Weekly Newsletter        |        October 17, 2017
In This Issue
Message from the BALIF Board 

As I watched the election results roll in last Fall, I went through a period of grief and sadness. Almost a full year later, I can still be overwhelmed by the pace at which I've watched many of the basic civil rights for which our community has fought disappear. Succumbing to the associated feeling of powerlessness is not an option, though. As someone who does not exist under a constant threat of deportation, who does not have to worry about finding drinkable water sources after a hurricane or shelter after a fire storm, I have to do more. We have to do more.

To that effect, BALIF is doing more. This past weekend BALIF's CCBA committee attended the annual California Conference of Bar Associations (CCBA) in support of a record number of resolutions our committee submitted for consideration. BALIF received approval for numerous resolutions furthering transgender rights, prisoner rights, legal cannabis users, individual privacy rights, and we even came very close to passing a homeless bill of rights - a resolution we plan to introduce, again, next year. While the changes currently coming out of Washington D.C. are at federal level and CCBA works at the state level, BALIF recognizes that as the sixth largest GDP in the world, California is uniquely positioned to make an impact beyond its borders. So, in addition to the above resolutions, BALIF also worked to approve a bill requiring that the state of California divest its public pension funds from any entity that provides material support towards the erection of a wall between the United States and Mexico.

One of our resolutions that was approved last weekend was in support of SB 310, which  Governor Brown signed into law Sunday night. SB 310 establishes the right of a person imprisoned within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) or within a county jail to petition the court to obtain a name or gender change. The bill also requires CDCR and county jails to use the new name of a person who obtains a name change, and to only refer to the prior name as an alias. The resolution will help ensure transgender people are legally recognized for who they are while incarcerated, and it will increase the likelihood of their successful reentry into society upon release from custody. BALIF received strong support for this resolution from the other CCBA delegations, and CCBA's approval was instrumental in encouraging Governor Brown to sign this bill into law. We are also celebrating the passage of SB 179, which the committee submitted as a resolution at the 2014 CCBA conference. SB 179 will enable more transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people to obtain state-issued identity documents that accurately reflect their gender.

Finally, it should be noted that of the 75 resolutions to be voted on at the conference this year, one-fifth were submitted by BALIF's tiny team of 7 committee members. We are small, but we are mighty - and we will continue to represent the intersectional interests of our community as these resolutions move forward to the state legislature. If you'd like to learn more about BALIF's CCBA initiatives or how to get involved, please contact us at ccba@balif.org .


 
Sincerely,


Meaghan Zore
BALIF CCBA Chair

LGBT Asian American / South Asian Lawyers Reception

LGBT Asian American/South Asian Attorney Networking Reception
We are celebrating the great diversity within our profession and supporting LGBT Asian American and South Asian attorneys in corporate, commercial, government, and public interest practice through networking receptions in four cities. These annual receptions are co-sponsored by several local and national specialty bar associations.

SAN FRANCISCO
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
235 Montgomery Street, 17th floor
San Francisco, CA 94105

CLICK HERE to RSVP

The receptions are free and open to all, but all proceeds will support NQAPIA legal referral program for LGBT AAPI undocumented immigrants, young people, and organizations. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

BALIF "Connections" Mentorship Program - Kickoff Happy Hour 


When:  Thursday, October 19, 2017
Where: The Patriot House, 2 Embarcadero Center, SF
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Please join BALIF for a happy hour to kick off BALIF's 2017-2018 "Connections" mentorship program! It's the perfect time for mentor/mentee pairs to meet each other in an informal setting. It's also a great opportunity to meet and mingle with LGBT attorneys and law students. BALIF's Young Lawyers & Social Committee will provide drinks and appetizers. All are welcome!

Mentor/mentee pairs are being assigned on a rolling basis in the next few weeks, and it's not too late to join the program as a mentor or mentee. For more information about the mentorship program, see the  program guidelines and  description on the BALIF website, or email Lauren Pietsch,  lauren@sallymorinlaw.com.

BALIF's "Connections" 
Mentorship Program
BALIF's mentorship program is seeking mentors and mentees for 2017-2018.  For more information, see the  program guidelines  and  description  on the BALIF website. If you are a law student, recent law school graduate, or newer attorney seeking a mentor, or if you are an experienced attorney interested in serving as a mentor, please contact Lauren Pietsch lauren@sallymorinlaw.com .  
Mentors and mentee pairs will be assigned on a rolling basis throughout the year. 

October Name/Gender Change Workshop

Send your client referrals to the Berkeley School of Law Name and Gender Change Workshop, a free clinic directly serving the LGBTQ community, during their October 2017 workshop. The Workshop helps pro-bono legal service recipients in drafting, reviewing, and filing necessary documents for a court-ordered name and/or gender marker change to their government-issued identity documents.   
 
Workshop Focus: Legal name and gender changes (with future workshop in November).
 
About: Please send any client referrals to the workshop.  The Workshop has enough attorney support, but asks that you help spread the word about this helpful opportunity.  Please invite folks who pay be in need of free legal assistance in changing the name/gender on their ID documents. 
 
When: October 21, 2017 (Sat), 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. 
 
Where: East bay Community Law Center (2921 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA)
 
Contact: More information, or to sign up, email ngwberkeley@gmail.com, or call 510-560-4213 (signing up encouraged).

BALIF Partner Exchange - 
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 and save the date for future months!
When:   Tuesday, October 24, 2017 Friday, November 17, 2017 Monday, December 11, 2017 , and  Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Time:  12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Where: San Francisco City Club (155 Sansome, 10th Floor)
What: Gourmet buffet lunch with other partners and firm owners
Cost: $55 payable by cash or check only 

BALIF has created the BALIF Partner Exchange to bring together our members that are looking to network and exchange business and ideas.  This event is exclusively for BALIF members who are partners or owners of their firm with 7 years or more of experience. 
Space is limited so only the first 11 to RSVP to  jdupree@fddcm.com  may attend. 
 
October 2017 Topic:  Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Mass Shootings, and Wildfires.  How are you and your clients weathering the unexpected in this second half of 2017?  What plans do you have to survive the unexpected?

BALIF's 2017 Halloween Fundraiser

Halloween Fundraiser to benefit CRLA!

Wednesday, October 25, 2017
6:00PM to 8:00PM
 
SomaR Bar & Lounge
1727 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94612
b/t 18th St & 17th St 

On Wednesday, October 25th join BALIF & CRLA  for a night of costumes, cocktails & revelry at the SomaR Bar (1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA), from 6:00-8:00pm Tickets are $20 and all proceeds benefit the CRLA. 


BALIF November Happy Hour

John us for a drink and socializing at our November happy hour!

When:  Thursday, November 9, 2017
Time: 6pm-8pm
Where: Divas Bar,  1081 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Reception to Honor First Openly LGBT State Bar President
The LGBT Bar Association of Los Angeles; the Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF); the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association of San Diego; and SacLEGAL have the pleasure of inviting you to: 

A reception in honor of openly LGBT State Bar President Michael Colantuono; openly LGBT State Bar Treasurer Todd Stevens; and openly LGBT State Bar Trustee Sean SeLegue 

Gold Sponsor
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman

Silver Sponsors
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP 
Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP      
                  
Bronze Sponsors
Crowell & Moring LLP 
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Keeney, Waite & Stevens
O'Melveny & Myers
(Additional sponsors pending)            
                                                      
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
Los Angeles County Law Library
 
Open bar.  Hors d'oeuvres will be served
RSVP at  www.lgbtbarla.org

Congratulations Linda Scaparotti!

BALIF Foundation Board Member and former BALIF Co-Chair Linda Scaparotti is receiving the prestigious Charles M. Holmes Community Service Award from for her work with HRC, on women's rights and for the greater LGBT community.  Kate Kendell will present the award at the HRC Gala and Award ceremony on  Saturday, October 14 .  Linda, you are amazing!  Thanks for all you do for BALIF and our community!

BALIF December Happy Hour

Join BALIF for our December Happy Hour and a Mock Tail!!
When:  Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Time:  6 - 8pm
Where: Mock Tails at the Castro Country Club
4058 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114  

BALIF Holiday Party! Save the date!

Join us for our annual holiday party and ring in some holiday cheer!! 

When:  December 14, 2017
6:00- 9:00 pm

Where:
The Stud Bar
399 9th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103


A Fall Fest Fundraiser Benefiting
At-Risk Seniors in Alameda County
Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) Cordially Invites You To
Eat Drink & Be Hygge [hue-guh] 

Thursday October 12, 2017
5:00PM to 8:00PM

Woods Bar & Brewery
1701 Telegraph Ave, Oakland

Enjoy all you can drink beer, wine, cider & soda. 
 Empanadas
Danish Desserts
Live music from highly acclaimed  blues musicians
Rick Baskin & Friends
Brew Process Tours
& More! 


ALRP Event Announcement

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP) is holding its  ALRP  From the Heart 34th Annual Reception & Auction on  Wednesday, October 18, 2017 from 6:00-9:00pm  in the Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange in San Francisco (465 California Street, near Montgomery Street). ALRP's reception features gourmet catered hors d'oeuvres, wine and beverages, a silent & live auction, and great networking.

During this special evening, we will honor those who have made a lasting difference in the lives of people with HIV/AIDS and recognize ALRP's 34 years of achievement. ALRP will be presenting its 2017 Clint Hockenberry Leadership Award to John Rosenzweig, Esq.the ALRP 2017 Attorney of the Year Award to Sharon Dulberg, Esq., and the ALRP 2017 Firm of the Year Award to Jones Day.

Tickets start at just $100  and can be purchased by contacting Jim McBride at (415) 701-1200 ext. 301 jim@alrp.org, or simply pay at the door on October 18th.

Lambda Legal in the City Reception
November 1, 2017 ~ 7:00-9:00PM

Please join Lambda Legal and enjoy cocktails and small bites at the San Francisco home of Lambda Legal Board Member David Tsai, while hearing about Lambda Legal's work to combat the anti-LGBT policies and actions of the Trump administration and our continued fight for the full equality of LGBT people and all those living with HIV.
 
NOVEMBER 1, 2017
7:00PM - 9:00PM

*Location provided upon RSVP:   https://www.lambdalegal.org/events/llinthecity

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel 
FREE Fall 2017 
MCLE Training Programs


To RSVP
Email: mcle@alrp.org or
Call: 415-701-1200 ext. 303

What All Claimants and Advocates Must Know About Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits
* Thursday, October 26, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits 
* Presented by John Unruh, Esq. - Unruh Law (jru-law.com)

End of Life Planning 101 - A Review of the Fundamentals of End of Life Planning
* Tuesday, November 7, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits
* Presented by Jim Wood, Esq. - Law Offices of James M. Wood (woodlaw-oakland.com)

Status of California Same-Gender Couples Under Current Legal, Judicial, and Political Realities - What are Their Rights and Responsibilities?
* Thursday, November 9, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits
* Presented by Betsy Johnsen - Betsy Johnsen Family Law and Charles Spiegel, Esq. - Charles Spiegel Law

Navigating Work in the "Gig" Economy - Sponsored by the State Bar's Labor & Employment Law Section 
* Monday, November 20, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits
* Presented by Lakeisha Poole, Esq. - LKP Legal Services (lkplegal.com)

Ethical Issues in Pro Bono and Modest Mean Practices
* Tuesday, November 21, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 Legal Ethics CLE Credits
* Presented by Tiela Chalmers, Esq. - Tiela Chalmers Consulting (tielachalmersconsulting.wordpress.com)

Experts in Bad Faith Insurance Cases - Selection, Use, Scope of Testimony and Strategies
* Thursday, November 30, 5:15-6:45pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits
* Presented by Guy Kornblum, Esq. - Kornblum Cochran Erickson & Harbison LLP (kcehlaw.com)

Representing LGBTQ Clients in Immigration Court
* Tuesday, December 5, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 Elimination of Bias CLE Credit
* Presented by Gam Galindo, Esq. - Galindo & Associates, P.C. (gamgalindolaw.com)

Mediation Strategies that Work for Your Client and YOU!
* Thursday, December 7, 5:15-6:45pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits
* Presented by Guy Kornblum, Esq. - Kornblum Cochran Erickson & Harbison LLP (kcehlaw.com)

Asylum Claims for LGBTQ and HIV+ Clients
* Tuesday, December 12, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 Elimination of Bias CLE Credit 
* Presented by Jose Z. Marin, Esq. - Jose Marin Law 

Giving to the BALIF Foundation
 

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the BALIF Foundation.  The Foundation recently launched and is working to assist BALIF in bringing LGBT judges to the bench and supporting scholarships, stipends and fellowships for law students and attorneys working in the LGBTQ community.  You can donate here.  In the four years ahead, we believe the Foundation's work will be critical in helping to protect our community.

And the Foundation is looking for Founding Circle members through the end of 2017 - pledge and pay as little as $1,000 to always be listed as a Founding Circle member of the BALIF Foundation.

For more information about the BALIF Foundation or how to get involved, contact Jamie Dupree jdupree@fddcm.com.  
BALIF & The BALIF Foundation

BALIF is the Bay Area's LGBT Bar Association, which is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, which can engage in political activity.  Its Board members are elected by the BALIF membership and chair various committees of the BALIF bar association.
 
The BALIF Foundation is BALIF's charitable arm.  Donations to the BALIF Foundation are tax deductible because it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  The BALIF Foundation is dedicated to increasing the number of LGBT judges on the bench through educational programming, supporting LGBT community organizations, and providing scholarships, summer stipends, and fellowships for LGBT  law students and young attorneys seeking to help the LGBT community through legal work.  It gave its inaugural summer fellowship for the summer of 2017.

Job Postings Now on BALIF Website
Looking for a job or a law school internship?  As a BALIF member you get access to all job postings.  Click here to see the opportunities, or log into the   BALIF website with your membership ID and password, and select JOBS on the menu on the left.
October 18LGBT Asian American/ South Asian Lawyers Reception
October 19 - BALIF "Connections" Mentorship Program - Kickoff Happy Hour
October 24 -  BALIF Partner Exchange
October 25 - BALIF Annual Halloween Fundraiser Extravaganza
November 9 - BALIF November Happy Hour
November 15 - Reception to Honor First Openly LGBT State Bar President
December 6 - BALIF December Happy Hour
December 14 - BALIF Holiday Party - Save the date!!
Our 2017-2018 Sponsors
Partner Level


 
Counsel Level



Fenwick


  
Mofo



Sedgwick2
Seyfarth


Advocate Level

A.L. Nella & Co., CPA
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Jones Day
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Pacific Gas & Electric
Sanford Heisler, LLP
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
Sidley Austin LLP
Uber
Weaver, Austin, Villeneuve & Sampson LLP
Wells Fargo Legal Specialty Private Bank
White & Case LLP
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Benefactor Level


Individual Sponsors


BALIF Board of Directors
Nyla Moujaes & Peter Catalanotti
  
Jennifer Orthwein
Secretary &

Felicia Medina
Mario Choi
Treasurer

Annick Persinger
Judiciary Chair

Sarah Nicole Davis & 
George Tran
Gala Co-Chairs  

Alex Touma
Meaghan Zore
 
Stan Sarkisov
Communications Chair 

Jamie Dupree
 
Stephan Ferris
Ashley Pellouchoud
Community Ambassador Chair  

Jaclyn Gross & Kevin Jones
Follow BALIF

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BALIF Foundation


BALIF Foundation
 Board of Directors
Jamie Dupree, Chair
  
Shay Gilmore

Chelsea HaleyNelson, Secretary

Laura Maechtlen

Nina Paul

Linda Scaparotti

David Tsai

John Unruh, Treasurer

BALIF | | info@balif.org | http://www.balif.org
P.O. Box 193383
San Francisco, CA 94119