September 2017

LAWYERS CLUB NEWS

INSIDE Annual Dinner and Golf Tournament recaps, Fund for Justice Grantees and more!

For the longest time I searched to find balance. I went to panel after panel in pursuit of the key until I realized that it was my own value system that gave me the answer: What continues to guide my definition of balance may not be the solution for the next person. Therefore, in my humble opinion, one may achieve balance on most days by practicing self-reflection, prioritizing values and defining one’s own vision of success. Time is something I will never get back, and many days I take a deep yoga breath, as I call it, and tell myself that I am doing the best I can with the

circumstances before me. Even as I write this article, I am visiting my family in Texas, sprinkled in glitter from helping my sister prepare for my niece’s quinceañera.

This month’s luncheon topic is family leave. The reality is that 43 percent of highly qualified women will leave the workforce to care for their children. But women don’t only care for their kids. They are also the primary caregivers for

President’s Message to Members

Juggling, balancing or taming the lions of modern life?By Olga Álvarez

As often as I answer the question, “how do I juggle and balance it all?,” one would think that I had left my law practice and joined the circus. I am certain that every other working woman in the U.S. faces these questions as well. For those women who stay at home taking care of their children, they have my unwavering respect; I stayed at home for almost a year with my infant twins and that is the hardest job I have ever had, hands down.

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

Continued on page 3

Danielle Moore Kristen Knepper Patricia Hollenbeck

The Work-Life Balance Committee invites you to join Lawyers Club on September 28 for a luncheon entitled “Career Perspective on Taking Leave: the logistics and implications of taking a leave of absence or negotiating a flex schedule.”Many of us struggle to balance the various roles in our lives and to do justice to the different hats we wear during the course of any given day. Especially challenging is the transition to being a new parent or primary caregiver to elderly parents. These transitions may require us to go off-ramp from the workforce for some time or be on alternative work schedules. However, all too often, instead of taking time-off or negotiating flextime, we push ourselves to “do it all” or put our work before our families. Why? Is it because we are fearful of the negative impact time-off from our careers will have on our career progress, or our dedication to our profession? Is it because we don’t know how to negotiate for time-off or flextime? Sheryl Sandberg, in her book Lean In, aptly writes, “I deeply understand the fear of appearing to be putting our families above our careers. Mothers don’t want to be perceived as less dedicated to their jobs than men or women without family responsibilities.

Continued on page 5

2 september 2017Lawyers Club News2015 Fragomen San Diego LC - 1st Proof.pdf 1 10/6/2015 4:03:27 PM

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President’s Message to Members

Juggling, balancing or taming the lions of modern life?Continued from cover

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.

their elderly parents or relatives. The average caregiver in America is a 49 year-old woman, caring for a 70 year-old elder who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Men, too, assist with parents. However, female caregivers may spend as much as 50 percent more time providing care than their male counterparts. The value of the informal care that women provide ranges from $148 billion to $188 billion annually. Women deliver the majority of informal care to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, friends and neighbors, and they play many roles while caregiving: hands-on health provider, care manager, friend, companion, surrogate decision-maker and advocate. Outside of our legal practices, these are the responsibilities that fill women’s plates. We became lawyers to ensure justice in our society. It would be outside of our character to abandon the family members who need us most. Therefore, family leave for our children and for our elderly relatives is critical for us to remain in the legal profession.

However, even with family leave, how do we strike a balance between our professional goals and our personal responsibilities? Is it a balancing act? Am I juggling? An article in the Harvard Business Review compared the career trajectories for CEO women and men, and concluded that the average male playbook to success doesn’t really work

for women. If that’s the case, then reaching my goals in the legal profession may also require that I write my own playbook. To do so means I must define my own success and keep my eye on the prize while making the most of my time with family and friends. Instead of balancing or juggling, I believe I am taming the lions of modern life. The lion represents the societal expectations of everything I am supposed to be as a woman and as a lawyer. My taming methods include picking the expectations I will live by, modifying a few, and tossing the others aside.

What could it mean for others? It may mean working less or working more. It may mean a full-time nanny or no nanny at all. It could include daily meditation or training for a marathon. It may require giving up the luxury car for the coupe. To me, taming the lion means I am pursuing my own goals and living a life without regret. Women can support women by giving each other the freedom to write their own playbooks and live up to their own values without judgment. So, if the description of women’s daily lives must be related to a circus performer then I prefer to be the lion tamer.

4 september 2017Lawyers Club News

HonoredHon. Laura Stuart Taylor, Chief

Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California, is a member of the first session of the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel in which all three panelists are women and also permanent members of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.

Lawyers Club member Stacey Kartchner received a Special Board of Directors Award from the Board of Directors of Federal Defenders and the Board of Directors of Appellate Defenders for extraordinary contributions to the criminal defense community.

Lawyers Club of San Diego was honored with the Girl Scouts of San Diego’s Friendship Award at the Girl Scouts’ annual Volunteer Conference and Celebration August 26. The award recognizes Lawyers Club for supporting the mission of Girl Scouts San Diego.

ElectedTeresa Beck, a partner with Lincoln

Gustafson & Cercos, LLP, will be named vice president of finance of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations at its annual meeting held on August 11 in New York City. Beck practices in the areas of employment law, general civil litigation defense, and construction defect. She also serves clients in the non-profit and visitor/tourism industry.

Kate Langmore is an associate with Cage & Miles, LLP and secretary for the Community Outreach Committee.

About Us

Lawyers Club Members Making NewsBy Kate Langmore

Stacey Kartchner

Teresa Beck

Hon. Laura Stuart Taylor

...changed jobs? ...won any recent awards? ...spoken at a professional conference?

Don’t be shy about sharing the 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 kate@cageandmiles.com. The deadline for each issue of Lawyers Club News is the first of the month.

HAVE YOU...

Lawyers Club

of San Diego402 West Broadway, Suite 1260,

San Diego, CA 92101

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

info@lawyersclubsandiego.com

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

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 mary@lawyersclubsandiego.com.

Lawyers Club News 5www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

We overwork to overcompensate. Even in workplaces that offer reduced or flextime arrangements, people fear that reducing their hours will jeopardize their career prospects.”

If you have struggled with the decision to take time off or negotiate for a flextime arrangement, we invite you to join Lawyers Club on September 28 at the annual balance symposium, sponsored by Sambold Law, Mediation & Arbitration, which will feature attorneys Danielle Moore, Kristen Knepper, and Patricia Hollenbeck in a three-part panel discussion about the right to take leave, how to negotiate leave, and a practical discussion on making the decision to take leave or request a flexible schedule.

Moore will present an overview of the benefits federal and state laws require employers to give to employees with respect to family leave, including maternity/paternity leave and other family leave (e.g., to take care of aging parents). Moore is a partner with Fisher & Phillips, LLP, and co-chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiative and Leadership Council. She represents and counsels employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and personnel policy preparation.

In the second portion of the panel discussion, Knepper will provide practical guidance for negotiating pregnancy benefits, family leave and flex schedules. Knepper is the founder of Kristen Knepper Consulting, and has over 15 years’ experience in creating diverse, high-performing teams. Knepper’s eclectic professional background includes national politics, having served the White House and two United States Senators; legal practice at an international firm; over 10 years of creating high-performing teams at a Fortune 500 technology company; and teaching law and human resources.

Finally, Hollenbeck will tackle the question that often goes unasked – “Just because I can take leave, should I?” She will also discuss the steps that can be taken to address the negative impacts that taking time-off or requesting a flex schedule might have on career momentum. Hollenbeck is an experienced trial lawyer and a Partner at Duane Morris LLP. She is also a past President of Lawyers Club of San Diego and currently serves on the Board of the San Diego County Bar Association. In 2013, Hollenbeck received the Cheryl Blackwell Bryson Leadership Award, presented by the Duane Morris Women’s Initiative. The award recognizes significant contributions to women in the profession, including issues of the professional development of women lawyers and the advancement of women lawyers in the profession.

Victoria Stairs and Priyanka Talukdar, co-chairs of the Work-Life Balance Committee.

Danielle Moore Kristen Knepper Patricia Hollenbeck

The Work-Life Balance Committee symposium on September 28 will feature a diverse panel and perspectives focusing on an employee’s rights to take leave in order to care for a child or family member, or for disability.Continued from cover.

6 september 2017Lawyers Club News

Keynote speaker Teigue Thomas encourages Lawyers Club members to build a personal board of directorsBy Collette Tesauro

Building a “personal board of directors” was the resounding theme of Lawyers Club’s Sixth Annual General Counsel Roundtable Luncheon. The event featured keynote speaker Teigue Thomas, Chief Legal Officer at Vistage Worldwide, Inc., and included engaging and interactive dialogue focused on how and why an individual should build a personal board of directors to provide value and foster individual development, both personally and professionally. The sold-out event, which was presented by the Professional Advancement Committee at the U.S. Grant Hotel on June 15, boasted more than 130 attendees representing a wide cross-section of the San Diego legal community.

During her address, Thomas explained that, much like a company, a personal board of directors will help to optimize decision making, keep the individual accountable, and serve as a key advisor in times of stress. Thomas’ presentation offered actionable take-aways to both identify members for one’s personal board of directors and engage would-be personal board members. Thomas recommended a board of five to ten diverse individuals, echoing the importance of diversity on company boards of directors that has been much-discussed in recent years. Board members may have competency in key areas such as personal health, family and relationships; finance; strategic/out-of-the-box thinking; career advice; and business development. Thomas shared that, in considering her own board of directors, she especially values those individuals whose careers are outside of the legal profession, noting the value she derives from persons who think differently and have driven her to do the same in filling the role of problem-solver for her clients.

Thomas also challenged individuals to consider the role each potential board member will have in their personal and/or professional development when building their personal board. Thomas again referenced her own board, sharing that some of her personal board members are people with whom she has very close personal relationships, having watched each other’s children grow up, while others provide value in one area or aspect of her growth or development and have limited knowledge of Thomas’ personal life. Thomas recommended that attendees building their boards evaluate the role each board member will have in the individual’s growth and development.

The concept that people on an individual’s board of directors may not be aware of such fact became a running theme throughout Thomas’ presentation; it was echoed by India Jewell, Director for Sony Electronics, Inc., who was one of fourteen roundtable leaders in attendance.

Following Thomas’ enlightening presentation, the attendees participated in their own breakout discussions, each of which was guided by local general counsels and senior in-house attorneys. The breakout sessions offered more focused discussions for the attendees to leverage the insight and experience of their assigned in-house attorney with the goal of developing action plans for building a personal board of directors. Following the roundtable discussion, Thomas solicited the attendees to share “a-ha!” moments from the roundtable discussions.

One attendee shared a take-away from her discussion with India Jewell – the importance of just saying “hello.” Jewell, in addressing the reality that many women in the legal profession believe they need to have a reason to contact someone, shared that, in her experience, it is enough to just say “hello” as a means to initiate a dialogue. Jewell cited this practice as the way in which she built a relationship with now-retired Judge Patricia Cowett.

Rupa Singh, another attendee and Professional Advancement Committee member, shared that her “a-ha!” moment was on the reverse end of building a personal board, relating to those for whom she may be a personal board member. Singh noted the importance of being intentional in agreeing to be

General Counsel table leaders gather for a photo before the program begins

Lawyers Club News 7www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

George Ng, General Counsel for Sorrento Therapeutics, leads his table in a lively discussion

LC member Jerrilyn Malana joins in the discussion at Marie Mendoza’s table

a mentor, sharing her realization that “highly intelligent, talented, and driven lawyers who were always destined to succeed call me their mentor…. And they don’t even know I selected them.”

The event offered meaningful, actionable dialogue for attorneys seeking to identify and engage individuals to add valuable and diverse knowledge, insight, and guidance to their lives. Furthermore, it equipped attendees with the knowledge and confidence to seek out personal board members who would encourage their personal and professional growth, whether formally through a mentor-mentee arrangement or simply by building relationships.

The Professional Advancement Committee greatly appreciated the support of the title sponsor for the General Counsel Luncheon, Franklin | Soto LLP, as well as the contributions of Thomas and the following in-house attorneys who generously gave their time and insight as table leaders: Katharine Atlas, Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel, Wickfire Internet Marketing; Angelica Espinosa, Vice President - Compliance and Governance and Corporate Secretary, Sempra Energy; James R. Edwards, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Cubic Corporation; Laurie Hill, Head of Global Intellectual Property, Illumina, Inc.; Denise Jackson, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, AMN Healthcare; India Jewell, Legal Director, Sony Electronics, Inc.; Marcela Mendez, Senior Director and Legal Counsel, Qualcomm; Marie Mendoza, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; George K. Ng, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.; Tracy Skaddan, General Counsel, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest; Steven W. Spector, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Arena Pharmaceuticals; Karla Pinckes, Associate General Counsel, WD-40; and Lynn Whitcher, General Counsel, Md7.

Collette Tesauro is an associate at Brown Law Group and member of the Professional Advancement Committee.

8 september 2017Lawyers Club News

Professor Anita Hill, renowned equal rights activist and scholar, calls on Annual Dinner attendees to be vigilant, persistent, and determinedBy Marissa Kawecki and Kristen Roberts

“As lawyers, we have a powerful role to play in this social movement [for equality]. Tonight we are 800 plus strong. . . . Let’s all be catalysts for change as we stand up, speak out, and take action.” These encouraging words of outgoing president Jamie Quient reflected the activist spirit that dominated the 2017 Annual Dinner. Incoming president Olga Álvarez, Lawyers Club awards recipients, and keynote speaker Anita Hill echoed this message while inspiring and calling dinner attendees to action.

This was the second Annual Dinner held at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. An expansive networking reception flooded the Grand Ballroom Foyer and Grand Terrace, while the dinner was hosted in the Grand Ballroom. And a grand event it was. With over 800 registered guests, this was the largest Annual Dinner in Lawyers Club history. Annual Dinner Title Sponsor Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield LLP, and more than 55 other generous sponsors, helped attract not only Lawyers Club members and sponsors as guests, but also many members of the judiciary and non-lawyers.

Hosted by Annual Dinner Committee co-chairs Tara Duester and Carla Sanderson, the dinner portion began with award presentations honoring three exceptional lawyers for their contributions to the legal community. Nadia Bermudez, a shareholder at Klinedinst PC and a Lawyers Club past president and advisory board member, was presented with the Belva Lockwood award for her outstanding contributions to Lawyers Club. Bermudez concluded her remarks by reminding attendees, “When women work to their fullest potential, families thrive. And when families thrive, communities thrive.”

Hon. Yvonne E. Campos was awarded the Community Service Award for her remarkable commitment to public service throughout her accomplished legal career. Parisma Roshanzamir, who has co-chaired and been active in a number of Lawyers Club committees, accepted the C. Hugh Friedman New Lawyer Award.

The awards ceremony was followed by the annual passing of the gavel from the outgoing president, Quient, to president-elect Álvarez. Both women gave moving speeches, recalling the remarkable contributions of Hill to the equality movement and emphasizing the important role of lawyers in the fight ahead. Alvarez remarked, “I know the reason we became lawyers was to fight for justice—to make this world a better place.”

Álvarez followed by presenting her theme for the coming year: “Leadership—rising to the challenge.” She galvanized the crowd with her first action item: “Take a female attorney to coffee to see if she is getting interesting work, meeting her billable hours, or has a mentor.” She concluded by calling on all lawyers: “We should be an example. Our profession is essential to this great democracy. . . . I ask you to send a clear message that there is no room for gender inequality—not in this profession, and not in this house.”

Kristen Fritz, co-chair of the Bench Bar committee, felt inspired by Álvarez’s “impassioned words rallying the room to continue the important work of Lawyers Club to advance the status of women in the law and society” and remarked, “I look forward to following her charge!”

Keynote speaker Professor Hill then took the stage to thunderous applause. “Everyone has an obligation to do something about it, to prevent it,” counseled Hill, referencing gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace. “We can use our skills to better the conditions of underprivileged citizens.” She

Keynote speaker Anita Hill delivers her address to a packed house

Lawyers Club News 9www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

2017 Annual Dinner co-chairs Tara Duester and

Carla Sanderson with Professor Anita Hill

(Left to right) Kristen Knepper, Bhashini Weerasinghe, Anita Hill, Brigid Campo, and Jamie Quient

Join California Women Lawyers to strengthen Lawyers Club’s voice By Yahairah Aristy

Lawyers Club is proud to be an affiliate of California Women Lawyers (CWL) sharing a common goal to advance women in the law and society. CWL is the only statewide bar association in California for women. Since 1974, CWL has represented the interests of more than 30,000 women in all facets of the legal profession, and has been a major influence for lawyers, educators, students and judges. CWL provides unique resources and support to its members; Whether it is helping new practitioners expand their client base or assisting experienced attorneys in securing positions on the bench, CWL is an invaluable resource for the professional advancement of women lawyers.

CWL’s programming includes an Annual Conference that provides training and resources on a myriad of issues facing women in the legal sector. In addition, CWL provides training for those who seek a judicial appointment or who are planning to run for office. CWL is also active in legislative advocacy, amicus activity and judicial evaluations.

This year past Lawyers Club Board member Renee Galente will be sworn as president of CWL at the 43rd Annual Dinner on October 5 in San Francisco. The theme for this 43rd Annual Dinner is [S]heroes: In Action.

As a voting affiliate of CWL, Lawyers Club will be able to contribute to the advancement of women in the law and society through the efforts of CWL. Please consider joining CWL to strengthen Lawyers Club’s voice at CWL and to continue our pursuit of gender equality in the legal profession.

Yahairah Aristy serves on Lawyers Club’s Board of Directors and is Lawyers Club’s Affiliate Governor to California Women Lawyers. She is a criminal defense attorney at the Office of the Public Defender.

emphasized the importance of not only gender equality, but also racial equality because, “Equality is something that must exist for the whole person.” Hill concluded by rallying the crowd: “We are going to have to step up and participate in ways we used to sit on the sidelines. . . . We must drag our country forward on a whole host of equality issues . . . . We must be vigilant. We must be persistent. We must be determined.”

Lawyers Club members Assly Sayyar, co-chair of the North County Committee, and Rebecca Zipp, who is also a board member and co-chair of the Women’s Advocacy Committee, were struck by Hill’s classification of two types of lawyers: “social engineers” and “parasites.” “She called upon us to be social engineers, to be both lawyers and citizens,” commented Sayyar.

“Anita Hill inspired me to continue to do more. Although we have come so far, there is still so much work ahead in the fight for gender equality,” remarked Alreen Haeggquist of Haeggquist & Eck, LLP, an Annual Dinner sponsor. Melissa San Angelo, co-chair of the North County Committee, agreed adding, “What I enjoyed most about her speech was that her overarching message was that we, as a nation, have to strive for not just equality between genders, but equality for all races. Striving for that equality requires speaking out, standing up, and taking action.”

Marissa Kawecki is a newly-admitted California attorney and former New Jersey prosecutor.

Kristen Roberts is the founder and managing attorney of Trestle Law.

Both are members of the Annual Dinner Committee.

10 september 2017Lawyers Club News

Lawyers Club News 11www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

The San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) represents one of several local non-profit organizations awarded a $1,500 grant from Lawyers Club’s Fund for Justice (FFJ). Established in 1983, SDVLP offers an exceptional range of services throughout the county, including family law services, youth services, restraining orders, non-profit support, HIV/AIDS legal support, and landlord/tenant assistance. In addition, its newly-founded Vision for Justice Collaborative helps immigrants and refugees who are victims of a crime and face civil legal issues. SDVLP serves the most vulnerable members of our community, including the homeless, abused, veterans, and immigrants. More than 75% of its clients are women and children.

SDVLP’s Chief Executive Officer, Amy J. Fitzpatrick, was very grateful and honored to receive a 2016 FFJ grant. She is especially proud of the “very, very long relationship—over 30 years” between SDVLP and Lawyers Club, as well as

“the decades of support of our programs by Lawyers Club members.” Indeed, SDVLP utilized its grant funds to support its annual Women and Families Resource Fair, which has been held in collaboration with Lawyers Club for the past 27 years.

While SDVLP staffs approximately 15 attorneys, it greatly relies on numerous volunteer attorneys and law students who provide pro bono services and assist at SDVLP’s legal clinics. The organization encourages the participation of all interested attorneys, no matter how minimal the commitment and how limited the attorney’s experience. For more information on how to support SDVLP, visit https://www.sdvlp.org/volunteer/.

Marissa Kawecki is a Volunteer Attorney at the Vista City Attorney’s Office and SDVLP.

Fund for Justice awards grant to the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, the county’s oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services programBy Marissa Kawecki

Fund for Justice Grantee, Survivors of Torture International By Bhashini Weerasinghe

SURVIVORS team

In recognition of the 1.3 million torture survivors living in the United States – 35,000 of those in San Diego – Survivors of Torture International (SURVIVORS), was founded in 1997 in the home of the Executive Director and co-founder, Kathi Anderson. Over the last twenty years, SURVIVORS has blossomed into an organization that has assisted more than 2000 men, women, and children who have fled from over 80 different countries. SURVIVORS is uniquely situated to assist survivors not only move beyond the trauma they have experienced by providing medical care and mental health services, but also assist these individuals with securing their legal status within the United States by providing critically important medical affidavits in their asylum cases.

SURVIVORS mainly assists individuals that were tortured because of their identity (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) or because they were

activists in their home country for human rights, women’s rights, and other causes. The “financial support from organizations like Lawyers Club, makes an important difference in the survivor’s lives,” commented Niki Kalmus, Community Relations Manager for SURVIVORS. Go to www.notorture.org to learn more about SURVIVORS, the services they provide, their many success stories, and ways to get involved!

Bhashini Weerasinghe is owner of Law Office of Bhashini Weerasinghe and a member of Lawyers Club’s Fund for Justice Committee.

SURVIVORS Medical Case Manager

12 september 2017Lawyers Club News

1010 Second Avenue | Suite 2400 San Diego | CA | 92101

Solutions Beyond Litigation

619.992.2163

WWW.POKORNYMEDIATIONS.COM

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Action from the greenBy Roxy Carter

Over 140 golfers took action to benefit Lawyers Club and the Fund for Justice by swinging their clubs at Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley. Lawyers Club’s 25th Annual Golf Tournament took place on Friday, June 23, with the support of Champion Title Sponsor, Altep.

Golfers enjoyed the tournament’s ‘scramble format’ and also had the opportunity to participate in several contests, including Hole-in-One, Putting Contest, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Drive. Tournament participants also purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win gift baskets. All participants received goodie bags filled with golf accessories, desktop games and other items donated by the event’s various sponsors and supporters. Golfers also received snacks and treats from generous sponsors throughout the 18-hole course and thoroughly enjoyed the special tee area cocktails available.

Many players expressed their delight at this year’s tournament; “The Lawyers Club Golf Tournament is one of my favorite events of the year and this year was no exception,” commented Jared Quient. “It was a beautiful day; I was surrounded by great company and had the opportunity to support a great cause!” remarked Lawyers Club past president, Deborah Dixon. Dixon further stated, “the golf tournament was once again a perfect day of fun and networking, while supporting the Fund for Justice. The entire day was a great success for the attendees, sponsors and Lawyers Club’s Fund for Justice.”

Both seasoned golfers and those green to the green enjoyed the festivities. “As someone with little to no experience golfing, I had an amazing time,” recounted golf newcomer Assly Sayyar. “Everyone was excited to participate in the scramble and we had great swag and treats at all of the holes thanks to sponsors. I learned a lot about golf and may even participate in lessons next year.”

Immediately following the tournament, golfers and non-golfers attended a reception and dinner where Roxy Carter and Renie Leakakos, Golf Tournament co-chairs, served as MCs to announce the tournament and raffle winners.

The tournament was a successful close to a fantastic and ground-breaking year of action for Lawyers Club. Members and enthusiastic supporters are sure to continue the momentum.

Roxy Carter is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Lawyers Club Director and was co-chair of Lawyers Club’s 2017 Golf Tournament Committee.

This all-female team came prepared with

matching uniforms

The 2017 Women’s Team Tournament Champions

2017 LC president Jamie Quient’s team excitedly awaiting the shotgun start

14 september 2017Lawyers Club News

Lawyers Club News 15www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

LOCAL LEGISLATIONOn July 31, San Diego Councilman Chris Ward introduced an

Equal Pay Ordinance, which would require businesses entering into $500,000+ contracts with San Diego to prove that they compensate their employees adequately, and without regard to gender, race or ethnicity. The proposed ordinance further requires contractors to document employee wages and job classifications, and certify to the City that they will comply with California’s Equal Pay Act and Fair Pay Act. Penalties for violations may include termination of the City contract.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIONThe Lawyers Club Board of Directors recently voiced its support

for several pieces of legislation. Members of the Women’s Advocacy Committee educated the Board about the bills and made recommendations. Ultimately, the Board voted to support five different pieces of statewide legislation.

AB 479: To remove state tax from feminine hygiene products, which are a necessity for girls and women of child-bearing age.

AB 480: Amending law related to CALWORKS to include provision of diapers for infants and toddlers as a measure to aid welfare recipients as they enter the workforce.

AB 569: Seeks to prevent employment discrimination on the basis of an employee’s reproductive health choices; would prohibit an employer from being able to take any adverse employment action based on an employee’s reproductive health care decisions, methods, or the use of any drug, device, or medical service related to reproductive health by an employee or an employee’s dependent.

AB 1209: Would mandate the collection and publication of data on gender pay differentials and is a necessary and crucial component in the fight to achieve pay equality.

SB 230: Related to admissibility of evidence in commercial sex offense prosecutions, SB 230 gives judicial officers the necessary discretion to admit relevant evidence of the defendant’s commission of another commercial sexual offense, providing prosecutors with another arrow in the quiver as they bring these challenging cases to court.

FEDERAL COURTS Second Circuit

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice submitted an amicus brief in the case of Zarda v. Altitude Express, which is before the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In that case, a skydiving instructor sued his employer under Title VII for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The DOJ’s amicus brief argues that discrimination based on “sexual orientation” is not discrimination because of “sex” under Title VII. The brief cites cases

dating from 1990 to 2007, and includes a reluctant “but see” citation to a 2015 EEOC case, in which sexual orientation discrimination is per se sex discrimination under Title VII. It ultimately concludes that “any efforts to amend Title VII’s scope should be directed to Congress rather than the courts.”

Ninth Circuit

In April, an all-male Ninth Circuit panel held in Rizo v. Yovino that paying women less than men – as long as the disparity is based on disparities in previous salaries – does not violate the federal Equal Pay Act.

A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF MILITARY POLICY AND TRADITIONALLY DISENFRANCHISED GROUPS

In 1948, President Truman integrated the military via Executive Order.

In 1973, the military draft ended and the U.S. formed an all-volunteer military, creating new opportunities for women to join the military. Three years later, the first women matriculated at the service academies.

In 1994, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” became official military policy under President Clinton.

President Obama ended “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2011. He extended freedom to serve to transgender service members in 2016.

On July 26, 2017, President Trump announced that transgender persons are now banned from military service, leaving the fate of our military’s 2400+ transgender service members hanging in the balance.

Rebecca F. Zipp is a deputy district attorney at the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, co-chair of the Women’s Advocacy Committee, and a Lawyers Club Board Member.

Legislative Updates By Rebecca Zipp

16 september 2017Lawyers Club News

Member ProfileMember Profile: Jenny KrekeBy Jacqueline Kallberg

Jenny Kreke, director of marketing at Stratos Legal, has been a member of Lawyers Club since 2016. Jenny attended Eastern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Marketing. Jenny moved to San Diego from St. Louis a year ago and though she did not attend law school, she wanted to get involved with a networking group with individuals who enjoy helping others while supporting a great cause. With

that in mind, she chose Lawyers Club of San Diego. At first, she only attended a few events and quickly realized that she wanted to be a member of one of Lawyers Club’s many committees. Jenny joined the Membership Development Committee, the Annual Dinner Committee, the Golf Committee, the Red, White and Brew Committee, and the Community Outreach Committee. As a member of Lawyers Club, Jenny has been involved in so many great events this past year and has made some really great friends within Lawyers Club.

Jenny has already gained so much from Lawyers Club. Not only has she gained great friends and referrals, but she has also been able to explore San Diego’s many wonderful venues and restaurants. When she is not working or

assisting a Lawyers Club committee, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family at the beach. Next time you see Jenny at a Lawyers Club event, make sure to say hi!

Jenny’s Proust QuestionnaireQ: What would you consider your greatest achievement?

A: I used to think my greatest achievement was owning my own business, but now that I am a new mom, my daughter is definitely my greatest achievement.

Q: Where would you most like to live?

A: Here! I have lived on the East Coast and in the Midwest for most of my life, but nothing compares to San Diego.

Q: Which talent would you most like to have?

A: I wish I could sing. I try, but everyone wishes I wouldn’t.

Jacqueline Kallberg is an associate at the law firm of Farmer, Case & Fedor and is a member of Lawyer Club’s Professional Advancement and Networking Committees.

Committee ProfileLawyers Club celebrates record-breaking membership numbers for 2016-2017 By Christine Wu

Lawyers Club reached its highest membership numbers this past June, surpassing its membership goal in the process. With the help of the Lawyers Club Board, committee leaders, and staff, the Membership Development Committee (MDC) focused on enlisting new members, servicing current members, and promoting member participation.

Led by previous co-chairs Sara Simmons and Christine Wu, MDC implemented new initiatives, reintroduced quarterly coffee dates, and continued several endeavors from years past.

“Our goal was two-fold: to grow our membership and to engage our current members. We also strived to recruit more male attorneys because support from our counterparts is critical to achieving our mission for gender parity in the profession,” said Sara Simmons, current Vice President of the Policy and Membership Section.

In early 2017, MDC began its Law Firm Outreach Program, hosting informal meetings at local law firms and organizations to provide membership information for non-members and encourage active involvement from current members. MDC visited several law firms, including Seltzer Caplan, Best Best & Krieger, Antonyan Miranda, Gordon & Rees, and the District Attorney’s Office.

Sandra Morris, a founding mother of Lawyers Club, and Of Counsel at Seltzer Caplan, described her participation in the Law Firm Outreach Program: “This unique opportunity provided Lawyers Club’s champions, members, and prospective members to discuss the benefits of membership and to acknowledge not only how far the profession has advanced since Lawyers Club’s inception in 1972, but also, the continued need for solutions to promote gender equality in the legal profession.”

MDC also brought back Coffee and Conversation (formerly Quarterly Cups) in the fall of 2016. Coffee and Conversation is held every quarter in Downtown, UTC, and Carlsbad. It gives members a chance to talk about Lawyers Club, meet the Board and other leaders, and learn how to be more involved. “I try not to miss coffee and conversation events. It is a great way to make genuine connections with new people,” said committee member Shannon Finley.

Lastly, MDC continued various successful efforts from previous years. Committee members, also known as Membership Ambassadors, attended all Lawyers Club events to meet and greet new and non-members, initiate introductions and connections, and build relationships. Additionally, MDC worked closely with the Board and staff to contact members about renewals. Please renew your membership today if you have not already done so!

Lawyers Club welcomes member involvement. If you are interested in helping Lawyers Club grow, increase awareness about the benefits of Lawyers Club, and expand your professional network, consider joining the Membership Development Committee.

For more information or if your firm is interested in participating in the Law Firm Outreach Program, contact Lawyers Club’s new MDC co-chairs Yahairah Aristy (ayahairah@gmail.com) and Parisima Roshanzamir (paris@roshanzamirlaw.com).

Christine Wu, founder and principal attorney at The Wu Firm, is the 2016-2017 co-chair of the Membership Development Committee and 2017-2018 co-chair of the Bylaws and Policy Advisory Committee.

Lawyers Club News 17www.lawyersclubsandiego.com

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Award-winning representation by some of San Diego’s most experienced trial attorneys is the cornerstone of NoonanLance. Working with clients throughout San Diego County and beyond, the firm strives to serve its clients with efficiency and a focused eye on results.

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Ms. Hannah Brown

Mr. Daniel Agle

Ms. Karen Barragan

Ms. Caroline Betancourth

Mr. Robert Blanchard

Mr. Brian Bloodworth

Mr. Kevin Brown

Ms. Sebrina Brown

Mr. Anthony Campagna

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Mr. Eric Enciso

Mr. Eric Grant

Ms. Elizabeth Harris

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Ms. Kathleen Leifer

Dr. Laura Lloyd

Ms. Tara Murphy

Ms. Kristie Nikoletich

Ms. Natalie Ortiz

Ms. Ofelia Perrano-Taylor

Mr. Mark Rein

Ms. Valerie Ryan

Ms. Shoshannah Spart

Mr. Patrick Stormes Swan

Ms. Lea Trojanowski

Ms. Kacie Wagner

Ms. Emilie Yanagi

New Members

18 september 2017Lawyers Club News

September 2017 Thursday, 9/28/17

Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon: Work-Life Balance 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. US Grant, 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

October 2017 Thursday, 10/19/2017

Lawyers Club Monthly Luncheon: Diverse Women’s Committee 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. US Grant, 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Thursday, 10/26/2017Fall Judicial Reception5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Higgs Fletcher & Mack, LLP401 West “A” Street, #2600 San Diego, CA 92101

Tuesday, 10/31/2017Community Outreach Committee Halloween Read-In11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.Central Elementary School, 4063 Polk Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

Lawyers Club of San Diego is a State Bar of California-approved Multiple Activity Provider (provider no. 1401). (619) 595-0650. Email: info@lawyersclubsandiego.com.

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

Lawyers Club News 19www.lawyersclubsandiego.com Lawyers Club News

Lawyers Club Annual Supporters 2017Diamond Annual SponsorCasey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt

& Penfield LLP

Platinum Annual SponsorsABC Family LawANTONYAN MIRANDA, LLPBoyd Law APCDuane Morris LLPGomez Trial AttorneysLitivate Reporting + Trial Services

Gold Annual SponsorsFisher Phillips, LLPFragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLPKlinedinst PC Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLPWilson Turner Kosmo LLP

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 Mr. Guillermo Cabrera

Ms. Rachel Cano Ms. Linda Cianciolo Ms. Jodi Cleesattle Ms. Diana Coker Ms. Judith Copeland Ms. Danna Cotman Hon. Patricia Cowett Hon. Karen Crawford Hon. Robert Dahlquist Hon. Cindy Davis Ms. Melissa Deleon Ms. Deborah Dixon Hon. Bonnie Dumanis Ms. Christina Dyer Ms. Amber Eck Ms. Jillian Ferrario Hon. Susan FinlayHon. Barbara Gamer Hon. Patricia Garcia Hon. Christine Goldsmith Hon. Irma Gonzalez Ms. Jenny GoodmanMs. P. Camille Guerra Mrs. Kristin Guthrie Hon. Maureen Hallahan Hon. Judith HallerMs. Judy Hamilton Ms. Karen Hewitt Ms. Erika Hiramatsu

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

Ms. Katie Parker Hon. Christine Pate Ms. Stacie Patterson Ms. Anne Perry Ms. Regina Petty Ms. Jamie Quient Ms. Peg Reali Mrs. Stephanie Reynolds Ms. Carra Rhamy Ms. Heather Riley Hon. Charles Rogers Ms. Tracy Rogers Hon. Janis Sammartino Ms. Johanna Schiavoni Ms. Elizabeth Schulman Ms. Abby Silverman Weiss Prof. Jacquelyn Slotkin Ms. Beatrice Snider Hon. Stephanie Sontag Mr. Todd Stevens Ms. Kimberly Stewart Hon. Ronald Styn Ms. Susan Swan Ms. Vickie Turner Hon. Theodore Weathers Ms. Claudette Wilson Hon. Joel Wohlfeil Hon. Margie Gunthardt Woods

We appreciate our annual sponsors and events sponsors! To learn more about sponsoring Lawyers Club, contact Elaine Lawrence at (619) 595-0650 or Elaine@lawyersclubsandiego.com

President’s CircleMr. Charles Bird Ms. Betty Boone

Ms. Candace Carroll Mr. Jose Castillo Mr. Ezekiel Cortez

Ms. Ann Dynes Ms. Heather Forward Mr. Josh Gruenberg

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

Hon. Lynn Schenk Ms. Deborah Wolfe

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

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Noonan Lance Boyer & Banach LLPPokorny MediationsUnion BankUniversity of San Diego School of Law

Annual Corporate Sponsors – Package A Aptus Court Reporting DTI Global

Annual Corporate Sponsor – Package B Huver Mediation

Annual Corporate Sponsor – Package C San Diego Gas & Electric

20 september 2017

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