information personally helpfulfor retirement. Elder law issueswill become increasingly importantas our population ages.We are delighted to be joining theCCCBA and The Elder Law Center(ELC) in presenting a comprehensive6-week elder law training seriesto recruit panelists for the ELCand the CCCBA’s new Elder FinancialAbuse Moderate Means Panel.See the calendar insert for details. Ifyou have other suggestions for programs,please contact the president.PresidentArlene SegalLaw Office of Arlene Segal100 Pringle Avenue, Suite 780Walnut Creek CA 94596925.937.4224arlene_segal2000@yahoo.comArlene Segal,who has practicedin ContraCosta Countysince 1985, is asole practicionerworking in theareas of both litigationand mediation. Much of herpractice involves the resolution ofreal property, trust and estate disputesand the financial abuse of elders.EMPLOYMENTThe Employment Section is comprisedof a mixture of plaintiff anddefense bar attorneys. It holdsmonthly meetings which providea forum for practitioners to gatherand discuss current issues affectinglabor law, employment lawand workers’ compensation. Themonthly meetings typically featurepresentations by judges, arbitrators,representatives of state and federalenforcement agencies, and experiencedpractitioners.Benefits of membership includehigh quality, local educational programsand access to a solid networkof skilled attorneys who are willingto share not only their knowledgeand expertise, but also their questionsand dilemmas.Annual dues are $25. Affiliate membershipis not permitted at this time.However, non-members are welcometo attend section programs. Ifyou would like to become a memberor learn more about this section,please contact the president.PresidentMichelle FerberFrankel & Goldware, LLP6111 Bollinger Canyon Rd, Suite 475San Ramon, CA 94583925.355.9800mferber@danvillelaw.comMichelle Ferberis a partner withthe law firm ofFrankel & Goldwareand specializesin employmentlaw. Her20-year practicecovers a widerange of employment litigation,including discrimination, harassment,wrongful termination andwage and hour disputes. Her clientsinclude non-profit organizationsand private employers and employees.Ms. Ferber is a former officer andboard member of the CCCBA Women’sSection and has served as an officerand/or board member of otherorganizations including the ContraCosta County Jewish CommunityCenter, the Jewish Federation ofthe Greater East Bay, Beth ChaimCongregation and the Diablo VistaMiddle School P.T.A.She is the current Vice President ofthe Dougherty Valley High SchoolAthletic Boosters, the attorneycoach for the Dougherty ValleyHigh School mock trial team and acurrent board member of a nonprofitorganization, Chelsea’s Hope.FAMILY LAWMembership in the Family LawSection is indispensable for anyonewho practices family law in ContraCosta County. The most visible benefitsof membership are:• Dynamic monthly educationseminars and periodic extendedseminars led by experienced faculty• Early notification of changes inrules• Practice requirements in the familylaw departments• Annual meeting and other programswith local family law judges.The bench often uses thesemeetings as an opportunity tomake announcements. MCLE andspecialization credits are providedfor attending.Also important is the monthly sectionnewsletter, In Chancery, whichkeeps members abreast of sectionactivities, news from the bench andeducational opportunities. Sectionmembers receive exclusive use ofthe section website at www.familylawsectioncontracosta.org.The section maintains ongoing liai-Contra Costa Lawyer 29

son with the bench, Family CourtServices, the Facilitator’s Office, theDepartment of Child Support Services,the Advisory Council AgainstDomestic Violence (ACAD) and thevarious legal aid providers in thecounty. Through its liaison withthe court, the section is actively involvedin reviewing court rules orpolicies and providing input andassistance in drafting new rules andchanges to existing rules.The section has been active in developingcreative and innovativeservices for family law litigantsthrough a variety of mediation andunbundled legal services programs.It has also worked closely with thebench and professionals in otherfields to develop top quality servicesin such as Custody / Visitation SpecialMasters, the CPA Pro Bono Program,and minor’s counsel.Affiliate memberships are limited toprofessionals in fields with significantfamily law related activities,e.g. accountants, therapists, appraisers.PresidentDaniel S. HarkinsHarkins & Sargent3160 Cow Canyon Place, Suite 205San Ramon, CA 94583925.901.0185dshark1@pacbell.netDaniel Harkinsexclusively practicesfamily law.He was admittedto the Bar in 1981and is an AV ratedattorney. Dan’spractice emphasisis dissolution ofmarriage resolutions through negotiationand litigation and contestedchild custody matters. He alsoserves as a special master and is appointedby the court as counsel forminors. His office is located in SanRamon. Dan dislikes writing longbio’s about himself and longs for areturn to the days when he will beexcited to be a 49er fan again.INTELLECTUALPROPERTYThis CCCBA section is a resource forattorneys and others to learn, share,network, and strengthen their expertisein intellectual property. Thegoals for the section are to: 1) Keepabreast of new legal developments;2) Share written resources throughan online brief bank; 3) Developindustry contacts and interactionbetween the members and the localbusiness community; 4) Pool resourcesin order to obtain discountson continuing education programs;5) Develop contacts and interactionwith local in-house counsel; 6) Developprograms for law schools tofurther the practical training of futureIP attorneys and 7) Learn aboutthe members’ own practice areas forthe purpose of assisting in client referrals.For further information, contactthe section president.PresidentStuart J. WestWest & Associates2815 Mitchell Drive, Suite 209Walnut Creek, CA 94598925.262.2220swest@west-associates.netStuart J. Westformed West & Associatesin February2004. As managingattorney,he is responsiblefor coordinatingprosecution,transactional andlitigation matters.In addition to counseling clientsin matters relating to litigationand licensing of intellectual propertyrights, his practice also includescounseling clients in obtaining,protecting and enforcing rights associatedwith patents, trademarks,service marks, trade names, tradesecrets and copyrights.JUVENILE LAWJuvenile Law Section members arelawyers who represent parties whoare before the court due to the abuseor neglect of a child, including children,parents, guardians, foster parents,relatives and others involvedin juvenile dependency proceedings.Membership in our sectionprovides beneficial continuing legaleducation and opportunities forprofessional development.Brown bag lunch MCLE programsare held monthly on such topicsas case law and statutory reviews,techniques on interviewing children,the Indian Child Welfare Act,immigration laws and their effecton dependent children, and recognizingand treating substance abusein our clients. Speakers include experiencedattorneys, therapists, andother professionals. Besides fulfillingstate bar requirements, theseprograms go towards meeting thelocal court rules for mandatory competenceof counsel. Members areadmitted to these programs for free,while non-members are chargedonly $5. During the holiday season,we also sponsor an annual toy drivefor foster children and teens in needin our county.We participate in meetings betweenthe bench, Social Services and theLegal Aid Society Dependency Programthrough representation at the“Judges’ Meeting.” We also participatein the Social Worker-AttorneyTraining Committee (SWATT), aswell as planning and evaluationof the county-wide Annual CrossTraining for attorneys and socialworkers. If you would like furtherinformation, please contact thepresident.PresidentRhonda Wilson-RiceLaw Office of Rhonda Wilson-Rice525 Marina Blvd.Pittsburg CA 94565925.432.7373attyrwr@yahoo.com30January 2011

Vice-PresidentJeanne Olin, 925.376.6690Rhonda Wilson-Rice grew up inLos Angeles. Shereceived her undergraduatedegreein PoliticalScience from UCBerkeley and herJ.D. from GeorgeWashington University in Washington,D.C. After law school, she returnedto the Bay Area and startedher Pittsburg practice in 1991. Herpractice has evolved over the yearsfrom criminal, civil, juvenile delinquencyand juvenile dependency tobeing primarily focused on juveniledependency law, an area that hasbecome quite specialized.LITIGATIONThe Litigation Section provides a forumfor civil trial attorneys to honetheir advocacy skills, network andsocialize. It presents seminars ontrial practice featuring the county’sfast track judges and its most seniorpractitioners in live demonstrationson the art and science of trial practice.The section sponsors programs forcivil practitioners of all experiencelevels and abilities. In past years,the Litigation Section has sponsoredpresentations regarding use oftechnology in the courtroom, jurytrials, complex issues in breach ofcontract cases, taking and defendingdepositions, ADR, making therecord for appeal, and litigating infederal court. The section also facilitatesdialogue with the local SuperiorCourt bench to keep pace withchanging court procedures (includinge-filing and related administrativedevelopments) and ensures theefficient and fair administration ofjustice.Members receive discounts to LitigationSection programs. For moreinformation or if you have an interestin joining the board of directors,please contact Josh Cohen or GeoffreySteele.Co-ChairsJosh CohenMorgan Miller Blair925.937-3600jcohen@mmblaw.comGeoffrey SteeleNevin, Ramos & Steele925.935.2788gsteele@LawNRS.comJosh Cohenrepresents business,technologyand real estateclients in litigationprevention,mediation, arbitrationand trial.He is Vice-Chairof Morgan Miller Blair’s Business &Technology Practice and is on theBoard of Trustees of the CaliforniaShakespeare Theater. Josh obtainedhis J.D. from UC Davis School ofLaw in 1996.Geoffrey Steeleis a partner inthe Walnut Creekfirm of Nevin, Ramos& Steele andrepresents business,technologyand individualclients in civillitigation, commercial and residentialreal property issues, litigationavoidance, mediation, arbitrationand trial.He an Associate Professor at CaliforniaState University as well as thePresident of the Board of Directorsof The Law Center (TLC).Board Members:Philip Anderson, 415.267.3600Theresa Baumgartner, 925.602.2727Jay Chafetz, 925.933.5890Stephen Fowler, 925.935.9000Justin King, 925.718.1040Justin Schnitzler, 925.937.3600Adam Star, 925.935.9000PRO BONOThe Pro Bono Section brings togetherthe legal services agencies,who serve thousands of poor individualsand families in Contra CostaCounty, and members of the privatebar who want to use their valuablelegal skills to help their communityand promote access to justice.Pro Bono Section members includenewly admitted attorneys andthose with many years of experience,solo practitioners, public interestattorneys, retirees, associatesand partners in small and large localfirms. The Section members andallies share a common passion forsocial justice and the desire to makea difference.There is a broad range of pro bonoopportunities available in ContraCosta County including extendedrepresentation, limited scope representationor assistance [limitedissue(s) or hearing(s)], mentorshipof volunteers or legal services advocateswith an area of expertise, cocounsel,community education andtraining and participation in a legalclinic or workshop.There are opportunities for everyonein a range of legal subjects. Formost opportunities, the Legal ServicesAgency provides training andongoing mentorship throughoutthe pro bono assistance.Make a difference this year!Get involved!ChairTemporarily vacantQuestions please contact prior chair:Genevieve Richardson, EsqDirector of Pro Bono ActivitiesBay Area Legal Aid510.250.5218probono@baylegal.orgContra Costa Lawyer 31

REAL ESTATEThe Real Estate Section offersmonthly breakfast MCLE programsfree to section members and open toother members of the Contra CostaCounty Bar Association and otherguests, as well as networking andother activities related to the practiceof real estate law. Our section isalso proud to make annual charitablecontributions to various groupsand interests, including the bar’sPro Bono Section.This section meets the third Fridayof most months, except July,August, November and December.Annual dues are $55, whichcover the MCLE courses and relatedmeals. The Contra Costa Lawyer solicitsarticles from members of thesection on a regular basis. (Lookfor contributions from our sectionthroughout the year, particularly inFebruary and May)PresidentPippin C. BrehlerSenior Staff CounselCalifornia Energy Commission1516 Ninth St., MS-14Sacramento, CA 95814916.654.5056pbrehler@energy.state.ca.usPippin Brehleraddresses all mannerof sustainabilityconcernsby providing legalcounsel onenergy, climatechange, environmental,buildingand appliance energy and water efficiency,land use, eminent domainand real estate law. Pippin has practicedin California since 2005, aftergraduating from Michigan LawSchool and having the privilege ofcompleting a two-year clerkshipwith the Michigan Supreme Court.Besides being an attorney, Pippinalso loves spending time with histwo little girls and wife, sailing theBay, and playing hockey.SOLO PRACTICE &SMALL FIRMThe Solo Practice & Small Firm Section- launched in 1996 - evolvedfrom the recognition that manysolo and small firm practitionersdesired and at times needed the camaraderie,intellectual stimulationand informational exchange thatattorneys generally find in largerlaw firms. By having consistent networkingand fellowship opportunities,the Section has evolved into acollegial organization resemblinga “firm,” with specialists in variousfields both willing and able to offerassistance to other Section members.A partnership with JFKU LawSchool allows members to havecost-effective and convenient accessto legal resources through fulluse of the JFKU Law Library and weadmit JFKU Law School students tothe Section.Solo Practice & Small Firm Sectionmembers also receive an emailnewsletter, The Maverick, informingthem of upcoming events andproviding topical articles and a forumfor comment and commentary.Members also have access to anemail listserv.The Section hosts after-work mixersand breakfasts in alternatingmonths, as well as a quarterlyMCLE luncheon and we participatein the Bar’s MCLE Spectacular eachNovember. Our monthly meetingsare open to both members and nonmembers.Solo Practice & Small Firm Sectionprograms highlight issues of interestto solo and small firm attorneys,such as a roundtable discussion offee agreements, a presentation onQuickBooks and Timeslips, and tipsand tricks in billing. Our MCLE Spectacularprograms have includedpanel discussions on how to open alaw firm and how to prepare a smallfirm for death, disability, and disaster.ChairWilliam A. HickeyLaw Offices of William A. Hickey815 Court Street #6Martinez CA 94553925.957.1133wahickey@att.netBoard MembersDavid Pearson, 925.287.0051Ann M. Dalsin, 925.933.9009Heidi Coad-Hermelin, 925.228.6500Bill Hickey has a general litigationpractice, with a sub-specialty in thearea of insurance coverage and relatedlitigation. He was previouslycounsel to Hanson Bridgett in SanFrancisco and prior to that, he wasa principal at Trucker Huss in SanFrancisco, specializing in insurancecoverage and employee benefits issues.Bill was also an Assistant DistrictAttorney for the City and Countyof San Francisco. In his free time,he enjoys remodeling his home andhome office, originally built in 1923on a lot purchased that year for a$10 gold piece.LAW STUDENTCCCBA provides networking andinternship opportunities for studentsthrough its Student Section.Of the 20+ sections of the bar association,the Student Section is activein many of the sections providingvolunteer support and as-neededassistance for CCCBA programs andevents.The Student Section seeks studentmembership primarily from JFKU,Hastings, Boalt, Davis, and GoldenGate University School of Law. Studentmembers of this section haveaccess to information about internshipopportunities, as well as someof the benefits offered to attorneymembers, such as group insuranceand membership discounts.This section provides students withthe chance to practice honing networkingand interviewing skillsthrough volunteer opportunitiesat many of the bar-hosted events.32January 2011

These events, such as the annualMCLE Spectacular, provide studentswith exposure to current issues inthe field of law. CCCBA-sponsored“Free Legal Workshops” providehands-on experience for studentsby working directly with an attorneyin a consumer-oriented clientsetting. This is particularly helpfulgiven that in law school, studentsgenerally have access only to practiceseminars that approximate reallifelawyering.The Student Section offers its membersopportunities to expand thelaw school experience in significantand germane ways. As future attorneys,this section provides studentsand their future clients a unique opportunityto acquire real-world experiencethat will be invaluable atgraduation. Affiliate membership isnot allowed. Suggestions for presentationtopics or student-related activitiesare welcomed and encouraged.Please contact your co-chairs.Co-ChairsHarpreet Sandhu510.734.9244Happie2074@yahoo.comShannon Webster-WhiteStevens, Drummond & Gifford1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 250Walnut Creek, CA 94596925.705.9302swebsterwhite@yahoo.comHarpreet Sandhu is a second-yearlaw student at John F. KennedyUniversity, School of Law. She is interestedin pursuing a career in thefields of Property and Family Law.She graduated from the Universityof California, Davis with a Bachelorof Science degree in ManagerialEconomics. She was employedby the Department of Labor priorto deciding to make the leap to lawschool. She has lived in Punjab andBrazil and is fluent in Punjabi, Hindi,and Urdu. Her passions includerunning, traveling and enjoying lifeto the fullest.Shannon Webster-White is asecond-year law student at John F.Kennedy University. She earnedher Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalismfrom San Francisco StateUniversity. Shannon is the legalbilling administrator at Stevens,Drummond & Gifford in WalnutCreek, where she has worked forthree years. She sang professionallyin the San Francisco Girls Chorus,has done kickboxing for over a decadeand has lived abroad in bothFrance and Mexico. She is fluent inFrench and Spanish. Her primarylegal interests are immigration andcivil rights.TAXATIONThe Taxation Section is one of thelongest running sections of CCCBA.Its members meet regularly withtax agency leaders, skilled practitionersand legal scholars to discusschanges in tax laws and administration.The Taxation Section also holdsregular joint meetings with a numberof different sections, such as theReal Estate, Family Law, Bankruptcy,and Conservatorship, Guardianship,Probate and Trust Sections, toeducate them on tax issues relevantto each section’s members. Speakersat events have included rankingmembers of the IRS, the FranchiseTax Board, and legal scholars andpractitioners. Legal ethics, recenttax acts, and “practice pointers” areamong the topics covered duringthe year.The section invites all interested attorneys,accountants, financial advisorsand others to join us for oneof our luncheon meetings. Affiliatemembership is open to accountingpractitioners only.ChairMichael N. GendelmanLaw Offices of Michael N.Gendelman3478 Buskirk Ave., Suite 1010Pleasant Hill, CA 94523925.829.6760gendeltax@aol.comBoard MembersMark Ericsson, 925.930.6000Michael J. Low, 925.930.6000Nancy Gibbons, 925.279.3415G. Scott Haislet, 925.283.1031J. Virginia Peiser, 925.930.6600Edward T. Perry, 925.472.6800Michael N. Gendelman is a formerIRS Senior Trial Attorney witha “Tax Audit and Collection DefenseBoutique Firm.” He has over twentyfive-years of experience includingseven years as a trial lawyer withthe Internal Revenue Service, fifteenyears with Fortune 100 CompanyPacific Bell/SBC Communicationsand over eight years in privatepractice, including three years aspartner with a trial attorney fromthe United States Department ofJustice, Tax Division. Mr. Gendelmanis also a member of the WashingtonState Bar Association.He describes his practice as “a smallbut mighty firm” that listens to clientsand cares about their individualneeds. He works with his clientsand the taxing agencies to developcustomized solutions to meet hisclients’ personal and business taxproblems. He has a strong passionthat drives him to succeed in providinghis clients with the best customerservice “one client at a time.”WEST COUNTYThe West County Section reestablishedthe connection betweenWest County lawyers that had beenmissing since the West County BarAssociation was consolidated withthe Central and East County Bar Associations.It is the only regionalsection, tasked with ensuring thatthe interests of lawyers practicingin the West Contra Costa area arerepresented within and consideredby CCCBA. Meetings, which aregenerally held on a quarterly basis,are scheduled with a variety of continuingeducation presentations ontopics including juveniles, family,real property, trust and estate matters,and other issues of general le-Contra Costa Lawyer 33

gal interest. Attorneys from WestCounty are invited and encouragedto contact the co-chairs with questions,suggestions, or comments.Co-ChairsJeanne N. MiranteWatson, Hoffe & Hass3700 Barrett AvenueRichmond, CA 94805-2297510.237.3700jeannenmirante@earthlink.netAdriana QuinteroLyon & Quintero10329 San Pablo Ave.El Cerrito CA 94520510.526.5144aqgatty@hotmail.comJeanne Mirantewas born in SanFrancisco and haslived in West ContraCosta Countyfor more than 25years. She practicesFamily Law,Civil Litigation,Estate Planning, Probate Litigationand Trust Litigation. She receivedher law degree from John F. KennedyUniversity School of Law andwas admitted to the California Barin 1995. She is also on the Boardof Directors of Soroptimist Internationalof Richmond.Adriana Quintero was admittedto the Bar in 1992. She served as a legalaid attorney and attorney to thePublic Administrator, Public Guardianand Public Conservator for bothSan Francisco and Yolo Counties.In 2006, Ms. Quintero went into privatepractice with Certified Specialistin Estate Planning, Probate andTrust Law, Beverly Lyon. The El Cerritofirm Lyon & Quintero serves clientsin West Contra Costa, Alameda,Solano and San Francisco Countiesin estate planning, trust administration,probate, will contest and trustlitigation matters. Ms. Quintero wasborn and raised in Martinez, Californiaand likes to scuba dive in herspare time.WOMEN’SThe Women’s Section has been astrong presence in the Contra CostaCounty Bar Association for over 25years. Its membership includes attorneyspracticing in all areas ofthe law who live or work in ContraCosta County. The goal of the sectionis to further the advancementof women in the legal professionand the judiciary. Men are alwayswelcome to join. This section is anaffiliate of California Women Lawyers,whose goal is to promote therights and laws concerning women,children and diversity.The section provides networkingopportunities for its members tomeet other attorneys and professionals.The section hosts informationalprograms and lunches, someoffering MCLE credit and others focusingon matters of more personalinterest, such as job opportunitiesand rainmaking. The Women’s Sectionannually awards the Hon. PatriciaHerron and Hon. Ellen JamesScholarship to deserving law studentswho have shown leadershippotential, have achieved successacademically and who have helpedto advance women’s issues. The sectionhosts a scholarship fundraisereach year, usually in the form ofa silent auction and wine-tasting.We gratefully accept donations tothe Scholarship Fund any time andwould like to thank all who havedonated and supported this greatscholarship.All members are invited to attendthe board meetings, which are heldon the first Wednesday of eachmonth. If you’d like to serve on theboard, or want further information,please contact the President.PresidentDenae Hildebrand BuddeAlborg, Veiluva & Martin LLP2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 1010Walnut Creek, CA 94596925.939.9880dbudde@avmllp.comVice PresidentMegan Cohan, 925.945.1880TreasurerJenny Kim, 510.237.3700SecretaryCrystal Van Der Putten, 925.952.9880Ex-OfficioNatasha CheeMembers-at-LargeEricka AckeretKelly BalamuthAmanda BeckLauren DodgeKaryne GhantousGrace LeeLonnie YuMarta VanegasKatherine WengerDenae HildebrandBudde haslitigated a varietyof civil andcriminal casesthroughout hercareer representingfinancial institutions,corporations,commercial insurers, titleinsurers and the People of the Stateof California. She is a partner withthe law firm of Alborg Veiluva &Martin LLP in Walnut Creek. Shehas an affinity for women’s issuehaving three daughters of her own.While a senior deputy district attorneyin Tulare County, she handledthe domestic violence cases in thecounty and the sexual assault cases.She provided training and presentationon domestic violence, sexualassault and elder abuse to law enforcement,the community at largeand rape crisis. s34January 2011

Archer Norris | McNamara, Ney, Bea ty, Sla tery, Borges & Brothers, LLP | Miller Starr Regalia |Bowles & Verna, LLP | Morgan Miller Blair | Bingham McCutchen, LLP |Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Raines | Greenan, Pe fer, Sallander & Lally, LLP |Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLP | Carroll, Burdick & McDonough, LLP | Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook |We gratefully acknowledge our2010 SUSTAINING LAW FIRMSFirms with 30+ attorneys:Archer • NorrisMcNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers, LLPMiller Starr RegaliaFirms with 20-29 attorneys:Bowles & Verna, LLPMorgan Miller BlairFirms with 15-19 attorneys:Bingham McCutchen, LLPGagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & RainesGreenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally, LLPFirms with 5-14 attorneys:Bramson, Plutzik, Mahler & Birkhaeuser, LLPCarroll, Burdick & McDonough, LLPCasper, Meadows, Schwartz & CookCooper, White & Cooper, LLPCraddick, Candland & ContiDoyle Golde GrossmanEdrington, Schirmer & MurphyFrankel & Goldware, LLPGalloway, Lucchese, Everson & PicchiGillin, Jacobson, Ellis & LarsenLittler Mendelson, P.C.Morison Ansa Holden Assuncao & Prough, LLPMorrison & Foerster, LLPShapiro, Buchman & Provine, LLPWhiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLPVasquez, Benisek & Lindgren, LLPYoungman, Ericsson & Low, LLPThank you for your support and committment!For additional information, contact Membership CoordinatorJenny Comages at 925.370.2543 or e-mail jcomages@cccba.org.Cooper, White & Cooper, LLP | Craddick, Candland & Conti | Doyle Golde Grossman | Edrington, Schirmer & Murphy |Frankel & Goldware, LLP | Galloway, Lucchese, Everson & Picchi | Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis & Larsen | Li tler Mendelson, P.C. |Morison Ansa Holden Assuncao & Prough, LLP | Morrison & Foerster, LLP | Shapiro, Buchman & Provine, LLP |Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP | Vasquez, Benisek & Lindgren, LLP | Youngman, Ericsson & Low, LLPContra Costa Lawyer 35

2010 Year-End Financial Report(Based on projections as of mid-December. Staff andoverhead expenses are not reflected under individualcategories. Does not include capital expenditures)inCOME EXPENSES NET profit / (loss)MEMBERSHIP 285,709.00 3,2633.00 282,446.00Dues, mailings, committee meetings, applications, State Bar swearing-in ceremonies, recruitment campaigns, database modifications,holiday party, printing costs.LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE 355,890.00 47,449.00 308,441.00Consultation fees, membership fees, percentage fees, advertising, brochures & marketing, phone system, postage, supplies, clientsurveys, committee meetings, staff education, Moderate Means Program, FLARe (Family Law Mediation program),Limited Representationprogram, marketing & panel recruitment, State Bar re-certification fees, free community legal workshops.FEE ARBITRATION/MEDIATION &CLIENT RELATIONS PROGRAMS 17,080.00 3,274.00 13,806.00Filing fees, State Bar reimbursements, refunds, postage, committee meetings, supplies.BAR-SPONSORED PROGRAMS & EVENTS 39,926.00 29,006.00 10,920.00MCLE Spectacular, State-of-the-Court Address, committee meetings, State Bar provider status renewal.PUBLICATIONSPrinting, postage, production, mailing house, MCLE self-study tests, committee meetings, photography, Directory practice arealistings, advertising revenue, etc.Contra Costa Lawyer & Calendar 57,054.00 66,254.00 (9,200.00)Membership Directory 42,178.00 32,540.00 9,638.00OFFICE ADMINISTRATIONStaff (does not include Criminal Conflicts Program) 435,236.00 (435,236.00)Payroll, payroll taxes, payroll service, pension disbursements, medical, dental & vision benefits, workers’ comp insurance,staff education.Executive Director 4,684.00 (4,684.00)Education & travel, dues/membership fees, expenses, etc.Office Equipment 357.00 37,429.00 (37,072.00)Computers, computer consulting services, database, photocopier, fax machine, printers, postage machine & meter, etc.General 18,689.00 141,632.00 (122,943.00)Conference room rental income, interest & dividend income (including replenishing reserves used for website development),office rent and overhead, utilities, office supplies, credit card processing fees, phone system, security system, parkingpermits, staff meetings, accounting, miscellaneous taxes, etc.OFFICERS & BOARD of DIRECTORS 5,350.00 17,576.00 (12,226.00)Installation luncheon, Board meetings, bar leader conferences, strategic planning meetings, gavels & plaques, miscellaneous committeemeetings, Errors & Omissions Insurance, past presidents’ meeting.SECTION SUPPORT 4,828.00 1,323.00 3,505.00E-mail broadcasts, section leaders’ meetings, program registration, handbooks, postage & mailings.CONFERENCE of DELEGATES 3,990.00 (3,990.00)Planning meetings, registration & hotel, materials, etc.INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2,688.00 (2,688.00)Committee meetings, website updates, SPAM filter, DSL line & Internet use.EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM 225.00 (225.00)Planning meetings, postage & mailings, Acalanes HS Appellate oral argument reception, materials, etc.DIVERSITY 120.00 (120.00)Committee meetingsCOURT SUPPORT 372.00 (372.00)Bench/Bar meetings, Fast Track Bench/Bar roundtables, etc.TOTAL INCOME & EXPENSES 827,061.00 827,061.00 (0.00)TOTAL RESERVES AS OF 12/31/10: $303,967.0036January 2011

2011 JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENTSdiana BectonPresiding JudgeMARTINEZBarry P. GoodeAssistant Presiding JudgeWALNUT CREEKCriminal TrialsJudge John W. Kennedy- SupervisingJudge SusanneFenstermacherJudge David B. FlinnJudge John T. LaettnerJudge Leslie G. LandauJudge Thomas M. MaddockJudge Mary Ann O’MalleyJudge Barbara ZúñigaCriminal CalendarsJudge Brian Haynes- FelonyJudge Clare Maier - BrayJudge Nancy Davis Stark-AnnexJudge Richard E. Arnason- ProbationCivilJudge Judith Craddick- SupervisingJudge Steve K. AustinJudge Laurel S. BradyJudge Barry P. Goode- Complex LitigationJudge Cheryl MillsCommissioner Judith A.SandersProbateJudge John H. SugiyamaFamily LawJudge Joyce Cram- Supervising/ Family &ProbateJudge Charles 'Ben' Burch- Family & Probate TrialsJudge Jill FanninJudge Penny M. ScanlonJudge Steve TreatCommissioner JosannaBerkowCommissioner Jeffrey D.Huffaker (Pittsburg)JuvenileJudge Lois Haight- SupervisingJudge Barry BaskinJudge Barbara Hinton(Juvenile Hall)Judge Joni T. Hiramoto(Richmond)Judge Stephen F. Houghton(Pittsburg)Judge William M. Kolin- SupervisingJudge Harlan GrossmanJudge Bruce C. MillsCommissioner Joel GolubCommissioner Ronald K.Creighton (Concord)PITTSBURGJudge Lewis Davis- SupervisingJudge Rebecca HardieJudge George V. SpanosJudge Trevor S. WhiteCommissioner LowellRichardsRICHMONDJudge Theresa J. Canepa- SupervisingJudge Peter A. BergerJudge Christopher R.BowenJudge Ed WeilCommissioner RobertBroughtonContra Costa Lawyer 37

ClassifiedsDowntown Walnut Creekfurnished Office suitesTwo furnished offices totaling approx. 250sq’ for lease in our professional and prestigiousoffice suite ($800 ea./or both for$1,500.00/mo.). Offices have windowviews, access to receptionist, receptionarea, kitchen/workroom, copier, largeconference room and spacious balconyoverlooking downtown. Centrally locatedclose to shopping, dining, andBART. Building is handicap accessibleand has lush central courtyard withfountain. Cleaning provided. ContactJenny Cash at 925-944-3300 or jenny@delahousayelaw.com2 WC California Plazaoffices –Currently subleasing 2 professionalfurnished offices within our spacious 11office suite. Great views form the 10thFloor of the California Plaza building inWalnut Creek and great location nearWalnut Creek BART. Rent for each office,$1,000 per month, on month-to-monthbasis. Includes telephone service, highspeed internet access and use on firstcomebasis of 2 large conference roomsand large kitchen. Contact Jan Raymond925-956-1426walnut creek Officebuild. n. cal. blvd1020 FT big STREET SIGNAGE,3 PARK STALL by Lesher artsMike 925-432-3232DOWNTOWN danvilleOffice –Sublease available for beautiful officein downtown Danville. Fully furnished.Email sbj@sbj-law.comprofessionalannouncementsProbate paralegal toattorneysJoanne C. McCarthy. 2204 ConcordBlvd. Concord, CA 94520. Call925.689.9244.Private InvestigatorBob Bailie Investigations can helpto find that witness and confirm facts.Over 30 years of experience. Call925.934.4904 or email bailiepi@aol.comfor a seasoned professional. Lic. #2328.Get it done right!Eco office signageSigns for office, building, door andwindows by 30-year experienced localsign company — www.EcoSignworks.com features new eco-friendly materials.Call 925.945.0700.advertisers’ indexAddvantage Bookkeeping Service. 24ADR Services, Inc. ..................11Roger F. Allen ..................... 18Armanino McKenna LLP ..........13Barr & Barr Attorneys .............. 26Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook...11Diablo Valley Reporting Services . 32JAMS .............................. 24Mechanics Bank................... 15Mullin Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Mark V. Murphy....................11Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth.... 7,8Erika Portillo ...................... 15Paul Saad, Financial Advisor.......13Shapiro Buchman Provine BrothersSmith, LLP ......................... 39Candice Stoddard ....................8Wells Fargo - David Dowling........4Whiting, Fallon, Ross & Abel, LLP ...2Michael J. Young .................. 18Youngman, Ericsson & Low, LLP ....7Zandonella Reporting Service .....1038January 2011

SHAPIRO BUCHMAN PROVINE LLPandROGER J. BROTHERS and J. WESLEY SMITH(formerly the Business Group of the McNamara Firm)Have Merged to FormSHAPIRO BUCHMAN PROVINEBROTHERS SMITH LLPBeginning December 16, 2010______________The combined Firm will continue to specializein business, employment, estate and tax planning,real estate, and related litigation matters.______________1333 N. California Boulevard, Suite 350Walnut Creek, California 94596T: (925) 944-9700F: (925) 944-9701www.sbllp.comWe Mean Business. TMContra Costa Lawyer 39

DIABLOVALLEYREPORTINGSERVICESCertified Shorthand ReportersServing the entire Bay Area• Deposition Reporting• Experienced Professional Reporters• Computerized Transcription• Deposition Suites Available• Expeditious Delivery• BART Accessible2121 N. California Blvd.Suite 310Walnut Creek, CA 94596925.930.7388fax 925.935.6957dvrs2121@yahoo.com40January 2011