Alameda County
Bar Association

ACBA February Upcoming Program and Events 

We’ve got a busy short month ahead! We hope to see you at a social or MCLE soon.

February 3, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – ACBA Criminal Law Section

Changes in the Collaborative Courts

Alameda County Superior Courts will be undergoing a lot of changes in 2016. One of those changes is that all collaborative and specialty courts are moving to Wiley W. Manuel and they will be presided over by Judge Syren, Judge Brosnahan and Judge Baranco.

At this free event, judges will explain the requirements, qualifications and subsequent reviews for getting your client accepted into one of these programs. Some of the specialty courts you may be very familiar with – Behavior Health Court and Drug Court – but there are newer courts you may not be as familiar with, such as, Re-entry Court, Veterans Diversion Court, Veterans Court, and Homeless Court.

February 9, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – ACBA Barristers Section

Barristers Night Out: Golden State Warriors v Houston Rockets – SOLD OUT

Please join the ACBA Barristers for a Warriors game with a bonus pregame event with exclusive access to General Counsel for the Warriors, David Kelly. Mr. Kelly will be available to answer questions and speak with our group one-on-one in a private room. After meeting with Mr. Kelly, we will head to our seats to enjoy the game.

February 10, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – ACBA

ACBA February Social at Mad Oak

Please join us this February for the first of our monthly socials at Mad Oak cocktail bar near Lake Merritt. In an effort to offer ongoing networking and social opportunities we will be hosting monthly socials to bring our members together in a friendly, laid back setting. Keep an eye out for more information on the March social!

February 16, 2016 from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – ACBA Trusts and Estates Section

Trusts and Estates February Study Group

Members of the ACBA Trusts and Estates Section and EBTEL are invited to attend monthly meetings of the ACBA Trusts and Estates Study Group. The Study Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The study group is an opportunity for both new and experienced practitioners to ask practice questions, collaborate and learn.

February 16, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – ACBA Labor and Employment Section

Roundtable Discussion: Equal Pay Act

Would you like to sit down with seasoned labor and employment law attorneys for an informal discussion on the ins and outs of practicing L&E law in Alameda County?
Please join the L&E and Barristers Sections for a follow-up discussion to the ongoing L&E Nuts & Bolts Series. This month’s roundtable will focus on the recently amended Equal Pay Act. We will focus on determining whether companies are in compliance and analyzing potential Equal Pay Act claims. Bring your questions and insights! This is the perfect opportunity to share experiences, strategies, thoughts, and knowledge, while gaining valuable insight into how to prosecute and defend these types of claims.

February 16, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – ACBA Environmental and Real Estate Sections

What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About CEQA and New Supreme Court Developments

This program will provide an overview of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) from its application to public agency decision-making to legal challenges regarding CEQA compliance with a focus on when CEQA applies, CEQA exemptions, negative declarations and environmental impact reports, as well as the unique procedural requirements and standards of review involved in CEQA litigation.

Todd Williams will also discuss recent CEQA case law including several recent decisions by the California Supreme Court. This program should be considered introductory in nature, yet useful to any practitioner whose practice involves real estate and development projects.

February 18, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – ACBA Criminal Law Section

Criminal Law Section Social

Please join the ACBA’s Criminal Law Section for a social to meet and network with fellow criminal law attorneys and members of the Alameda County Criminal Law Bench. Location to be announced soon!

February 23, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – ACBA Real Estate Section

Tree and View Disputes

This presentation will introduce participants to the biological, ecological, and aesthetic dimensions of trees including how they grow in the urban environment. We will discuss how trees and the law intersect covering jurisdictions, real property, liability, valuations, and views and conclude with strategies for navigating the legal, financial, and emotional terrain of these cases.

February 25, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – ACBA Bankruptcy Section

The U.S. Trustee’s Role in Bankruptcy Proceedings, Part Two: Ethics and Standards in Professional Employment, Retention and Fees

The U.S. Trustee Program’s mission is to promote integrity and efficiency in the nation’s bankruptcy system by enforcing bankruptcy laws, providing oversight of private trustees, and maintaining operational excellence.

The policies and procedures by which the U.S. Trustee seeks to meet this mission are the subject of its second presentation to the Bankruptcy Section of the Alameda County Bar Association.  This seminar will address how the U.S. Trustee promotes integrity and efficiency with respect to professionals in bankruptcy cases.  It will address the “do and don’ts” of professional practice from the viewpoint of the U.S. Trustee.  It will also explore the disqualifying factors for retention and the criteria by which the U.S. Trustee reviews fees.  If time permits, the panel will discuss the role and success of the U.S. Trustee in prosecuting discharge denial actions in the Northern District and circumstances that may invoke its involvement.

February 25, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – ACBA Trial Practice Section

How to Protect your Record for Appeal: Winning Appeals and Writs

From Moskovitz on Appeal: “I’m right on the law, so I’m sure to win my appeal.” This is The Great Myth. Young lawyers don’t know better; experienced lawyers should know better. But every appellate lawyer falls for the Myth at one time or another.

Join the ACBA Trial Practice Section to learn tips from Justice Stein and Mr. Moskovitz on how trial lawyers can create a record that sets up an appeal. Help appellate counsel protect your wins – and help them get your losses reversed.