Committees
We welcome SCCBA members' participation in all facets of the Association's activities and work, including our various committees. Committees are created by the Board of Trustees to help facilitate our strategic plan and vision for our legal community.
For example, they may have oversight for ongoing programs, projects or initiatives of the Association, including the study of issues affecting the Bar, the practice of law, the administration of justice or the general welfare of the community. Committees may also coordinate events, seminars or continuing legal education programs or other special projects on behalf of the Board of Trustees
See the Committee roster below for a detailed description of their purposes. If you are interested in being appointed to one of our committees, please contact CEO & General Counsel, Sherry Diamond at sherryd@sccba.com.
Appellate Courts
Reviews the procedural aspects of California appellate practice for the purpose of recommending legislative changes, as well as changes in the California Rules of Court. Monitors legislative proposals and studies by special committees which may affect California appellate practice. If you are interested in joining the Appellate Practice Committee, please contact Honorable Justice Mary Greenwood at mary.greenwood@jud.ca.gov or Sherry Diamond at sherryd@sccba.com
Civil Practice
Meets monthly with Bench Officers, court staff and civil litigators to discuss current and challenges facing the Bench and the Bar. Responds to proposed rule changes in Superior Court and provides input and assistance to the Bench on issues affecting civil practice and the efficient and timely management of ongoing court processes. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Civil Practice Committee, please contact 2022 Committee Chair Mark Shem at mshem@bortonpetrini.com or Sherry Diamond at sherryd@sccba.com
Equality
The work of the Equality Committee touches all aspects of the Association's mission. The Committee seeks to create an open, equitable, and accessible spaces for all to learn and grow personally and professionally within the Association. We do this by hosting round table conversations, brown bags and seminars in safe spaces, addressing all manifestations of inequality in an open and compassionate manner and engaging in inter and intra cultural humility. By encouraging a lifelong dedication to increasing our awareness, knowledge, skills and discourse as we work to identify personal privilege, we develop a deeper understanding of our roles as agents for change. The Committee further seeks to improve access to opportunities within all areas of the legal profession and the Association and oversees the equality-related initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees.
If this work interests you, please contact Co-Chairs B J Fadem and Nicole Ford at bjfadem@fademlaw.com and jackiejudson@gmail.com respectively to become a part of this work.
Federal Courts
Works with the Federal Bench on improving procedures, judicial facilities and other matters. Considers federal practice and procedures including civil, criminal, appellate, and local rules. The Federal Practice Committee often partners with the Federal Bar Association to provide MCLEs of particular interest to federal court practitioners. Please contact Sherry Diamond at sherryd@sccba.com if leading this committee interests you.
Fee Arbitration
Oversees the arbitration of attorney-client fee disputes. Develops policy, rules, procedures and forms using guidelines set by the State Bar. Appoints arbitrators and serves as a resource for arbitrators and parties. The Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program is always in need of volunteer attorney and lay arbitrators. That's right: you need not be an attorney to become a lay fee arbitrator! If you would like to become a fee arbitrator, or would simply like more information, contact the Fee Arbitration Committee Chair, Charles Hellstrom at CHellstrom@murphyaustin.com or our Fee Arbitration Coordinator Mary Gonzalez at maryg@sccba.com for information and requirements.
Judiciary Committee
Responds to the Governor's requests to evaluate individuals under consideration for judicial appointment. Having met specific criteria, a separate application must be submitted for this Committee annually. All applications are subject to final approval of the President of the Board of Trustees. Contact Sherry at sherryd@sccba.com for more information. SCCBA strongly encourages attorneys of diverse racial, ethnic, religious, gender and sexual and gender identities, as well as attorneys with disabilities to apply.
Click here to see recent appointees through our Judiciary Committee process.
Judiciary Committee Criteria
The criteria to be eligible for consideration for appointment to the SCCBA Judiciary Committee include, but are not necessarily limited to, prior and current membership in the SCCBA and the following:
- Prior activity on one or more committees of the SCCBA and/or a showing of involvement in the SCCBA beyond mere payment of membership dues for at least one year;
- Adequate practice experience, preferably 7 years;
- Practice area, law firm and geographic diversity to be determined by considering the composition of the Judiciary Committee and the applicant pool as a whole at the time any appointment/s are being made;
- Lack of any conflict of interest with respect to the substantive work of the Judiciary Committee.
Lawyer Referral Service Committee
Pursuant to State Bar Association of California rules, our Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) maintains a small committee of members who oversee and develop policy and procedure for the operation of the Association's Lawyer Referral Service and Modest Means Programs. The LRS Committee also works with the CEO to address concerns raised about our LRS attorneys or processes. If you would be a part of this committee, contact Sherry Diamond at sherryd@sccba.com. To become a panel attorney and receive referrals through this community service, please contact our Lawyer Referral Service Coordinator at sbarajas@sccba.com for an application.