It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Barristers Section of the ACBA! Our section focuses on developing programming (both educational and social) dedicated to attorneys in their first 10 years of practice. Our goal is to encourage the members of the Barristers Section to boldly engage, learn, network, and lead.
Throughout 2018, we will host a variety of continuing legal education programs, Dine with a Judge lunch events, networking opportunities and socials. Our exciting programs include meeting with the Warriors General Counsel, David Kelly, and then watching the Warriors dominate the Dallas Mavs on February 8, 2018 as well as the popular annual Judges-Barristers Social in September. You can also look forward to the 14thAnnual Barrister’s Golf Classic in the summer, as well as our As-Giants tailgate.
In addition to these wonderful events and programs, our members will benefit from our Mentorship Program where we will pair younger attorneys with more senior attorneys in their fields of practice. We are also increasing our efforts in member and community outreach.
In these uncertain times, we must all become more involved in our community by taking full ownership of our opportunity to positively impact the law. The Barristers Executive Committee invites you to actively engage in our events this year, and to take full advantage of the rich resources the ACBA has to offer. We welcome co-sponsorship opportunities with other sections, local bar associations, and neighboring organizations. Should you have any questions or ideas you would like to share, or would like to participate in our executive committee, please do not hesitate to email me at alice@wapnickfamilylaw.com.
Here’s to an excellent 2018!
Alice P. Cheng, Barristers Executive Committee, 2018 Chair
Barristers Executive Committee 2018
Socials
Throughout the year, the Barristers gather to socialize and to network. Our events range from simple gatherings at a local restaurant or pub, to co-sponsored and more elaborate events such as Tailgate and BBQ at an A’s v. Giants game. Regardless of the theme or the venue, each social is designed to create opportunities to network and develop friendships as well as to relax and have some fun.
New events are added regularly. Visit the ACBA calendar for more upcoming ACBA events.
Barristers Mentorship Program
The Barristers Mentorship Program was created to link new attorneys (mentees) with seasoned attorneys (mentors) in Alameda County so that mentees may gain support and guidance as they embark on their professional legal careers. For mentors, participation in the program is an opportunity to give back and support the profession of law, and help shape its future by coaching the mentees and sharing their experiences and life lessons. Please check out the program guidelines for more information. The Barristers Mentorship Program Committee pairs mentees and mentors twice a year, but you can submit a mentor application or a mentee application at any time!
Barristers Dine with a Judge
The ACBA and Barristers are committed to building a stronger relationship between the Bench and Bar in Alameda County. The Barristers Dine with a Judge programs provide you and several of your peers the unique chance to enjoy a delicious dinner and casual conversation with some of the area’s premier judges. Whether you have already appeared in court for a case or may make a future court appearance, these dinners are terrific ways to gain new insights and become acquainted with a member of the bench outside the courtroom setting. Dine with a Judge affords you an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn information that may guide you during your court appearances. Ask the judges about their career path and learn about their experiences before they took their seats on the Bench.
Annual Barristers Golf Classic
Whether you’re a new golfer wanting to spend an afternoon networking with other attorneys and judges or an experienced golfer looking for a chance to get your name engraved on the President’s Cup, you’re welcome at the annual ACBA Barristers Golf Classic!
Register as an individual or as a team today. This year’s event will be held on August 3rd. Learn more here
The Executive Committee
CHAIR
Alice P. Cheng
Law Offices of Tracey C. Wapnick
101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 201
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 alice@wapnickfamilylaw.com
(925) 932-2225
About:
Alice’s favorite aspect of practicing law is using a practical approach to help people solve their problems, whether that is by working with her clients to make positive changes in their lives at her family law practice in Oakland, or through volunteering with the VLSC Family Law Day of Court Clinic. When she is not working, Alice enjoys watching sports (especially baseball), cooking, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
VICE CHAIR
Sophia Ahmad
Sophia Ahmad Law, A.P.C.
39055 Hastings Street, Suite 211
Fremont, CA 94538 sophia@sophiaahmadlaw.com
(510) 421-6188
About:
Sophia Ahmad was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. After being intern to the executive team for the grand opening of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Sophia attended Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. She was a Student Attorney and Clinic Chief at the SMU Federal Taxpayers Clinic and with the Small Business/Self-Employed Division of the IRS. She worked for her family’s CPA firm before opening her own practice. Sophia Ahmad Law, A.P.C. focuses in tax, corporate, and immigration law. Sophia is a huge foodie, loves to travel, and is currently learning Tahitian dancing!
SECRETARY
Adrieannette Ciccone
Law Office of Adrieannette Ciccone/Gitmeid & Assoc.
24438 Santa Clara Street, #56204
Hayward, CA 94544
About:
Adrieannette knew she wanted to be a lawyer when she was a young child. As time progressed, she realized that much societal injustice was the result of socioeconomic inequality. After earning a joint MA in Urban Planning and Latin American Studies, Adrieannette embarked on her legal career. She is now working to defend the legal rights of those faced with debt collection lawsuits, and doing land use law to help reshape the urban landscape to be more equitable. She is an active board member of Youth Spirit Artworks, a non-profit dedicated to using art to provide financial resources to homeless and low-income youth and also serves as the 2018 Secretary for the Charles Houston Bar Association. When she is not advocating for others or serving the community, Adrieannette enjoys global travel, practicing Portuguese and Spanish, Afro-Latin dance, and fusion cooking.
MEMBER
Shannon Clawson
The Miller Law Group, APC
111 Sutter Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94104
src@millerlawgroup.com
(415) 464-4300
About:
Shannon Clawson is an East Bay native and practices employment law in San Francisco. In her practice, she strives to support and guide her clients through the ever-changing employment law process – whether it’s an investigation, deposition, settlement, alternative dispute resolution or trial. Shannon was also a participant in the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel’s (FDCC) Ladder Down Program and is an active member of the Earl Warren Inn of Court. When she is not working, you’ll often find Shannon running Lake Merritt, reading for a book club, traveling, trying new restaurants or spoiling her dog.
MEMBER
James Cook
Law Offices of John L. Burris
7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120
Oakland, CA 94609 james.cook@johnburrislaw.com
(510) 839-5200
About:
James Cook’s focus is Section 1983 civil rights litigation. His other practice areas include DUI – DWI Defense, Criminal Defense, Landlord Tenant – housing law, Personal injury law, contract law, and corporate entity formation for profit and non-profits. James volunteers for VLSC’s Unlawful Detainer Mediation, Bankruptcy, and Family Law Clinics, and is an active member of the Earl Warren Inn of Court. Before becoming a lawyer, James was a professional competitor and decorated champion in Muay Thai Full-Contact Kickboxing who competed internationally and throughout the United States. He won Golden Gloves Boxing in two states and he competed in Mixed Martial Arts.
MEMBER
Eileen Eib
Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
2100 Franklin St Ste 500
Oakland, CA 94612
(510)302-2148
eileeneib@gmail.com
About:
Eileen Eib is an Attorney Editor for Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB), where she works on publications and programs in the areas of civil litigation, tort, and family law. Prior to joining CEB, Eileen practiced family law litigation for five years, first in Santa Clara County and then in Alameda County, before deciding to focus her day-to-day on her favorite skillset, legal research and writing. When she is not wading through case law and new legislation, Eileen enjoys cooking, reading, playing board games, and exploring the East Bay. Eileen also volunteers regularly for VLSC’s CLASP legal clinic and is a community mediator for SEEDS Community Resolution Center.
MEMBER
Daniel Hodsdon
East Bay Family Law and Mediation
11501 Dublin Blvd, Suite 200
Dublin, CA 94568 daniel@eastbayflm.com
(510) 384-8118
About:
Daniel Hodsdon has been practicing family law exclusively for nearly 10 years in all counties throughout the Bay Area and started his own firm in 2016. He attended high school in the east bay, college at UC Berkeley, and studied law at the University of San Francisco. His practice focuses on all aspects of family law, from premarital agreements to divorce, child support, spousal support, and complex property division. He has a client-first, settlement oriented philosophy designed to guide clients through difficult, stressful circumstances. He is a member of the Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations, and the Dublin Rotary Club.
MEMBER
Farrah Hussein
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 6th Fl.
Oakland, CA 94612
fhussein@oaklandcityattorney.org
(510) 238-6512
About:
Farrah Hussein is passionate about victim advocacy and government work. Currently, she works on an Affirmative Litigation Team for the City of Oakland focusing on human trafficking and housing litigation. Ms. Hussein is an active member of the ACBA, Earl Warren Inn of Court, and Queen’s Bench. She was born and raised in the Bay Area and looks forward to coming to work every day to serve her community. Ms. Hussein enjoys food, travel, and great conversation.
William practices criminal defense and civil litigation. A native San Franciscan, William earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. In his free time William enjoys watching basketball, attending live concerts, cooking and hiking.
ALTERNATE MEMBER
Monica Porter
Equal Justice Works Fellow
Disability Rights Advocates
2001 Center Street, Fourth Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704-1204
mmjporter@gmail.com
(510) 665-8644
About:
Monica is an Equal Justice Works Fellow at Disability Rights Advocates in Berkeley, focused on advocating on behalf of higher education students with mental health conditions. As a Bay Area JusticeCorps alum, her favorite aspect of her work is providing “Know Your Rights” trainings and empowering students to self-advocate. Monica is also actively involved with the Disability Rights Bar Association and enjoys spending time off exploring new hiking trails.
ALTERNATE MEMBER
Phil (Wooksun) Hong
Law Offices of WookSun Hong
125 12th Street, Ste. 100-BALI,
Oakland, CA 94607
modulegal@gmail.com
(510) 368-8538
About:
WookSun is part of Bay Area Legal Incubator where a group of attorneys provide legal services for mid to low income communities. Their practice areas cover employment, immigration, estate planning, real estate, business/corporate law, prisoners’ rights and more. WookSun personally handles real estate, landlord-tenant, immigration and estate planning. For Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, he serves as an expert in commercial unlawful detainer and advisor in Legal Services for Entrepreneurs (LSE) Program. He is schedule to supervise students of University of Berkeley SOL at one of their Practicum clinics. WookSun graduated from Seoul National University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. He pursued Ph.D. degree in biochemistry before switching to law. He enjoys cycling. He wants to travel as many countries as possible in the future.
ALTERNATE MEMBER
Jason Leong
Law Offices of Jason Leong
4123 Broadway #708
Oakland, CA 94611
jasonleonglawoffices@gmail.com
510-421-3327
About:
Jason practices criminal defense and also handles post-conviction writs, petitions, and appeals. Jason has been a long-time resident of Alameda County, going to high school in the East Bay, and graduating from UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law. After more than two years as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of California and a Deputy District Attorney in Madera County, he’s excited to be back home serving the Bay Area. Jason is a former member of the Earl Warren and Kennedy Inns of Court and enjoys staying at the cutting edges of the law.
STAFF LIAISON
Hadassah Hayashi
Assistant Director
1000 Broadway, Suite 480
Oakland, CA 94607 hadassah@acbanet.org
(510) 302-2200
