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July/August 2017

LAWYERS CLUB NEWS

INSIDE Join Lawyers Club for “Leadership and Lawyers: Building Pipeline” on July 20 at the U.S. Grant Hotel

What: Leadership and Lawyers: Building the Pipeline, MCLE

When: Thursday, July 20, 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Where: U.S. Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Cost: Members $30; Non-members $45; Students $20.

Registration: www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

Sponsor: Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

What? When? Where?

Leadership and Lawyers: Building the PipelineBy Olga Álvarez

Join Lawyers Club for “Leadership and Lawyers: Building the Pipeline” on July 20. The event will feature San Diego Superior Court Judge Randa Trapp, Managing Shareholder of Littler Mendelson, Denise Visconti, Chief of the San Diego District Attorney’s Office Family Protection Division, Tracy Prior, and moderator for the panel Nadia Bermudez, Shareholder at Klinedinst. The event is sponsored by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.

To advance the status of women in the law and society, female lawyers must be willing to change the paradigm and lead. More women leaders are needed within law firms, public agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as elected community, state and national offices to ensure women’s voices are heard and to make decisions that advance women. However, less than 20% of the U.S.

Congress is female. Only 12% of governors, 14% of state attorney generals, and about 18% of equity partners and chief legal officers are women.

President’s Message to Members

Leadership: Rising to the challengeBy Olga Álvarez

I am honored and humbled to serve as the next president of Lawyers Club. I believe Lawyers Club has played a critical role in my success as an attorney and I am dedicated to paying it forward. The women who have come before me created an extraordinary organization that has nurtured and propelled the careers of many women and men. That legacy is not forgotten. Our mission to advance the status of women in the law and society will be at the heart of everything we do this coming year with a particular focus on “Leadership: Rising to the Challenge.”

Why leadership? After the November election, I watched a news program that discussed presidential candidates for 2020. When mentioning female candidates, the commentators brought up Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina briefly and then moved on. When the topic of potential male candidates surfaced, several names were discussed. A healthy debate ensued about strengths and weaknesses of male candidates from both parties like an assorted box of

chocolates. Great strides had been made by women in the last election including three new U.S. Senators who were women of color. But even so, where was our pool of women candidates or our box of chocolates?

After a bit of research, I discovered that attorneys are 100 times more likely to win a Congressional election than

Olga Álvarez is co-founder and shareholder of Heisner Álvarez, APC in La Jolla. She is a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and is president of Lawyers Club.

Focus on Leadership

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Judge Randa Trapp Denise Visconti Tracy Prior Nadia Bermudez

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President’s Message to Members

Leadership: Rising to the challengeContinued from cover

any other profession. I thought to myself, problem solved. I know a few good female attorneys – a little over 1000. But after scratching the surface regarding the experiences of those female attorneys who were actually elected, it revealed that those women had enjoyed highly successful legal careers prior to their successful campaigns. Consequently, the answer to creating a larger pool of female candidates for the presidency or any other elected office depends upon ensuring that larger numbers of women achieve success in their legal careers.

As a result, the mission of Lawyers Club becomes ever more important in increasing that pool of potential leaders, because successful female lawyer-legislators have successful legal careers prior to running. Since the year 2000, women have comprised around 50% of the graduating classes of American law schools. However, after more than 15 years of men and women graduating at the same rate, less than 18% of women are equity partners. That percentage has changed little, despite the increases in the number of female law graduates. Studies reflect that 56% of women leave the practice of law within five years and 85% of women of color leave the practice within seven years. So where do we begin?

First, on July 20, Lawyers Club will host a luncheon with a panel focused on “Leadership and Lawyers: Building the Pipeline.” Experienced female attorneys who have achieved success and are leaders in their firms and agencies will share their advice on key leadership skills that are necessary for advancing within the profession and how those skills translate into pursuing other goals.

Second, Lawyers Club will continue to provide programs to assist women in perfecting their legal craft, navigating the politics of their firm or agency, and understanding the obstacles within the field. The programming of the Professional Advancement, Work-Life Balance, Diverse Women’s, Leadership and Development, LGBTQ, and the Bench Bar Committees, to name a few, will focus on programs that will address the four causes of why women leave the profession including obtaining interesting work, meeting billable

hours, finding a mentor or sponsor within the organization, and addressing sex discrimination. In addition, these committees will focus on ensuring that women receive the professional development they need to continue practicing law, as well as the advice necessary to pursue promotions, apply for the judiciary, and seek equal pay. All of these topics are critical in helping female attorneys navigate their careers and continue practicing.

Third, Lawyers Club will continue promoting women in society through its Women’s Advocacy, Reproductive Justice, and Community Outreach Committees as well as the Human Trafficking Task Force and newly formed LGBTQ Task Force. These groups will identify policies and regulations that affect women in society, and will also pinpoint opportunities that will empower our members to rise to the challenge and lead on these issues. It is here that practical leadership skills can be developed.

The goal is not only to provide women assistance with the skills and knowledge they need to stay in the profession, build their craft and become successful; but it is also geared toward more seasoned attorneys to encourage them to take that leap of faith whether it is to lead their firm or organization, to apply to the judiciary, or to take a stand and lead on a policy or regulation to advance women in the law and society.

If the task of increasing the pool of attorney leaders seems daunting, I understand. But if it is important to you, I ask that you take a small step by either joining Lawyers Club, becoming more active, or contributing financially. If you are unsure of where you might fit in, just call me. I promise that together we will figure out how to rise to the challenges before us.

We can do anything! It’s going to be a great year!



4 july/august 2017Lawyers Club News

AppointedGayle Blatt, a partner with CaseyGerry and head of the firm’s complex litigation group, was

appointed in March to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee overseeing class action litigation related to massive data breaches revealed by Yahoo! Inc. last year. Blatt is the only California attorney on the committee.

PromotedDavid Majchrzak was promoted to senior counsel at Klineinst PC in April. Majchrzak is a civil

litigator and also practices in the area of ethics, conducting law office risk management reviews, training law firm staff in ethics requirements, and advising on a variety of ethics issues.

Cayce Greiner was named a partner at insurance defense law firm, Tyson & Mendes, in May. Greiner leads the firm’s Client Services Department and chairs its Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Group. Her practice focuses primarily on general liability and commercial litigation.

PublishedTeresa Beck, a partner with Lincoln Gustafson & Cercos, is one of the editors of “Her Story:

Lessons in Success from Lawyers Who Live It,” recently published by the American Bar Association. Beck is co-chair of the ABA Work Life Management Sub-Committee of the Litigation Section’s Woman Advocate Committee. The book, a collection of essays by and about women lawyers overcoming obstacles, reaching goals, and leading full lives, is available online at https://shop.americanbar.org/ebus/store/productdetails.aspx?productId=275379537.

On the MoveParada Ornelas and Beth Goodman recently joined Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP as associates in

the firm’s Product Liability and Warranty groups, where they represent automotive manufacturers.

Jodi Cleesattle is a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice and Lawyers Club’s Press Liaison.

Gayle Blatt

Cayce Greiner

About Us

Lawyers Club Members Making NewsBy Jodi Cleesattle

Teresa Beck

Parada Ornelas Beth Goodman

David Majchrzak

...changed jobs? ...won any recent awards? ...spoken at a professional conference? Don’t be shy about sharing your good news. Submit news of your or your colleagues’

career accomplishments – awards, promotions, job changes, board appointments, published articles, presentations, etc. – to Kate Langmore at [email protected]. The deadline for each issue of Lawyers Club News is the first of the month prior to that issue.

HAVE YOU...

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Lawyers Club

of San Diego402 West Broadway, Suite 1260,

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 595-0650 phone(619) 595-0657 fax

[email protected]

PresidentOlga Álvarez

Vice PresidentsDanna Cotman

Frann SetzerRebecca KanterSara Simmons

DirectorsYahairah AristyBrigid Campo

Roxy CarterElvira Cortez

Renie LeakakosCarla Sanderson

Tracy SchimelfenigMegan WalkerRebecca ZippCo-Editors

Maggie SchroedterSuzanne Pollack

Staff Articles CoordinatorDana Nassiri Park

Member Profile CoordinatorLauren Bushman

Executive DirectorElaine Lawrence

Director of ProgrammingStephanie Cook

Administrative CoordinatorMary Hicks

Lawyers Club News is published monthly 11 times a year, with a combined

July/August issue.

Lawyers Club welcomes contributions to the newsletter, as well as your comments and

suggestions regarding Lawyers Club News; contact Maggie Schroedter at schroedterm@

higgslaw.com. The deadline for articles is the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. Articles should be submitted

in Microsoft Word.

The advertising deadline is the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication. For advertising information, contact Mary

Ordonez at [email protected].

30 Years Ago in Lawyers Club HistoryBy Elidia C. Dostal

President Ronald Reagan nominated Judge Robert Bork to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court in July 1987. A front-page article in the Lawyers Club Newsletter summarized some of Judge Bork’s positions stated in his court opinions and articles he authored. For example, Bork filed a dissent in a case regarding the sexual harassment of a female employee by her supervisor as barred by the Civil Rights Act; “Title VII was passed to outlaw discriminatory behavior and not simply behavior of which we strongly disapprove.” Judge Bork’s nomination was extremely controversial, and the Democrat-controlled Senate rejected his confirmation on October 23, by a vote of 58-42.

The article in Lawyers Club News asked whether the Senate’s duty to advise and consent to a nomination ought to include consideration of a nominee’s views on specific political and social issues, or simply focus on the nominee’s fitness and merit. The article noted that those opposing the nomination contended that the Senate should “take the broadest view of its constitutional responsibility, pointing out that it has historically scrutinized the political, legal, and constitutional views of nominees.” This appears to remain the consensus, as Supreme Court nominees are regularly questioned regarding their political, legal, and constitutional views, and are confirmed generally along party lines; a republican-controlled Senate refused to hold hearings or vote on Judge Merrick Garland’s nomination by democrat President Barrack Obama, and three democrats joined the republican majority to confirm Justice Gorsuch by a vote of 54-45.

The other cover story in the Lawyers Club Newsletter was an update on parental leave, which, at the time, was being considered by Congress for inclusion in the Family Medical Leave Act. If passed, it would provide workers with four months of guaranteed unpaid leave for care of a newborn, newly adopted, or seriously ill child or dependent parent. Another six years would pass before the FMLA was passed in 1993 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Compromises were made to improve the bill’s political viability; the final version of the bill would allow for 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and applied only to employers with at least 50 employees.

Also featured in this edition of the newsletter was an informal “wish list” poll; members in 1987 wanted Lawyers Club to focus on: (1) legislation to promote equal rights; (2) appointment of Lawyers Club members to government positions; (3) appointment of Lawyers Club members to judicial positions; and (4) business referrals among members.

Elidia C. Dostal is a solo practitioner providing businesses with general counsel services, and co-chair of the History and Archives Committee.





Leadership and Lawyers: Building the PipelineContinued from cover

What: Lawyers and Leadership: Building the Pipeline, MCLE

When: Thursday, July 20, 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Where: U.S. Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Cost: Members $30; Non-members $45; Students $20.

Registration: www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

Sponsor: Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

What? When? Where?

Lawyers hold a privileged status when discussing leadership in the United States. Attorneys are 100 times more likely to be elected to Congress than any other profession. Because of the overrepresentation of lawyers in the ranks of our elected officials, Congress has inherited many of the well-documented demographic biases of the legal profession including that lawyer-legislators, from both parties, are far less likely to be women or underrepresented minorities as opposed to legislators from other professional backgrounds. Nevertheless, in the last election, two of the three newly elected women to the U.S. Senate were lawyers and women of color. Senators Catherine Cortez-Masto and Kamala Harris both held the position of attorney general for their respective states before pursuing and winning their U.S. Senate seats. Their success aligns with the statistics that demonstrate attorneys fare better in elections, because of the legal community and its interest in providing organizational and financial backing to its lawyer-candidates.

As a result, as members of the legal profession, female attorneys are well positioned to win offices and lead. Yet, the overarching obstacle is the legal profession and its slow response in advancing women lawyers. Both U.S. Senators Cortez-Masto and Harris practiced law successfully prior to pursuing their political aspirations. It is likely that as they built their legal careers, they refined their leadership skills through their legal teams and networks. But first, they were successful attorneys. Therefore, it becomes more imperative than ever that women stay in the profession, perfect their legal craft, and build a reputation of excellence to position themselves for opportunities of leadership where they can be the decision makers.

To improve the numbers and ensure that women attorneys stay in the profession, law firm leaders must make a commitment to recruit, retain, and promote women in their firms or public agencies. It requires chief legal officers to address the challenges posed by tradition, unconscious bias and homophily. Homophily means that people are more likely to give opportunities to members of their own group in the law firm environment which ultimately affects evaluations, work assignments, succession planning, mentoring, and sponsorship, all of which are necessary for long-term success in the legal field.

Lawyers Club is committed not only to ensuring that women succeed in the law, but also to exposing women to the necessary leadership skills required for advancement. To build a team of leaders requires that we create a large

pool of experienced successful attorneys. Over the next year, Lawyers Club will focus on building the leadership pipeline by identifying necessary leadership skills that will help attorneys advance in the profession as well as promote policies and regulations that will empower women attorneys to rise to the challenge and lead.

In addition to this vigorous exchange of ideas among the panelists, the Lawyers Club 2017-2018 board of directors will be sworn in by the Court of Appeal Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell.


Judge Randa Trapp Denise Visconti Tracy Prior Nadia Bermudez



May Dine Arounds in East CountyBy Michelle Cunningham

Successful lawyering is a lot like singing jazz; not only does it require finding a strong band to back you, but you also need to be confident enough to carry your own tune. These were the central themes of the Lawyers Club Dine Arounds on May 10.

A group of Lawyers Club members shared dinner and conversation with Hon. Tilisha Martin of the San Diego Superior Court (sitting in El Cajon). The conversation focused on building support systems and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. Some members shared stories of the guidance they received in their careers, and others recalled their experiences acting as mentors and sponsors for others. Judge Martin, for example, recalled past mentors and sponsors that guided her career, and she credits her success in large part to their influence. Judge Martin also said that she now acts in both capacities, and is very active in offering her time and support to many lawyers. When the conversation turned to where to find mentors, Judge Martin encouraged the members to come out of their comfort zone and directly ask for mentorship or sponsorship.

Across town in a second East County location, a similar tune played as eight other Lawyers Club members joined Deb Wolfe of the Wolfe Legal Group for dinner. As the participants commiserated over the difficulty of finding work-life balance, Wolfe revealed that her willingness to strike out on her own was key to finding balance in her career, and encouraged others to take the leap of faith. Over dinner, she reflected on how her willingness to go at it alone had not only brought her success as a lawyer, but also allowed her to pursue successful hobbies in painting and jazz singing. She cautioned that there would be roadblocks along the way, but affirmed that finding your own inner strength and not being afraid to ask for help from whoever could provide it – be it a younger painter or senior judge - would provide greater freedom to define and pursue one’s priorities.

The lively conversations at both dinners continued long into the evening, as members contributed their own experiences and advice on the topics. When the evening eventually drew to a close, everyone agreed that the conversations had been enlightening and provided a helpful guide to defining their own melodies.

Michelle Cunningham is an associate at Perkins Coie, and is a member of the Mentorship Committee.

Lawyers Club members pose for a quick picture before Judge Martin’s Dine Around begins.

Dine Around host Deborah Wolfe opened her home for a night of lively discussions.

This year, the North County Committee partnered with the Leadership Development Committee to host its yearly Spring Interactive: “Non-Profit Boards: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” on May 11. The panel gave attendees a realistic full-picture view of non-profit board service, ranging from board selection, sitting on the board, and ethical concerns a practicing attorney may face while sitting on a non-profit board. Our panelists, Karen Dow and Heather Rosing, did not disappoint.

The event was hosted by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Carmel Valley; a central location for both north county and south county practitioners. Wilson Sonsini graciously provided food and drinks for attendees to enjoy. Dow discussed what one can expect when sitting on a board, while Rosing explained important ethical considerations for the attendees to consider. Attendee Amanda Singer shared that the event

allowed her to “better understand” her “current role in serving on a non-profit board as well as feeling more informed of what boards to join in the future and what to expect.

Thanks to our generous host, panel speakers, and fabulous collaboration with the Leadership Development Committee, this year’s Spring Interactive exceeded expectations and set the bar higher for next year. Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events hosted by the North County Committee.

Melissa S. San Angelo is an associate attorney at Winet, Patrick, Gayer, Creighton, & Hanes and is co-chair of the North County Committee.

NORTH COUNTY CORNER

By: Melissa S. San Angelo



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Fund for Justice grantees making big differencesBy Michele Macosky

Lawyers Club’s Fund for Justice (FFJ) grant recipient Girls on the Run San Diego (GOTRSD) just completed its 23rd season of providing girls an experience-based curriculum. The curriculum incorporates running a 5K, which fosters a strong sense of identity, community, confidence, health, and self-respect, laying critical foundations for the girls to become strong, contented and self-confident women.

The FFJ-funded GOTRSD Monarch School team completed their first 5K on May 7. This team of dedicated girls trained 10 weeks for this accomplishment while learning important lessons that relate to their heart, spirit and body. On 5k Day, the Monarch School team arrived with matching outfits, hand-made motivational posters and a team cheer they had been practicing all season long. They were joined by 28 teams, 151 Mentor Coaches, 200 Volunteers and close to 600 spectators, along with GOTRSD’s 1007 runners to make it a success. Michelle Ialeggio, who attended the 5K on behalf of FFJ said, “This organization is amazing. The event was a huge success and I loved seeing FFJ’s money going to such a worthy and appreciative organization.”

Kasey McNair, Executive Director of GOTRSD, shared that, “We are extremely proud of our Monarch Team and their accomplishments throughout this season, but they could not have done it without the support from FFJ. Thank you for making such an incredible impact on the girls of San Diego County!”

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about GOTRSD, please visit www.gotrsd.org.

Michele Macosky is the owner of the Law Office of Michele Macosky. She is a member of the Fund for Justice Committee and the Community Outreach Committee.

http://www.gotrsd.org



Voices for Children (VFC) transforms the lives of abused children in San Diego County by providing them with volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASAs impact hundreds of kids and their families by advocating for services and care for foster children or children whose mothers are trying to reunify with their children. VFC estimates there are 5,100 foster children in San Diego County and over 51% of those children are girls or young women, from infants to 21 years old. Studies show that children aging out of foster care are at higher risk of becoming homeless, 50% will be unemployed by age 24, and 50% will never graduate from high school or obtain a GED. This directly impacts many young women who can never reach

their potential or educational dreams. To help counteract these negative outcomes, VFC recruits and trains CASA volunteers, who work with the foster children, and also their families, in providing job assistance, education, training and parenting help to those mothers whose children are at-risk for foster care.

Lawyers Club’s Fund for Justice has a long-standing relationship with VFC, as do the Superior Courts in San Diego. Rebecca Radar, vice president of Philanthropy for VFC, said “we are grateful to The Lawyers Club of San Diego Fund for Justice for sharing a concern and compassion for the foster children we serve.” VFC is always looking for more CASAs, if you are interested in learning more visit: https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer-2/.

Fund for Justice supports program to train “Court Appointed Special Advocates”By Deborah Dixon

Lawyers Club Fund for Justice grantee, Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, teaches students about healthy relationships By Deborah Dixon

Lawyers Club Fund for Justice (FFJ) granted $1,500 to local non-profit, Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTS), whose mission is to provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence to “break their silence.” BTS also provides resources and services to help remove women from violent circumstances, mentorship and personal growth to learn to transition from victims to survivors. BTS started on Facebook with its founder, Kristen Paruginog, breaking her own silence. Now, BTS serves hundreds of women in San Diego and is expanding to other cities. BTS knew it was important to not only provide services to women, but also to educate women about healthy relationships and to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of violence. With the help of its FFJ grant, BTS is creating a curriculum to talk with colleges and eventually high schoolers about domestic violence. BTS has already shared their new, innovative educational film to over 200 students at San Diego State

University. Paruginog said, “Thanks to Lawyers Club, but we were able to begin the process of creating an educational film about domestic violence.”

BTS holds many events to raise awareness about domestic violence, including an Angel Run 5K, and provides its own scholarships to survivors, among other great programs. BTS is always looking for mentors to work directly with survivors to help them learn life skills to gain independence. If you are interested in learning more about BTS or volunteering, contact Kristen Paruginog at [email protected].

Deborah Dixon is a Senior Trial Attorney at Gomez Trial Attorneys, past president of Lawyers Club, and co-chair of the Fund for Justice Committee.

https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer-2/



Lawyers Club will swear in new board members at the July monthly luncheonBy Maggie E. Schroedter

President Olga Álvarez will welcome four new members to the Board of Directors at Lawyers Club’s July luncheon: Yahairah Aristy, Brigid Campo, Tracy Schimelfenig, and Megan Walker. The new board members will serve three year terms, joining current board members Roxy Carter, Elvira Cortez, Danna Cotman, Rebecca Kanter, Renie Leakakos, Carla Sanderson, Frann Setzer, Sara Simmons, and Rebecca Zipp.

Elected from a slate of six candidates, the new board members have all demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles and mission of Lawyers Club, each having served in several leadership roles prior to their board service. The Board of Directors, charged with overseeing all activities of the organization and acting as a liaison to the various Lawyers Club committees, is thrilled to welcome the new members, who bring to the Board unique experiences and backgrounds.

Since joining Lawyers Club in 2012, Yahairah Aristy has co-chaired the Student Outreach Committee, and was an active member of both the Diverse Women’s Committee and Women’s Advocacy Committee. Aristy coordinated Lawyers Club panels and activities addressing women in the law for law students and attorneys, organized dessert-tasting events, and authored legislative update newsletter

articles. Aristy is also a Trustee on the Board of Directors for transcenDANCE and a member of California Women Lawyers. Since graduating from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Aristy has worked as a Deputy Public Defender at the Office of the Primary Public Defender.

Brigid Campo has been involved in a variety of committees and served as co-chair for both the Leadership Development Committee and the Work-Life Balance Committee. Those committees produced several noteworthy events, including the Bench-Bar Luncheon, Judicial Appointments with Josh Groban, Pathways to the Bench, and The Current Environment for Board of Directors

and the Move to Increase Diversity. As an active member of the Professional Advancement Committee, Campo also helped organize the first Equal Pay Day luncheon in 2013—now an annual Lawyers Club event. In addition to her service to Lawyers Club, Campo has served on the SDCBA NLD Board of Directors and received the SDCBA’s 2016 Award for Outstanding Service by a New Attorney. Campo is a Certified Family Law Specialist at the Law Firm of Klueck & Hoppes, APC.

Tracy Schimelfenig, inspired by so many other Lawyers Club members, has been a rising leader within the organization since joining Lawyers Club in 2007. She most recently served as co-chair of the Red White & Brew Committee, and previously co-chaired the Professional Advancement Committee, where she spearheaded the Strategies for Advancing your Career event, as well as

organized the Balance Symposium, Take Your Child to Work Lunch, and General Counsel Luncheon. Schimelfenig has also been a long-time member of the Annual Dinner Committee, serving as the volunteer coordinator. Schimelfenig devotes her spare time to judging law school and high school mock trial competitions and has coached TJSL’s Duberstein Moot Court team. Schimelfenig is an experienced litigation attorney, practicing business and real estate litigation at California Business Law Group, P.C.

Megan Walker has been a long-time active member of Lawyers Club, and has served in several leadership roles within the organization, including as co-chair of the Women’s Advocacy Committee, co-chair of the Human Trafficking Collaborative’ s Advocacy Subcommittee, and coordinator of the General Counsel luncheon. Walker is looking forward to her service on the board in order to

address the myriad issues impacting women in the legal field and broader community. Outside of Lawyers Club, Walker volunteers pro bono through Casa Cornelia Law Center and serves on the Board of the La Jolla Playhouse Partners. Walker is an attorney with Fisher Phillips, where she practices employment litigation and counseling.

Lawyers Club also thanks its outgoing Vice Presidents: Amanda Allen, Jennifer Chang, and Susan Swan.

Maggie E. Schroedter is an attorney at Higgs Fletcher & Mack, LLP, and is co-editor of Lawyers Club News.

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“Tennessee Infants Protection Act” Regulates and Limits Abortions After 20 Weeks

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill which will go into effect on July 1 requiring a finding of non-viability, or a finding that the pregnancy puts the pregnant woman’s life or her substantial and irreversible impairment at risk, to perform an abortion after the beginning of the 20th week of pregnancy. The law includes a presumption of viability at the 24th week, and includes facility-focused requirements for those abortions performed because of health risks to the mother, including the requirement that a second physician be on hand to provide care for the unborn child. For those abortions based on health risks to the mother, both the performing physician and a separate physician not professionally associated with the performing physician must declare in writing that the procedure was necessary, and the performing physician must choose a manner of abortion which provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive, unless it would pose a significantly greater risk to the woman. Violations of those sections of the law applying to health risk-related abortions will be a class C felony and violating doctors can lose their medical license. For those abortions based on a finding of non-viability, the performing physician must declare their finding in writing after making a multi-attribute medical examination of the pregnant woman. Violation of the non-viability provisions will be a class A misdemeanor and allow for suspension of the doctor’s medical license for at least six months.

Bill Shifting Diaper and Tampon Taxes onto Hard Liquor Fails in California Assembly

Earlier this month, a bill intending to shift the taxes on tampons and adult and infant diapers to hard liquor products failed in California’s Assembly Tax and Revenue Committee. Liquor lobby organizations argued AB 479 would threaten jobs, while Assembly member Christina Garcia, who sponsored the bill, reflected that the bill would result in an increase in cost of “pennies per cocktail.” Garcia has also introduced AB 10, which would require the supply of feminine hygiene products to public and private schools and housing and domestic violence shelters. AB 10 recently passed the Assembly by a vote of 13 to 4.

Iowa Law Imposing 72-Hour Waiting Period Met with Injunction

The Iowa Supreme Court granted a motion for a temporary restraining order on a new abortion law soon after it was signed into law by Governor Terry Brandshaw earlier this month. The law imposes a 72-hour waiting period on women seeking an abortion in Iowa, as well as a ban on abortions taking place after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Bringing the legal challenge, Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union cited several women in Iowa using Planned Parenthood services who would be impacted by the law, but the lawsuit’s challenge is only against the 72-hour waiting period. Several states also have laws imposing a 72-hour wait period on abortion procedures, including Missouri, North Carolina, and South Dakota. Other states mandate shorter wait periods. The Iowa Supreme Court’s injunction means women with procedures already scheduled when the law was signed may proceed without regard to the new law’s wait-period requirement. The injunction came with the Iowa Supreme Court ordering the matter back to the trial court for a hearing to occur in the month of June.

Bill to Guard Religious Objections Against Adoptions in Texas Mirrors Recently-Passed Alabama and South Dakota Laws

A bill prohibiting Texas officials from “discriminating” or taking any adverse actions against private, religious-affiliated adoption providers was passed by the Texas senate. The bill is intended to exempt from suit those adoption decisions toward applicants made because of the adoption service provider’s “sincerely held religious beliefs.” The bill, HB 3859, specifically states that “child welfare services provider[s]” may assert a violation of the bill as a “claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding.” Critics of the bill have stated that, if enacted, it could be used to prevent adoptions by LGBT people and that by its vague wording it could create an assortment of problems, enabling private adoption providers to lawfully apply a “sincerely held religious belief” defense toward other aspects of childcare, such as children’s diets, the use of physical discipline, and vaccinations. Proponents of the law, including Texas Rep. Morgan Meyer, has stated that the opinion that the bill will enable discrimination within the adoption process is “reading into it an intent that is not even close to existence.”

In Alabama, on May 3, the “Alabama Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act” was signed by Governor Kay Ivery. That law uses similar language to Texas’ HB 3859 – including the phrase “sincerely held religious beliefs.” Alabama’s law prohibits the state from “discriminating against or refusing to license a provider of child placing services on the basis that the provider declines to provide a child placing service or carry out an activity that conflicts with the religious beliefs of the provider.” South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard also signed into law, on March 27, a similar law, prohibiting the state from taking adverse actions or discriminating against child placement agencies based on declining to provide services in conflict with their “sincerely-held religious belief or moral conviction.” As to the South Dakota law, South Dakota American Civil Liberties Union representatives have expressed the concern that the law will allow for discrimination against prospective parents who are LGBT or religious minorities.

Katie R. Aul is an associate at Ryan & Associates and a member of the Reproductive Justice Committee.

Legislative Updates By Katie R. Aul



Awards Committee ProfileBy Cheryl Dunn Soto

This was a year of reorganizing but also a year of success for the Lawyers Club Awards Committee, which is tasked with facilitating the recognition of Lawyers Club members by nominating for national, state and local awards those who have made important contributions to the community and the legal profession.

Led this past year by co-chairs Rebecca Kanter and Cheryl Dunn Soto, the Committee successfully nominated several Lawyers Club members for awards on both the state and local level in 2016 and 2017.

The Committee’s year started off with Lawyers Club member and nominee Judge Irma Gonzalez (Ret.) being selected for the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame “Trailblazer” Award. Awards Committee member Paula Dixon, who helped prepare Judge Gonzalez’s nomination, explained that, as an attorney new to San Diego, “being a part of the Awards Committee allowed me to meet many great people in the legal community doing extraordinary things.”

The Committee’s string of successes continued with California Women Lawyers’ selection of Lawyers Club past president and nominee Tracy Skaddan for the 2017 Judith Soley Lawyer as Citizen Award. Skadden’s recognition for this competitive, state-level award was particularly meaningful for Skaddan and her employer, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, coming as it did during a time when Planned Parenthood has faced enormous political and legislative challenges to its mission and existence.

The Committee also continued to successfully fulfill its original mission of promoting nominees for the San Diego County Bar Association (“SDCBA”) Service Awards. Lawyers Club member and nominee Stacie Patterson was honored with the Service to the Legal Community Award and Lawyers Club member and nominee Cynthia Morgan-Reed was recognized with the SDCBA Community Service Award.

Behind the scenes, the Awards Committee also continued to nominate both Lawyers Club members and programs for other local, state and national awards, some of which require repeated nominations over the years to increase the chances of success.

Although the Committee was happy with its successes this past year, it looks forward to building on its current momentum. It hopes to increase its membership so it has the resources to submit even more nominations that it did this past year and to successfully nominate candidates for more national awards.

As you renew your Lawyers Club membership, the co-chairs encourage you to consider joining the Awards Committee. “The Awards Committee is a great way to meet Lawyers Club members and to give back to the legal community by promoting others who deserve recognition for their work,” says active committee member Katie Parker.

For more information on the Awards Committee, contact Lawyers Club Board Member and Awards Committee co-chair Rebecca Kanter at [email protected].

Cheryl Dunn Soto is the 2016-2017 co-chair of the Awards Committee and is a partner at Franklin Soto, LLP.

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July 2017 Thursday, 7/20/2017

Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon: Leadership and Lawyers: Building the Pipeline 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. U.S. Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101

September 2017 Thursday, 9/28/2017

Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon12:00 – 1:15 p.m.U.S. Grant Hotel, 326 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92101

Lawyers Club of San Diego is a State Bar of California-approved Multiple Activity Provider (provider no. 1401). (619) 595-0650. Email: [email protected].

Lawyers Club Calendar of EventsInformation for your calendar. All dates subject to change. For latest information, contact Lawyers Club

at (619) 595-0650 or visit our website at www.lawyersclubsandiego.com.

Join Lawyers Club Referral Network

Join Lawyers Club Referral Network Group; Only members who join the Referral Network Group can see other member’s requests for referrals/attorneys.

· To view referral request, click on the “forums” icon on the right-hand side of the group.

· To submit a referral/area of practice request, click on “New Topic”

· To respond to a request, hover over the member’s name and select the “Message Me” option.

*Note: For detailed instructions visit www.lawyersclubsandiego.com/page/LCRefNetwork

View/Post Jobs on the Career Center

Enjoy access to our Career Center, created to promote the hiring of Lawyers Club members.

· Select “Manage Profile”

· Under “Networking & Careers” select “Career Postings”

· To submit an opening, click on the “Submit an Opening” feature. Complete all required information and it will be queued for administrative approval.

· To view job postings, select “Search Openings;” You can narrow you search by filling out keywords, locations, etc. or search all openings.

*For more detailed instructions visit: www.lawyersclubsandiego.com/page/CareerCenter

HOW TOHOW TO

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Lawyers Club Annual Supporters 2017Diamond Annual SponsorCasey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield LLP

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PatronsMr. Marc Adelman Ms. Cynthia Cwik Ms. Joan Friedenberg Ms. Danielle Hickman Ms. Patricia Hollenbeck Hon. Judith McConnell Hon. Paula Rosenstein Ms. Tracy Skaddan Ms. Tamera Weisser

Sustaining MembersHon. Cynthia Aaron Ms. Alison Adelman Ms. Amanda Allen Mr. Steve Allen Ms. Anna Amundson Ms. N. Denise Asher Hon. Katherine Bacal Hon. Jeffrey Barton Hon. Cynthia Bashant Ms. Elaine Becerra Ms. Wendy Behan Mr. Harvey Berger Hon. Laura Birkmeyer Ms. Gayle Blatt Hon. Jill Burkhardt

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Mr. Lawrence Huerta Mr. Richard Huver Hon. Joan Irion Hon. Carol Isackson Ms. Angela Jae Chun Ms. Jessica Jagir Mr. Jay Jeffcoat Ms. Kitty Juniper Ms. Rebecca Kanter Hon. Julia Kelety Mr. Garrison Klueck Mr. Gregory Knoll Mr. James Koerber Mr. Peter Lynch Ms. Kathryn Maas Ms. Michele Macosky Hon. Barbara Major Ms. Jerrilyn Malana Ms. Lilys McCoy Hon. M. Margaret McKeown Hon. Pennie McLaughlin Ms. Julie Mebane Ms. Danielle Moore Mrs. Misty Moore Hon. Dwayne Moring Ms. Sandra Morris Ms. Michelle Neff Mr. David Noonan Mr. Ron Oberndorfer

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We appreciate our annual sponsors and events sponsors! To learn more about sponsoring Lawyers Club, contact Elaine Lawrence at (619) 595-0650 or [email protected]

President’s CircleMr. Charles Bird Ms. Betty Boone

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Hon. Sharon Majors-Lewis Ms. Virginia Nelson Hon. David Oberholtzer

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Silver Annual SponsorsBest Best & Krieger LLPBlanchard, Krasner & French, APCBrown Law GroupCalifornia Western School of LawCooley LLPDLA Piper LLP (US)Esquire Deposition Solutions, LLCFish & Richardson, P.C.Foley & Lardner LLPHaeggquist & Eck, LLPHiggs Fletcher & Mack LLPJackson Lewis P.C. Jones DayKnobbe, Martnes, Olson

& Bear, LLP Kramm Court ReportingLittler Mendelson, P.C

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Annual Corporate Sponsors – Package A Aptus Court Reporting DTI Global

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San Diego | Del Mar Heights | Silicon Valley | Austin | Phoenix

Procopio applauds our very own Jamie Quient

for her phenomenal service as Lawyers Club President,

and gives a warm welcome to incoming president, Olga Álvarez!


We are proud to continue our support of Lawyers Club of San Diego and its outstanding service to the legal community.

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