News

2019 Employment Practices Liability Program Defense Panel Recruitment for University of California

The University of California Office of the General Counsel in partnership with the Office of Risk Services, Employment Liability Practices Program is conducting a Request for Proposals to select a limited number of preferred outside law firms to represent The University and its employees in employment related claims and/or lawsuits.  Employment related claims exposure is covered by the University’s General Liability Self-Insurance Program and generally includes claims of wrongful termination, unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation arising out of employment with the University.  Labor disputes, union grievances, and arbitrations are not covered by University’s Employment Liability Practices Program; as such, this type of work is not part of the work ordinarily performed by panel counsel. 

The purpose of this recruitment is to secure high–quality, cost–effective legal services from qualified law firms and attorneys who would be available for retention and assignment for individual claims and legal actions at the University’s ten campuses and five medical centers statewide.  Please see the attached RFP document for full details.

Interested law firms may apply by using the application available below.  The deadline for submission of the completed application is March 15, 2019. 

https://www.ucop.edu/general-counsel//epl-program-rfp.html

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/changes-local-rules-proposed-become-effective-june-1-2019

Several openings for program staff: http://www.innercitylaw.org/careers/.

Staff Attorney - Homeless Veterans Project (Full-Time Position) 

Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm on Skid Row. We are looking for extraordinary people to help us end homelessness in Los Angeles. Founded on the fundamental principle that every person should always be treated with dignity and respect, ICLC fights for justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, people who are disabled or homeless, people living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans. Over the next six months, we will add about a dozen talented and diverse lawyers, paralegals, and other staff to our team so that we can serve far more people. 

Position Description: ICLC seeks a talented full-time Staff Attorney with 0-3 years experience to provide free legal services to help homeless veterans with disabilities gain access to critical income-support benefits. This position is part of a new partnership with the County of Los Angeles and other community nonprofits to develop an efficient and effective VA benefits application program. The Staff Attorney will lead trainings, provide technical assistance, and review completed applications for case managers at partner organizations. The Staff Attorney will also carry a caseload and directly represent veterans throughout the Los Angeles County in cases related to VA disability benefits, military discharge upgrades and traffic tickets. 

The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team and will share responsibilities related to the program, such as identifying systematic problems within the VA benefits application process and developing strategies to resolve them. This may include working directly with staff and leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Staff Attorney may also participate in other projects related to improving these systems and may perform other duties as needed. 

Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values. Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills. Strong teaching and public speaking skills. Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks. Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work independently and as part of a team. Ability to use good judgment, multitask, and meet deadlines. Experience in developing and leading trainings. Experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, and people who are low-income and/or homeless. Membership in the California Bar or another State Bar is required. 

Compensation: Salary range is $45,000-$55,000. Excellent benefits. This position is funded for three years, with a possibility for extension based on future funding. 

How to Apply: Cover letters and resumes are reviewed upon receipt and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please email your resume, cover letter detailing interest in the position, and three references to Ketayma Stewart, Hiring Consultant at careers@innercitylaw.org 

ICLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition. All qualified applicants with criminal histories shall be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. 

OCWLA Community, In continuing OCWLA's 2019 theme of EmpowHer™, the organization is executing its plan for a fantastic 2019. Here is this month's brief update with some upcoming opportunities you can look forward to. January Recap: In January, Scott Garner and Suzanne Call Spencer came out to speak to the organization on the updated to the ethics guidelines. In addition, OCWLA hosted a casual coffee meet-up for members and interested members to network. Also, a small contingency of members participated in the Women's March. Membership Renewals are Due: Don't forget to renew your membership for 2019! In addition to significantly discounted membership rates at our events, you will have access to our membership directory and discounted membership rates for our affiliates California Women Lawyers and National Association of Women Lawyers. There are discounted membership rates for attorneys in their first 5 years of practice and government attorneys. In addition, law students and new admittees (first year of practice) receive complimentary membership. Members who have not renewed their membership by February 28 will be dropped from the current membership roster. RENEW NOW Upcoming Events: Saturday, Feb. 16 - Hike with YLD - OCWLA is partnering with YLD for a family friendly hike. The 2.85 mile route is in El Moro Canyon in Crystal Cove. Meet with current OCWLA members and friends to determine if OCWLA membership is right for you! Monday, Feb. 25 - Book Club: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine  - Our popular book club continues to grow. Grab a book off your bookshelf to participate in the book swap. Tuesday, March 5 - Membership Mixer & Wine Tasting - This popular event will be held on Fat Tuesday at Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach. Take a minute to celebrate Mardi Gras by wearing your favorite beads and stopping by the photo booth with your friends. This event sold out last year and is expected to this year as well. Register early. Friday, March 8 - CLE: Getting a Seat at the Bench: Lessons from Female Leaders of the Judiciary - featuring Hon. Josephine L. Staton, Hon. Kathleen O'Leary, Hon. Glenda Sanders, and Hon. Kim Hubbard. OCWLA is very excited to have this amazing panel speak with us, especially during Women's History Month. This program provides 1 hour of Elimination of Bias credit. Other Opportunities: Award Nominations: The deadline is approaching for award nominations for the Judge of the Year, Attorney of the Year, and Advancement of Women Awards. Be sure to submit your nomination prior to February 15, 2019. Annual Sponsorship Package: Our 2019 Annual Sponsorship Package is available. For one flat rate, sponsors are featured at OCWLA's four signature events and receive recognition all year long. Committees: Serving on a committee is an excellent way to get engaged with OCWLA. If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, please contact me. The Gala Committee is an excellent opportunity to get involved with OCWLA. Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer women in our legal community. Cheers, Michelle A. Philo OCWLA President General Counsel Adtile Technologies Inc.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 

Registration: 11:30 a.m. • Program: 12:00-1:00 p.m. 

-Brown Bag Lunch- 

LOCATION: 

OCBA Headquarters • 4101 Westerly Place • Newport Beach, CA 92660 

SPEAKERS: Chelsea Burkett & Linda El Awar 

Please join Mommy Esquire for a powerful presentation on keeping our children safe at school. You may already be familiar with the allegations that a teacher at the Marlborough School in Los Angeles sexually abused his students for years before the abuse came to light. A survivor of that abuse, Chelsea Burkett, will be joining Mommy Esquire to share her story. She, along with moderator Linda El Awar, will also discuss how to prevent such abuse and developments in the legal space around this topic. 

If you would like to sponsor lunch, please contact Abby Meyer at ameyer@sheppardmullin.com.

Download Flyer

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2019, four women in the District Attorney’s Office were appointed to positions of leadership. Beth Costello, Kimberly Doyle, Nicole Nicholson, and Susan Price were promoted from Acting Assistant District Attorneys to Assistant District Attorneys. They will oversee the Central Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center, GRIP/Gang Injunction Unit, and West Justice Center, respectively. On Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that Assistant District Attorney Alison Gyves, who led the South and Central divisions of the Gang/TARGET Unitfor 2 years, would now be the first woman to oversee the Homicide Unit. We are so proud of everything these women have accomplished during their time at the office and have full confidence that they will continue this amazing work in their new roles. These promotions were effective on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019.

Comments sought:

This e-mail is to inform you that a new proposal has been posted to the California Courts web site, at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm.

The Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions has approved for posting for public comment its 34th release of proposed revisions and additions to the civil instructions (CACI). This release includes proposed new and revised instructions including one revocation, in response to developments in the law over the last six months. The committee is very interested in your input.

The proposed changes and additions are available for viewing on the internet at http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm . Only these currently proposed changes and additions are being submitted for comment at this time. We will gladly accept other comments, but the committee will not be able to consider them until the next release cycle. 

Our preferred way of receiving your comments is in a Word file attached to an e-mail sent to civiljuryinstructions@jud.ca.gov. However, you may also respond online.  And we have also posted a comment form that you may use to comment on individual instruction or groups of instructions. Please do not comment by Reply All to this e-mail.

Comments by letter should be sent to:

Mr. Bruce Greenlee, Attorney

Judicial Council of California

Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions

455 Golden Gate Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94102

The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, March 1, at 5:00 p.m.

All comments will be reviewed by the advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Judicial Council's Rules and Projects Committee and then to the full council. Comments received will become part of the public record of the council's action.

When submitting comments, please:

• Indicate whether you agree with the proposal, would agree with the proposal if it is modified, or do not agree with the proposal.
• Clearly identify the specific language in the instruction that you are commenting on.
• Suggest alternative language, if appropriate.
• Provide any applicable authority for your position.

We encourage your comments and critique because they help us refine both the particular instructions and the more global choices about format and approach.  We appreciate your participation in this effort.

On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions, Hon. Martin J. Tangeman, Chair

Please find amended rules with an effective date of January 22, 2019 HERE. The rules were amended by the Judicial Council at its January 15, 2019, business meeting. To see the meeting materials, please go to the council’s meeting page at http://www.courts.ca.gov/jcmeetings.htm.

On January 4, 2019, Orange County Women Lawyers Association kicked off the year with a viewing of On the Basis of Sex.  The film features Felicity Jones as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a span in her lifetime from law school through her first oral arguments. 

Several members met for a happy hour prior to the movie and over 40 attorney and judicial members showed up with significant others, daughters, and friends to watch the limited release film.  It was simply a delight to watch this film with a group that understands the pressures of the legal profession – both with our colleagues as well as the impact it has on our personal lives.  The moments of laughter were not only humorous, but also a shared understanding of what we, or our fellow women attorneys that have paved the way before us have endured.  If viewers weren’t a fan of the NotoriousRBG before the film, they were when they left the film. 

A special thank you to the event co-chairs and OCWLA board members Jessica Munk of the Law Office of David W. Wiechert and Tracy Hughes of the Orange County District Attorney’s office for executing the planning of this successful event over the holiday season.

Michelle A. Philo
OCWLA President
General Counsel
Adtile Technologies Inc.

OCWLA Community, On behalf of Orange County Women Lawyers Association, Happy New Year! The OCWLA Board of Directors conducted its board retreat and the planning for another fantastic year is under way. The energy of this group of women is simply contagious. I am incredibly fortunate to lead this team. The theme for 2019 is EmpowHer™. Along with the organization's mission statement, we are dedicating our efforts to empowHer women in our Orange County legal community with a variety of networking events, invigorating CLE topics, and of course, our signature Annual Gala, Mardi Gras Membership Mixer, Women Judges Reception, and Holiday Installation Dinner. We started this year with a screening of On the Basis of Sex, a movie about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Over 40 women attorneys and judges, along with their friends, spouses, and children turned up on a Friday evening to enjoy the film. My goal this year is to provide you with a brief monthly update of what you can expect from OCWLA each month. Membership Renewals are Due: Don't forget to renew your membership for 2019! In addition to significantly discounted membership rates at our events, you will have access to our membership directory and discounted membership rates for our affiliates California Women Lawyers and National Association of Women Lawyers. There are discounted membership rates for attorneys in their first 5 years of practice and government attorneys. In addition, law students and new admittees (first year of practice) receive complimentary membership. RENEW NOW Upcoming Events: Friday, Jan. 11 - CLE: Ethics 2.0: California's New Rules of Professional Conduct featuring Scott Garner and Suzanne Burke Spencer to discuss the updates and changes to the rules. Make sure you grab that elusive ethics credit before the reporting deadline. Saturday, Jan. 19 - Women's March - We heard you! Several members have expressed a desire to march with the OC Women's March in Santa Ana. An email will be sent as soon as a meeting point is decided upon. If you would like to march with OCWLA, please email info@ocwla.org to express your interest. Monday, Jan. 28 - Book Club: Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Our popular book club continues to grow. Grab a book off your bookshelf to participate in the book swap. Tuesday, Feb. 12 - Save the Date: Mardi Gras Membership Mixer & Wine Tasting! This popular event will be held on Fat Tuesday. Stay tuned for registration details. Other Opportunities: Award Nominations:  Award nominations are now available for our Judge of the Year, Attorney of the Year, and Advancement of Women Awards. Nominations are due by February 15, 2019. Philanthropy Applications: Since 2010, OCWLA has donated more than $110,000 to our local community. OCWLA will continue its history of charitable giving. Applications for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants are due by January 31, 2019.   Annual Sponsorship Package: Our 2019 Annual Sponsorship Package is available. For one flat rate, sponsors are featured at OCWLA's four signature events and receive recognition all year long. Committees: Serving on a committee is an excellent way to get engaged with OCWLA. If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, please contact me. The Gala Committee is an excellent opportunity to get involved with OCWLA. Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer women in our legal community. Cheers, Michelle A. Philo OCWLA President General Counsel Adtile Technologies Inc.