Contra Costa Lawyer - Contra Costa County Bar Association

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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
Why a Strong Bench-Bar Relationship Matters by Matthew Talbot The most important services the legal profession can provide for the Contra Costa County community are justice and peace of mind. The bench and bar must work together to provide timely and costeffective justice for the citizens of this County. Whether it is in the form of a smoothly probated will or an efficiently resolved rental dispute, peace of mind comes in all manner of forms. To help provide justice, it is important that the bench and the bar have a strong professional relationship. This is true from both sides of the equation. In these days of budget cuts and furloughs, Judges more than ever have to rely upon attorneys to act as the best officers of the court possible. When the Judges know they can trust an attorney to follow through on his or her word and treat all other parties with respect, it is much easier to resolve the matters before them. This benefits everybody involved. How can Judges build this trust in Contra Costa County attorneys? By taking part in local Contra Costa County events, either through the Bar Association or the American Inns Of Court, that allow the bench and bar to build stronger relationships. The benefit for the Contra Costa County practitioner is even greater. I know from personal experience how nerve-wracking it is to appear before a Judge you've never met before. These days, fewer and fewer attorneys appear enough times in front of the same Judge to build any real modicum of a professional relationship. The opportunity to build that relationship outside of the courtroom is invaluable for the attorney. Fortunately, Contra Costa is a county that provides many opportunities. Besides the Inns Of Court, another popular event is the "Get To Know Your Judges" evenings. A local law firm hosts an event after work where attorneys and Judges can mingle. Seeing a Judge in a relaxed atmosphere with a cocktail in hand can help remove a lot of the intimidation of seeing a Judge in a formal atmosphere with a gavel in hand. A pleasant discussion at one of these events can help quell the butterflies before a Court hearing days, weeks, or even months later. More than ever, the bench and bar need to work together to provide justice for the citizens of Contra Costa County. With the economic uncertainty, these can be disconcerting times. Providing peace of mind to an unsettled populace is one of the greatest roles the bench and bar can play. Working together, we can do just that. u — Wanted — Will/Estate Contests Conservatorships You handle the estate, we do the contest. Cases, except conservatorships, often handled on a contingent fee basis, but can be hourly. Referral fee where appropriate. Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLP oldest partnership in Contra Costa County (since 1955) p 925.283-6816 • f 925.283-3683 3445 Golden Gate Way, P.O. Box 479 Lafayette, CA 94549-0479 AV Martindale-Hubbell Arlene Segal Law Offices of Arlene Segal Litigation - Mediation Trust and Estate Disputes • Financial Abuse 100 Pringle Avenue, Suite 780 • Walnut Creek, CA 94596 telephone (925) 937-4224 • fax (925) 937-4273 Contra Costa Lawyer 25
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Contra Costa Lawyer - Contra Costa County Bar Association

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