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In This Issue
85th Annual Meeting Legal Services Events
October is Campaign for Justice Month
Pro Bono Practice Program Rule Changes
2012 Award Reception at Annual Meeting
Lawyer Referral Services Deadlines
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Attend Legal Services Events at the State Bar's 85th Annual Meeting, October 11 - 14, 2012 in Monterey

 

The State Bar's 85th Annual Meeting will offer many opportunities for attorneys to earn MCLE credit including the following programs that might be of special interest to those working in legal services or interested in access to justice issues:

  • Understanding Attorney Client Trust Accounts, Program 28, MCLE 1.0 Hour Legal Ethics. Thursday, October 11th, 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
  • Use of Discovery in Unlawful Detainer Defense Litigation, Program 40, MCLE 1.5 Hours. Friday, October 12th, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
  • Legal & Ethical Implications of Loan Modifications and Other Mortgage Rescue Services, Program 51, MCLE 1.5 Hours Legal Ethics. Friday, October 12th, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Liu Headshot Access to Justice: Critical Issues and Recent Developments, Program 43, MCLE 1.5 Hours of Which 0.5 Hour Applies to Legal Ethics (Featuring Justice Goodwin Liu). Friday, October 12th, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Campaign for Justice Ad

 
October is Campaign for Justice Month
. The Campaign for Justice is led by a network of attorneys and other community leaders who are dedicated to increasing access to justice throughout the state. The goal of the Campaign is to increase both pro bono and financial contributions to legal services. Campaign for Justice Month will incorporate Pro Bono Week, October 21-27, 2012, and feature various outreach events to raise awareness about the need for increased resources for legal services, including the Fun Run for Justice at the State Bar Annual Meeting, a reception recognizing the top participants of the Justice Gap Fund's Large Law Firm Campaign, and outreach to faith-based communities to highlight the need for access to justice. The Campaign for Justice is also encouraging local bar associations to adopt a standing resolution recognizing October as Campaign for Justice Month.

 

For information, visit www.CAforJustice.org or contact Elena Enzweiler at [email protected] or 415-538-2532

Recent Changes to the  Pro Bono Practice Program Rules 

 

Effective July 20, 2012, the Pro Bono Practice Program (PBPP) rules were amended expanding eligibility to court-based self-help centers that are in compliance with California Rule of Court 10.960, and reducing the number of years of practice required for participation from five to three. For more information about the PBPP, please email Michael Dayao.    

 

Celebrate the 2012 Awards Reception

  

The Office of Legal Services cordially invites you to attend the 2012 Awards Reception on Friday, October 12, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, De Anza III Ballroom. The Loren Miller Legal Services Award, the President's Pro Bono Service Awards, and the Jack Berman Award of Achievement will be presented at the reception.  

 

Please RSVP ONLINE by October 2, 2012  

 

Congratulate the 2012 Award Recipients:  

(Click the names below to read more about the Award Recipients) 

   

Loren Miller Legal Services Award: Melinda R. Bird

Melinda Bird Headshot Melinda R. Bird has long been considered one of California's most effective and creative lawyers, whose work in legal services for 33 years has not only redressed the rights of tens of thousands of low-income Californians but, as importantly, changed the way that legal services attorneys strategize and present their legal arguments. Ms. Bird's skill in telling clients' stories in ways that captivate the decision maker, her unorthodox use of social science to develop unique theories and remedies, and her persuasive arguments that turn opponents into allies have resulted in a changed legal landscape.

 

President's Pro Bono Service Awards:


Jack Berman Award of Achievement:
Ana de Alba

ba Headshot Although she has only been practicing for five years, Ana has already made her mark in the pro bono community. Locally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Central California Legal Services, Inc. ("CCLS") and is a member of the Fresno County Bar Association's Pro Bono Services Section.  In 2009 she was appointed to a three year term on the State Bar Standing Committee for the Delivery of Legal Services and in 2010 she joined the State Bar Pro Bono Coordinating Committee.  

Deadlines for State Bar Certified Lawyer Referral Services

  • Recertification applications for services in Group 3 should be received no later than September 7, 2012, unless previous arrangements have been made.
  • Recertification applications for services in Group 4 will be emailed around October 1 and will be due November 16, 2012.

If you have questions or need an extension, contact Rodney Low at 415-538-2219 or email: [email protected].

Email Created by Michael Dayao | Edited by Frank Monti

The State Bar of California | Office of Legal Services