News

Sent on behalf of Judge Yolanda Orozco and Judge Holly Fujie, Co-Chairs, Judicial Diversity Summit Subcommittee                              

To all Attorneys:

The Los Angeles Superior Court is again convening a Judicial Diversity Summit for attorneys interested in applying to the state court bench. We have confirmed the attendance of Justice Martin Jenkins, Governor Newsom’s judicial appointments secretary and the Chair of the judicial appointments committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.  Please distribute the attached save-the-date flyer to your members.

Judicial Diversity Summit

Stanley Mosk Courthouse

Saturday, September 21, 2019

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Please click on the link to register: JudicialDiversitySummit

 If you have any questions please feel free to contact Marlow Gory at MGory@lacourt.org or (213) 633-1034 or Sandra Gray at SGray@lacourt.orgor (213) 633-0128. 

Thank you,

Judge Yolanda Orozco

Judge Holly Fujie

OCWLA Community, I have received so many messages from members about what a great time they are having with this group and the value they receive through the networking opportunities. The work to EmpowHer™ women attorneys in Orange County is supported by a fantastic board of directors that I am lucky to serve with - Sarah, Sheila-Marie, Kelly, Jaimi, Jessica A., Jacqueline, Betty, Dana, Tracy, Colleen, Jessica M., Laurie, Heather, Lucia, and Amelia. They are all excited about this organization and the energy is contagiously shared with our members. When you see one of our board members at the next event, be sure to introduce yourself and recognize them for the work they do! Join Today for Half Price! As of July 1, you can join OCWLA for half the rate for the remainder of the 2019 year! Be a part of this year as we break our membership records and join today with coupon code "HALFOFF2019". June Recap: In June, OCWLA held its 3rd Annual Membership Mixer at The Resort at Pelican Hill. This sold out event allowed members the opportunity to casually mix and mingle while sharing sips and bites. Both returning members and new members enjoyed the casual atmosphere, while being able to mingle with the representatives from philanthropies OCWLA has supported this year. OCWLA sends a special thank you to Umetech, Inc. for sponsoring the event. Upcoming Events: Friday, July 12 - MCLE: A 360 View on In House Counsel. This fantastic legal panel will focus on the path to obtaining an in-house position to tips for attorneys working with in-house counsel. The panelists include some of our favorite in house attorneys including Ursula K. Guzman, Neha Jaiswal, Monica A. Johnson, and Jenny Wang. OCWLA is excited to host this popular panel! Saturday, July 27 - Philanthropy Opportunity: John's Picnic. OCWLA will be volunteering with one of this year's philanthropy recipients, CASA of Orange County, to support the annual picnic for Orange County's foster children. The picnic provides the children with back to school backpacks, as well as many fun activities. There is limited space available. Volunteers will be provided with an OCWLA EmpowHer shirt to wear at the event. Monday, July 29 - The July book club book is Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books. August - OCWLA is working on plans for a golf clinic. We will keep you updated as the details are confirmed. Thursday, October 3 - The Annual Gala will return to Pelican Hill with an exciting program honoring Hon. Elizabeth Macias as the Judge of the Year and Lei Lei Weng Ekvall as the Attorney of the Year. OCWLA is also recognizing Walsworth Franklin Bevins McCall with the Advancement of Women Award. Registration is now available. Other Opportunities: Sponsor the Gala: OCWLA's 2019 Gala Sponsorship Package is available. The Gala Committee is currently seeking sponsorships and donations to the silent auction. 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 Philo Law Firm, P.C.

Fisher Phillips LLP has an opening in our Irvine office for an employment litigation associate. The job description can be found below. Applicants should submit their resume, transcript, and cover letter, and complete the application at the following link: Fisher Phillips Irvine Career Opportunity.

Description 

The Irvine office of Fisher Phillips seeks an associate with 2-3 years of experience. The ideal candidate will be comfortable drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings, and drafting and arguing motions. Significant experience in employment litigation is preferred, but candidates with substantive litigation experience and a demonstrated interest in labor and employment law will be considered. Candidate must have excellent academic credentials, strong writing and analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. Successful candidate will be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be admitted in California.

Deadline to Apply: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2019

Qualified individuals are now being sought to run for open seats on the Orange County Bar Association's Board of Directors for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2020. Nominations are being accepted for four seats for Directors At Large. All active attorney OCBA members are eligible to run for the Director At Large seats on the Board, regardless of the location of their principal office.

Nominations are also being accepted for the Office of Secretary. The individual elected as Secretary will serve a one-year term in that office beginning January 1, 2020. This is a multi-year commitment. Following their year as Secretary, the individual will be expected to continue to serve on the Executive Committee in the following capacities: Treasurer (2021), President-Elect (2022), President (2023), and Immediate Past President (2024).

The Nominating Committee, chaired by President-Elect Scott Garner, will meet in July to select the slate of candidates for the OCBA election in the fall. Click here for more information or to access the nomination form.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT 

Staff Attorney Slum Housing Litigation 

(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 is seeking a talented full-time Staff Attorney with three to ten years of litigation experience to join our team and work on habitability litigation on behalf of low-income tenants. This position is part of ICLC’s Slum Housing Litigation Team, which combines outreach, education, tenant organizing, and litigation to address housing-related health hazards that threaten vulnerable, low-income tenants. ICLC’s lawyers, paralegals, and organizers seek to improve unhealthy living conditions, preserve affordable housing, protect against retaliation, and recover financial damages. 

The Staff Attorney will litigate against landlords who rent unsafe and unhealthy apartments to vulnerable low- income tenants. The position may also participate in other litigation and policy work related to housing and homelessness and conduct outreach and education efforts. In addition, the position may partner with other legal or tenant advocacy organizations to provide direct client services through tenant clinics, participate in other projects related to improving affordable, safe, and healthy housing for low-income tenants, and perform other duties as needed. The Slum Housing Litigation Team works closely with pro bono counsel from private law firms in the majority of its cases. 

Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values. Litigation experience. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to assume responsibility quickly, and to manage an active caseload independently. Ability to work closely with a team including the Director of Litigation, staff attorneys, paralegals, organizers and administrative personnel. Ability to build trust and rapport with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, and effective manner. Ability to use good judgment, multi-task, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income communities. Membership in the California Bar or another State Bar is required. 

Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits. 

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 Anna Carrillo, HR Coordinator 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. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT 

Staff Attorney 

Tenant Defense 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 to help expand our tenant defense work by holistically addressing a broad range of issues that impact housing stability. A key component of the Staff Attorney position is robust eviction defense representation, including trial work. The Staff Attorney will also perform legal work in a wide-array of areas, including maximizing income through government benefits and increased employability; limited immigration assistance; record expungement; citation defense; credit improvement; debt reduction; and preserving and obtaining housing subsidies. The Staff Attorney will partner closely with traditional homeless services providers and will bring a whatever-it-takes approach to ending and preventing homelessness for our clients. 

Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Organized and detail oriented. Excellent negotiation skills. Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work independently and as part of a team. Ability to interact with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner. Understanding of the legal barriers confronting people experiencing homelessness and appreciation for the vital role social workers and other non-lawyers play in addressing their needs. Membership in the California Bar is required. Ability to speak, read and write Spanish is required. 

Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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 Anna Carrillo, HR Coordinator 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. 

Please go to the council’s meeting page at http://www.courts.ca.gov/jcmeetings.htm

OCWLA Community, Summer is officially here and the energy of OCWLA's members has never been better. Members continue to take advantage of the fantastic educational panels and networking opportunities. OCWLA encourages you to participate in one of our events as we continue to EmpowHer™ women attorneys in Orange County. May Recap: In May, OCWLA joined California Women Lawyers with honoring Hon. Maria Hernandez with the Joan Dempsey Klein Award. Judge Hernandez was recognized on behalf of CWL by CWL President Amee Mikacich, on behalf of NAWJ by Hon. Jamoa Moberly (Ret.), and on behalf of OCWLA by President Michelle Philo. Special remarks were given by Hon. Kathleen O'Leary and Hon. Douglas Hatchimonji. OCWLA thanks Judge Hernandez for her ongoing commitment to addressing human trafficking in our local community, on a statewide level, and nationally. OCWLA also hosted a trade secrets CLE seminar in May. During the luncheon, OCWLA honored Jane Stoever with the Everyday Hero Award. Amongst her many responsibilities, Jane is the Director of the Domestic Violence Clinic at UC Irvine School of Law. OCWLA thanks Jane and her team for their ongoing support of domestic violence victims. Upcoming Events: Monday, June 24 - The June book club book is The Library Book by Susan Orlean. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books.   Tuesday, June 25 - 3rd Annual Membership Mixer at Pelican Hill. OCWLA returns to Pelican Hill's Great Room Social Lounge to enjoy the company of fellow members and the sunset views of Newport Coast. This year, we will also recognize the many non-profit organizations OCWLA has supported with philanthropy awards. This event has sold out in the past - be sure to register early! Friday, July 12 - OCWLA will host its popular in house panel in collaboration with OCBA's Corporate Counsel Section. The program, A 360 View on In House Counsel, will discuss both what it takes to be in house counsel, as well as how to interact with in house counsel from the firm side. Thursday, October 3 -The Annual Gala will return to Pelican Hill with an exciting program honoring Hon. Elizabeth Macias as the Judge of the Year and Lei Lei Weng Ekvall as the Attorney of the Year. OCWLA is also recognizing Walsworth Franklin Bevins McCall with the Advancement of Women Award. Registration is now available. Other Opportunities: Sponsor the Gala: OCWLA's 2019 Gala Sponsorship Package is available. The Gala Committee is currently seeking sponsorships and donations to the silent auction. 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 Philo Law Firm, P.C. michelle@philolaw.com michellephilo@gmail.com

Fisher Phillips LLP has an opening in our Irvine or Los Angeles office for an Appellate Counsel position. The job description can be found below. Applicants should submit their resume, transcript, and cover letter, and complete the application at the following link: Fisher Philips Career Opportunities.

Description:

Fisher Phillips seeks an Appellate Counsel with 6-12 years of experience for its Irvine or Los Angeles office. Qualified candidates will have successfully briefed and argued appeals before the Ninth Circuit and California appellate courts. Candidates should also have experience assisting trial counsel during all phases of the litigation process in preserving and developing issues for appellate review. Prior federal appellate clerkship experience is preferred, as is some prior experience with labor and employment law. Candidate must have excellent academic credentials, strong writing and analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Successful candidate will be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be admitted in California. 

We are not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.

FEDERAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FULL-TIME PERMANENT POSITION 

TRIAL ATTORNEY 

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor (SOL) seeks a top-quality, experienced trial attorney to join the San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, or Los Angeles, CA sub-Regional office. This is a full time, permanent GS-0905 position in the excepted service. This position has promotion potential to the GS-14 level. The Trial Attorney will handle all phases of litigation before federal courts and administrative bodies under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and other statutes enforced by the Department. Demonstrated interest in public interest law and/or experience with employment laws and/or vulnerable worker populations is desirable. Ability to speak Chinese, Korean or Spanish is not required, but preferred. Must be active member of the California Bar if selected for San Francisco or Los Angeles. 

SALARY: For more information, refer to the 2019 OPM General Schedule Salary Tables for the locality areas of Seattle, WA, San Francisco, CA, and Los Angeles, CA. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: 

Requires a first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In addition to being a member of the bar, applicants must have had the amount of post-law school legal experience indicated below. An LL.M may be substituted for a maximum of one year experience. 

The qualifying experience must have been progressively responsible legal experience of a professional nature that demonstrates the ability to perform the work at the grade level for which application is being made. At the GS-14 level, at least twelve months of the qualifying experience must have been at a level of difficulty comparable to the next lower grade in the federal service. Qualifying experience in military service shall be counted as a continuation of any legal position held immediately prior to such service. In any case, the experience of the applicant must be of sufficient recency to indicate that he/she is capable of performing the duties of the position. 

EMPLOYMENT/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Citizenship or eligible for employment in the United States; must meet DOL investigation requirements. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and veteran’s documentation (if applicable) to Hoffman.maryvette@dol.gov by June 21, 2019. All resumes and supplemental documentation must be received by 11:59pm, Pacific Time on the closing date of June 21, 2019. Please use code PN-19-SF- SOL-002 in your cover letter. 

VETERANS: If you are a veteran of the U.S. military, you must include a Copy 4 of your DD214, Report of Discharge, with your application/resume. If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability, you must also include a statement from the VA, along with an SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans Preference. 

REFER TO THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: DOL SOL WEBSITE, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, EVALUATION OF FOREIGN EDUCATION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY, SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION, BENEFITS 

Comments sought:

The Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions has approved and posted for public comment the latest cycle of proposed revisions and additions to the criminal jury instructions (CALCRIM). The committee is very interested in your input.

The proposed changes are at this link: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/calcrim-2019-01.pdf  ­­­­­­­Only these 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 kara.portnow@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:

Ms. Kara Portnow, Attorney

Judicial Council of California

Advisory Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions

455 Golden Gate Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94102

The deadline for receiving comments is Friday, July 5, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

The committee will review all comments and 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 Criminal Jury Instructions

Hon. Peter J. Siggins, Chair