News

Kutak Rock seeks an experienced environmental attorney to join its Environmental & Natural Resources Practice Group. This position may be located in any Kutak Rock office location: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Fayetteville, AR; Irvine, CA; Kansas City, MO; Little Rock, AR: Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Rogers, AR; Scottsdale, AZ; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; Tallahassee, FL; and Washington, D.C.

I have included the full job description below. Interested individuals may apply at: https://www.kutakrock.com/general-content/careers

We would like to share this position with the Orange County Women Lawyers Association. Please let me know what further information is required.

Thank you!

Sarah E. Anderson

Talent Acquisition & Compliance Specialist

Kutak Rock LLP

901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1000, Richmond, VA 23219

sarah.anderson@kutakrock.com

p: 804.343.5248   f: 804.783.6192

Job Summary Kutak Rock seeks an experienced environmental attorney to join its Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Group. Our team works closely with our colleagues across practice groups at Kutak Rock nation-wide to provide advice and counseling on environmental risk and liability to Kutak Rock clients. Attorneys in this role regularly interface with colleagues across offices and practice groups and engage directly with clients. This is an opportunity to grow an already established practice with a broad existing client base that includes state and local governmental entities, publicly and privately held corporations, not-for-profit groups, and lending organizations.

This position may be located in any Kutak Rock office location: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Fayetteville, AR; Irvine, CA; Kansas City, MO; Little Rock, AR: Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Rogers, AR; Scottsdale, AZ; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; Tallahassee, FL; and Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities Advise on matters associated with:

• Mergers and acquisitions
• Real estate, tax credits, and financing transactions
• Permitting related to stormwater, air, and water emissions
• Risk mitigation
• Federal, state, and local statutory and regulatory compliance
• Emerging contaminants
• Renewable energy projects
• National Environmental Policy Act

Qualifications

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Law degree (JD) from an ABA accredited law school
• Bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 5+ years of environmental law experience in the public and/or private sector
• Experience with federal law and standards (including but not limited to CERCLA, NEPA, RCRA, TSCA, FIFRA, CWA, CAA)
• Familiarity with state and local environmental regulatory requirements
• Experience with pollution legal liability insurance and prior defense sites preferred, but not required
• Portable business preferred, but not required

Position Information Salary Range: $150,000 - $400,000, commensurate with experience and location
Position Status: Exempt
Workplace Type: Hybrid

Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Flexible Spending Plan. Health Savings Account. Fertility coverage assistance. Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Retirement benefits. Discretionary bonuses. Nine Paid Holidays per calendar year. Bereavement, jury duty, military leave. Employee Assistance Program. Back-Up Care. Domestic Partner Benefits. Commuting Benefits. Some of the foregoing benefits include Employer/Employee cost sharing.

Additional Information Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).

About The Firm Kutak Rock was formed in 1965 with a commitment to exceptional client service delivered with a collaborative, team-focused approach. Our founding charter commits the firm to “allow and encourage each individual within it to be a full person,” and we strive to offer an exceptional professional environment, intellectually challenging and engaging work in multiple disciplines, competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for training and career development. We are a leading national law firm with locations in 19 cities united by our common commitment to our core values of client service; integrity and fairness; innovation; and inclusiveness and diversity.

We are dedicated to the maintenance of a respectful, collegial, communicative, and equal opportunity workplace that encourages and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship. We measure our success not just on the basis of our revenues or our profits, but by the satisfaction we deliver for our clients and the health, engagement and loyalty of our people.

The UC Irvine mock trial team is hosting an elite mock trial tournament this January, featuring top schools from across the county. We are very much in need of attorney volunteers from the community to serve as competition judges.

More than half of all students who participate in mock trial are women, but year to year, our judging pool is often 60-75% male. This year, we hope to actively recruit more female attorneys to serve as judges. In our view, female representation among judges at these events can be an important part of showing ambitious young women that they belong in law.

Would you please share the details of our upcoming mock trial tournament with your membership at OCWLA? Here is our information for folks who are willing and able to help:

We are in need of judges for a collegiate mock trial tournament taking place on Jan. 6th & 7th at the University of California, Irvine.

You can sign up to judge by clicking HERE. Please sign up by Dec. 15th.

The trials: The trials are approximately three hours long and require no preparation. There will be two days of trials, both consisting of a morning round from ~9:00 to 12:00 PM and then an afternoon round from ~2:00 to 5:00 PM. Depending on your availability, you can judge as many or as few as you would like.

The case: This year’s case is a criminal matter about a heist that occurred at a charity gala. Each trial, the prosecution gets to pick one of two defendants to charge, selecting either (1) one of the alleged robbers ("Poe Cameron") or (2) a local billionaire accused of funding the operation ("Berkley De la Porta"). The evidence, charges and witnesses available vary across the rounds, which makes each trial unique and interesting to watch.

Judge orientation: Before each round, we will hold a 30-minute judge orientation session. In that session, we will explain how to judge the trials, how to score the trial ballot, and other logistics. No other preparation is needed to judge (i.e., you don’t need to read any part of the case ahead of time).

Judge check-in will open 30 minutes before the orientation session, making morning check-in at 8:00 AM and afternoon check-in at 1:00 PM each day. During both days of the trials, we will be providing bagels, coffee and lunch.

Here's the link to sign up: https://forms.gle/AUn3MDN2zC1C8KbR9

The IRS Office of Chief Counsel is the largest tax firm in the country with approximately 1,500 attorneys, and Small Business/Self Employed is the largest Chief Counsel division with attorneys assigned to 47 field offices, including four different offices in Southern California.  At this time, we have an open announcement to fill many GS-12 to GS-14 attorney positions throughout the country, including at our California field offices in Los Angeles, Laguna Niguel, Thousand Oaks, and San Diego.  Please see the link below for the vacancy announcement and note that the deadline to apply is December 29, 2023.  However, application reviews and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis so we encourage anyone interested to apply as soon as they can.  Please share this announcement with your members and encourage interested members to apply.

Vacancy Announcement #: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/735874700

Open Period: 07/10/2023 to 12/29/2023

For more information regarding what it’s like to work at Chief Counsel, please follow this link to learn about the many benefit programs and to read different attorney profiles.

It’s time for OCWLA’s annual election for ten (10) Director positions. The time commitment for an OCWLA Director (or Officer) is a one (1) year term, and includes:

1. Attendance at the OCWLA monthly Board meetings (on the fourth Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noticed);
2. Attendance at the OCWLA monthly lunch or evening programs;
3. Participation in OCWLA committees; and
4. Participation in the Board Planning Retreat.

Collegiality and camaraderie are all integral to the OCWLA Board experience.

If you are interested in running, please submit a short Candidate's Statement and photo (optional) to us by the close of business on Friday, October 20, 2023, via email: info@ocwla.org. The 2024 Slate of Director candidates will be presented to the membership via e-blast the following week.

Elections are held online and in-person in November. Online voting will close on November 8. In-person voting will occur during the start of the OCWLA November lunch meeting on November 9 at Avenue of The Arts, Costa Mesa. Election results will be announced at the end of the lunch meeting.

Installation of the 2024 Board of Officers and Directors takes place at the OCWLA Holiday Reception & Installation Dinner on November 29, 2023.

We are very excited about your interest in joining the OCWLA Board. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@ocwla.org.

CRIMINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS (CALCRIM)

CALCRIM 2023-02

Title: Criminal Jury Instructions: Revisions Proposed Rules, Forms, Standards, or Statutes Revised Jury Instructions

Summary: Revisions to user guide and jury instructions reflecting recent developments in the law and user suggestions.

Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Monday, November 27, 2023 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

The National Association of Women Lawyers’ General Counsel Institute (“GCI”) is a multi-day program of networking, education, and inspiration designed for senior in-house women counsel. Sessions with the general counsel of major corporations and other inspirational speakers foster frank, collegial discussions about career advancement. Workshops on key topics with leading experts provide opportunities to refine skills. GCI creates a unique environment to connect with other women counsel, share the highs and lows of in-house life, and build legal and leadership skills. Join NAWL on November 8 – 10 in New York as they focus on “; Extraordinary Times: Leading Through Change and Uncertainty”. Please note that attendance at GCI is limited to in-house counsel and sponsors. As a member of the Orange County Women Lawyers Association, you’ll receive 10% off your registration by using a discount code: please email info@ocwla.org for your code.

Dorsey is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate with two to four years of experience to join our Southern California office in Costa Mesa. This associate will work closely with partners on a wide variety of employment litigation matters, including wage and hour class actions and single plaintiff cases, as well as advice matters. Experience with organized labor and union negotiations is a plus.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a proven foundation in employment litigation who is ready to take the next step in their career. 

Qualified candidates will have:

- A JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school;
- Two to four years of employment litigation and counseling experience in a law firm setting;

- California bar admission
- Excellent analytical and writing skills; 
- Excellent verbal communication; 
- Strong academic performance

Examples of what you’ll be working on over time, with increasing responsibility: 
- Defend single-plaintiff cases and play a substantial role in managing complex litigation including class actions.
- Recommend and collaborate with partners on case strategy and tactics.
- Substantial brief writing.
- Argue motions in court.
- Interview witnesses and prepare fact presentations for litigated matters.
- Draft discovery requests and responses to discovery requests.
- Take and defend depositions.
- Substantial trial work, as required.
- Provide increasingly complex employment law advice and counsel based on experience.
- Proactively maintain workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures.
- Maintain electronic and paper files.
- Manage case dockets, dates and deadlines for client projects and legal filings.
- Assist with special projects and cooperate as a team member with co-workers.

For California applicants only, the salary range for this position is $200,000 - $240,000. Pay is determined based on depth of experience in the practice area. The individual hired for this position may have the option of electing a lower billable-hours track with a proportional reduction in salary. Associates are eligible to participate in Dorsey’s associate bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions.

Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; domestic partner benefits (for same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners); Dorsey & Whitney 401(K) Retirement and Savings Plan; 15 weeks of paid parental leave, plus an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for lawyers who give birth; adoption assistance; back-up child care program; education and college advising programs; well-being programs and activities; a 24/7 employee assistance program with confidential counseling; and more!

Dorsey values the strength that comes from a diverse and inclusive work environment. It contributes to the success of our people and our clients and enriches our experience. We believe that everyone should feel at home and part of our community.

You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey participates in E-Verify.

About Dorsey

Clients have relied on the international law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP since 1912 as a trusted legal advisor and valued business partner. With locations across the United States as well as Canada, Europe and Asia, Dorsey provides an integrated, dedicated approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey’s diverse client base includes more than one-third of Fortune 100 companies.

Our lawyers apply superb legal knowledge and skills with practical wisdom and a deep understanding of business and industry. We serve clients in nearly all industries, but focus on six key industries in which we have excellent depth and a history of achieving client success: 

- Banking and Financial Institutions

- Development and Infrastructure

- Energy & Natural Resources

- Food, Beverage & Agribusiness

- Healthcare

- Technology

Among Dorsey’s many distinguished alumni are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, noted law professor and scholar William Prosser, Minnesota’s first woman judge Betty Washburn, former U.S. Vice President and Ambassador to Japan Walter Mondale, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Corporation Counsel of the City of New York Zachary Carter, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Recognized for our dedication to community, Dorsey has met the ABA Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge every year since the Challenge began in 1993 by devoting more than 3% of billable hours to pro bono work.

One of our greatest strengths is a friendly, cooperative culture that values and appreciates each individual. Dorsey has received external recognition for our welcoming workplace, including:

- Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)

- Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)

- 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)

- Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

How to Apply
Dorsey accepts online applications at http://www.dorsey.com/attorneyjobs. We do not accept application materials by mail or email except as a reasonable accommodation for qualified disabled applicants. Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5033.

Technology

SP23-08

Title: Technology: Final Findings & Recommendations of Advancing the Hybrid Courtroom

Summary: The Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) is responsible for making recommendations for improving the administration of justice through the use of technology and for fostering cooperative endeavors to resolve common technological issues with other stakeholders in the justice system. In 2021, the ITAC initiated a workstream to work on a framework for courtrooms that are optimized for proceedings involving any number of physical

or remote participants. After assessing and reviewing the current implementation of hybrid courtrooms, the workstream now requests your input on the draft of the Final Findings & Recommendations for developing standards for hybrid courtrooms.

Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Thursday, October 12, 2023 at, 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

This position requires a hybrid schedule (2 days on site, 3 days remote per week).

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Job Title: Counsel 3

Job Code: 000202

Salary Grade: MSP 27

Payscale: $129,600 - $190,000 annual, with salary placement based on skills, knowledge, and experience.

Benefits information can be found at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/benefits-of-belonging.html

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a writing sample with a minimum of 10 pages - maximum of 20 pages demonstrating the applicant's analytical/persuasive skills.

Please apply via this link: https://ucla.in/45jbymR