All Entries in the "Spotlight" Category
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly With Online Reviews
Some attorneys either pay people to write good reviews or ask their dearest friends to rate their lawyering skills online. Thus, inexperienced lawyers who are savvy with social networking can have outstanding reviews and more seasoned, but less Internet-savvy, attorneys can have bad reviews and not even know about it.
Disability Facts that Might Surprise You
In times like these, good decisions matter. And when it comes to protecting a portion of your income from disability risks, it’s important to base your decision on the facts. In the case of disability, some of those facts might surprise you.
The Population Cliff
Demography, the statistical study of living human populations, is one of those detail laden subjects that just doesn’t lend itself to much excitement, but demographic change is about to have a profound impact on the U.S. economy.
Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Personal Perspective
After my mother was hospitalized for a broken hip, I had 24 hours to place her in a skilled nursing facility. One would think that with a growing population of seniors, there would be a wealth of information, but I learned that some of the key information could only come from others with personal experience.
Who Shops for the Shoes?
Who shops for the shoes? I never considered the question until becoming a professional fiduciary. Attorneys often recommend professional, neutral fiduciaries to help and protect elderly clients when family conflict threatens or there is no immediate family living in the area. To get a glimpse into a fiduciary’s day, take a moment to put yourself into these “shoes.”
What Are the CPAs Up To?
While CPAs are not known for exciting activities, we do have a couple of interesting programs for the family law community.
One Million Dollars in Food from the Bar
$1,000,000? That’s right! Next year, our Food from the Bar goal is to cross the one million dollar mark.
In 2013, our competitive food & fund drive benefiting the Contra Costa and Solano Food Bank will be in its 22nd year. Since its inception, we have raised over $950,000 to help the Food Bank provide nutritious meals to the nearly 150,000 people the organization serves each month in our counties.
Goodbyes: An Interview with Commissioner Josanna Berkow
What have you enjoyed most about your time on the Family Law Bench?
The most enjoyable thing about this difficult work has been the camaraderie at all levels that help us serve the public.
Civil Law Division – 2012 in Review
Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse, THEY DID!!! 2012-2013 has been and will be a year of tremendous change resulting from our loss of millions of dollars from our operating budget, which, in turn, adversely impacts every aspect of every service we provide to the community.
Criminal Law Division – 2012 in Review
We thought last year’s budget cuts were brutal. Hold onto your hats for 2013!
Family Law Division – 2012 in Review
This has been a year of tragedy and transition for the Family Law Division. On June 19th, we suffered the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Commissioner Jeffrey Huffaker. Jeff was a consummate judge and gentleman; equally loved by the bench and bar. His passing leaves a hole in the Court that cannot be filled and we continue to mourn him. I would like to thank Judges Cheryl Mills, Judy Craddick and Joyce Cram, as well as visiting Judges Lacy, Tiernan and Petrie, who graciously stepped in to help with the giant Pittsburg calendar during Jeff’s illness and after his passing.
Probate Division – 2012 in Review
Rather than assess 2012, this report will be directed toward 2013. The court system has weathered substantial budget cuts over the past several years. As all are now well aware, the reductions in the budget for next year will be even more severe in relative and total terms than in the past.
Juvenile Division – 2012 in Review
There are some significant changes this year in our Juvenile Division. The budget issues that are plaguing California are certainly being felt in our courts. For 2013 the juvenile courts will consolidate and all move to the Martinez courthouse with of course the exception that the juvenile hall court will remain at juvenile hall for detained youth.
The Arnason Justice Center (Pittsburg) – 2012 in Review
The Arnason Justice Center’s (AJC’s) current bench officers include Judge George Spanos, Judge Rebecca Hardie, Judge Cheryl Mills and Commissioners Steve Houghton, and Lowell Richards, as we hear all of the East County Felony PXs, Misdemeanor Jury Trials, Family law matters, Domestic Violence cases, Small Claims cases and appeals, Traffic cases, Unlawful Detainer matters, and both Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency cases.
The George Carroll Courthouse (Richmond) – 2012 in Review
This year, the George Carroll Courthouse in Richmond saw long-time Richmond Judge Peter Berger retire after 18 years of service to the court. His expertise and wry demeanor are missed, although he has returned periodically to hear matters in Richmond and other courts in Contra Costa County as part of the state’s Assigned Judges Program.
Walnut Creek Court – 2012 in Review
As most of you are aware, effective January 1, 2013, the Walnut Creek courthouse will be closed, except for traffic matters. All Walnut Creek/ Mt. Diablo criminal and civil cases will be transferred to the main courthouse in Martinez. The closure of the Walnut Creek courthouse will end a piece of local history in our County. Consequently, I asked Judge Minney and Judge Eaton to reflect on the history and time they spent as Judges assigned to Walnut Creek.
Annual Gala to Support Local High School Law Academies
On September 27, the CCCBA will once again host its Gala Reception at the Lafayette Park Hotel. This year’s Gala benefits Contra Costa High School Law Academies. Special guests Dr. Ovick, County Superintendent of Schools, and Supervisors John Gioia (Dist 1) and Federal Glover (Dist 5) join the local legal community in supporting these important programs for at-risk high school students.
Further Reading
Below are links to articles and videos related to the topics discussed in the 2012 Election issue of the Contra Costa Lawyer. Please feel free to add your comments and additional links via the comment …
Civil Fast Track Settlement Mentor Conferences
Most attorneys who practice in Contra Costa County are generally familiar with the Court’s several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs. There are specific requirements which all ADR panel members must meet …
ADR in Family Law
Family Law Litigants in Contra Costa County get Meaningful Alternative Dispute Resolution Opportunity Through the Double Pro Per Settlement Conference Calendar
