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The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 1
“Official publication of the Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association”
Member of Legal Secretaries Incorporated - educating California’s legal professionals - www.lsi.org
Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association
March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11
** CALL FOR NOMINATIONS **
Notice of Meeting TOPIC: Ethics of Data Management and Privacy
DATE: Tuesday, March 20, 2018
TIME: Dinner at 6:30 p.m. / Speaker at 7:15 p.m. (approximate times)
PLACE: TAIX French Restaurant 1911 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026
213.484.1265
Valet ($3.50) or street parking available
MENU: (1) Roast Chicken (TAIX famous farmer’s style roast chicken) or
(2) Pasta Monégasque (penne pasta with tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil)
(meal includes bread, green salad, soup, dessert, and coffee/tea)
PRICE: $29.00 LALSA/LSI Members – $33.00 Non-Members
SPEAKER: Charles Adams, Chief Tech. Officer, Myriad Technologies
Mr. Adams is a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner and a member of the High Technology Crime
Investigation Association. Prior to Myriad, he was the founder and president of Digital Litigation
Services, a company that specialized in scanning, database design, and electronic data discovery.
Mr. Adams started his legal career as a paralegal after earning his BS in Computer Science from
California State University, Los Angeles.
RESERVATIONS: (please include entrée of choice)
Rita L. Burnett, CCLS
310.695.8222 / [email protected]
*Visitors are welcome!*No shows will be billed for meal* *CCLS Credit available – Bring your Certificate*
MCLE/CCLS CREDIT OFFERED: LOS ANGELES LEGAL SECRETARIES ASSOCIATION is a local association of LEGAL SECRETARIES, INC. (LSI®), an approved provider which certifies that this activity has been approved for minimum continuing legal education credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of at least 0.50 hours of which 0.00 hours will apply to the legal ethics/law practice management/prevention, detection and treatment of substance abuse and emotional distress/elimination of bias credit. This credit is available for all legal professionals, attorneys, paralegals, and secretaries.
Editor: Reynalda Nogales, CCLS [email protected]
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 3
SPECIAL INTEREST
Court Holiday (State) .......................................... 5
Civics Contest For High School Students ............ 7
IRS News .............................................................. 9
Scholarship News ........................................... 9, 24
State Court News ......................... 11, 14-15, 17-19
Play on Words .................................................... 18
Did You Know? .................................................. 20
California Courts of Appeal News ............... 21, 23
U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Central District........... 25
Naturalization Ceremonies ................................. 25
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit .... 27
U.S. Court of Federal Claims News ................... 27
Job Hunting? ....................................................... 27
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Rita L. Burnett, CCLS, President’s Message ....... 3
Past and Current LALSA Presidents .................... 4
History of LALSA ................................................ 4
Upcoming Events ................................................. 5
Birthday Celebrations ........................................... 6
Holistic Therapy ................................................... 6
Directory/Board and Chairpersons ....................... 6 Holly Wong, CCLS, Scholarship Chair Message ... 9, 24
LSI Quarterly Conferences (May/Aug/Nov) ...... 20
Dates to Remember ............................................ 20
Code of Ethics .................................................... 23
Legal Specialization Sections ............................. 25
Standing Committees ..................................... 29-30
ADVERTISERS
Court Reporters Unlimited ................................... 2
Advertising Fee Schedule ................................... 26
REFERENCE / FORMS
LA County Forum of Legal Secretaries Seminar . 8
LSS Lunch and Learn Webinar .......................... 10
CCLS Exam Application .................................... 12
Call for Nominations .......................................... 13
Civil Litigation Walk-Through Program ............ 16
LSI Discovery Classes ........................................ 22
LSI Scholarship Application .............................. 24
LSI Publications ................................................. 28
LALSA Membership Application (renewal) ..... 31
LALSA Membership Application (new) ............ 32
Greetings members.
I hope this President’s Message finds you happy and well.
We had a frigid blast during the month of February. I hear
spring is just around the corner. I can hardly wait!
I would like to thank our advertiser/member Karyn
Abbott of Court Reporters Unlimited (see p. 2) who
graciously accepted the duty of leading us in the Pledge of
Allegiance and Liz Beaudine, former long-time LALSA
member, now retired, for reciting the Inspirational Reading
at the February meeting. Thank you!
I would also like to acknowledge our vendors in attendance
at the February meeting, Karyn Abbott of Court
Reporters Unlimited, mentioned above, and Joe Fregoso
of Nationwide Legal. We appreciate our vendors and
look forward to seeing them at future meetings.
Become a California Certified Legal Secretary (“CCLS”)!
Although there is a CCLS exam on the 17th of this month,
the second annual exam is on September 15. Mark your
calendars! This eight-hour exam covers the following
seven topics:
(1) California legal procedures
(2) legal terminology
(3) performance skills
(4) reasoning and ethics
(5) law office administration
(6) communications and
(7) legal computations
Good luck to those who are sitting in for the March 17
exam. For further information, please visit www.lsi.org.
Go to the CCLS Certification under the Programs tab and
explore the possibilities of becoming a CCLS.
Our general meeting is on March 20. We will also hold
our Election of Officers on that day. Are you thinking
about taking a more active role in the Los Angeles Legal
Secretaries Association? Check out the Call for
Nominations on page 13 and the Standing Committees
on pages 29-30 for more information. Questions? Contact
me at your convenience.
Until we meet again, please be safe.♣
Message from President
Rita L. Burnett, CCLS [email protected]
4 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association
Established in 1931, the Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association
(LALSA) is a member of Legal Secretaries, Incorporated, (LSI) a
nonprofit mutual benefit corporation organized for the purposes of
providing educational, professional, and personal development
programs to its members. Some of the objectives of LALSA are:
To unite and further encourage networking of persons engaged
or interested in any phase of legal work
To promote the interest of legal professionals and support staff
To provide continuing education and professional development
through seminars and workshops
To stimulate professional attainment through the Legal
Specialization Sections and the California Certified Legal
Secretary program
To create a high standard of ethics among members
To provide quarterly and annual conferences as a means of
bringing legal professionals together
Membership is open to anyone within the legal profession. In
addition to legal secretaries, the membership includes court clerks,
court reporters, paralegals, legal assistants, legal administrators,
banking/trust department personnel, attorneys, and judges.◙
1. 1931-32 Edith G. Beaty
2. 1932-33 Rena Brewster
3. 1933-34 Martha Miller
4. 1934-35 Evelyn E. Atwood
5. 1935-36 Norma McAfee Pease
6. 1936-37 Helen Steele Bergerson
7. 1937-38 Doris P. Zimmerman-Buys
8. 1938-39 Inez Ingram
9. 1939-40 Ruth B. Hughes
10. 1940-41 Sabina Ross
11. 1941-42 Marjorie Heyer
12. 1942-43 Jean Hecker
13. 1943-44 Vivienne T. Layport
14. 1944-45 Helen Gray
15. 1945-46 Pauline Kinsel
16. 1946-47 Meyo Mora Garcia
17. 1947-48 Louisa H. Kanter
18. 1948-49 Mignons Gandy
19. 1949-50 Ruth Nelson Tiernan
20. 1950-51 Myrtle Johnson
21. 1951-52 Hazel Crabb
22. 1952-53 Betty Yancey Lucas
23. 1953-54 Val Klenzing Perry
24. 1954-55 Gladys Plato
25. 1955-56 Mary Parker
26. 1956-57 Mildred Cruger
27. 1957-58 Margaret Pjerrou
28. 1958-59 Lillian Imlach
29. 1959-60 Vera Welke Stoddart
30. 1960-61 Vera Wilke Stoddart
31. 1961-62 Marjorie Heyer
32. 1962-63 Lillian Imlach
33. 1963-64 Mary Parker
34. 1964-65 Helen Keevan
35. 1965-66 Val Kelenzing Perry
36. 1966-67 Henrietta McCartney
37. 1967-68 Ophelia Ortiz Ferguson
38. 1968-69 Margaret Pjerrou
39. 1969-70 Grace Woods and
Violet Antonson (6 mos. ea.)
40. 1970-71 Violet Antonson
41. 1971-72 Grace Davis
42. 1972-73 Grace Davis
43. 1973-74 Frances Villarreal
44. 1974-75 Gloria Grimes
45. 1975-76 Gloria Grimes
46. 1976-77 Louisa Jensen
47. 1977-78 Helen Feldman
48. 1978-79 Mary Cochran
49. 1979-80 Mary Cochran
50. 1980-81 Patricia V. Banks
51. 1981-82 Patricia V. Banks
52. 1982-83 Margaret Tovar
53. 1983-84 Margaret Tovar
54. 1984-85 Linda A. Scholten
55. 1985-86 Linda A. Scholten
56. 1986-87 Margaret Tovar
57. 1987-88 Margaret Tovar
58. 1988-89 Betty J. Sykes
59. 1989-90 Betty J. Sykes
60. 1990-91 Micaela Chacon
61. 1991-92 Micaela Chacon
62. 1992-93 Noёl Sorensen
63. 1993-94 Noёl Sorensen
64. 1994-95 Noёl Sorensen
65. 1995-96 Julia Evans
66. 1996-97 Julia Evans
67. 1997-98 Julia Evans
68. 1998-99 Noel Sorensen
69. 1999-2000 Noel Sorensen
70. 2000-01 Patricia V. Banks
71. 2001-02 Patricia V. Banks
72. 2002-03 Patricia V. Banks
73. 2003-04 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
74. 2004-05 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
75. 2005-06 Mickie Chacon
76. 2006-07 Mickie Chacon
77. 2007-08 Mickie Chacon
78. 2008-09 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
79. 2009-10 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
80. 2010-11 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
81. 2011-12 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
82. 2012-13 Margaret Tovar, CCLS
83. 2013-14 Julia Evans and
Patricia V. Banks, PLS/CCLS
84. 2014-15 Julia Evans and
Patricia V. Banks, PLS/CCLS
85. 2015-16 Julia Evans and
Patricia V. Banks, PLS/CCLS
86. 2016-17 Rita L. Burnett, CCLS
87. 2017-18 Rita L. Burnett, CCLS
LALSA’S PRESIDENTS
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 5
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
San Gabriel Valley LSA Topic: News & Updates / L.A. County Recorder
Date: Thursday, March 1
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Embassy Suites
211 East Huntington Drive, Arcadia
RSVP: [email protected]
L.A. County Forum of Legal Secretaries Topics: (1) PDF Tips & Tricks and (2) LASC E-filing
Date: Saturday, March 3 (see p. 8)
Times: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Place: Embassy Suites
211 East Huntington Drive, Arcadia
RSVP: [email protected]
Legal Specialization Sections Topic: Lunch & Learn Webinar: Ethics for the Legal
Professional
Date: Thursday, March 8 (see p. 10)
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Place: Online
RSVP: www.lsi.org
L.A. County Bar Association Event: Civil Litigation Walk-Through Program
(Event Code 031718LAC)
Date: Saturday, March 17 (see p. 16)
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Place: LASC, Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles
RSVP: www.customers.lacba.org; 213.896.6560
Legal Secretaries Incorporated Class: State Court Discovery (6-week course)
Date: March 19 through April 30 (see p. 22)
Place: Online / work-at-your-own pace
RSVP: [email protected]
Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association Topic: Ethics of Data Management and Privacy
Date: Tuesday, March 20 (see p. 1)
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. (approx.)
Place: TAIX French Restaurant
1911 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
RSVP: [email protected], 310.695.8222
Y
E
A
R
March 30
César Chavez Day
César Estrada Chávez, an American farm worker,
labor leader, and civil rights activist, co-founded
with Dolores Huerta the National Farm Workers
Association, which later became the United Farm
Workers (“UFW”).
His public-relations approach to unionism and
aggressive but nonviolent tactics made the farm
workers’ struggle a moral cause with nationwide
support.
By the late 1970s, his tactics had forced growers to
recognize the UFW as the bargaining agent for
50,000 field workers in California and Florida.
After his death he became a major historical icon
for the Latino community, and for liberals
generally, symbolizing militant support for workers
and for Hispanic power based on grass roots
organizing and his slogan “Sí, se puede” (Spanish
for “Yes, it is possible” or, roughly, “Yes, it can be
done”).
The legal holiday bill introduced by then State
Senator Richard Polanco (Los Angeles-D) was
signed into law by then Governor Gray Davis (D)
on August 18, 2000.
The holiday is celebrated in California on his
birthday. This marked the first time that a labor
leader or Latino has been honored with a public
legal holiday.
March 31, 1927
April 23, 1993
wikipedia.org
6 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
Libbie Jo, Sonia, Betty, Nancy, and Denise
LALSA wishes you a very happy birthday!
Happy birthday tooo YOUUUUU
Happy birthday tooo YOUUUUU
Happy birthday DEAR
Libbie Jo Snyder 03-03
Sonia Padilla 03-15
Betty J. Sykes 03-15
Nancy Xander 03-22
Denise Holden 03-31
Happy birthday tooo YOU and many
MORRRRRRE!
Holistic Therapy (www.thoughtco.com)
Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association
2017-2018 OFFICERS & CHAIRMEN – CONTACT INFORMATION
President Rita L. Burnett, CCLS 310.695.8222 [email protected]
First Vice President/
Program Chair
Yolanda Angelina Tapia 562.745.7703 [email protected]
Second Vice President/
Membership
Margaret Tovar, CCLS 562.556.4790 [email protected]
Recording Secretary Sarah Fierro 323.722.6595
Treasurer Julia Evans 213.629.7031 [email protected]
Governor Patricia V. Banks, PLS/CCLS 323.235.3850 [email protected]
Advertising Chair Reynalda Nogales, CCLS 213.488.7211 [email protected]
Career Promotion /
Scholarship Chair
Holly Wong, CCLS 909.445.9133 [email protected]
Chapter Achievements Patricia V. Banks, PLS/CCLS 323.235.3850 [email protected]
Historian Sarah Fierro 323.722.6595
Newsletter Editor Reynalda Nogales, CCLS 213.488.7211 [email protected]
Parliamentarian Donna Garlow 213.443.5576 [email protected]
Reservation Chair Open Open Open
Ways and Means Mily Mason
Standing Committees and available positions – see pp. 29-30
Citrine (yellow quartz) carries the
healing properties of the sun. It expands
the auric field, filling it with light and
clearing away any lingering etheric
toxins. It brings optimism and
cheerfulness and focuses on balancing
the solar plexus chakra, which in turn
integrates the lower and higher chakras.
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 7
2018 Civics Contest http://www.cacb.uscourts.gov/2018-civics-contest
The United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the
Central District of California invite interested high school
students to participate in an essay and video contest
with cash prizes (local contest). The top three
finishers of the local contest automatically move
forward to compete with students in the nine western
states, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands
(Ninth Circuit Contest).
The prompt for is “What does equal protection
mean to students?”
Students should consider how Congress and the
courts have applied the Equal Protection Clause to
high schools, colleges and graduate schools, whether
in admissions, classroom instruction or athletics.
Relevant legislation includes Title VI and Title IX of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973; and the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act of 1990. Significant court cases
include Mendez v. Westminster School District
(1947); Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
(1954); Lau v. Nichols (1974); Regents of the
University of California v. Bakke (1978); Grutter v.
Bollinger (2003) and Gratz v. Bollinger (2003); and
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
(2017).
Individual students can express their thoughts and
ideas in an essay of between 500 and 1,000 words.
Individuals and teams of up to three students can
produce a 3-5 minute video on the theme. A student
may submit only one essay and be involved in the
production of only one video.
The essay or video should:
(1) Demonstrate an understanding of the historical
background of the Equal Protection Clause;
(2) Explain the constitutional powers and rights
relevant to the court cases and laws mentioned
above; and (3) Discuss the important role of the Judicial
Branch in preserving the rights of Americans to equal
education.
The contest submission period ends April 1, 2018. To
be eligible to participate, students must be in grades 9th
through 12th and live in one of the following counties:
Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino,
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, or Ventura.
Winners of the local contest in each category will
receive the following prizes: $1,000 to First Place; $750
to Second Place, and $500 to Third Place.
Additional Recognition: First place winners of the
local contest and a parent/guardian will receive an
invitation to attend the 2018 Ninth Circuit Judicial
Conference in Anaheim, California, where the Ninth
Circuit Contest winners will be announced.
Cash prizes for the Ninth Circuit Contest, which are in
addition to the prizes for winners of the local contest,
are as follows: $2,000 to First Place; $1,000 to Second
Place, and $500 to Third Place.
If a student wins first place in both the Local Contest
and Ninth Circuit Contest, that student would win a
total of $3,000 in cash prizes.
Teacher Appreciation: Selected teachers who assist
students with their essay or video submissions may be
eligible to receive cash prizes. The generous donations
of various organizations and bar associations made
these teacher appreciation prizes possible.
Complete rules and entry instructions are available at:
http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest.
For more information regarding the local contest,
contact Jessica Garibay at 213.894.0507 or at
[email protected]. (link sends
e-mail)
Relatives of the United States District and Bankruptcy
Courts’ employees are not eligible to participate.
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 9
LSI’s EULA MAE JETT
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
(Deadline for Application: March 1)
Would you like to continue your education to
become a legal secretary, paralegal, court reporter
or legal administrator? Take this opportunity and
apply for a scholarship to obtain free money to
assist with tuition and school-related costs.
Every year, Legal Secretaries, Inc. offers the Eula
Mae Jett Scholarship program which awards six
scholarships with a combined total of $9,000 to
deserving individuals desiring careers in the legal
profession.
Two Eula Mae Jett Scholarship Program
applicants are chosen for each of the following
categories:
Category A – High School Senior
Category B – College Student
Category C – Career Change Student
First place winners receive $2,000 each and
second place winners receive $1,000 each.
Again, the application deadline is March 1, 2018
(see Application on p. 24). Further information
regarding the Eula Mae Jett Scholarship can be
found at www.lsi.org under the Programs tab. I
am also available to answer any of your questions.
The names of the 2018-2019 scholarship
recipients will be announced at LSI’s May
Conference.
Eula Mae Jett, Founder LSI
Message from …
Holly Wong, CCLS
Scholarship Chair [email protected]
Six-Reasons to E-File
For taxpayers who still file a paper return, there is no
better time to switch to e-file. Choosing e-file and
direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and
safest way to file a complete and accurate income tax
return and receive a refund.
Here are the top six reasons why taxpayers should file
electronically in 2018:
It is accurate and easy. E-file software helps
taxpayers avoid mistakes by doing the math. It guides
filers through each section of their tax return. The
software uses a question-and-answer format that
makes doing taxes easier.
It is secure. E-file meets strict security guidelines. It
uses modern encryption technology to protect tax
returns. The IRS continues to work with states and tax
industry leaders to protect tax returns from identity
theft refund fraud. This effort has helped to put strong
safeguards in place to make tax filing a safe and secure
option.
It is convenient. Taxpayers can buy commercial tax
software to e-file right from their home computer.
They can also ask their tax preparer to e-file their tax
return. Most paid preparers must file their clients’
returns electronically.
Most e-filers get their refunds faster. When
someone files electronically, there is nothing to mail
and the return is virtually mistake-free. This means the
fastest way for a taxpayer to get a refund is to combine
e-file with direct deposit.
It’s often free. Many taxpayers can e-file for free
through IRS Free File. Free File is only available on
IRS.gov. Some taxpayers may also qualify to have
their taxes e-filed for free through IRS volunteer
programs. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers
free tax preparation to people who generally earned
$54,000 or less. Tax Counseling for the Elderly
generally helps people who are age 60 or older.
There are several options for making payments. Taxpayers who owe taxes can e-file early and set up
an automatic payment on any day until the April
deadline. They can pay electronically from their bank
account with IRS Direct Pay. Taxpayers can visit
IRS.gov/payments for information on the other
payment.
www.irs.gov
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 11
Los Angeles County
VAN NUYS EAST COURTHOUSE:
The Van Nuys East Courthouse, located at 6230 Sylmar Avenue, reopened on February 20. It had
been closed since January 29 due to flooding from a burst pipe.
The Van Nuys East Jury Assembly Room remains temporarily located at the Van Nuys West
Courthouse. Jurors scheduled to report to the Van Nuys East Courthouse are to report to the Van Nuys
West Courthouse where they will be given instructions. The Van Nuys West Courthouse, 14400 Erwin
Street, Van Nuys, is located directly across the plaza from the Van Nuys East Courthouse.
The cafeteria remains closed.
CIVIL and FAMILY:
As of February 2, limited case files are maintained electronically and constitute the official record. The
ability to view and request copies of electronic documents from any public access terminal located in the
Clerk’s Office is now achievable. To expedite scanning of documents, all pleadings are filed in the
Clerk’s Office, except as required by law.
Counsel and parties are instructed to identify the assigned judicial officer and department on the first
page of all documents filed with the Clerk, beneath the case number, to ensure proper departmental
assignment, calendaring of hearings, and the distribution of documents.
FAMILY LAW:
o Five Family Law courtrooms began hearing cases at the Whittier Courthouse (7339 South Painter
Avenue). Two courtrooms hear restraining order matters. A Clerk’s Office and Sheriff’s Office are
located in the building. The judicial officers who hear Family Law matters, along with supporting
clerical staff, court reporters and interpreters, relocated to the Whittier facility.
In addition to the Family Law courtrooms, the following support services are available:
Children’s Waiting Room Domestic Violence Clinic
Family Law Court Services Self-Help Resource Center
Family Law Facilitators
www.lacourt.org
STATE COURT NEWS
Continued on p. 14
Alameda County
As of January 8, the County shuttle going to Hayward Hall of Justice opened to the public. The free
Hayward Shuttle service can be taken from BART, Monday through Friday, from 6:38 a.m. to 7:18 a.m. and
9:18 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.alameda.courts.ca.gov
14 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
STATE COURT NEWS
Continued from p. 11
Continued on p. 15
Los Angeles County (cont.)
FAMILY LAW (cont.):
o As of January 2, the Santa Monica Courthouse converted Department F from a general Family Law
courtroom to a long-cause trial and settlement courtroom which continues to handle restraining order
cases. Self-Help Center services continues at the Santa Monica Courthouse.
JUVENILE:
o As of February 20, all North District juvenile delinquency operations have relocated to the
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse (42011 Fourth St. West, Lancaster).
Departments 285 and 286 relocated to the 2nd floor and were renamed as Departments A09 and A08
respectively. The phone numbers were designated as follows:
Department A08: 661.483.5508 / Department A09: 661.483.5509
o As of January 2, the Court no longer accepts direct filings of the Applications/Petitions to Seal
Juvenile Records. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 5.830(a)(3)(A), the application to seal
records must be submitted to the LA Probation Department Office in which wardship was
terminated.
PERSONAL INJURY (PI):
As of February 1, Court files for cases assigned to the PI Courts at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse are
no longer maintained in a paper format. All records for these cases are recorded and stored in an
electronic format (Government Code § 68150).
The paperless record storage system does not apply to PI cases filed at the North District Personal
Injury Hub Courts, which continue to maintain paper Court files.
Electronic files may be viewed without cost on any of the public access computers located in the
Courthouses, or for a nominal fee from the Court’s website. Requests for paper copies of filed
documents can also be obtained via the public access computers or at www.lacourt.org.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
PROBATE:
Counsel and parties are instructed to indicate the assigned judicial officer and department on the first
page of all documents submitted for filing to ensure proper departmental assignment, calendaring of
hearings and document routing.
www.lacourt.org
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 15
STATE COURT NEWS
Continued from p. 14
Continued on p. 17
Los Angeles County (cont.)
PROBATE (cont):
Documents are now e-filed through a service provider (see website for exceptions). E-filings done by
midnight are deemed filed that day.
Ex parte applications are e-filed by 10:00 a.m., one court day prior to the date of the ex parte hearing.
Oppositions can be e-filed on the same day (after 4:00 p.m. but no later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of the ex
parte hearing). Take a courtesy copy and a proposed order to the hearing.
MUST KNOW
1. PDFs MUST be text searchable
2. Proposed Orders must have a .docx extension (Word is the official format for Proposed Orders)
– submit both a pdf and a .docx version
3. Exhibits must be bookmarked
4. Confirmation receipt of submission is received immediately
5. Filed documents are returned upon Court acceptance (anytime from 2 hours to 2+ days)
To facilitate the transition, the Court will permit electronic filings as listed below:
Permissive Mandatory
Probate As of June 5, 2017
Family Law As of September 5, 2017
Limited Civil As of January 2, 2018
Complex Civil July 5, 2018
Unlimited Civil August 7, 2018 September 3, 2018
Catalina Courthouse (215 Sumner Avenue, Avalon) is in session every other Friday as noted below.
Documents that are NOT time sensitive can be deposited in the Drop Box available at the Avalon Sheriff’s
Station (same location as the Catalina Courthouse). Documents will be processed the next working day.
Except for the following Fridays, documents should be filed at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
(275 Magnolia, Long Beach). Also, the Courthouse will hear matters on the following dates:
March 9 and 23 April 6 and 20
May 4 and 18 June 1, 15 and 29
July 13 and 27 August 10 and 24
September 7 and 21 October 5 and 19
November 2, 16 and 30 December 14 and 28 www.lacourt.org
16 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 17
Orange County
As of January 1, probate Proposed Orders After Hearing are submitted by e-filing after the ruling on a
petition or motion, except for ex partes where the order is submitted as a separate document with the
application.
Once processed, Proposed Orders After Hearing are returned electronically to the email used for e-filing.
Parties should NOT submit proposed orders before the hearing. Pre-submitted orders will be rejected.
For original documents included as exceptions to e-filing, listed on the Court’s webpage, including bonds
and letters, the original must follow and be delivered to the probate Clerk’s Office. www.occourst.org
Los Angeles County (cont.)
Appellate Division: Hearings will be in Department 70, Room 615, at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse,
111 North Hill Street, as follows:
Time Case Types
9:00 a.m. Infraction and Misdemeanor
1:30 p.m. Limited Civil
…on the following dates, subject to further order of the Court:
March 8 and 22 June 14 and 28 October 4 and 18
April 12 and 26 July 12 and 26 November 1 and 15
May 10 and 24 August 9 and 23 December 6 and 20
September 6 and 20
ww.lacourt.org
Merced County
As of February 8, the Self-Help Office has been temporarily closed. Form packets may be purchased in the
Merced criminal Clerk’s Office. www.mercedcourt.org
Monterey County
As of January 4, the civil ex parte calendar time changed to Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. (from 2:00 p.m.) The
calendar is heard in Department 13. www.monterey.courts.ca.gov
STATE COURT NEWS
Continued on p. 18
Continued from p. 15
18 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
San Bernardino County
As of February 12, the Justice Center opened an additional “express” walk-up window option for civil
and probate matters. The window is located on the north side of the Justice Center and is open from
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Justice Center hosts Fine Arts lunch breaks with the Symphony Orchestra from 11:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays:
March 21 April 18 May 16
June 20 July 18 August 15 September 19
As of January, the Big Bear Court holds video proceedings for traffic infractions and misdemeanor
probation modification matters and opens the Clerk’s Office to Big Bear residents every second and
fourth Friday of the month. It also provides video conferencing in the Family and Children’s Services
Division for parents who are unable to attend in-person mediations.
As of January 12, all traffic and non-traffic infraction filings have the option to appear remotely at the
Big Bear District courthouse (477 Summit Boulevard, Big Bear Lake). The courthouse is open on the
second and fourth Friday of each month.
An online portal will also be available to allow pro se litigants access to legal info; the portal will also
allow pro se litigants to complete/submit forms, call the helpdesk, register for workshops, and track the
status of their active case(s). www.sb-court.org
STATE COURT NEWS
Continued from p. 17
Continued on p. 19
For Lexophiles*
This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club,
but I’d never met herbivore. Contributed by Yolanda A. Tapia, First Vice President
*one who derives pleasure from the various uses of words
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 19
Sierra County
As of January 2, the Clerk’s Office counter and phone hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday. www.sierracounty.ca.gov
San Francisco County
Every Friday through June 29, all Clerk Offices close at 1:00 p.m. to allow staff to catch up on filing
documents and other necessary tasks. Courthouses and courtrooms will remain open on these limited
service days, although calendars will be adjusted to accommodate reduced staffing in courtrooms. Drop
boxes are available until 4:00 p.m. E-filed documents must be received by 4:00 p.m. on limited service
days.
The public viewing room closes every day at 1:00 p.m.
From Mondays through Thursdays, all Clerk Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Staff will be furloughed without pay one Friday per month, on a rotation schedule that will result in
reduced staff every Friday (except Court holidays). www.sfsuperiorcourt.org
STATE COURT NEWS Continued from p. 18
Santa Clara County
As of January 22, a $2.05 fee is charged per e-filing transaction in which e-filing is mandatory.
In order to provide public access to electronically file Court documents online, the Court incurs
technology development, maintenance and operational expenses. Pursuant to California Rules of Court,
Rule 2.253 (b)(5), the Court may impose a fee for the costs of providing these services. www.scscourt.org
Ventura County
As of January 1, the Unlawful Detainer calendar moved to Mondays at 8:30 a.m., in courtroom 23, with
Commissioner Anthony J. Sabo presiding. If Monday is a holiday, then the calendar is heard on Tuesday.
Unlawful Detainer ex parte hearings are scheduled at 8:15 a.m.
www.ventura.court.ca.gov
Santa Barbara County
The courthouse parking lot is under construction through September 22 – alternate parking is on the
upper levels of the mall parking structure (entrance on Cook Street).
www.sbcourts.org
20 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
DATES TO REMEMBER
03-01 Scholarship applications due to Holly Wong, CCLS (see pp. 9, 24)
03-11 Daylight Savings Time begins – turn clocks forward by one hour (ends November 4)
03-17 CCLS examination! Best wishes to all courageous CCLS exam participants!
03-17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
04-17 Last day to file income taxes (Why? April 15 falls on a Sunday and Monday is a D.C. holiday)
http://www.lsi.org/conferences/
Caffeine and Lack of Sleep
Caffeine can mask your drowsiness
symptoms, which can be beneficial if
you are tired and need to concentrate
on a task, meeting or project.
However, when caffeine wears off,
you may find you feel even more
fatigued. Caffeine can cover up your
drowsiness, but it does not make it go
away entirely.
If you find you are especially sleepy
a few hours after consuming caffeine,
this has more to do with your lack of
sleep than it does the caffeine you
consumed.
Also, says Men’s Health, caffeine is
a diuretic—it makes you urinate a
lot, which may dehydrate you.
Dehydration too can make you feel
sleepy. Men’s Health says you have
to consume a lot of caffeine to get the diuretic effect, however.
www.goviter.com
May 17-20 Beverly Garland, North Hollywood
Host: San Fernando Valley LSA Contact: TBD
November 9-11 Silver Legacy Hotel, Reno, Nevada
Host: Santa Clara County LPA Contact: Elise Dresser, endresser@gmail, 408.375.4437 or
Linda Neuman at [email protected], 408.839.5106
August 17-19 Hilton, Stockton
Host: Stockton San Joaquin County
Contact: TBD
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 21
Courts of Appeal
Second District (Los Angeles):
Beginning in March, the Self-Help Clinic will be by Appointment only.
Appointments for the Self-Help Clinic can be made by calling 213.830.7234 on Tuesdays
between 8:00 a.m. and noon. Clinic staff will confirm appointments by telephone or e-mail
no later than 4:00 p.m. that same day. Appointments will be for the next day the clinic is
open, which is usually Wednesday.
Priority for appointments will be given to the first ten callers who were not served in the
Clinic the previous week.
Those who do NOT receive appointment confirmation by 4:00 p.m. on the day of their call,
do NOT have an appointment and will NOT be admitted to the Clinic.
www.courts.ca.gov/2dca.htm
Third District (Sacramento):
The Court announced its intention to destroy the following criminal, juvenile, and civil
records under Rule 10.1028(d) of the California Rules of Court:
Sealed material in case numbers C016000 to C021999
Civil and criminal case numbers C0018000 to C020999
All criminal and juvenile cases (excluding those with published opinions) are preserved for
at least 20 years. All civil cases (excluding those with published opinions) are preserved for
at least 10 years.
If anyone knows of a reason why a particular case, among the above numbered cases,
should be retained, notify Colette M. Bruggman, Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer, in
writing setting forth in detail the reason(s) for retention. All requests must be received
by March 11, 2018, and be addressed to:
Colette M. Bruggman
Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer
Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
914 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, California 95814 www.courts.ca.gov/3dca.htm
STATE COURT NEWS
Continued on p. 23
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 23
LEGAL SECRETARIES INCORPORATED’S CODE OF ETHICS
It shall be the duty of each member of Legal Secretaries, Incorporated, to observe all laws, rules, and regulations now or hereafter in effect relating to confidentiality and privileged communication, acting with loyalty, integrity, competence and diplomacy, in accordance with the highest standards of professional conduct.
Dedicated in memory of Joan M. Moore, PLS, CCLS, LSI Past President 1980-1982
STATE COURT NEWS
Courts of Appeal (cont.)
Third District (Sacramento) (cont.):
The Court is considering amendments to its Conflict of Interest Code. Anyone wishing to
comment on the proposed amendments may do so in writing no later than March 15.
Comments may be submitted to:
Colette M. Bruggman
Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer
Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
914 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, California 95814
or by email to [email protected].
www.courts.ca.gov/3dca.htm Sixth District (San Jose):
The Court announced its intention to destroy the following criminal, juvenile, and civil
records pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 10.1028(d):
All criminal and juvenile cases (excluding those with published opinions)
designated in records transfer lists 63, 64, 67, and 68 encompassing criminal and
juvenile cases preserved for a period longer than 20 years.
All civil cases (excluding those with published opinions) designated in records
transfer list 103 and 104 encompassing civil cases preserved for a period longer
than 10 years. Records transfer lists 63, 64, 67, 68, 103, and 104 are available in
this document and can be accessed via bookmarks. www.courts.ca.gov/6dca
Continued from p. 21
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 25
It’s “better to be safe than sorry.”
Some may say “a stitch in time saves
nine.” What can we do to prepare
ourselves and prevent legal mistakes
from happening?
Legal Specialization Sections
(LSS), offered by Legal Secretaries
Incorporated to keep its members
alert and ahead of the curve, is a
good source and is only $20 a
section ($75 if joining all six
sections simultaneously). Future
members can join a section for $40
($150 if joining all six sections at the
same time). Each section specializes
in a particular practice:
1. Civil Litigation
2. Criminal/Family Law
3. Federal Law
4. Law Office Administration
5. Probate/Estate Planning
6. Transactional Law
Statewide roster of all members in
each section, quarterly newsletters
and, last but not least, free quarterly
workshops are granted to LSS
members.
See website for membership details
www.lsi.org/legal_specialization.php
or email [email protected].
FEDERAL COURT NEWS Legal
Specialization
Sections
Prepare
yourself –
join LSS!
Naturalization Ceremonies www.lacclink.com
Date Time Location
March 20 9:00 a.m. Los Angeles Convention Center
South Hall
1301 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
March 20 1:30 p.m. Los Angeles Convention Center
South Hall
1301 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.cacd.uscourts.gov
USBC Central District
As of February 12, the Bankruptcy Court’s Los Angeles
Division Intake Section permanently relocated to:
Edward R. Roybal
Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
Room 100 on the Terrace Level
255 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
The new location is adjacent to the courthouse cafeteria.
Debtors and other parties eligible to file printed paper
documents in Los Angeles Division bankruptcy cases
and adversary proceedings must do so at the new
location.
The newly relocated Intake Section will also provide
other services that had been available at the previous
location, such as access to Court records.
www.cacb.uscourts.gov
Continued on p. 27
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 27
LOOKING FOR WORK?
To get announcements of job openings, request to be added to LALSA’s job
search e-distribution list by sending your email address to [email protected].
FEDERAL COURT NEWS
U. S. Court of Federal Claims
When filing a new complaint or petition in the United States Court of Federal Claims, be
sure to include the Court’s recently updated cover sheet, available on the Court’s website.
For more information on filing a complaint or petition, visit the Court’s website or call the
Clerk’s Office at 202.357.6406. www.uscfc.uscourts.gov
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
With less than one month until the Federal Circuit's implementation of NextGen
CM/ECF, electronic filers should be completing their preparations for transitioning to the
new system.
As part of the transition, electronic filing will be inaccessible
between 9:00 p.m. (Pacific) on Friday through Sunday,
March 16 through March 18.
By Court Order, March 16 will be treated as a legal
holiday for purposes of deadline calculation.
See www.cafc.uscourts.gov/nextgen for the full order and latest implementation notice.
On March 3, the Court will go live on the Next Generation of the national Case
Management and Electronic Case filing system (NextGen CM/ECF).
Additional information and instructions on how to begin preparing for NextGen CM/ECF
are available at the Court’s website. www.cafc.uscourts.gov
The Legal Secretarian March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 www.lalsa.info 29
LOS ANGELES LEGAL SECRETARIES ASSOCIATION
STANDING COMMITTEES
_____ AUDIT COMMITTEE - makes an annual audit of the books of the Treasurer, and at such other times
as the Executive Board may order. After completion of the audit at the end of the fiscal year, the
books of the Treasurer shall be transferred to the successor.
_____ BAR LIAISON COMMITTEE - encourages good public relations with the bar associations in the
area by offering service and assistance where possible.
_____ EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE - keeps on file information pertaining to members who are
available for employment and shall assist in placing them in positions, without charge, and acquaint
law offices of this service.
_____ BENEFITS COMMITTEE - encourage members through the bulletin and verbally at meetings to
enroll in the benefits program available to members through LSI, by making them aware of the
benefits and providing them with necessary application forms and brochures.
_____ INTERCLUB RELATIONS COMMITTEE - encourages the exchange of ideas for promoting the
advancement of the Association in the community, and represents the Association at meetings of
business organization and neighboring legal secretaries associations.
_____ LEGAL PROCEDURE COMMITTEE - devises and recommends means of education of all
members in legal forms and procedures; assists the programs committee in furnishing speakers to
promote continuing legal education, and when requested by the Executive Board, shall conduct a
course of study to assist members to become better legal secretaries; and assist the CCLS chairperson
in the performance of her duties.
_____ LEGAL SECRETARIAL TRAINING/SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE - acts as liaison between
the Association and the classes sponsored by it in adult education or junior college institutions; and the
chairperson shall obtain Certificates of Completion for sponsored classes, assist the LSI representative,
Governor and President in obtaining applicants for the local and LSI scholarships and act as the
Association’s contact with scholarship recipients.
_____ MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE - receives and screens all applications for membership, certificates
of transfer and reinstatement, and submits recommendations thereon to the Executive Board in
accordance with Article III, Sections 2 and 8; the Second Vice President shall be chairperson of this
committee.
_____ NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE – is composed of a chairperson and two
members, who shall be selected by the Executive Board prior to the regular February meeting of the
Association and shall perform the duties as stated in Article X.
(page 1 of 2)
30 www.lalsa.info March 2018 ▪ Volume 86 ▪ No. 11 The Legal Secretarian
_____ CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED LEGAL SECRETARY (CCLS) COMMITTEE - encourages members to
participate in the LSI examination for a CCLS rating and supervises any course of CCLS study approved by
the Association.
_____ PROGRAM COMMITTEE - responsible for securing speakers and/or entertainment for the programs of
all regular meetings except as otherwise provided and for reserving place of meeting, with approval of the
Executive Board; the First Vice President shall be chairperson of this committee and shall be assisted by the
chairperson of the legal procedure, social, interclub relations, and public affairs committees; and the Director
of Public Relations shall be an ex-officio member.
_____ PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE - assists the program committee in securing speakers on public matters
and consistent with the objective of this Association; and supplies to the members information on pending
legislation and other matters of interest.
_____ RULES COMMITTEE - receives all suggestions for proposed amendments to these bylaws and prepares
them in proper form to submit to the membership for consideration. It shall be the duty of this committee to
conform sections of these bylaws affected by action of LSI, and so inform the members.
_____ SOCIAL COMMITTEE - arranges for and supervises all social activities of this Association; and its
chairperson shall be a member of the program committee.
_____ WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE – is in charge of planning, supervising and raising funds for such
projects and purposes as the Executive Board may approve.
_____ RESERVATIONS - receives telephone and e-mail reservations; prepares checklist for meeting; advises
program chair of count.
Fill in below and return to any Board Member
or call Margaret Tovar at 562.556.4790 ......................................................................................................................................................................................
I am interested in the _____________________________________ committee(s), please contact me at:
__________________________________ ____________________________
(PRINT NAME) WORK PHONE
__________________________________ ____________________________
E-MAIL HOME PHONE
(page 2 of 2)
