Family Law Section- Managing the Intersection of Psychology and Family Law- June 9

Friday, June 9, 2023
In Person and via Zoom at 12:00pm

If you plan on attending this event in person:
Please arrive at: Crowne Plaza at 11:40am
1221 Chess Dr Syracuse Room
Foster City, CA 94404

Join us for a dialogue that addresses how to better understand the complex relationship between psychology and family law, and how that relationship impacts the legal process, including the attorney-client relationship. We will discuss a range of issues, including how a client’s psychological state of mind might impact the client’s ability to retain information, make difficult decisions, and sustain a healthy alliance with their attorneys. We will also address how to identify the full range of professional support that clients may need, including locating resources for well-boundaried therapeutic intervention, as well as how psychological support can be provided to attorneys so that attorneys can better identify, understand and manage their own reactions, all to best support a healthy attorney-client relationship.

Jill Hersh, a California Certified Family Law Specialist, is the managing attorney at the Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C., a mediation, transactional, trial, and appellate family law firm. Jill is a Fellow of the AAML and the IAFL. Since the anticipated reversal of Roe v. Wade, Jill has been presenting on the impact of losing reproductive liberty rights and assisted reproduction, speaking in Athens, Greece, in May of 2022 to the IAFL, about surrogacy and assisted reproduction. In September, 2022, she spoke to barristers and solicitors in London on the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on reproductive rights and formation of the Modern Family. Jill was an invited speaker in May, 2023, at the annual symposium of the Family Law Bar Association of England and Wales to address the same subject. Jill received the 2006 CLAY (California Lawyer of the Year) Award for her work from trial up to the California Supreme Court to advance the rights of same sex parents who conceive using assisted reproduction. She specializes in domestic and international complex financial and parentage/custody issues, including Hague and non-Hague Convention disputes. Jill’s published opinions are Estate of MacDonald (transmutation of assets), Marriage of deGuigne (off-guideline/higher child support based upon assets), K.M. v. E.G. (establishing maternal parentage in a same-sex couple using assisted reproduction), In Re Guardianship of Olivia J. (using the probate court to obtain de facto parental rights for a same-sex partner), and Marriage of Priem (protecting an abused payor from liability for spousal support). Jill’s published opinions, published articles, and complete C.V. are available at www.HFLP.com.

Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco. For thirty years, she has specialized in work with children, adults and families from high conflict divorce, providing therapy, parent coaching, co-parent counseling, and consultation to licensed clinicians and attorneys. In addition, she has provided Pro Bono clinical services to families and individuals in underserved communities. For much of her professional life, Dr. Robbins also has worked to develop and facilitate training programs for masters and doctoral level trainees at interdisciplinary agencies in San Francisco that serve the diverse mental health needs of children and families.

Speakers: Jill Hersh, J.D. and Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D.

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Syracuse Room 1st Floor
1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404 

Cost (includes lunch):  $55 for section members and $65 for non-section members. Cost also includes 1.5 Hours of General Law MCLE credit.

Registration and Information: Please click on the button above to register for this event. If you wish to pay by check, please still register online first and send your check payable to SMCBA, to: 333 Bradford St., Ste. 150, Redwood City, CA 94063. Attn: Events. *Please note for which event you are paying and the name of the attendee.

Logistics: Your Zoom credentials will automatically be emailed to you shortly after you register online, as well as the day and hour before the event. Please note that you’ll need to be logged into a Zoom account to join the webinar. The written materials for the webinar will be emailed to attendees the morning of the event. 

Contact Info for this Event: For questions about this event, please email events@smcba.org

For in person cancellations, the cancellation must be received ONE WEEK BEFORE the event. If you do not cancel within one week prior to the event or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

For zoom cancellations, must be received at least 48 hours prior to the event for a full refund of the registration fee for those who register via Zoom. If you do not cancel within 48 hours or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

Family Law Section- Status Conference Volunteer Training- June 14

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Zoom event at 12:00pm

Please join us on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, for a status conference volunteer training offered by The Honorable Rosendo Padilla, Jr. and Kevin Cunningham.  The training will take place via Zoom. 

This training is designed to teach both new and experienced attorneys the ins and outs of serving as a status conference volunteer attorney.  Among other things, the training will cover:

  • Role of the status conference volunteer;
  • What is expected of the volunteer status conference attorney;
  • Tips on getting pro per litigants to Judgment; and,
  • Instructions on when and how to refer pro per litigants to other ADR options.

This special training event is FREE for Section Members and $10 for Non-Section Members.  One hour of General MCLE Credit will be provided for attendance. 

The Court would greatly appreciate your participation as a volunteer attorney.  Calendars are held on Monday and Thursday afternoons, as well as Tuesday mornings.

Speaker: The Honorable Rosendo Padilla Jr. and Kevin Cunningham

Free for Family Law Section Members and $10 for Non-Section Members.

Cost includes 1.0 hour of General Law MCLE credit.

Registration and Information: Please click on the button below to register for this event. If you wish to pay by check, please still register online first and send your check payable to SMCBA, to: 333 Bradford St., Ste. 150, Redwood City, CA 94063. Attn: Events. *Please note for which event you are paying and the name of the attendee.

Logistics: Your Zoom credentials will automatically be emailed to you shortly after you register online, as well as the day and hour before the event. Please note that you’ll need to be logged into a Zoom account to join the webinar. The written materials for the webinar will be emailed to attendees the morning of the event. 

Please direct questions to:  Brooke Murphy, Family Law Section Chair, at bmurphy@madiganlewis.com  

For zoom cancellations, must be received at least 48 hours prior to the event for a full refund of the registration fee for those who register via Zoom. If you do not cancel within 48 hours or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

Family Law Section- Hike at Pulgas Ridge Preserve- June 24

Saturday, June 24, 2023
In Person ONLY at 10:00am

Please arrive at: Pulgas Ridge Preserve
1000 Edmonds Rd.
Redwood City, CA  94062

Join the Family Law Section for a four-mile hike at Pulgas Ridge Preserve.  This event is free.  Children are welcome but the hiking trail is narrow and may be difficult to navigate with a stroller.  Dogs are allowed and must be on a leash except when in off-leash area.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is located in the hills above the towns of San Carlos and Redwood City. From Highway 280, exit Edgewood Road. Travel 0.75 miles northeast on Edgewood Road toward Redwood City.  Turn left (north) on Crestview Drive, then immediately turn left on Edmonds Road.  Follow Edmonds Road to the preserve entrance on the right.

We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Cost:  Free for all!!

Registration and Information: Please click on the button above to register for this event.

Contact Info for this Event: For questions about this event, please email events@smcba.org

SMCBA and the Law Library Host- Community Law Night- June 27

Tuesday, June 27, 2023
From 6:00PM-8:00PM
San Mateo County Law Library
710 Hamilton St.
Redwood City, CA  94063

The San Mateo County Law Library is proud to present Community Law Night where members of the general public can benefit from free one-on-one legal consultation. The Community Law Night is held over the phone on Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm. If you would like to volunteer for Community Law Night, please contact the Law Library at (650) 363-4913.

Upcoming Date and Topics:

Civil, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning on Tuesday, June 27th from 6pm-8pm.

Community Law Night offers free 20-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys at the San Mateo County Law Library. on Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm.

Estate Planning and Probate Section- Navigating Trust & Estate Banking: FDIC Insurance Protection for Multimillion Dollar Accounts- June 28

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Via Zoom ONLY at 12:00pm

Join us to take a look into Fiduciary and Trust & Estate Banking. What you do not know can hinder your efforts.

This program will discuss:

  • Banking solutions to help you and the Trustee reduce and eliminate uncertainties over the administration of the Trust or Estate
  • Increasing the value of the estate by reducing expenses
  • Maximizing FDIC insurance coverage
  • How to effectively partner with a specialized Trust & Estate banker to avoid delays and unforeseen pitfalls.

Please note that this is a virtual presentation only. There will be no in-person luncheon this month.

Speakers:  Bryan Flores and Maximo Damm

Cost: Cost is $20 per person for members of the SMCBA Estate Planning Section and $30 for others. Cost includes 1.0 hour of General Law MCLE.

Registration and Information: Please click on the button above to register for this event. If you wish to pay by check, please still register online first and send your check payable to SMCBA, to 333 Bradford St., Ste. 150, Redwood City, CA 94063. Attn: Events. *Please note for which event you are paying and the name of the attendee.

Logistics: Your Zoom credentials will automatically be emailed to you shortly after you register online, as well as the day and hour before the event. Please note that you’ll need to be logged into a Zoom account to join the webinar. The written materials for the webinar will be emailed to attendees the morning of the event. 

Contact Info for this Event: For questions about this event, please email events@smcba.org.

Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to the event for a full refund of the registration fee. If you do not cancel within 48 hours or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

ADR Section Presents- Arbitration – Litigation – Mediation – Private Judging- June 30

Friday, June 30th, 2023, at 12:00pm
Hybrid Event

In Person at: 2000 Alameda De Las Pulgas, San Mateo CA 94403
In the Atrium Conference Room

Virtually will be via Zoom.

Arbitration – Litigation – Mediation – Private Judging:  

A discussion of the advantages/disadvantages of each, how to set up your litigation case for a successful mediation, and when private judging might be a good option.

Speakers:

Geroge Wailes, will talk about how to use litigation effectively to maximize the chances of settlement, including when to suggest mediation and what to do to obtain a successful mediation outcome.

James Madison, will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration and for which types of disputes it is most suited.

Jeff Windsor, will discuss mediation best practices, such as when to suggest mediation (at the beginning, after some discovery, after a summary judgment motion has been filed), and what evidence to reveal and best practices for mediation briefing.

Lauren Zorfas, will talk about private judging, including the laws and requirements for hiring a privately compensated judge, the cases in which it is best suited and when parties might seek a private judge.

Cost: $20 for SMBCA members; $25 for Non-Members. Cost includes lunch for in-person participants and 1.5 HRS of MCLE for all that attend via in-person or virtually.

Registration and Information: Please click on the button above to register for this event. If you wish to pay by check, please still register online first and send your check payable to SMCBA, to: 333 Bradford St., Ste. 150, Redwood City, CA 94063. Attn: Events. *Please note for which event you are paying and the name of the attendee.

Logistics: Your Zoom credentials will automatically be emailed to you shortly after you register online, as well as the day and hour before the event. Please note that you’ll need to be logged into a Zoom account to join the webinar. The written materials for the webinar will be emailed to attendees the morning of the event. 

Contact Info for this Event: For questions about this event, please email events@smcba.org.

For in person cancellations, the cancellation must be received ONE WEEK PRIOR the event. If you do not cancel within one week prior to the event or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

For zoom cancellations, must be received at least 48 HOURS PRIOR to the event for a full refund of the registration fee for those who register via Zoom. If you do not cancel within 48 hours or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

Family Law Section- Holiday Luncheon 2023- December 5

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
In Person Event: Domenico Winery
1697 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA 94070

THE SAN MATEO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION FAMILY LAW SECTION

Cordially invites you to our

2023 ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Honoring the Family Law Bench and Staff, Family Court Services, Facilitator’s Office, Alternative Dispute Resolution Program and Family Law Clerks

Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Buffet Lunch Starts at 12:15 p.m. No host bar (cash only)

Domenico Winery 1697 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA 94070

Please R.S.V.P. by Monday, November 13, 2023, $95.00 per person

Please note there is very limited parking onsite. A complimentary bus shuttle service from the San Mateo County Superior Court is available. First priority will be given to Court employees.

On behalf of the Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association, we are writing to request your financial support and sponsorship of the annual Holiday Luncheon scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Domenico Winery in San Carlos. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the season, enjoy each other’s company, and show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the family law judicial officers and Court staff who generously serve all of the family litigants of San Mateo County.

The generosity of your sponsorship serves as a gift of thanks to our judicial officers and to Court staff by ensuring that they may attend these holiday festivities free of charge. Each level of sponsorship will be gratefully acknowledged at the luncheon as follows:

Type of SponsorshipAmountSponsorship Includes the Following:
Platinum Sponsorship$1,200• Firm logo on the luncheon poster board
• Firm name on one of the tables at the luncheon
• Firm name on the shuttle
• Firm name in event program
• Firm name acknowledged in Chair’s speech
Gold Sponsorship$1,000• Firm logo on the luncheon poster board
• Firm name on one of the tables at the luncheon
• Firm name in event program
• Firm name acknowledged in Chair’s speech
Silver Sponsorship$750• Firm logo on the luncheon poster board
• Firm name in event program
• Firm name acknowledged in Chair’s speech
Bronze Sponsorship$500• Firm name in event program
• Firm name acknowledged in Chair’s speech

Please send your selected sponsorship level and check made payable to the San Mateo County Bar Association (“SMCBA”) along with the sponsorship form, you may access the form HERE to Events Coordinator, San Mateo County Bar Association, 333 Bradford Street, Suite 150, Redwood City, CA 94063. Please send your sponsorship donation before Wednesday, October 4, 2023. In the note section of your check, indicate that the sponsorship is for the SCMBA – Family Law Section. For SMCBA accounting purposes, if you plan on sponsoring and attending the luncheon, please send in two separate checks (one for luncheon attendees and one for sponsorship).

SMCBA and the Law Library Host- Community Law Night- May 30

Tuesday, May 30, 2023
From 6:00PM-8:00PM
San Mateo County Law Library
710 Hamilton St.
Redwood City, CA  94063

The San Mateo County Law Library is proud to present Community Law Night where members of the general public can benefit from free one-on-one legal consultation. The Community Law Night is held over the phone on Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm. If you would like to volunteer for Community Law Night, please contact the Law Library at (650) 363-4913.

Upcoming Date and Topics:

Civil, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning on Tuesday, May 30th from 6pm-8pm.

Community Law Night offers free 20-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys at the San Mateo County Law Library. on Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm.

Estate Planning and Probate Section- Introduction to Limited Conservatorships- May 25

Thursday, May 25, 2023
This is an in person event ONLY:

Please arrive at:
San Mateo County Superior Court at 11:40am
400 County Center Department 1
Redwood City, CA 94063

Speaker:  Leticia Toledo, Esq. and Stephanie Bilinksi, J.D. of the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County

Description: A brief overview of the limited conservatorship process explaining the differences between a limited conservatorship and general conservatorship. The seminar will provide tips for interviewing clients, proper pleading, the importance of the regional center and court appointed attorney reports, plus advice on navigating the pleading process.

Where: Department 1 of the San Mateo County Superior Court, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA

Cost: Free for SMCBA EP members, $10 for non-members. Cost includes 1.0 hour of General Law MCLE credit.

Registration and Information: Please click on the button below to register for this event. If you wish to pay by check, please still register online first and send your check payable to SMCBA, to 333 Bradford St., Ste. 150, Redwood City, CA 94063. Attn: Events. *Please note for which event you are paying and the name of the attendee.

Contact Info for this Event: For questions about this event, please email Andrea Nguyen at aan@coreylaw.com.

For in person cancellations, the cancellation must be received ONE WEEK BEFORE the event. If you do not cancel within one week prior to the event or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.

Labor and Employment Section- Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment- May 25

Thursday, May 25, 2023
Via Zoom at 12:00pm

In this presentation, our speaker David Mann provides a review of the brain chemistry of addiction and alcoholism, as well as a discussion of the behavioral and health consequences of the disease.  Insights are offered into the personality traits of attorneys and the qualities of the legal profession that combine to make lawyers significantly more susceptible to addiction, and more difficult to treat, than the general population.  The presentation includes a case study of an addict attorney, as well as a self-diagnosis exercise for attorneys to utilize if they are concerned that they may have a problem which needs to be addressed.  Concluding remarks are directed towards both systemic and individual solutions to the problem, with references to specific strategies and resources available to attorneys. 

Who: David Mann is a graduate of Ohio State University and Stanford Law School.  He served as a Deputy Public Defender in San Francisco before becoming a solo criminal defense practitioner.  After 12 years of practice, substance abuse-related issues caused him to resign from the bar with disciplinary charges pending.  Following a relentless battle with addiction which included numerous hospitalizations and periods of living on the streets, he succeeded in getting clean and sober in 1998.  Since then he has worked, among other things, as a cab driver, a private investigator, a paralegal, and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor.  He presently serves as the Northern California Consultant to The Other Bar, a statewide organization of recovering attorneys, judges, and law students.  In this capacity, he spends his time providing outreach and education to the legal community, and assisting attorneys as they struggle with substance abuse and related challenges that threaten their ability and/or eligibility to practice law.

When: Thursday, May 25th from 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.

**Please start to log in to Zoom about five minutes before the start time **

If you want to pay by check, still, please register online first and send your check payable to SMCBA and note your name and this event. Please note that if you RSVP but do not “show up,” or cancel 48 hours in advance, you will still be charged the full amount for attending the event.  Note: MCLE certificates will be emailed to you once your presence is verified at the event.

Where: Your Computer via Zoom! All registrants will be provided with the link and meeting code one day prior to the event date.

Cost: $20 for Labor & Employment Section Members and $30 for Non-Section Members. Cost includes 1.0 hour of Competence Issues MCLE credit.

Contact Info for this Event: For questions about this event, please email events@smcba.org.

Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to the event for a full refund of the registration fee. If you do not cancel within 48 hours or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount.