To request a flyer from OCBA’s Fast Fax System, call 949.440.6700
ext. 4, and request the Fast Fax document number.
Jump to OCBA Events
| INSIDE THE NEWS: |
OCBA News
| OCBA Volunteers Visit Orangewood Children’s Home On Saturday, April 5, 2008, volunteers spent the morning decorating, drawing and interacting with the children who live at Orangewood. Volunteers brought toys, snacks and at lunchtime, employees from Taco Bell were on hand to feed the kids. Orangewood Children’s Home cares for children who are victims of neglect and abuse. This volunteer event is scheduled twice a year by the OCBA Community Outreach Committee. For information on upcoming OCBA volunteer opportunities, check under the listing “OCBA Volunteer Opportunities” on this web page. |
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OCBA Community Outreach Committee Recognizes Co-Chair Scott Cooper |
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OCBA Charitable Fund Awards $80,500 in Grants
On March 19, 2008, the Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund presented a total of $80,500 in grants to the Constitutional Rights Foundation-OC, Orange County Bar Foundation, Public Law Center and VIP Mentors Inc. Representatives from each of the organizations were present to receive their grants from OCBA President and Charitable Fund Board Member, Cathrine Castaldi at a Grant Giving Reception held at the OCBA. The Charitable Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Orange County Bar Association which provides funding and resources to organizations and programs that enhance the system of justice and promote equal justice for all.
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OCBA Annual
The OCBA Community Outreach Committee held its Annual Food Drive in February 2008. It was a great success with over 3,600 pounds of food collected from various locations. The Food Weight Champion of the drive was Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear for it’s collection of 1,334 pounds of food! Congratulations to KMOB along with the other participating firms who have helped provide relief to those in need.
OCBA Education Committee Members Receive Certificates of Appreciation
The Orange County Bar Association presented certificates of appreciation to members of the Education Committee on March 18, 2008, for their hard work and dedication. (L-R) H. Shaina Colover, Education Chair Christele Demuro, Michelle Lents and Melinda Bell
2008 Experts & Consultants Directory Available to OCBA Members
The 2008 Experts & Consultants Directory is a comprehensive registry of expert witnesses & consultants in Southern California. Pick up a complimentary copy today at the OCBA office in Newport Beach or at a section meeting. Or contact OCBA Member Services at 949.440.6700, ext 120 or ext. 103 to order a copy today.
Learn more about the Experts & Consultants Directory
ADL To Honor Attorney Mark P. Robinson and CEO Alan Slater
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The Anti-Defamation League-Orange County/Long Beach region will present Mark P. Robinson of Robinson, Calcagnie & Robinson and Alan Slater, Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Superior Court with the Marcus Kaufman Jurisprudence Award. The Jurisprudence Award is given in memory of Supreme Court Justice Marcus M. Kaufman for his exceptional work and commitment both to the legal community and to the Orange County Judiciary.
Since 1993, the ADL has bestowed this award on attorneys who make outstanding contributions to the legal profession and to the community. According to Richard Goodman, ADL chair for the Orange County/Long Beach Region, “Both Mark and Alan are true leaders in the legal community. They have had tremendous accomplishments, exemplifying the ADL mission through their professional achievements and personal commitments to our community.”
The 2008 Jurisprudence Awards Dinner will be held at the Fairmont Hotel, Newport Beach on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. For more information please contact Ruth Bridge, Development Director at 714.979.4733 or RBridge@adl.org.
OC Bankruptcy Forum Presents Peter M. Elliott Award To Jeffrey Golden
Jeffrey Golden, a founding partner in the Costa Mesa law firm Weiland, Golden, Smiley, Wang Ekvall & Strok LLP was honored with the Peter M. Elliott award on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine.
This award is presented by the Orange County Bankruptcy Forum to a bar member who embodies the principals Judge Elliott demonstrated throughout his career. Principles such as legal scholarship, mentorship, education, honesty, integrity, commitment to ethics, efficiency and compassion.
Jeffrey Golden served as Judge Elliott’s law clerk during his final year and final months on the bench.
OCBA Welcomes State Bar President
| State Bar President Jeff Bleich paid a visit to the OCBA on Wednesday, February 27, 2008. The OCBA Board, committee members and other dignitaries were on hand to welcome him at a special reception held in his honor. | |||
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Judge Linda Miller Recognized for 25 years of Service
Judge Linda Miller was honored for her 25 years of service as a judicial officer by the OCBA Family Law section at their February meeting. Over 200 members of the section attended the monthly meeting held at the Turnip Rose in Orange.
OCBA Holds Its Annual Section Chair Meeting
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| Section chairs and representatives gathered at the OCBA for their annual meeting on January 29, 2008. OCBA President Cathrine M. Castaldi welcomed the section volunteers as they prepare for the upcoming year. | |||
OCBA Young Lawyers Division Installs Its Chair For 2008
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YLD Chair Michael Penn and Chair-Elect Chris Andal were sworn in at the YLD Annual Business Meeting on January 24, 2008. OCBA President Cathrine M. Castaldi presents outgoing Chair Teresa A. McQueen with a plaque in appreciation for her service over the past year. |
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Attorney Cathrine M. Castaldi Installed as OCBA 2008 President
On Thursday, January 17, 2008, Cathrine M. Castaldi of Rus, Miliband & Smith, APC was installed as the 2008 President of the Orange County Bar Association. The Honorable Erithe A. Smith,
Franklin G. West Award Presented to Wylie A. Aitken
The Orange County Bar Association’s highest honor was presented to Attorney Wylie A. Aitken by OCBA Past President Dean J. Zipser at the annual Judges’ Night Dinner and Meeting on January 17, 2008 at the Irvine Marriott. Wylie A. Aitken, founding partner of Aitken, Aitken & Cohn is one of the nation’s preeminent trial lawyers and one of Orange County’s most well–known and highly respected lawyers.
Arbitrators and Investigators Needed
Join many of your prestigious colleagues and become a volunteer arbitrator for the OCBA Mandatory Fee Arbitration (MFA) Committee. Volunteers conduct mandatory fee arbitrations as set forth by Business & Professions Code 6200 et seq. for resolving fee disputes between clients and their attorneys. A free CLE arbitrator training is provided and required prior to case assignment.
Would you rather be an investigator? Volunteer for the OCBA Client Relations Committee (CRC). The CRC addresses issues concerning ethical violations and strives to advance professionalism by investigating complaints and attempting to resolve issues between clients and their
Volunteers must have practiced law for at least four years, be an OCBA member, and be in good standing with the State Bar of California. Attorney volunteers from all areas of law are needed but Family Law and Criminal Law Attorneys are especially encouraged to apply!
For more information email Rebecca Craft, Client Services Administrator at Rebecca@ocba.net or call 949.440.6700, ext. 128.
Attorney Donna Bashaw Honored by the OCWLA
Donna Bashaw was honored by the Orange County Women Lawyers Association as the 2008 “Attorney of the Year” on Monday, January 7, 2008 at the Turnip Rose in Orange. Donna is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and is founder of the NAELA Southern California Chapter of which she recently finished a year as the national president. She has served as chair for the OCBA Elder Law Section and was the recipient of the 2000 Justice Harmon G. Scoville Award.
OCBA Mentoring Program
The Orange County Bar Association has a Mentoring Program for OCBA attorneys who are admitted to practice four years or less. This Program will provide new lawyers with a helpful, independent resource in their first years of practice. Participants accepted into the Program will be matched with an experienced, active OCBA member available to provide guidance to the participant in such areas as ethics and professionalism, practice and law office management, general lawyering skills and business/client development.
If you are interested in participating in this Program as a mentor, please review, complete and return the applicable forms.
OCBA Outgoing Board Members Honored
At the December meeting, the OCBA Board of Directors honored outgoing members for their service (L-R): James Pack, Mark Minyard, Robert Von Esch, Jr., Andrew Do, Solange Ritchie, Serge Tomassian, Julie McCoy (Immediate Past President) and José Sandoval. The 2008 Board will be installed at the Judges’ Night Dinner and Annual Meeting on January 17, 2008.
California Judicial Council Smart Forms — Updated for 2008!
Online, Current, and Free of Charge to OCBA Members only!
The OCBA, in partnership with LexisNexis®, offers a complete set of California Judicial Council Forms online. Members can download, complete, print and save these up to date forms at no cost. Learn More!
Membership Renewal
OCBA membership is on a calendar year basis. Renew now for 2008 and avoid any interruption in benefits. Members receive special pricing on seminars and events and discounts on advertising in Orange County Lawyer. Remember to renew for sections and committee participation too. To renew online now, click here. For more information, contact the membership department at 949.440.6700, ext. 384.
| The OCBA Has A New Address: Our new mailing address: P.O. Box 6130, Newport Beach, CA 92658 The OCBA phone, fax and email will remain the same as will our commitment to providing you with exceptional service. Phone: 949.440.6700 Fax: 949.440.6710 |
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“Helping Handbook” now available for Individuals and Small Businesses affected by recent fires in Southern California
A valuable and recently updated resource is now available for Southern Californians facing legal challenges caused by the wildfires that have swept through the region. The Orange County Bar Association is a proud sponsor of "Helping Handbook", a 72-page overview of issues faced by people recovering from some of the most damaging blazes in state history. The manual provides much-needed and helpful information to Californians who are trying to put their homes and lives back together. The handbook was written by lawyers at Morrison & Foerster, LLP. See the following link for more information: http://www.mofo.com/about/community/helpinghandbooks.html.
Teenage Legal Survival Skills
Whether you’re an OCBA Member looking for a unique volunteer opportunity or an Orange County High School teacher looking for a one of a kind class presentation, look no further. The OCBA has unveiled a new community service program called, “Teenage Legal Survival Skills.” OCBA member volunteers will visit high school classrooms to make presentations on legal survival skills for teens approaching the age of majority. For more information, click here or call 949.440.6700, ext. 126.
OCBA Online Membership Directory
OCBA Members have access to a searchable photo directory of all OCBA Members. Searches can be performed by name, area of practice, law school, firm, and more.
It’s not too late to add an area of practice*.
This Members Only Benefit will require input of your OCBA Membership Number.
If you need you OCBA Membership Number, contact the OCBA Membership at 949.440.6700 x384 or at membership@ocba.net.
Browse the new OCBA Membership Directory
OCBA Speakers' Bureau Opportunity
Volunteer as a speaker for the OCBA Speakers' Bureau. As a free service, attorney member volunteers will speak on various law-related topics to community groups within Orange County. It is a great way to foster a better understanding of our legal system. The OCBA Speakers' Bureau maintains a diverse roster of attorneys available to speak, without charge, to audiences of all sizes. Join by downloading an application* or call 949.440.6700, ext. 127.
Young Lawyers Division
The OCBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) holds regular educational, social, volunteer and sporting events geared to the needs of OCBA members in their first four years of practice. For more information, contact Program Coordinator at 949.440.6700 x119.
Informed Client Referrals Made Easy
Where do you send clients who need counsel outside your area of practice? Direct them with confidence to the OCBA’s non-profit Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS). The service includes hundreds of lawyers in 35 areas of law. Panel members are screened to ensure experience and competence. LRIS meets ABA standards, is State Bar certified, and is the only referral service sponsored by the OCBA. Call 949.440.6747.
FROM THE COURTS
U.S. District Court Central District of California Makes Changes to the Local Civil and Criminal RulesThe Court has adopted the following amended Local Civil & Local Criminal Rules, effective April 1, 2008:
- L.R. 37-2.2 Preparation of Joint Stipulation.
- L.R. 65-10 Bonds or Undertakings - Cash Deposit.
- L.R. 79-5.1 Filing Under Seal - Procedures.
- L.R. 83-2.7 Notification of Attorney Change of Name, Address, Firm Association, Telephone Number, Facsimile Number or E-Mail Address.
- L.Crim.R. 57-3.4 Settlement Judge.
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Proposed Revisions to Local Court Rules
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 10.613 (g), the following proposed amendments to the Local Rules are hereby distributed for comment. The affected rules are: Chapter One: Rules 1.4 & 1.6
Comments must be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m. on May 2, 2008, to Bridget T. Hana, Management Systems Analysis Unit, Supertior Court, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For more information, visit http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/courtrules.
Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino Proposed Changes to Rules
Local Rules of Court - July 2008
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 981(h), the proposed local rule changes for the Superior Court California, County of San Bernardino which will take effect on July 1, 2008, have been posted on their website. You may review them by visiting http://www.sbcounty.gov/courts/flash.asp.
Should you have any comments concerning the proposed revisions, please address then in writing to Ms. Debra K. Meyers, Chief of Judicial Staff Counsel, 303 West Third Street, 4th Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415 by May 5, 2008.
New Calendaring System for Felony Cases
To reduce pretrial delays, save time, and utilize limited judicial resources more efficiently, the Superior Court of California, County of Orange will change its case management practices for processing felony trials. Effective March 10, 2008, the Court will transition to a modified master calendar system. For more information on the new system, click here.
New Optional Addendum to Chapter 13 Plan Form - Effective March 1, 2008
The Bankruptcy Judges for the Central District of California approved a new optional Local Bankruptcy Rule Form that becomes effective March 1, 2008.
The new form titled Addendum to Chapter 13 Plan Concerning Debtors Who are Repaying Debt Secured by a Mortgage on Real Property or a Lien on Personal Property the Debtor Occupies as the Debtor’s Principal Residence (form F 3015-1.1A), is available at www.cacb.uscourts.gov.
Local Bankruptcy Rules Forms - Effective March 1, 2008
The Bankruptcy Judges for the Central District of California approved optional new and revised Local Bankruptcy Rule Forms that become effective March 1, 2008. The new and revised Local Bankruptcy Rule Forms are available at www.cacb.uscourts.gov.
Superior Court Opens Its Newest Court To Handle DUI Cases
The Superior Court of Orange County now offers driving under the influence (DUI) court
programs at three of its justice centers: the Central Justice Center, the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, and the North Justice Center in Fullerton.
It is designed for offenders who have received their second or third arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and who are now ready to admit their crime and address their addiction.
For more information about DUI Court, contact any of the following agencies:
- Orange County Superior Court, Central Justice Center 714.834.4717
- Orange County Probation, Santa Ana Office 714.569.3749
- Health Care Agency, Santa Ana Office 714.834.3840
- Public Defender, Santa Ana Office 714.568.4860
- Or visit http://www.occourts.org
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Revised Rules - Effective January 22, 2008
The Central District of California approved new and revised Local Bankruptcy Rules and Forms that become effective January 22, 2008. The new and revised rules and forms are available at www.cacb.uscourts.gov under Forms/Rules/General Orders.
Notice of Revised Civil Fee Schedule, Judicial Council Forms & Local Court Rules - Effective January 1, 2008
The Superior Court of California County of Orange has advised that the following changes will become effective January 1, 2008. To view revisions on fees, forms and rules, click here.
Notice From The Clerk – Changes to the Local Civil Rules
The United States District Court, Central District of California has adopted the following new Local Civil Rules, effective January 1, 2008:
- L.R. 3-2 Filing of Initiating Documents.
- L.R. 5-3.3 Service of Electronically Filed Documents.
- L.R. 5-3.1 Form.
- L.R. 7.1-1 Certification as to Interested Parties.
- L.R. 7-8 Presence of Declarants – Civil Cases.
- L.R. 11-3.5 Pre-Punching, Riders and Backing of Documents.
- L.R. 54.3 Bill of Costs – Filing and Form – Notice.
- L.R. 54-4.9 Docket Fees.
- L.R. 54-10 Clerk’s Duty.
- L.R. 54-11 Writ of Execution for Costs.
- L.R. 79-5.1 Filing Under Seal – Procedures
Mandatory E-filing in the Federal District Court
WARNING to All Attorneys Practicing in the Central District of California Federal Court
- Effective November 1, 2007, the Court is expanding its mandatory electronic case filing (ECF) program to include all patent, trademark and copyright cases.
- Effective January 1, 2008, the Court will expand its mandatory ECF program to include ALL civil cases.
AROUND THE COUNTY
Orange County Trial Lawyers
The Orange County Trial Lawyers hold regular dinner meetings on the 4th Thursday of each month (except for August and December) at 6:00 p.m. at the Santa Ana Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact OCTLA Executive Director Janet Thornton at 949.916.9577.
The Other Bar
The Other Bar is a network of volunteer California lawyers and judges who deal with alcoholism and chemical dependency on a personal and absolutely confidential basis. These volunteers hold regular confidential meetings and offer assistance to each other and to family members where alcohol and/or drugs have become a problem. The Other Bar operates a 24-hour toll-free telephone service. Call 800.222.0767 or visit OtherBar.org.
THE STATE AND BEYOND
State Bar Accepting Nominations for the 2008 Aranda Award
Nominations for the 2008 Benjamin Aranda III Access To Justice Award are now being accepted. The Aranda Award honors a judge who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving access to our courts, and who has significantly improved access for low- and moderate-income Californians. Last year, this prestigious award was presented to Justice Kathleen E. O'Leary. Nomination deadline is May 15, 2008. For more information, click here.
Volunteer For A State Bar Committee
The State Bar is recruiting applicants for approximately 200 positions on more than three dozen committees, boards and commissions. Groups with open positions range from committees dealing with access and fairness issues to section executive committees focused on particular areas of the law. For more information, log onto www.calbar.ca.gov.
State Bar of California Seeks Public Comment
Members of the State Bar and the public have an opportunity to submit written comments about issues before the Board of Governors which affect the practice of law in California. These issues may include proposals such as amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct and ethics opinions. Comments may be directed to the address listed on each proposal.
For complete information, visit the State Bar’s Public Comment Page
OCBA EVENTS UPDATE
For more information, call 949.440.6700 x 114 or email Gaylen West
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Friday, June 13, 2008
This luncheon is an excellent opportunity to show your legal support staff how much they are appreciated. It will be held at The Westin South Coast Plaza,
OCBA Member Mixer
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Join other members of the bench and bar for an evening of great networking opportunities. The OCBA member mixer will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Antonello Ristorante,
OCBA Charitable Fund 20th Anniversary Charity Gala
Save the Date!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Location: Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Downtown Disney, Anaheim. For more information contact 949.440.6700, ext. 119 or click here.
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