Contra Costa Lawyer - Contra Costa County Bar Association

Question man
Given the number of new judges on the bench,
what can be done to ensure a strong relationship
between the bench and the bar?
More interaction between
the bench and
bar at events that allow
the bench to meet with
and mentor younger
attorneys. The Robert
G. McGrath American
Inns of Court is a great example of a local
organization that provides the bench an
opportunity to interact with and mentor
local attorneys, particularly those who
are just starting their careers.
David S. Pearson
Law Offices of David S. Pearson
May I suggest that the
Judges host "meet and
greet" at their respective
court rooms as it
is nice to meet and get
to know the Judges
and also their staff. The
mixers are a nice touch as well, but again,
it would be awesome to get to meet the
entire staff along with the Judge.
Jessica A. Braverman, Esq.
Braverman Mediation & Consulting
Tom Cain
Law Office of Thomas W. Cain
Have a bench-bar dinner
and talent show,
and a debate or moot on
some lively and fun topic.
Nothing like breaking
bread together.
We should host one judge per month
to provide a short bio for the newsletter
and to attend a CCCBA event (at which
they appear on the event announcement
and other program materials and will be
introduced and invited to speak briefly).
We should extend the same offer to private
judges and ADR officials who serve
the county bar.
Lewis IV, Charles
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
In family law we’re
used to new judges.
They have never handled
family law before,
drop in for two years
of purgatory, and then
they’re gone.
It would greatly smooth the relationship
between the family law bar and
our new judges if they could get more
than two weeks minimal training before
they’re asked to make decisions that affect
the rest of people’s lives. Perhaps
a one month internship with the existing
judge including court time would
help the transition. It would reduce the
frustration of judges who feel inferior
because they are called upon to make
complex decisions by experienced attorneys
who know infinitely more about
the subject matter than they do and who
are just as frustrated by amateurs telling
professionals what should be done.
Merritt Weisinger
Walnut Creek Family Law Center
I have found that for me the speakers'
luncheon or mixers (where the judge
speaks on a substantive legal topic or
just introduces themself) are the best
way to get to know the judge. The other
great way is to get the opportunity to
make many and frequent appearances in
front of the judge (both regular and ex
parte appearances). If this darn economy
improves, that just might happen!
Peter Sproul
Mullen & Sproul LLP
My concise response is:
OBJECTION. Vague
and ambiguous! (What
realistically constitutes
a "good relationship"
between the bench and
the bar?) A far better
question would be: Please describe what
would a "good relationship" between the
bench and the bar mean to you? How
would it look, feel and work? ( Such a
question may increase the number of
candid...and anonymous responses).
Leonard J. Cook
Attorney ~ Mediator
To ensure a strong
bench-bar relationship,
don't waste court time
in trial when disputes
can and should resolve
faster, at less cost and
with greater satisfaction
to all parties. MEDIATE!
Joel Zebrack
Law Office of Joel Zebrack
24 September 2010