Judge Noël Wise, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Monica F. Wiley, San Francisco County Superior Court In California the judge’s Oath of Office begins, “I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and…
The Barristers Club’s Racial Justice Initiative
The Barristers Club is proud to announce the creation of its Racial Justice Initiative. While systemic racism and police brutality are not new issues, this year’s murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other African Americans have thrust…
Silent No More: Court Reporters Speak Up for the Record
Most attorneys understand what court reporters do, treat them with respect, know how to make a good record, don’t speak too fast, and appreciate reporters who interrupt for clarification of the record. However, some attorneys conduct depositions at supersonic speeds…
Virtual Experiences for Everyone at the 2020 Justice & Diversity Center Gala
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) is excited to announce new details about the experiences guests can expect when they log on to join the virtual Gala on September 16. Kicking off the evening, mixologist Rebecca Pinnell will guide guests…
Get Ready for an Evening of Inspiration and Sensation
Justice and diversity, now more than ever. That is the prevailing spirit at the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) as we prepare for an evening of gratitude and recognition in the midst of unprecedented, frequently unpredictable, and incredibly difficult times…
Managing Partners Mull Challenges, Share Strategies for Returning to Work
Twenty-six leaders from some of the Bay Area’s largest firms gathered virtually on June 22 to discuss challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and share strategies for reopening their offices. The meeting was hosted by BASF President Stuart Plunkett, Alston…
The Importance of Timely Recording Your Time
Attorneys have different reasons for keeping time. Some plaintiff attorneys prudently record time to support a fee award, or to ensure they are paid if they are terminated during litigation. Defense attorneys typically bill by the hour and time records…
Celebrating Justice in Action: JDC’s 16th Annual Gala Goes Virtual, Adds Fireside Chats to Engage with Community Leaders and Issues
The Justice & Diversity Center’s (JDC) annual Gala, now in its 16th year, has always been an elegant affair—an opportunity for the San Francisco legal community to gather and celebrate the collective impact of more than 1,500 volunteer and staff…
BASF Mediation Services Welcomes Andrew R. Wiener to the Panel of Mediators
Andrew R. Wiener Mediator/Arbitrator/Attorney Andrew Wiener brings 35 years of litigation experience to his full-time mediation practice, most commonly involving workplace conflicts, including claims of wrongful termination, wage and hour entitlement, and/or age discrimination. Having been trial counsel in a…
Embracing the Versatility of They
Success at persuasive writing depends in no small part on establishing credibility with the reader. With that in mind, it is wise to avoid outmoded, archaic phrases and terms—especially those that smack of gender bias and exclusivity. But trying to…
Advocating for Justice: JDC’s Yolanda Jackson and Gloria Chun Share Public Interest and Social Justice Perspectives
In June, Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) Executive Director Yolanda Jackson and Director Gloria Chun shared their perspectives, research, and experience during parts one and two of a four-part remote speaker series for law students. On June 11, on the…
2020 Annual Paralegal Conference on Ethics and Wellness
Professional development seminars. Networking opportunities. Emails from the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) about upcoming events. These things are usually geared to attorneys rather than the paralegals who keep their firms humming. But why should attorneys get to have…