Meet Your 2012 Section Leaders

• ADR Section
• Appellate Section
• Bankruptcy Section
• Barristers
• Business Law & Corporate Counsel
• Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust Section
• Criminal Law Section
• Diversity Section
• Elder Law Section
• Employment Section
• Family Law Section
• Intellectual Property Section
• Juvenile Section
• Litigation Section
• Pro Bono Section
• Real Estate Section
• Solo Practice & Small Firm Section
• Student Section
• Taxation Section
• West County Section
• Women’s Section

Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Return your phone calls the day you receive them.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Being aggressive and combative is not the same as being a good attorney. It is important to remember that many times your client is better served by a cooperative approach. It can save money, time and emotional stress. It can also build your professional reputation as someone who is fair, reasonable and good to work with.

What is the most interesting, fun and/or helpful event your section has planned for the coming year?

Last year the ADR Section started holding periodic Roundtable Discussions, which were very popular and we will be continuing them this year. Come and join your colleagues for a glass of wine (yes, there will be wine!) and stimulating discussions about current topics in ADR or even ask for ideas on how to handle different situations you have faced in mediation. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow practitioners, get up to date on the latest and greatest in ADR and bounce ideas off other people. We hope you will join us!
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Appellate Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Always take the high road when it comes to interacting with opposing counsel in discovery and other matters, no matter how deplorable opposing counsel behaves.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Create value to the firm above and beyond current assignments by steeping yourself in knowledge about insurance, indemnity, e-discovery, post-trial motion practice procedure and other thorny and/or cutting-edge areas.

Why should someone join the Appellate Section?

We provide both trial and appellate lawyers with insights on key statutory and case law developments by putting on MCLE seminars. And we usually get an appellate justice to join our MCLE Spectacular presentation.
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Bankruptcy Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

The senior partner to whom I directed a question, assuming he would know the answer, thereby eliminating any need to do research and charge my client for what I thought would be unnecessary fees, told me that he didn’t know the answer and that he’d have to look it up. What I learned from that exchange is never to assume the reason you don’t know the answer to a question is because you’re a new attorney. If you approach each problem in that way as you develop your practice, you will eliminate being ashamed to ask questions or to ask for assistance as you develop your practice.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

First, listen to your gut. If you’re uncomfortable with a client, don’t take the case just because you need the money. In the long run, it may very well cost you more time, money and aggravation than you bargained for. Second, keep connected to your county bar association and all associations related to your practice. Go to seminars that extend beyond your specific area of practice. For example, if you’re a consumer bankruptcy attorney, go to seminars about business bankruptcies and commercial issues. If you’re a business bankruptcy attorney, go to seminars about Chapter 13. It will make you a better lawyer and it will help you spot issues in your cases that may have to be addressed in order for you to provide the best legal advice to your clients.

Why should someone join the Bankruptcy Section?

First of all, the section puts on educational seminars related to bankruptcy that provide practical knowledge to assist you in your practice, and this year, as section leader, I am hoping to join forces with the bankruptcy section of the Alameda County Bar Association to make more programs available to our members. Secondly, being a section member provides an opportunity to create a network of other attorneys with whom you can discuss issues and problems that arise in your practice. In addition, by getting involved in the Bankruptcy Section, opportunities will arise for you to become involved in the County Bar Association through which you can expand your network of attorneys and build your practice, for example, by being a speaker for a seminar or writing an article for the bar association’s monthly magazine, the Contra Costa Lawyer.
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Barristers Section

Section Chair: Crystal Fernandes

What is the most helpful piece of advice for a new attorney?

As an attorney, one of the pieces of gold you have and can control is your reputation. Having people trust you and find you reliable is so important!

Why should someone join the Barristers Section?

The Barristers/Young Lawyers Section seeks to provide attorneys in practice for six years or less with networking, education, and mentoring opportunities and provides a great way for newer members to become involved in our local bar association. Plus, membership is free to all CCCBA attorney members in practice for six years or less!
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Business Law & Corporate Counsel Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

The primary purposes of an attorney are to: (1) be loyal to your client, (2) maintain client confidences, and (3) provide the best, zealous, and most competent representation.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Know who your client is (individual or entity), listen and understand not only what your client wants, but also provide reasoned advice about what they need, based on your knowledge of their specific situation and the law. Avoid putting yourself or your clients in conflicts.

Why should someone join the BLCC Section?

Joining the BLCC provides you with opportunities to increase your knowledge of the wide variety of issues facing business attorneys and to meet and discuss matters of common interest. Because business law covers a large number of different topics (e.g., employment, transactions, intellectual property, real property, litigation among others), the BLCC fosters CLE and other events covering a large segment of the legal profession. Interacting with your colleagues is rewarding, both personally and professionally. As a member, you have numerous opportunities to become involved with the Section and to help further our missions. You can take advantage of opportunities to develop speaking, organizational, and leadership skills that will serve you throughout your career, and to help others that will follow in your footsteps.
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Conservatorship, Guardianship, Probate & Trust Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Saturday and Sunday are days of rest, not work days.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Keep your clients informed and return their phone calls.

Why should someone join the CGPT Section?

Our events are directed at providing useful information to conservatorship/guardianship/probate/trust counsel which also provide necessary MCLE requirements. Our Probate Bench Luncheon, generally in January, brings Bench and Bar together to start each New Year. The Symposium in March, co-sponsored with The Mechanics Bank, targets current hot issues. In June we co-host a luncheon with the Taxation Section in which the focus is, of course, tax issues of interest in the probate/trust world. Our section is involved in the MCLE Spectacular and often provides an end of year session with our probate bench. All of our programs are designed to provide the probate bar with up to date material. We look forward to input from our section members for suggestions regarding subjects of interest for discussion.
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Criminal Law Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Never underestimate your opponent!

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Pull the time waiver and Go!

Why should someone join the Criminal Law Section?

1. The focus of the section is to address practical issues that will directly assist you in the practice of criminal defense in Contra Costa County. 2. You are in control of what you get out of the section. There are opportunities there if you want them.
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Diversity Section

Section Co-Chairs: NeChele Rucker & Mary Grace Guzman

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

To understand the importance of networking. Networking is how we build friendships, develop business contacts, share job information, and become better, more knowledgeable lawyers. Its value is priceless!

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

You must be your biggest cheerleader. If you do not believe in yourself, then others will not either. Stand tall, and be confident – whether in court, in a job interview, or when doing an initial intake with a client. Believing in oneself is the first step toward success!

What is the most interesting, fun and/or helpful event your section has planned for the coming year?

We are excited about this year’s events. We are currently planning our annual Diversity Mixer, which will double as a fundraiser for The Color of Justice Program. Our Diversity Mixer is always a lot of fun and well attended. This year we are adding to our list of activities sponsorship of The National Association of Women Judges and their Color of Justice Program, which is a legal education program for disadvantaged high school students. The Diversity section plays a major role in planning this event and providing speakers and volunteers.
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Elder Law Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Always be prepared and, as much as possible, handle things personally. File your own papers, get to know the Court personnel. You will learn more about how things work and things will go more smoothly.

Why should someone join the Elder Law Section?

We are an aging population and working with seniors is not limited to what is generally considered “elder law.” Our MCLE programs are designed to increase our awareness and knowledge, not just of the laws that pertain to elders, but also of the myriad issues that arise when working with the elderly. Many legal specialties can benefit from learning more about these matters.
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Employment Section

Section Chair: Shannon Walpole

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

All lawyers make mistakes, good ones fix them fast.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Always be sure to review the local rules. They are important.

Why should someone join the Employment Section?

1. We offer timely, thoughtful continuing education and if you are a member you get to attend for less! 2. Where else will you have access to this many local employment specialists?
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Family Law Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

There are no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask your question, see above.

Why should someone join the Family Law Section?

1) Over 2 dozen relevant continuing education opportunities each year; 2) Section newsletter, “In Chancery”, and our own website bringing members up to date on current information about the Section, the Family Bench, and the practice of Family Law in Contra Costa County.
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Intellectual Property Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Never trust opposing counsel.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Work hard, take on as many varied cases as you can reasonably handle and get as much exposure as you can by writing articles or giving presentations.

Why should someone join the Intellectual Property Section?

1. Networking & excellent educational opportunities through our Breakfast Presentations/Meetings. 2. For New Attorneys and Students – Amazing hands-on practical client experience through our Clinic offered in conjunction with the Women’s Initiative.
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Juvenile Law Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Don’t try to do everything. If you know you don’t have expertise in a particular area, don’t do it. This is especially true if the prospective client is also a friend and they just want you to do “this one little thing” for them. You will end up spending way too much time trying to figure it out, when you could have just given them a referral to a colleague.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Don’t mix business with pleasure – keep your private life separate. So much of the work we do is very stressful we need to have an outlet away from the office and clients to relax. It’s important to spend time with your family and to take vacations. It’s amazing how much more energy and zeal you can have fresh from a few days off.

What is the most interesting event your section has planned for the coming year?

I think most of our members get the most satisfaction out of the out holiday donations to kids in group homes and to the Toy Drive co-sponsored by the Bar Association. Our attorneys represent parents and children in cases of abuse or neglect. It is not uncommon for us to have clients with mental health, substance abuse and/ or anger management problems. When the adults have these types of problems their children may develop very similar issues. So it is always fulfilling to know that, even if we can’t solve all of the problems, we can spread a little joy to these families with our donations during the holidays.
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Litigation Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Nothing is written, it is always rewritten.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Always communicate with your client even when nothing is happening.

Why should someone join the Litigation Section?

Every lawyer in the Bar Association should be a member of the litigation section as this section covers some aspects of just about everyone’s practice and the opportunity is always present to meet lawyers who specializes in a matter that you may just be exploring.
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Pro Bono Section

Section Chair: Samantha Sepehr

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Find an area of the law that you truly enjoy practicing in and then find the best mentor you can to help guide you through your first few cases…all while breathing.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets – it will open or even close doors for you.

Why should someone join the Pro Bono Section?

1. As attorneys we should be mindful of helping all people find access to our judicial system. There are many ways that attorneys can do that: providing a free consultation, representing a client on a pro bono basis, volunteering at various legal workshops, or even being a mentor to a young attorney who is representing a pro bono client. The Pro Bono Section will be able to help you find various opportunities to give back to our community, which typically results in positively changing someone’s life.

2. Some attorneys take pro bono cases in areas of law with which he/she is unfamiliar. The attorney’s experience with this unchartered territory can help the attorney decide whether he/she enjoys practicing in this particular area of law. But sometimes this learning experience can become quite overwhelming. Joining the Pro Bono Section is a great networking opportunity for lawyers who are interested not only in finding a mentor but being a mentor. In addition, we look forward to co-sponsoring events with other CCCBA sections in the upcoming year, allowing for some networking time.
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Real Estate Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

You cannot underestimate the importance of clear, concise writing and accurate research. Make sure that you understand the resource constraints of your assignment and deliver your very best work within those constraints, and explicitly note anything you would have done but did not because of those constraints.

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Ask your supervising attorneys many questions when getting a new assignment, such as: when do you want this done by, how should I approach the research, what format do you want this assignment to take, and do you have any exemplars that I could review on my own time?

Why should someone join the Real Estate Section?

The Real Estate Section is a great return on your investment of dues and time. We’re one of the biggest sections in the CCCBA, and one of the most dynamic. We provide free MCLE credits almost every month at a convenient time and location that won’t interfere with your day, while providing ample opportunity to network. In addition to our own events, we participate in events with other sections and with other professional associations. In addition, our reach is beyond traditional real estate, including land use, environmental, energy and other issues in both the transactional and litigation settings.
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Solo Practice & Small Firm Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

The most helpful piece of advice I received as a new attorney is to go to court as often as you can. Going to court allows you to learn from observation by listening to more seasoned attorney’s arguments and to gauge how judges both run their courtrooms and their opinions on both substantive and procedural matters. I would advise young attorneys to do the same thing and keep up on the tentative rulings for judges they appear before to gain insight into the cases the judges rely upon and the factual arguments they find compelling.

Why should someone join the Solo Section?

By having consistent networking and fellowship opportunities (we host an after-work mixer and a breakfast, on alternating months), the Section has evolved into a collegial organization resembling a “firm,” with specialists in various fields both willing and capable to offer assistance to other Section members. Section members receive a monthly email newsletter, The Maverick, informing them of upcoming events, providing topical articles and a forum for comment and commentary. Annual section dues include access to the JFK Law Library.
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Student Section

Section Co-Chairs: Debora Matos & Miriam Munguia

Why should someone join the Law Student Section?

1. Learn about and participate in professional opportunities. 2. Become part of the community now: A community provides practice advice, personal support, and professional growth. Joining the Law Student section of the CCCBA provides opportunities to meet practicing lawyers and learn what a particular field of law truly involves. Students can learn the nuances of particular fields of law that may not be discussed during classes or in books. The CCCBA Student Section informs students of internship opportunities available which can provide valuable experience, future references and possible future employment opportunities.

What is the most interesting event your section has planned for the coming year?

“A day with lawyers”: We want to bring together lawyers/law professors with different backgrounds and experiences to give tips, directions, and advice for students regarding steps that can and should be done while in law school to better prepare and increase the chances of a recent law graduate to fit in today’s difficult professional market.
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Taxation Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Go For it!

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Act civilized and respectful; don’t take yourself or your case too seriously.

Why should someone join the Taxation Section?

Join the Tax Section – rub elbows with some of the top tax attorneys in California. Join the Tax Section – taxes come up every day (as a cross-over issue, some practitioners’ worst nightmare); and it’s nice to have a fellow Tax Section member to call for ideas, suggestions, and direction.
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West County Section

Section Co-Chairs: Jeanne Mirante & Adriana Quintero

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Be prepared; know your case and the law.

Why should someone join the West County Section?

Because the speakers at our section lunches are usually sitting judges in Contra Costa County and they offer real insights into what the courts look for in certain types of cases. And because our lunches and other section sponsored events are a lot of fun!
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Women’s Section

What was the most helpful piece of advice you received as a new attorney?

Prepare, prepare, prepare

If you could tell a new attorney one thing, what would it be?

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Why should someone join the Women’s Section?

The Women’s Section hosts several networking events throughout the year. We are a lively group of hardworking, dedicated attorneys who inspire and support each other. Our mission is to promote the interests of women in the legal profession and the judiciary. As part of our philanthropy, we annually award scholarship funds to deserving law students who have shown leadership potential, achieved academic success, and have shown a commitment to women’s issues and to Contra Costa. We raise funds for these scholarships at our annual spring wine tasting and auction, a fun evening of delicious wine and one-of-a-kind auction items.

Learn more about each section by visiting www.cccba.org/attorney/sections/