Weekly Newsletter        |        October 3, 2017
In This Issue
Message from the BALIF Board 

It's hard to know what to say to you all today.  The events in Las Vegas have left my heart grieving, on the floor, and with flashbacks to other mass shootings that take place so often in our country, including the horrific slaughter of our LGBTQ family and friends at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando just last year.  What is most frightening is how preventable, at some level, this all was.  Legislation can change lives-and we need more of it on many fronts-particularly in controlling access to guns.  We need better gun control legislation.  We need it now.  Please consider calling your representative, writing a letter to your state senator, or otherwise getting involved in this time of reflection and grief.  We can all do more.  Now is the time. 
 
Speaking of legislation and laws (one of the things that we, as lawyers deal with every day), BALIF is proud to announce that it will be attending the California Conference of Bar Associations Conference this weekend, from October 6-8, advocating with other bar associations to advance critical legislation and amendments to existing laws.  This year, BALIF has authored 17 resolutions-a record number for the organization.  If you want more information about how to get involved with this exciting process, please contact Meaghan Zore at meaghan@zorelaw.com
 
On another note, BALIF is proud to announce the relaunch of its fabulous "Connections" Mentorship Program .  We are currently seeking mentors and mentees for 2017-2018 year.  The opportunity to have a mentor-or be a mentor-is something I look forward to each year. 
 
Hold each other close this week.  Get involved with your local legislature.  Be inspired to come change laws with us.  Be a teacher.  Learn from your peers.  And please, continue to stay involved with our wonderful community.

 
In Solidarity,


Ashley Pellouchoud
BALIF Community Ambassador 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'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

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


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.

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel 
FREE Fall 2017 
MCLE Training Programs


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

HIV/AIDS & Confidentiality - A Review of Privacy Rights and Remedies
* Tuesday, October 10, 5:30-7:00pm - 1.5 General CLE Credits
* Presented by Jim Wood, Esq. - Law Offices of James M. Wood (woodlaw-oakland.com)

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 25 - BALIF Annual Halloween Fundraiser Extravaganza
November 9 - BALIF November Happy Hour
November 15 - Reception to Honor First Openly LGBT State Bar President
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