Weekly Newsletter        |        March 27, 2018
In This Issue
Message from the BALIF Board 

I hope this finds everyone safe and relatively dry amidst these much needed California showers. If you're looking to avoid some raindrops (or the wrong end of someone's April Fool's joke), the next couple of weeks are very busy here in the BALIF realm. 
 
First off, thanks to everyone who submitted a candidate statement in the hopes of joining the Board of Directors this year. We have extended the deadline to March 29th so please submit your statement. The elections will be held live on April 12th at The Sausage Factory in the Castro. Saturday, April 14th, is our annual Résumé & Interview Workshop for law students and young lawyers. More information can be found on the  Facebook event page , and you can RSVP here . Then on Sunday, April 15th, join me at our spring "Bagels and Bubbly with Bisexuals in the Bay" event, which also has a  Facebook event page  and  RSVP link
 
Have a fantastic week!

Sincerely,
 

Jaclyn Gross
BALIF Law Student Rep

Join the BALIF 
Board of Directors for 2018-2020
A great way to serve the LGBTQI legal community and become more involved in BALIF is to join BALIF's Board of Directors. BALIF's Directors are elected by the BALIF membership, and each Director holds office for two years. Any BALIF member is welcome to run for the Board or nominate another BALIF member. BALIF seeks a board that reflects the diversity of our LGBTQI legal community, and we specifically encourage people of color, women, transgender people, and non-binary/gender non-conforming people to run for the Board. 

To run for the Board or nominate someone else, please send a candidate statement of up to 250 words to Jen Orthwein (secretary@balif.org) and BALIF's Administrator, Katie Carlson (balif@balif.org) by March 29, 2018 at 5:30 pm. BALIF's bylaws require gender parity on the Board, with a certain number of positions allocated to Directors who identify as male, female, or other genders (a broad category including but not limited to non-binary, genderqueer, gender variant, and gender non-conforming). So if you are seeking a position, please indicate the category under which you plan to run.

BALIF is seeking additional candidates. The deadline has been extended to March 29 for all candidates, regardless of gender.
 
Elections will be online starting on April 2, and there will be an opportunity to vote in person at BALIF's annual general membership meeting on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. The results will be announced at the end of the meeting.
 
Thinking about seeking a position? Know someone who would make a fabulous addition to the Board? Want to learn more about BALIF and what's involved in being on the Board? Please contact Jen Orthwein at secretary@balif.org.

Résumé & Interview Workshop


BALIF is hosting one of the largest annual events for students, our Résumé Review and Mock Interview Workshop! We will have LGBTQI attorneys from various sectors (e.g., big law, public service, government, academic, judges, in-house counsel, etc.) that will provide 1:1 feedback to law students. All class levels are welcome!

The event will commence with a panel on how to navigate your legal career, interviews, and networking. After a catered lunch, students will go through rounds of interviews and résumé review. 

Confirmed panelists include: 
David Tsai - Managing Partner at Vinson & Elkins
Ariel Ruiz - Senior Litigation Counsel at Uber
Melanie Rowen - Public Service & Fellowship Advisor at UC Berkeley.

Wh en: Saturday, April 14, 2018
Where: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - Four Embarcadero Center, 22nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 (right next to Embarcadero BART)
Time: 11 am-2pm
Lunch: Provided
Attire: Business / Interview Attire Highly Recommended

Please be sure to RSVP here!

Joint APABA-BALIF Scholarship


The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley Charity (the "APABA Silicon Valley Charity") and the Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom Foundation (the "BALIF Foundation") are pleased to announce a special joint scholarship for law students who have a demonstrated commitment to the Asian Pacific American and LGBT communities.
 
 
Purpose
To recognize law students in the greater Bay Area who have shown excellence and achievement in law school, and:
  • Overcome personal hardships or challenges; and
  • Demonstrated leadership and service in support of their local Asian Pacific American ("APA") and LGBT communities.
Award
One joint scholarship of $3,000.
Application
Process
Application for the scholarship includes the following:
  • Résumé submission.  Please include grade point average if applicable.  The applicant's grade point average and law school enrollment are subject to verification.
  • Essay submission (two page maximum).  The essay should address how the applicant fulfills the above-mentioned purpose of the scholarship.
  • Interview.  Scholarship finalists will be interviewed on Sunday, April 15, 2018.
The APABA Silicon Valley Charity & the BALIF Foundation also require that the recipient:
  • Attend and volunteer at the APABA Silicon Valley 33nd Anniversary Gala, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on October 5, 2018;
  • Attend the BALIF Annual Gala in 2019 (invited but not required to attend);
  • Become a Student Member of APABA Silicon Valley (free of charge) and BALIF ($10.00);
  • Participate as an APABA Silicon Valley Student Liaison at his or her law school by (i) advertising APABA Silicon Valley events and scholarships, and (ii) encouraging fellow law students to attend events and apply for future scholarships;
  • Join an APABA Silicon Valley Committee; and
  • Become a New Member with APABA Silicon Valley and BALIF upon graduation.
 
Deadline
Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., April 5, 2018. 
Submission
 
Questions
Please submit applications to scholarship@apabasv.com

Please also feel free to contact us with questions at scholarship@apabasv.com .

Bagels and Bubbly with Bisexuals in the Bay

What:   Bagels and Bubbly with Bisexuals in the Bay
 
Who:   Legal Professionals and their partners who identify as bisexual* 
 
(*The term bisexual is used as an umbrella term for people who have the potential for sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to more than one gender.  This includes people who may identify as bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, and questioning.)
 
When:  Sunday, April 15th, 11am - 1pm
 
 
Details:   An opportunity for discussion and activities focused on bi-visibility and community within the bi-community.
 

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel FREE Spring 2018 MCLE Training Programs 

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

Asylum Claims for LGBTQI and HIV+ Clients 
* Thursday, March 29th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by Jose Z. Marin, Esq. (Jose Marin Law) and Melanie Kehr, Esq. (Jose Marin Law) 

Employment Issues Facing Clients with HIV/AIDS 
Sponsored by the State Bar's Labor & Employment Law Section 
* Tuesday, April 10th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by Sonya Smallets, Esq. - Minnis & Smallets LLP 

Top 10 Things You Should Know About Employee Benefits Law 
* Thursday, April 19th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by Kirsten G. Scott, Esq. - Renaker Hasselman Scott LLP 

Representing LGBTQ Clients in Immigration Court 
* Tuesday, May 1st, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by Gam Galindo, Esq. - Galindo & Associates, P.C. 

Disability Rights in the Workplace - Reasonable Accommodations and Medical Privacy 
Sponsored by the State Bar's Labor & Employment Law Section 
* Tuesday, May 22nd, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by Noah D. Lebowitz, Esq. - Duckworth Peters Lebowitz Olivier LLP 

Long Term Disability/Veterans Benefits Training 
* Thursday, June 14th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by John Unruh, Esq. - Unruh Law 

Negotiating for Tenant Attorneys: How To Do Right for San Francisco Tenants 
* Monday, June 25th, 5:30pm - 7:00pm 
* Presented by Deepa Varma, Esq. - San Francisco Tenants Union 

Location: 
BASF
301 Battery Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA

2018-2019 FAIR Fellowship Opportunity
The Foundation for Advocacy Inclusion & Resources (FAIR) is now accepting applications for its fifth annual FAIR Fellowship  (formerly called The Sanford Heisler Public Interest Diversity Fellowship) , which will enable a new attorney to work full-time for two consecutive six-month terms at (1) Legal Aid at Work and (2) a law practice affiliated with the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA), an organization of more than 1200 workers' rights advocates throughout California. 

FAIR will fund a Fellow with salary and benefits during the first six months the fellow is working at Legal Aid at Work. The applicant will then be matched with a CELA affiliated firm for the second six month term and be paid a salary and benefits by that entity.
 
Applicants must have superior academic qualifications, be members of the California Bar (or anticipating becoming members by fall 2018), be committed to a career in social justice, and have 0-3 years of legal experience. Preference will be given to applicants with diverse backgrounds, demonstrated interest in employment law, clinical and/or pro bono and social justice interests, and plans to practice in California. Foreign language abilities and judicial clerkships/externships are also valued. 
 
 
The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 2, 2018 and an award decision will be made by April 30, 2018.

37th Annual Real Property Law 
Section Retreat


37th Annual Real Property Law Section Retreat
Thursday - Sunday, April 19 - 22, 2018  
Hyatt Regency Embarcadero 
Five Embarcadero Center 
San Francisco

Online Registration HERE

Earn up to 15.75 Hours MCLE Credit Including Credit in Legal Ethics, Elimination of Bias, and Competency Issues


Key Deadlines
March 26:  Hotel Reservation Deadline 
April 5: Early Program Registration Deadline 
April 12: Pre-registration deadline. 
Register onsite after April 12.

Program and Special Activities Highlights
  • Choose from 47 Education Programs 
  • Includes Credit in Legal Ethics, Elimination of Bias and Competency Issues 
  • More than 100 Speakers Covering a Wide-range of Program Topics, including Perennial Favorite Top 10 Real Estate Cases of 2017
  • Featuring Special Documentary Presentation "Balancing the Scales" with filmmaker Sharon Rowen and California Supreme Court Justice Therese Stewart 
  • Complimentary Breakfast (Friday-Sunday) and Lunch (Friday/Saturday
  • Networking Receptions 
  • Special Offsite Events including Chinatown Walking Tour and Dim Sum Tasting, Alcatraz by Night, Beach Blanket Babylon, and more!
Registration Fees and Deadlines
  • Early-bird pre-registration: April 5 
  • Final pre-registration:  April 12
  • Full 4-day Registration Fee or a One-day Registration Fee
  • Full Retreat Fee (if registered by April 5; prices increase after this date)
    • Section members:  $695 
    • Non-section members: $790, includes free 2018 Section membership
    • Discounted full-retreat fees offered for young attorneys, in-house counsel, government, professor and full time law students
  • One-Day Fees (if registered by April 5; prices increase after this date)
    • Thursday:  $75 | Friday or Saturday:  $275 per day | Sunday: $150
Registration/General Information & Special Assistance
For Registration Assistance please call  415-795-7025 .
For General Information and Special Assistance please call  415-795-7185 .

Join us for LGBTQ Advocacy Day in Sacramento on May 21!

Join Equality California and our partners for our annual LGBTQ Advocacy Day on Monday, May 21 in at the California State Capitol. Register today at  eqca.org/advocacyday Highschool and college students can register for free, here:  action.eqca.org/studentreg
 
Our  Advocacy  Day will welcome hundreds of LGBTQ leaders, activists and allies from across California for a day of grassroots political action to raise awareness about critical priorities for the LGBTQ community, people living with HIV, and all communities impacted by the divisive actions of the Trump Administration. 
 
Participants of LGBTQ Advocacy Day will:
  • Learn how to harness grassroots political power
  • Receive training on our legislative priorities and how to advocate for them
  • Attend a rally and press conference on the West Steps
  • Meet face-to-face with California legislators and staff, urging them to pass key legislation to protect and expand the civil liberties of all Californians
When: Monday, May 21, 2018
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Where: West Steps, California State Capitol, Sacramento, CA
 
Registration is $25 and includes lunch and training.   Register at:  eqca.org/advocacyday
Limited scholarships and travel grants are available.
Apply for a travel grant at:  action.eqca.org/travelgrant2018
 
We will be lobbying on a variety of issues important to the LGBTQ community including healthcare, education, HIV/AIDS, transgender rights, criminal justice reform, and immigration.
 
If you have questions about the advocacy day, registration, travel grants, or accessibility accommodation requests (materials, translation, on-site interpretation, and more), please contact Brad Lundahl at brad@eqca.org.
 
Together, we can ensure that our legislators and policymakers continue to make California a beacon of hope for the rest of the country. 

2018 Arturo Gonzalez Summer 
Law Student Fellowships

LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Sexual Assault

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 2018 - 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.
March 29 - Join the BALIF Board! Deadline Extended for Candidiate Statements 
April 5 - Joint APABA-BALIF Scholarship
April 12 -  BALIF General Meeting and Elections Event
April 14 - Résumé & Interview Workshop
April 15 - Bagels and Bubbly with Bisexuals in the Bay
Our 2018-2019 Sponsors
Partner Level

Mofo
 
Counsel Level



Fenwick
HB Logo

  
Kilpatrick

Seyfarth


Advocate Level

A.L. Nella & Co, CPA
Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Pacific Gas & Electric
Perkins Coie LLP
Sanford Heisler Kimpel, LLP
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
Sidley Austin LLP
Tycko & Zavareei LLP
Uber
White & Case LLP
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati


Benefactor Level

AT&T
Baker Botts LLP
Bonora Rountree, Trial Consulting & Research
Callaway & Wolf
Clarence Dyer & Cohn LLP / Swanson & McNamara LLP
Cooley LLP
Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP
Danko Meredith
Epiq Global
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Futterman Dupree Dodd Croley Maier LLP
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Golden Gate University
Helbraun Law Firm
Jackson Lewis P.C.
JAMS
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Minnis & Smallets
Perkins Coie LLP
Pritzker Levine LLP
Reed Smith LLP
Robert Half Legal
Roeca Haas Montes De Oca LLP
Sally Morin Professional Law Corporation
San Francisco City Attorney's Office
San Francisco District Attorney's Office
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Troutman Sanders
Venable
Veritext
Vinson & Elkins LLP


Individual Sponsors

Joanna Barron - ADR Services, Inc.
C. Todd Norris - Bullivant Houser Bailey P.C.
Michael Colantuono - Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
Gordon Atkinson - Gluck Daniel, LLP
Peter Borkon - Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
Frederick Hertz - Law Offices of Frederick Hertz
John E. Hill - Law Offices of John E. Hill P.C.
Kelly McCown - McCown & Evans
Jahan Sagafi - Outten & Golden LLP
Saya Wallace - Paul Hastings LLP
Teresa Renaker - Renaker Hasselman Scott LLP
Peter Pierce - Richards, Watson & Gershon
Debra Schoenberg - Schoenberg Family Law
Bao M. Vu - Stoel Rives LLP
John Robert Unruh - Unruh Law, P.C.

BALIF Board of Directors
Peter Catalanotti
  
Jennifer Orthwein
Secretary &

Felicia Medina
Mario Choi
Treasurer

Annick Persinger
Judiciary Chair

Sarah Nicole Davis 
Gala Co-Chair

Alex Touma
Meaghan Zore
 
Stan Sarkisov
Communications Chair 

Jamie Dupree
 
Stephan Ferris
Ashley Pellouchoud
Community Ambassador Chair  

Jaclyn Gross & Kevin Jones
Follow BALIF

youtube
 
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