Event Archive
Committee Against Torture
Friday, February 3, 2012
The chapter’s Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss and organize against torture, particularly as a tool used by American officials.
FRIDAY FEB. 3 at 5:00 p.m.
2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601
Berkeley, CA
Contact Sharon sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org for more details. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Occupy, Police, and the Law
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The National Lawyers Guild Hastings Chapter presents: Occupy, Police, and the Law
Legal challenges to law enforcement handling of Occupy Oakland
with Linda Lye, First Amendment attorney at ACLU
Rachel Lederman, NLG attorney
and Marcus Kryshka, plaintiff
Wed, 2/1, at 3:30
UC Hastings, Room A
contact: kayyalin@uchastings.edu
Executive Board Retreat 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
All members in good standing are welcome at our 2012 Board Retreat on Saturday, January 28 from 10 AM - 4 PM in San Francisco. This will be an opportunity for the Executive Board to discuss the 2012 budget, goals for the year and strategic planning. If you are interested in taking part, please email carlos@nlgsf.org for details.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting (and Mailing Party)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The next meeting of the Testimonial Dinner Committee will be Thursday, January 26 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM at the home of David Weintraub in Oakland. Please RSVP for the exact address by contacting Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org. We will be putting together our invitation mailing, so we could use all the help we can get!
The Dinner Committee plans the largest fundraising event for the chapter - our annual Testimonial Dinner (scheduled for March 10, 2012). Joining the committee is a great way to contribute to the chapter and to a fabulous event that attracts 400+ NLG and community members every year.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, California; 510/848-4752, x4.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Serving clients experiencing MST presented by Elizabeth Stinson, MFT.
Elizabeth is an experienced therapist and former director of Sonoma Peace and Justice Center, where she developed a military counseling program. She has a private therapy practice in Portland, Oregon treating veterans, and also works for Multnomah County. She has conducted numerous workshops on MST for the V.A. and regularly consults with attorneys representing clients with MST, PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Elizabeth is a dynamic speaker, and will provide training for lawyers and counselors on approaches to respond to and represent clients experiencing MST.
After the program, there will be a discussion of active cases and issues.
New members are welcome. One hour of continuing education credit is available to attorneys.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Staying True to Your Roots: Doing Justice for the 99%
Friday, January 13, 2012
The NLG is offering 4 hours of CLE credit for the extremely reasonable price of $70 for members and $110 for non-members. This credit includes one hour of elimination of bias credit and one hour of ethics credit. This event will be held at the Practising Law Institute in downtown San Francisco.
12:00-12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking
This portion of the program is free. Law students and newer lawyers are invited to come and meet with more experienced practitioners in the following legal fields: Criminal Defense, Employment; Family Law, Immigration, Labor, and Personal Injury. Please preregister so that we can match you up with an appropriate practitioner.
12:30-1:30 Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession: Sexism and Patriarchy at Work
This participatory panel discussion will qualify for one hour of credit toward the elimination of bias requirement. Engage the panelists and other participants in an insightful discussion of how (conscious and unconscious) bias against women and people who identify as LGBT damages working relationships for legal professionals and the effectiveness of legal work. Confirmed panelists include Noreen Farrell of Equal Rights Advocates, and Ming Wong of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
1:45-3:45 Two Separate Panels To Choose From
Cutting Edge Issues in Employment and Immigration Cases
This panel will focus on the following issues: (1) Post 9-11 discrimination in the workplace: Recent employment discrimination cases and special issues within the AMEMSA (Arab Middle Eastern Muslim South Asian) community; and (2) Effective representation of undocumented workers in employment actions, including litigation tips and handling special challenges in administrative proceedings.
The panelists for this presentation include William Tamayo of the EEOC, Rocio Avila of Golden Gate University’s Women’s Employment Rights Clinic, Zahra Billoo of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Chris Ho of the Employment Law Center.
Representing Undocumented Persons in Criminal and Immigration Proceedings
This panel will address issues that arise when representing undocumented persons in both criminal and immigration proceedings. The panelists for this presentation include Norton Tooby of the Law Offices of Norton Tooby, Angie Junck of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Francisco Ugarte of the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network, and Stacy Tolchin of the Law Offices of Stacy Tolchin.
4:00-5:00 Ethical Issues in Multi-Plaintiff and Class Action Cases
From intake to settlement, class action lawsuits raise unique ethical issues at each stage of their development. Panelists Chris Schreiber and Rachel Brill will lead a discussion of these issues. This panel will qualify for one hour of credit toward the ethics requirement. This panel will qualify for one hour of credit toward the ethics requirement.
Cosponsored by the Iranian-American Bar Association, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Legal Aid Association of California, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association and South Asian Bar Association of Northern California
LOCATION & REGISTRATION
Practising Law Institute
685 Market Street (between Third and Annie Streets), in San Francisco
Monadnock Building, First Floor
Refreshments provided. Please bring your own lunch.
NLG & Cosponsor members: $70 full day / $25 per session
Non-members: $110 full day / $35 per session
Click here to register online or call 415.285.5067x304 for more information.
Ten Years of Guantánamo: A Discussion with Andy Worthington and Jason Leopold
Friday, January 13, 2012
UC Hastings College of the Law, Louis B. Mayer Lounge
198 McAllister Street, San Francisco
12 Noon - 2 PM
Free admission, open to the public, and wheelchair accessible.
Andy Worthington will speak on Guantánamo, indefinite military detention, the new National Defense Authorization Act, and the fight for justice against torture and rendition. His path-breaking work continues to bare the truth about Guantánamo and the hundreds of prisoners held there illegally without charge or trial, and tortured. His book, “The Guantánamo Files: The Stories of the 774 Detainees in America’s Illegal Prison” and film “Outside the Law: Stories from Guantánamo” have been highly acclaimed by legal and civil liberties experts. In 2011, after working with WikiLeaks on the release of classified military documents relating to the Guantanamo prisoners, he began a new project, “The Complete Guantánamo Files,” a million-word series that will continue throughout 2012.
Meditation for Lawyers
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Meditation for Lawyers will be presented on the evening of January 12, 2012, 6 - 8:30 PM at the law office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000, in Oakland. Registration begins at 5:30 PM. Presenters include Attorneys Doug Chermak and David Borgen.
2 Hours CLE Credit: One hour of Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse and one hour of regular CLE credit will be available.
Cosponsored by The Legal Aid Association of California.
$125 nonmember
$100 member
$75 low income
Click here to register online. Or RSVP to Carlos at 415.285.5067x304.
Meditation has proved itself a great tool for lawyers. It brings focus, intentionality, and balance to our work life whether in the courtroom, in the office, at meetings or at home.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Join our Testimonial Dinner Committee and help plan the largest fundraiser of the year for our chapter. The 2012 Dinner will honor Bobbie Stein and Alan Schlosser as Champions of Justice. We will meet over dinner at 6:30 PM in Oakland. Email Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org if you can be there and for the location details.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The meetings are generally the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6 PM alternating between the Oakland and San Francisco.
The January 2012 meeting will be at Beeson, Tayer and Bodine, Ross House, 2nd Floor, 483 Ninth Street in Oakland. Please RSVP to dtmcdonald@usfca.edu.
Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee (formerly the State Bar Committee) will meet at 6:30 pm on Jan. 5, 2012 at Don Ramon’s, 225 - 11th St.
Agenda is 1) lobbying for resolutions which have passed and 2) resolutions for 2012.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
This month we will start our meeting at 7 PM at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
House Meeting on Ronald Bridgeforth Case
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Please join us in welcoming back to the Bay Area
Ronald Bridgeforth and his wife Diane.
Sunday December 18th
at 2:00pm
At the home of Tory Griffith & Peter Haberfeld
You will have a chance to meet Ronald Bridgeforth, and hear Paul Harris, Ronald’s attorney, explain the legal strategy*
Please RSVP Tory Griffith: 510 450-0278, or email torygriffith@gmail.com.
Ronald Bridgeforth’s life is intertwined with the arc of American history. From helping Black voters register to vote through the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the life-threatening racist environment of Mississippi in 1964, to organizing youth in San Francisco’s Fillmore District, to watching helplessly as people burned down their own Fillmore community after Martin Luther King’s assassination in the spring of 1968, to being influenced by the Black Power movement, Ronald experienced the hopes and frustrations of a generation of Americans.
A fugitive from a possible life sentence in a 1968 court case in which he shot at a police car and was himself wounded, Ronald built a new life. He worked his way up from a custodian to gaining a master’s degree, getting married, raising two sons, and becoming a respected and beloved counselor and community college teacher.
He has now returned to face the consequences of his reckless act of 1968. He has pled guilty and under the severe sentencing laws of 1969 he faces 1 to 15 years in prison.
Ronald Bridgeforth’s sentencing will be Friday February 3rd at 8:00am in Redwood City at the Superior Court. Please come, bear witness, and show support for Ronald and his family
*You will also have an opportunity to help Ronald and Diane meet some of their expenses. (Optional)
Defending & Empowering Protesters: A Guide to NLG-Style Mass Defense
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Get the basics on defending demonstrators, including strategies for defending large numbers of activists arrested at one event, criminal defense strategies for typical protest charges, and potential immigration consequences of arrest and conviction.
Thursday, December 15th
5:30 - 7:30 PM
UC Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), Goldberg Room
2 hours CLE Credit for California Attorneys
Recommended contribution $10 - $30, No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds
Snacks, beverages available.
Presenters: Bobbie Stein, Mark Vermeulen, Raha Jorjani, John Viola & Caitlin Henry.
Presenters include attorneys with years of experience defending activists and suing government entities that violate the rights of protesters.
Mentorship Committee Meeting (Canceled)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Mentorship Committee meeting originally planned for this evening has been canceled. We’ll be back in business in January!
Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The next meeting of the Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee will be 6 pm on Dec. 8 at Don Ramon’s, 225 - 11th St.
Agenda is 1) lobbying for resolutions which have passed and 2) resolutions for 2012.
The Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee, formerly NLGSF State Bar Committee, participates in many Bar related activities throughout the year and initiates progressive resolutions for consideration and debate among delegates to the annual State Bar Convention.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org for more details. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Holiday Party & Auction
Friday, December 2, 2011
Join us for our Holiday Party and Auction on the evening of Friday, December 2, 6 to 9 PM at the office of Lewis, Feinberg, Lee, Renaker & Jackson, 476 9th Street in Oakland (walking distance from the 12th Street BART station).
Celebrate the work of The United People of Color Caucus and bid on dozens of great items including:
- Russian River Weekend
- Hypnosis and Cocktails
- Date Night Child Care
- 2 hours of Trial Consulting
- Private Yoga Class
- 2 tickets to a Giants Home Game!
- Basket of Vegan Baked Goods!
- “Mexicali Rose” Print
- Contemporary Jewish Museum - One Year Membership
- Lonely Planet Books
- Mexican Cooking Class for 2
- Weekend in Carmel
- Original Photo by Matt Ross
- Mission Mural Walks - Free Pass for 2
- Bicycle Trouble Shooting Picnic
- Family Law - One Hour Consultation.
- Signed “Malaquias Montoya” book, by Tere
Romo - Dignidad Rebelde - Collection of Prints
- Week in Paris
- Original copy of “Prairie Fire” by Dennis
Cunnigham - Weekend at Stinson Beach
- Breakfast or Lunch at Aroma Cafe
- Historic Camilo Cienfuegos photo
And more. Pre-register to receive a free raffle ticket. Call 415.285.5067x302 or email raul@nlgsf.org.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Join our Testimonial Dinner Committee and help plan the largest fundraiser of the year for our chapter. The 2012 Dinner will honor Bobbie Stein and Alan Schlosser as Champions of Justice. We will meet over dinner at 6:30 PM in Piedmont. Email Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org if you can be there and for the location details.
Membership Meeting & Election
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Meeting Theme: Dismantling the Police State NLG SF Bay Area Coalitional Efforts to Resist Police Brutality, Profiling, Harassment and Surveillance
All members in good standing of the NLGSF are invited to attend our annual membership meeting, November 16, 2011 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at 518 Valencia Street in San Francisco (near 16th Street BART).
Speakers include NLG members working in community coalitions:
Sharon Adams with Coalition for a Safe Berkeley;
Jose Luis Fuentes from Stop The Injunctions Coalition;
Nadia Kayyali with Coalition for a Safe San Francisco;
Niloufar Khonsari with San Francisco Immigrant Rights Defense Committee; and,
Marilyn McMahon from the Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity Coalition.
Additionally, the membership meeting is an opportunity to vote for members of the chapter’s Executive Board and changes to the chapter’s bylaws. Here are some critical dates for those interested in running or voting:
October 18, 2011 Last Day to Join NLGSF and Participate in 2011 Election
Last Day to Declare Candidacy and Appear on Absentee Ballot
October 19, 2011 First Day Absentee Ballots Will Be Mailed Out
October 26, 2011 Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot
October 27, 2011 Last Day Absentee Ballots Will Be Mailed Out
November 15, 2011 Last Day Absentee Ballots Can Be Received by Mail
November 16, 2011 Election
Click here for a list of candidates and details on proposed bylaw changes.
Service Members and Veterans: The Right to Protest and Possible Consequences
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Servicemembers and Veterans Occupy!
As part of the 99%, servicemembers and veterans have been participating in Occupy protests in droves. But what are the consequences for such actions? Can servicemembers be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for such protests, or do the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution apply to them, too?
Please join the Bay Area Military Law Panel of the National Lawyers Guild, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace, and Courage to Resist for a workshop on servicemembers’ rights to protest and related issues.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 7-9pm
American Friends Service Committee
65 Ninth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Topics covered:
- Active duty and reservists’ protest rights
- Potential impact on veterans benefits for criminal justice-involved veterans
- Protest participation and PTSD triggers
- Report back from IVAW’s participation and update on Scott Olsen
Moderator: Jane Kaplan
Presenters: Steve Collier, Teresa Panepinto, Rai Sue Sussman
1.5 hours of free CLE credit available, .5 of which is ethics credit.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Annual Mentorship Program Cocktail Party
Friday, November 11, 2011
Come and meet fellow students, attorneys and legal workers practicing in a variety of fields! Food and libations will be provided.
Friday, November 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Ross/Lawrence Humble Abode, 2734 Russell Street, Berkeley
Directions: One block North of Ashby Avenue. On public transportation, take the AC Transit 51B bus straight up College Avenue from the College Avenue BART station, get off at Russell and walk a half a block. Or take the 49 from the Ashby BART station, get off at College & Webster, and walk two blocks north to Russell Street.
Students, if you have a mentor, please personally invite him or her!
Immigration Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Please join us at the next NLG Immigration Committee meeting.
Tuesday November 1, 2011, 12:30-1:30
ACLU Office, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco
Please kindly rsvp to Christine at christine@stoufferlaw.com by Friday October 28, 2011.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP): update following ICOP subcommittee meetings, including ongoing discussion about data collection and analysis and focus on longer term project goals.
- Prosecutorial discretion, does it mean anything?
- Updates on collaboration, joint events with ally advocates and organizations, CLEs, etc.
- Announcements
If you have agenda items you would like to add or any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Immigration Court Observation Project Training
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
At John F. Kennedy University College of Law
100 Ellinwood Way in Pleasant Hill, Room 304
Please RSVP to Irene Ross, Iross@jfku.edu.
NLG JFK and the NLGSF Immigration Committee invite law students to participate in an Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP) training.
Students should be committed to going to Master Calendar proceedings (held Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 12 PM) in immigration court at least once a month and documenting the immigration court process.
Other NLG groups have done similar projects and published reports that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework. The training will be led by NLG Board President Michael Flynn. Trainers will familiarize participants with the way the court works, and past observers will share their experiences.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
74th Law for the People Convention
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The NLG’s Annual, National Convention will be from October 12 through the 16th in Philadelphia.
Convention Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1800 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 561-7500
NLG Group Rate: $127/night
Please use the code “NLG” when making your reservation to get the discounted rate. For directions and transportation information, visit: http://www.cpphiladelphia.com/
Keynote Speaker: Bhairavi Desai, co-founder and Director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance
Click here for more information.
Gang Injunctions: Intersection of Civil Rights and Crime Control
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Presented by the Civil Rights and Public Law/Public Service Committees of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area. NLGSF is cosponsoring this event.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
At Reed Smith, 101 Second Street, 18th Floor in San Francisco
Reception to follow. Please RSVP to SeanT@MinamiTamaki.com.
Approved for 1 hour of MCLE credit.
This panel will provide a balanced examination of the effectiveness of gang injunctions, with particular emphasis on ordinances enacted by local municipalities. Panelists will examine the due process concerns raised by gang injunctions and will weigh the costs of enforcement against the benefits. Particular attention will be paid to implications of gang injunctions on race relations within affected communities.
Featuring:
Wade Chow is a San Francisco Assistant District Attorney. He oversees the Gang Violence Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney’s office and, in 2009, successfully prosecuted a member of the Norteño gang for violating San Francisco’s gang injunction. Mr. Chow graduated from Yale Law School.
Barry Krisberg, Ph.D. is the Director of Research and Policy and Lecturer in Residence at the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy. He testified as a gang injunction expert for the defendant alleged gang members at the Fruitvale gang injunction hearing before the Alameda County Superior Court.
Sarala Nagala is an associate in the San Francisco office of Munger, Tolles & Ollson LLP. In 2010, Ms. Nagala, in coordination with the ACLU of Southern California, successfully defended the constitutional rights of a class of individuals who were served with and subjected to an Orange County gang injunction without having been given an opportunity to contest their alleged gang membership in court.
Alex Tse is a Deputy City Attorney at the Office of the San Francisco City Attorney, Dennis J. Herrera. He is the Chief Attorney of the Neighborhood and Resident Safety Division and supervises the team that handles civil gang injunctions.
Moderated by:
Lin Chan is an associate at Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, a civil rights and public interest law firm, and member of the AABA’s Civil Rights Committee.
The panel will address such questions as:
Are gang injunctions effective at controlling gang violence? What are viewed as some of the successes of gang injunctions?
Are some gang injunctions better than others?
What are the due process concerns raised by gang injunctions?
Are the benefits of gang injunctions worth the costs of enforcement?
What are the implications of gang injunctions on race relations within affected communities?
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The October meeting will be at 6 PM, at Beeson, Tayer and Bodine, Ross House, 2nd Floor, 483 Ninth Street in Oakland.
Please RSVP to dtmcdonald@usfca.edu.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org for more details. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Monday, October 3, 2011
Join our Testimonial Dinner Committee and help plan the largest fundraiser of the year for our chapter. The 2012 Dinner will honor Bobbie Stein and Alan Schlosser as Champions of Justice. We will start planning the details for the dinner at our 2012 kickoff meeting, 6 PM in Piedmont. Email Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org if you can be there and for the location details.
43rd Annual Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, October 1, 2011
From the Streets to the Courts
Saturday October 1st at Golden Gate University
With keynote speaker Matt Gonzalez
10:00 - 10:30 - Breakfast and Welcome
10:40 - 11:55
Government Profiling and Surveillance of the Arab Middle Eastern
Muslim and South Asian Community in the Bay Area (Room 3214)
Dealing With the Fallout From Plata v. Brown (Room 3201)
12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch and Keynote Speaker, Matt Gonzalez: Chief Attorney of the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, 2008 Green Party vice-presidential candidate
1:10 - 2:25
Exonerating the Innocent: Foundations of Post-Conviction Lawyering (Room
3214)
AND
Change through Conflict: Strategies for Impact Litigation (Room 3201)
2:35 - 3:50
Organized Labor: Overcoming Backlash (Room 3214)
AND
International Environmental Human Rights (Room 3201)
4:00 - 6:00 - Reception
In The Land of the Free… Film Screening
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Political Prisoners in the US… FREE THEM ALL!
Film Screening of In the Land of the Free & Discussion about the Angola 3
Join TUPOCC (The United People of Color Caucus of the National Lawyers Guild) & other organizations to raise funds for the defense of the Angola 3, political prisoners locked up in Louisiana’s horrific Angola Prison.
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2011; Doors Open at 6pm, Film Showing at 6:30
Address: Saturn Café 2175 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 (1 block from Downtown Berkeley BART Station)
Speakers: Richard Brown of the San Francisco 8, Jerry Elster of All of Us or None
Fundraiser! $5-10 donation at door (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Cosponsors: All of Us or None, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Committee to Stop Political Repression, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, California Coalition of Women Prisoners, National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, National Lawyers Guild – SF Anti Racism Committee
Patriot Acts: Narratives of Post 9-11 Injustice
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
6-9 PM, UC Hastings, 100 McAllister St. in San Francisco, Sky Room
Hastings National Lawyers Guild and Hastings Race and Poverty Law Organization present a Voice of Witness Project reading. Alia Mallek discusses Partriot Acts, a groundbreaking collection of oral histories, Patriot Acts tells the stories of men and women who have been needlessly swept up in the War on Terror. In their own words, narrators recount personal experiences of the post-9/11 backlash that have deeply altered their lives and communities.
Progressive Lawyering Day Planning Meeting
Friday, September 23, 2011
The final planning meeting before the 2011 Progressive Lawyering Day will be Friday, September 23rd at 6 PM, Golden Gate University, room 3209 in San Francisco.
Help make this day-long progressive conference a huge success.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Jury Issues in Civil Rights and Public Interest Cases
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Telling the Story and Picking the Jury in Difficult Times
3 Hours California MCLE Credit
Register Online Now
Presentations and Demonstrations by:
John Burris, Esq.
Leading Police Misconduct Litigator
Jean Hyams, Esq.
Dickson, Levy, Vinick, Burrell, Hyams LLP
Leading Employment Litigator
Karen Jo Koonan
NJP Litigation Consultants
Senior Trial Consultant
September 17th
9 AM Registration
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Practicing Law Institute
685 Market Street
San Francisco
$100 for nonmember
$60 for members of the NLG or cosponsoring organizations
$20 for law students or non-credit seekers
Cosponsored by American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, California Employment Lawyers Association, Equal Justice Society, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, Legal Aid Association of California, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, South Asian Bar Association of Northern California.
Law Student Military Counseling Project Training
Friday, September 16, 2011
Law Students: Become a GI Rights Counselor!
Get trained to assist service members in AWOL information, conscientious objection claims, disability discharges, hardship separation, fraudulent/defective enlistment, and more. Law students support GIs by providing accurate and timely information as well as support and advocacy for the decisions that they make.
Law Student Military Counseling Project Training
Friday, September 16, 2011
1:30 - 4:30 PM
American Friends Service Committee Offices
65 9th Street in San Francisco
Using resources provided by the Bay Area Military Law Panel of the National Lawyers Guild (BAMLP), the GI Rights Net- work and American Friends Ser- vice Committee, the Law Student Military Counseling Project is a Bay Area-based counseling ser- vice. The Project provides direct phone counseling and information to GIs and their families who con- tact the GI Rights Hotline to get information about their enlistment and separation from military ser- vice. Law students are trained and supervised by experienced military law lawyers.
Deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world have sparked an increase in the volume of calls to the GI Right Network. Service members and their families are in desperate need of assistance. There are not enough counselors to cover the current demand for information.
If you are interested in joining the Project, contact Siri Margerin, sirism@mac.com.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The September meeting will be at 6 PM in San Francisco.
Please RSVP to Lisa lwei@vblaw.com for the exact address and directions.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org for more details. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Why Is Carlos Montes Being Targeted By the FBI?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
7-9pm, Reception starting at 6:30
518 Valencia St. (& 16th St.)
This space IS wheelchair accessible
The NLGSF is a cosponsor of this event.
On May 17th, the SWAT Team of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and members of the FBI raided the home of Carlos Montes, a long time Chicano activist and leader of the famous student walkouts in East LA against the Vietnam War. More recently, he has organized Southern California’s Chicano community to speak out against war and empire, and is an active member of the Los Angeles Committee to Stop FBI Repression. Carlos will discuss how to defend our right to political expression and to protect our communities from government targeting and surveillance.
We will be joined by other activists who will speak on the current targeting of Arab and Muslim communities and government raids in undocumented and immigrant communities.
There will be simultaneous translation into Spanish at this event.
This event is sponsored by: The Bay Area Committee to Stop Political Repression, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, and the Center for Political Education
Film Viewing: Sir! No Sir!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Part of the NLGSF Summer Film Series–a benefit for the Bay Area Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
Tuesday, August 16th, 7:30 pm, mingling, 8:15pm film
El Rio, 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez), in San Francisco.
Donation of $8-$50 requested, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Sir! No Sir! tells the long suppressed story of the GI movement to end the war in Vietnam. This is the story of one of the most vibrant and widespread upheavals of the 1960’s- one that had a profound impact on American society yet has been virtually obliterated from the collective memory of that time.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The August meeting will be at 6 PM in Oakland.
RSVP to Derek dtmcdonald@usfca.edu for complete details.
Emerging Issues for LGBT Immigrants, Asylees and Refugee Seekers CLE
Monday, August 8, 2011
5:00 - 7:30 PM
Room 3211 at Golden Gate University in San Francisco
2 Hours California MCLE credit will be provided.
$40 for nonmembers; $20 for members (No one turned away for lack of funds).
Free for non-credit seekers.
Speakers will present on a multitude of issues regarding LGBT immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, including the progress made in adjudicating claims by same-sex bi-national couples, the impact of DOMA litigation or repeal of DOMA on LGBT immigrants. Speakers will also present on how LGBTI asylum cases would be handled in a variety of the jurisdictions outside the U.S. context and on the UNHCR refugee status determination process.
Speakers
Zachary M. Nightingale is partner at Partner at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale. His practice focuses on deportation defense and federal court litigation, with an emphasis on the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Other specialties include asylum, naturalization, and family-based adjustment of status. A significant part of his practice includes advising non-citizens and their attorneys as to the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges, and how to minimize those consequences.
Emily E. Arnold-Fernández, Esq., the founder and executive director of Asylum Access, is a social entrepreneur and human rights pioneer. A lawyer who has advocated nationally and internationally for the human rights of women, children, and other vulnerable individuals, Emily first became involved in refugee rights in 2002, when she represented refugees in United Nations proceedings in Cairo, Egypt. Emily’s legal advocacy won her client protection and safety in Egypt until his eventual resettlement in the U.S. Unfortunately, Cairo was one of the few places where refugees had access to legal advocates like Emily. Recognizing that refugees throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America – some of whom flee with nothing more than the clothes on their backs – were almost always unequipped to go into a legal proceeding in a foreign country, alone, and explain why they should not be deported, Emily founded Asylum Access to advocate on behalf of refugees seeking to assert their rights.
Chelsea Haley-Nelson is the EOIR liaison at AILA of Northern California, a Co-Chair at BALIF and a Co-Chair with the Immigration Committee at National Lawyer’s Guild-San Francisco Chapter.
Cosponsored by Asylum Access, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, South Asian Bar Association - Bay Area, and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org for more details. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Progressive Lawyering Day Planning Meeting
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Help plan our annual, day-long conference–Progressive Lawyering Day! The next PLD planning meeting will be held in Room 3208 on Thursday, July 21 at 6:30-8:30 PM at Golden Gate University in SF.
Summer Public Interest Intern Mixer/Happy Hour
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Come mix and mingle with Bay Area public interest attorneys and law clerks! Find out what other attorneys and students are working on this summer and have fun getting to know new friends and allies. Participating orgs include:
ACLU, Alliance for Justice, Asian Law Caucus, Bay Area Legal Aid, East Bay Community Law Center, Employment Law Center, Equal Justice Society, Equal Rights Advocates, Impact Fund, La Raza Centro Legal, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, National Center for Youth Law, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Lawyers Guild, Public Advocates, and many more…
Look out for people with name tags at each bar.
Wednesday, July 20, 5-7pm: The Layover (1517 Franklin Street, Oakland, near 19th Street BART in downtown Oakland: http://www.oaklandlayover.com/home.cfm); $3 draft beers, $4 cocktails, $5 wine.
**Note: Unfortunately these are not sponsored events, so please be prepared to take care of your own tab. However – note the happy hour specials!
Demonstrations Committee Meeting (postponed)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
This meeting is being rescheduled and an update will be posted here soon.
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The next meeting of the Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee (formerly the State Bar Committee) will be July 19 at Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant at 6 PM. No host dinner. Please invite interested friends to join us. RSVP to Terry Koch, Committee Chair, at 415-595-0491.
Don Ramon’s is conveniently located near the Van Ness Muni Station.
Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant
225 11th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: (415) 864-2700
The meeting will be in preparation for the Conference of Delegates/Conference of California Bar Associations meeting in September.
SHUTDOWN: The Rise & Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War
Monday, July 18, 2011
Part of the NLGSF Summer Film Series–a benefit for the Bay Area Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
Monday, July 18th, 7:30 pm, mingling, 8:15pm film
El Rio, 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez), in San Francisco
Donation of $8-$50 requested, no one turned away for lack of funds.
SHUTDOWN documents a piece of the continuous struggle towards social justice. Using the March 20, 2003 occupation and disruption of the San Francisco Financial District as a case study, the film casts a thoughtful eye on one of the most successful actions of the current anti-war movement, facilitated by Direct Action to Stop the War (DASW). Created to gain insight, inspire, and draw lessons the movie tells the story of how social justice organizers and everyday people came together to plan and shut down the financial district of a major US city.
Summer Public Interest Intern Mixer/Happy Hour
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Come mix and mingle with Bay Area public interest attorneys and law clerks! Find out what other attorneys and students are working on this summer and have fun getting to know new friends and allies. Participating orgs include:
ACLU, Alliance for Justice, Asian Law Caucus, Bay Area Legal Aid, East Bay Community Law Center, Employment Law Center, Equal Justice Society, Equal Rights Advocates, Impact Fund, La Raza Centro Legal, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, National Center for Youth Law, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Lawyers Guild, Public Advocates, and many more…
Look out for people with name tags at each bar.
Wednesday, July 13, 5-7 pm: Mr. Smiths (34 7th Street, San Francisco, near Civic Center BART: http://www.maximumproductions.com/home.html); ½ priced well drinks, $3 beer of the week, $5 featured cocktail of the night.
**Note: Unfortunately these are not sponsored events, so please be prepared to take care of your own tab. However – note the happy hour specials!
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 12th at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, California; 510/848-4752, x4.
Program Topic: Current Trends in PTSD Treatment - Martha Schmitz, Ph.D.
1 hour California CLE Credit available for attorneys.
Dr. Schmitz is a staff psychologist on the PTSD Clinical Team at the San Francisco V.A., and Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF-School of Medicine. She offers continuing education workshops and consultation in the treatment of PTSD and substance abuse to clinicians throughout the United States and abroad. Her clinical and research interests include posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and resiliency in survivors of trauma.
Many of our clients suffer from PTSD. This program will help us understand the condition and what types of treatment are available.
After the program, there will be a discussion of active cases. New members are welcome.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The July meeting will be at 6 PM in San Francisco.
RSVP to Derek dtmcdonald@usfca.edu for complete details.
Progressive Lawyering Day Meeting
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Law students from throughout the Bay Area and as far away as the Davis Sacramento area organize a day long mini-conference each year. Join the planning committee and help make Progressive Lawyering Day a success.
The PLD meeting is Thursday, July 7th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, Room 3203 in San Francisco.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org to RSVP or with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our July meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian office, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The chapter’s Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss and organize against torture, particularly as a tool used by American officials.
July 5 (Tuesday)
6 p.m.
2140 Shattuck Ave. Suite 601
Berkeley, CA
Contact Sharon sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Film Viewing: In The Land of the Free…
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Join as at SomaR in Oakland for a viewing of In The Land of the Free…–the 2010 documentary about the Angola 3.
Wednesday, June 29th, 6 - 8 PM
SomaR, 1727 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland
Donation requested $5-20 (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Guest speaker Scott Fleming, an attorney who worked for over a decade on the Angola 3 case, will speak.
Also happy hour specials and raffle prizes.
Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King spent almost a century between them in solitary confinement in Angola, the Louisiana State penitentiary. They are known as the Angola 3.
Herman and Albert are still in solitary confinement after thirty seven years. How could this be? In America. Today.
In the Land of the Free… is a documentary feature narrated by Samuel L Jackson that examines the story of these extraordinary men who appear to have been targeted by the prison authorities for being members of the Black Panther party and because they fought against the terrible conditions and systematic sexual slavery that was rife in the prison.
2011 Far West Regional
Friday, June 24, 2011
2011 Far West Regional Conference, June 24-26
Register Online
Friday, 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Meet and Greet with David Gespass at Ant Hill Collective
Saturday, 8:30AM - 5:45PM
Regional Conference at Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Saturday, 7:30PM - 11:30PM
Party at Prosperity Hive Community Center
Questions or for more information contact farwestrvp@nlg.org.
Details:
Friday night Meet and Greet
Join us at the Ant Hill Collective, an activist housing community and home of guild member, Andrea Carter. This is a gathering of community members and conference attendees with NLG President David Gespass. Refreshments will be served.
Address and Directions: 335 27th St., San Diego, CA 92102 Via bus: Walk 1 block north to Market St. Take the #5 bus heading east. Get off just past 27th. Walk 2 blocks south back towards Island. Destination will be on your left. Driving or biking: Go one block north to Market St. Continue east on Market until 27th. Go 2 blocks south back towards Island. Destination will be on your left.
Regional Conference at Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL)
The Conference is designed to provide legal information and updates concerning and relevant to the NLG Far West Region and its members. The Far West region includes California, Nevada and Hawaii. The Conference will include panels and workshops with topics on current radical legal and progressive issues, and is intended to be useful to NLG attorneys, law students, and legal workers, as well as the larger progressive community. www.tjsl.edu
Address &Directions: 1155 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Driving: Taking I-5 south exit on 10th Ave. (exit 16). Continue on 10th until Island Ave. Then make a left. Destination will be on the left. You may park inside the parking garage on 11th for free. Airport: Take the #992 bus to downtown, get off at 11th ave., turn right on 11th (south) until Island Ave. Bus Station (Greyhound): Walk 4 blocks East to C St. & 3rd. Take Orange Line trolley towards Gillespie Field. Get off at Park & Market stop. TJSL is across the street. Train Station (Amtrak): Take the Orange Line trolley towards Gillespie Field. Get off at Park & Market stop. TJSL is across the street and is a wheelchair accessible space.
Saturday night Party
Great gathering of community activists and NLG-supporters held at the Prosperity Hive in East Village, a community and grassroots activist establishment. The party will include performances by poets and musicians, speakers, drinks, food and mucho mas! www.prosperity-hive.com
Address and Directions: 740 13th St. #503, San Diego, CA 92101 From TJSL, Walk east to 13th St. and then north between E and F. Dial 010 on the box left of the door to be buzzed into the Hive. Or, call (619) 779-1944 to announce your arrival. The Hive is on the top of the Art Center on the east side of the New School of Architecture in East Village, Downtown San Diego. The Hive is a wheelchair-accessible space.
More information to follow regarding workshops,
registration, housing and volunteer opportunities.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Immigration Committee Meeting/Gathering
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Please join us from 5:30 to 6:30 on Tuesday June 21, 2011 for our next NLGSF Immigration Committee meeting/gathering. For those who were not with us for past evening gatherings, this will be another chance for us to meet with one another in a less formal setting. We will provide snacks and drinks.
We will meet at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale
180 Sutter Street , 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Please RSVP christine@stoufferlaw.com as soon as possible and please let us know if there is anything in particular you would like to discuss. We will ask for updates from any of you just back from the AILA conference in addition to discussing updates on coalition work from organizations like SFIRDC and Coalition of a Safe San Francisco and updates on our Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP).
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee Co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson, chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer, christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Technology Project Meeting
Monday, June 20, 2011
6 PM, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1450
The Technology Project (a.k.a. Progressive Lawyering Project) and Committee is working on developing a Guild-branded new website, or possible addition to our chapter or national organization existing website(s), to include a wide range of video-content aimed at training a new generation of progressive lawyers. Among other content, our goal is to offer to the legal community legacy and other member interviews with Guild members about past legal struggles, CLE and other legal training programs and Guild programs, events and workshops.
Our meetings are short, focused on concrete tasks and open to all Guild members, but we are especially interested in working with a mixture of older as well as the “next generation” of Guild activists. For more information, contact Matt Ross, mross@leaonrdcarder.com; Karen Jo Koonan, kjkoonan@njp.com or Caitlin Henry, at caitlinkhenry@gmail.com.
Defending Political Protesters
Thursday, June 16, 2011
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, Room 3203
2 hours CLE Credit for Attorneys
CLE Credit: $20 for NLG Members, $50 for nonmembers; Free for non-credit seekers
Get the basics on defending demonstrators, including strategies for defending large numbers of activists arrested at one event, criminal defense strategies for typical protest charges, and preparing for the possibility of a civil case.
Presenters: Carey Lamprecht, Rachel Lederman, Mark Vermeulen, John Viola.
Presenters include attorneys with years of experience defending activists and suing government entities that violate the rights of protesters.
Progressive Lawyering Day Meeting
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Law students from throughout the Bay Area and as far away as the Davis Sacramento area organize a day long mini-conference each year. Join the planning committee and help make Progressive Lawyering Day a success.
The PLD meeting is Thursday, June 16th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Bindi restaurant at 28 2nd St. between Mission and Market in San Francisco.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The June meeting will be at 6 PM in Oakland.
RSVP to Derek dtmcdonald@usfca.edu for complete details.
Chapter Fundraising Committee Meeting
Monday, June 13, 2011
Help us keep the chapter strong! Join the Fundraising Committee and help organize special events, CLEs, auctions and more. Also bring your insight and creativity - we are always in need of new ideas.
Monday, June 13
6 PM
1939 Harrison St. Ste. 307 in Oakland
Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Can Your Clients Be Prosecuted for Thought Crimes?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The NLGSF is cosponsoring this event.
Presented by The Bay Area Association of Muslim Lawyers (BAAML)
Time and Date: June 8th, 2011 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Reed Smith, 101 Second Street, San Francisco CA 94105
Shahid Buttar the Executive Director of Bill of Rights Defense Committee will lead the discussion.
http://www.bordc.org/about/staff.php
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in the Humanitarian Law Project case, questions have emerged about the extent to which speech and advocacy are potentially subject to prosecution under the material support standard upheld in that case. A series of investigations in Chicago and Minneapolis may suggest one set of answers to the question, with profound consequences for individuals and organizations engaged in speech and advocacy. This subject matter will be crucially relevant to lawyers whose practice includes civil rights issues or policy matters related to oversight of executive and investigative agencies.
Pending approval from the State Bar for MCLE Credit
Co-sponsored by: the Asian Law Caucus (ALC) and the South Asian Bar Association, Civil Rights Committee (SABA-NC), National Lawyers Guild-Bay Area, Afghan American Bar Association (AABarA), Iranian American Bar Associatio-Northern California, Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF), Asian American Bar Association (AABA) and The Charles Houston Bar Association
Please RSVP for this event at BAAML_net@yahoo.com
For more information about the event contact Zahra Billoo at zahra.billoo@gmail.com
Make Radio/Make History–Microradio & The Bay Area
Saturday, June 4, 2011
3:30 – 5:30 pm
San Francisco Public Library
Latino Meeting Room B
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
The 2010 passage of the Local Community Radio Act was the culmination of decades of organizing to free up a slice of the airwaves for the voice of the people. Next year a one-time-only application window will open for hundreds of new locally-controlled community radio stations to come to life across the country. This is a tremendous opportunity for community groups, nonprofits, social justice movements, artists, and media lovers to gain local control over a piece of the broadcast airwaves!
Is California Ready?
Join us at the kickoff event for Radio Summer, a national outreach campaign to spread the word about this historic opportunity. Come to this free and fun workshop to learn how you can help your community seize the airwaves! Flier attached.
Featuring:
Vanessa Graber, Community Radio Coordinator, Prometheus Radio Project
Todd Urick, Engineer, Common Frequency
Susan Galleymore, Raising Sand Radio and member of the Alameda LPFM Project
Moderated by Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director, Media Alliance
Co-sponsored by Prometheus Radio Project, Media Alliance, Common Frequency, The National Lawyers Guild Committee on Democratic Communications, and National Federation of Community Broadcasters.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The next Anti-Racism Committee meeting will be on June 2, 6:30pm. The location will be at Urban Grinds Coffeehouse, 4th & Broadway, Oakland. Please RSVP to Mike Flynn at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend with an RSVP, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org to RSVP or with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our June meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650 in San Francisco.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, May 23, 2011
The chapter’s Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss and organize against torture, particularly as a tool used by American officials.
Monday, May 23
6:30 p.m.
2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley
Contact Sharon sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Chapter Fundraising Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Help us keep the chapter strong! Join the Fundraising Committee and help organize special events, CLEs, auctions and more. Also bring your insight and creativity - we are always in need of new ideas.
Wednesday, May 11
6 PM
179 11th St, 2nd Floor in San Francisco
Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Monday, May 9, 2011
Join our Testimonial Dinner Committee and help plan the largest fundraiser of the year for our chapter. Last month’s Dinner was a huge success. We will discuss this year’s event and start the early discussion of next year’s.
We will meet at 5582 Lawton Avenue in Oakland (short walk from Rockridge BART) at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to David borgen@gdblegal.com if you can attend.
The Goldstone Report: The Legacy of the Landmark Investigation of the Gaza Conflict
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The NLGSF is cosponsoring this book release event for The Goldstone Report: The Legacy of the Landmark Investigation of the Gaza Conflict from Nation Books.
Thursday, May 5, 7:00pm
First Congregational Church
2501 Harrison Street in Oakland
Introduction by UC Hastings Law School professor and scholar George Bisharat
The Middle East Children’s Alliance celebrates the Bay Area Book Release of THE GOLDSTONE REPORT: The Legacy of the Landmark Investigation of the Gaza Conflict—an edited version of Judge Goldstone’s UN report documenting war crimes during Operation Cast Lead.
Includes essays by Raji Sourani, Leila El-Haddad, Ali Abunimah, Rashid Khalidi, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Brian Baird. Two of the book’s editors, Phillip Weiss & Adam Horowitz, will present and lead a discussion
“The first-hand testimonies Phil and Adam share from the book are devastating. And the conversation they lead afterwards—why knowing these stories matters, and what we can do to prevent horrific bloodshed—is life-affirming.” -Cecilie Surasky, Jewish Voice for Peace
Tickets: $15, $10 for low-income/students
Buy tickets online or by phone through Brown Paper Tickets. 1-800-838-3006.
$15 tickets also available at bookstores. East Bay: Diesel, Moe’s Books, Pegasus on Shattuck and Solano, Walden Pond. SF: Modern Times (until April 30 only)
Wheelchair Accessible and ASL Interpreted
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The chapter’s Executive Board generally meets the first Wednesday of each month. This month the meeting will be at 6:30 PM in Oakland at the Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian office, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland. Any members in good standing may attend, but an RSVP to carlos@nlgsf.org is necessary.
The Executive Board is elected by the membership and makes decisions about the direction of the chapter, staff, endorsements and finances.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26 19th at 7:00 p.m. at 179-11th Street, San Francisco; 415/864-5600, x111.
Katie Dwight, staff attorney at Swords to Plowshares, will present a program on the impact of military service on immigration issues. In addition to working at Swords, Katie has a private criminal defense practice. One hour of CLE credit available for attorneys.
Law students are encouraged to attend the meeting.
After the program, there will be a discussion of active cases.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Law Student Meeting/Retreat
Friday, April 15, 2011
All NLGSF student members are encouraged to attend our general meeting/retreat this friday.
When: Friday, April 15th at 4:00 PM
Where: Golden Gate University School of Law, Room 3214.
536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.
We will discuss student organizing, future Progressive Lawyering Day planning, and other topics. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Also, expect that the meeting will last a few hours.
Contact Megan with questions at MeganJHamlin@gmail.com.
Immigration Court Observation Project Training
Thursday, April 14, 2011
6:30 pm in room 2321
Golden Gate University School of Law
NLG GGU, La Raza Students, and the San Francisco Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee invite all interested in immigration law and immigrant rights to participate in the NLG Immigration Committee’s Immigration Court Observation Project (“ICOP”) training. Learn about the project, and receive a primer on how the immigration court functions, with a focus on detained master calendar proceedings.
What is ICOP? In 2006, the SF Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court. We have continued the observation program with trainings roughly 2 times per year since 2006.
Students should be committed to going to Master Calendar proceedings (Monday-Thursdays, 830am-12pm) in immigration court at least once a month and fill out NLG-prepared observation forms to document the immigration court process.
Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework. The training will be led by NLG Immigration Committee member Michael Flynn and Co-Chair Chelsea Haley Nelson. Trainers will familiarize participants with the way the court works, and past student observers will share their experiences.
RSVP to Esther Barkey, elb@barkeyassociates.com, or write with questions.
Chapter Fundraising Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Help us keep the chapter strong! Join the Fundraising Committee and take on projects like t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, legal seminars, auctions and more.
Wednesday, April 13
6 PM
179 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The April meeting will be at 6 PM in Oakland.
RSVP to Derek dtmcdonald@usfca.edu for complete details.
Annual Testimonial Dinner
Saturday, April 9, 2011
We will honor Brad Seligman with the Champion of Justice Award and Aliya Karmali with the Unsung Hero Award at our Annual Testimonial Dinner.
The deadline to RSVP for this event has passed.
April 9, 2011
Oakland Marriott City Center Jewett Banquet Room 1001 Broadway in Oakland 5:30 pm Reception
7:30 Dinner
Program
MC: Teague Gonzalez Past President, NLGSF
Greeting: Michael Flynn President, NLGSF
Speakers
Abby Ginzberg Documentary Filmmaker
Mari Mayeda Member, Impact Fund Board of Advisors
Music by
Sarchasm With Mari Campos-Seligman, Sofi Campos-Seligman, Alex Botkin & Special Guest Corina Seligman
Questions? Email NLGSFdinner@gmail.com.
Isolation Units Within U.S. Prisons: A Panel Discussion
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Please join a diverse group of leading experts to discuss the ramifications of solitary confinement and experimental isolation units in the prison system. Panelists will also examine critical issues affecting the prison population, including prisoners’ rights, racial and religious profiling, and government misconduct.
Presented by the Center for Constitutional Rights. Co-sponsored by the NLGSF, Boalt Hall NLG, Freedom Archives, The Civil Liberties Defense Center, and many others.
Tuesday April 5, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Audre Lorde Room
The Women’s Building
3543 18th St . #8
San Francisco
Happy Hour Celebrating the 5K Runners and Walkers
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Beer Revolution
464 Third Street (walking distance from 12th street BART)
Oakland, CA
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Come join NLGSF Bay Area folks as we cheer on the Red Foot Running Brigade members who are running or walking the Oakland Running Festival 5K! Beer Revolution is awesome, Souley Vegan is next door if you have supper needs, and the race begins and ends a couple of blocks away at Broadway and Embarcadero. Hope to see you there! (the racing crew for the next morning may be leaving Beer Revolution pretty early)
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Celebrating “Lust For Justice: The Radical Life & Law of J. Tony Serra”
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Meet Civil Rights attorney Tony Serra!
Sponsored by NLGSF
UC Hastings College of the Law
198 McAllister Street, Room D (on 2nd floor)
San Francisco, CA 94102
March 13, 2011 12 p.m.
Book reading/book talk
FREE to the public!
Celebrating “Lust For Justice: The Radical Life & Law of J. Tony Serra”
A brilliant new book by Paulette Frankl.
For more info visit:
http://www.lustforjustice.net/
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The March meeting will be at 6 PM in San Francisco.
To RSVP and get address details, email Lisa LWei@vblaw.com.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The next meeting of the Testimonial Dinner Committee will be Tuesday, March 1 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM at the home of David Weintraub in Oakland. Please RSVP for the exact address by contacting David at borgen@gdblegal.com or Jody at jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com. We will be putting together our invitation mailing, so we could use all the help we can get!
The Dinner Committee plans the largest fundraising event for the chapter - our annual Testimonial Dinner (scheduled for April 9, 2011). Joining the committee is a great way to contribute to the chapter and to a fabulous event that attracts 400+ NLG and community members every year.
At our 2011 Dinner, we will honor Brad Seligman as our Champion of Justice. Brad, is a visionary and fearless lawyer and progressive. Most recently he has served as the founder and Executive Director of The Impact Fund, a progressive non-profit, which provides strategic leadership and support for litigation to achieve economic and social justice. As Executive Director, Brad has been the lead counsel in the Wal-Mart case, the largest employment class action ever to be certified in the United States.
Brad is a visionary presence in the employment law bar and has made exceptionally important law in the protection of employee rights. Brad has been influential in developing and publicizing theories of law in employment cases that demonstrate that discrimination does not just involve directly discriminatory conduct but arises from the unfettered use of subjective criteria or “tap on the shoulder” promotions and hirings.
Brad has also been active in the Guild over the years and has traveled on Guild delegations to Central America.
Memorial Service for Patti Roberts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A memorial service for NLG member Patti Roberts will be at Freight & Salvage – 2020 Addison St, Berkeley CA. Doors open at noon, service begins at 1 PM.
Patricia (Patti) Rose Roberts, a longtime Bay Area resident and civil rights and labor attorney who worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor, died unexpectedly while on vacation in Yelapa, Mexico on January 7. She was 64.
Ms. Roberts, an out lesbian, was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, on November 13, 1946, to Jewish working class New Yorkers Florence and Bernard Roberts.
Ms. Roberts first honed her skills in debate at the dinner table and beyond with her sister, Wynne, and her father. Always smart and ever funny, Ms. Roberts attended New York City public schools and went on to Brooklyn College. In 1967, a seminal year in radical left history, Ms. Roberts made her way to California with only a backpack and admission to UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law.
While in law school, as the events of the late 1960s and 1970s unfolded, she engaged intensely in the anti-war, free speech, and feminist and gay movements. She graduated from Boalt Hall in 1970 with a J.D. degree and a desire to use her legal skills to help those traditionally without representation.
Initially, Ms. Roberts involved herself with the burning issues of the times, working on behalf of prisoners with Fay Stender and the National Lawyers Guild. In addition to her involvement with the Prison Law Project of the National Lawyers Guild, she spoke out on feminist and gay rights issues.
“She had a tremendous zest for life,” said Alameda County Superior Court Judge David Krashna. “She was a robust person with a wonderful laugh and a great smile.”
Krashna knew Ms. Roberts through their work with the National Lawyers Guild. Ms. Roberts also became involved with Krashna’s judicial campaign in 2000.
“She was a surrogate speaker for me and a very reliable person,” he added. “With Patti, you could listen to her and rely on what she said. There wasn’t much fluff in her statements, but her statements always got your attention.”
In 1970, Ms. Roberts formed a collective Oakland household, which included Doron Weinberg, Steven Bingham, Susan Matross and Barbara Rhine, among others. While others moved out she stayed in that home for the next 41 years.
While continuing to do political work with the guild, Ms. Roberts took a position as the head of the Women’s Litigation Unit at San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Aid, representing poor women on a wide range of legal issues. Following her time at Legal Aid, Ms. Roberts founded and co-directed the Comparable Worth Project in Oakland, which pioneered much of the earliest legal work on the issue of pay inequity rooted in gender and race bias.
After departing the Comparable Worth Project, Ms. Roberts took a position as a union lawyer for the California School Employees Association in Alameda County. During her long legal career, she remained active in the National Lawyers Guild, serving as president of the Bay Area chapter and on the local NLG board as well as being an active member of the civil rights committee of the guild and a mentor to law students and new lawyers through the guild’s mentoring program.
Ms. Roberts was a founding board member of the Lesbian Rights Project, which later became the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where she later served as interim director. She began private practice as an employment discrimination attorney in 1990 and also started teaching labor studies and GLBT studies at City College, and employment law, legal research, and current legal issues at San Francisco State University Extension.
Retired San Francisco Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens recalled Ms. Roberts’s involvement with the Lesbian Rights Project.
“She was on the first advisory board, and that was in 1977,” Hitchens said, adding that she first met Ms. Roberts in 1974.
“Her whole career was advocating on behalf of people who were underrepresented in the justice system,” Hitchens added. “She was an excellent attorney.”
Ms. Roberts was a co-author of White-washing Race – The Myth of a Colorblind Society.
She is survived by nieces Cathryn and Margit Galanter and their partners, Jim Rosenfeld and Beth Ahlstrand; her grand-nephews Ben and Jed Rosenfeld; her brother-in-law Marc Galanter; her two closest friends Susan Matross and Karen Rachels; her beloved dog Picnic; and the many friends with whom she shared her life for decades.
Condolence cards may be sent to: Law Offices of Patti Roberts, 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1550, Oakland, CA 94612. To leave a message online, visit http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/pattiroberts.
The United States and Torture
Thursday, February 24, 2011
With author and law professor Marjorie Cohn
MCLE Credit Available for California Attorneys
1 hour ethics + 1 hour regular credit
Admission Free, (CLE Credit $40 nonmembers, $20 members)
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Registration at 5 PM
UC Hastings School of Law, 198 McAllister St., San Francisco
Room E
Marjorie Cohn will discuss her new book, “The United States and Torture: Interrogation, Incarceration, and Abuse,” just published by NYU Press. She will explain the ethical rules governing attorney advice to clients, using John Yoo as an example of unethical lawyering.
Marjorie Cohn is a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and immediate past president of the National Lawyers Guild. A prominent scholar and lecturer, she is the author of Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law and co-author of Cameras in the Courtroom: Television and the Pursuit of Justice and Rules of Disengagement: The Politics and Honor of Military Dissent. Her latest book, The United States and Torture: Interrogation, Incarceration and Abuse, was just published by NYU Press. Professor Cohn is deputy secretary general of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, U.S. representative to the executive committee of the American Association of Jurists, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT). A criminal defense attorney, she publishes extensively in the academic and popular press and provides media commentary about criminal justice, U.S. foreign policy, and human rights. Professor Cohn testified in 2008 about Bush administration torture policy before the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. She is the 2008 recipient of the Peace Scholar of the Year Award from the Peace and Justice Studies Association. Her articles, which appear regularly on several blogs, are archived at www.marjoriecohn.com.
Happy Hour With National President David Gespass
Friday, February 18, 2011
NLG President and human rights attorney David Gespass will be in town for the People’s Hearing on Racism and Police Violence (Feb19-20, more info at peopleshearing.wordpress.com).
Come enjoy some refreshing libations with comrades and meet the NLG President! 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Cafe La Boheme, 3318 24th St (above the 24th Street BART station) in San Francisco.
Immigration Committee Meeting/Gathering
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Please join us from 5:30 to 6:30 on Tuesday February 15, 2011 for our next NLGSF Immigration Committee meeting/gathering. For those who were not with us for past evening gatherings, this will be another chance for us to meet with one another in a less formal setting. We will provide snacks and drinks.
We will meet at
Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale
180 Sutter Street , 5th Floor
San Francisco , CA 94104
Please RSVP christine@stoufferlaw.com by noon on Monday February 14th. Please let us know, too, if there is something in particular you’d like to present or discuss. Proposed for the agenda so far are updates on: work being done around S-Comm and possible scheduling of NLG joint-sponsored CLE, the work of coalitions such as SFIRDC and Coalition for Safe San Francisco, and updates on the Immigration Court Observation Program, including scheduling a new training and finding partners for data collection and reporting.
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee Co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson, chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer, christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Movement Lawyering: An Event With Bruce Nestor
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hear from Bruce Nestor, past president of the NLG and lead attorney defending Minneapolis antiwar activists facing grand jury and FBI investigations.
At Cocina Poblana, 499 Embarcadero West in Oakland (12th St/Civic Center BART)
Friday, February 11 at 6 PM
Bruce Nestor is a political activist and attorney. His legal practice focuses on defending people charged with crimes in state and federal court, with a focus on the representation of political activists and immigrants. Bruce specializes in the immigration consequences of criminal convictions, including representing people who seek to vacate or set aside past criminal convictions in order to obtain immigration benefits.
Bruce is the past President of the National Lawyers Guild (2000-2003), a national bar association of progressive attorneys, law students, and legal workers, founded in 1937 as the first racially integrated bar association in the United States. He is a past president of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, a member of the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, and a member of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His community work and political organizing focuses on immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and racial justice. As an attorney and organizer, he has worked with Centro Campesino, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Coalition, the Campaign for a People’s Bailout, the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, and the Anti-War Committee. He has traveled to Nicaragua, Cuba, Palestine, Arizona, Haiti and Egypt as a member of human rights delegations.
Bruce graduated from the University of Iowa Law School in 1992, with highest honors. He has been in private practice since 1994, after working for Legal Services Corporation of Iowa. He has appeared in criminal, immigration and civil cases before the United States Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Fifth Circuit, and Eleventh Circuit; the United States District Court for Minnesota, Southern District of Iowa, Northern District of Iowa, Middle District of Illinois, and Northern District of Alabama; state courts in Minnesota and Iowa; and immigration courts nationwide, including the Board of Immigration Appeals.
FBI Raids and Grand Jury Subpoenas: Know Your Rights and Defend Our Communities
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Featuring HATEM ABUDAYYEH, an activist and Palestinian community leader whose home was raided by the FBI on September 24th. Hatem will speak about the investigation, his experiences, and current political organizing.
Wednesday Feb 9th, 2011, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
EastSide Cultural Center
2277 International Blvd, Oakland CA, 94606
FREE ADMISSION, Donations Accepted
On September 24th, 2010, the FBI raided the homes and offices of anti-war and international solidarity activists in Chicago and Minneapolis. During the raids, the FBI took computers, cell phones, documents and personal family items. In total, 14 activists in Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan were subpoenaed to appear before a Grand Jury on that date. Since then, 9 other activists have been subpoenaed, 6 of them Palestinian activists. This type of investigation is a tool to repress our movements for social justice and divide our communities.
The 23 activists have all refused to testify in this Grand Jury investigation.
Join us to get the facts on Grand Juries, know your legal rights with the FBI, understand why this is happening now, and learn how our communities can respond!
Plus come hear directly from Hatem Abudayyeh, one of the activists who was subpoenaed and whose home was raided in this grand jury investigation.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- Partial Screening of New Documentary: COINTELPRO 101 | Omar Hunter of Malcolm X Grassroots Movement
- Update on the ongoing grand jury investigation against Chicago and Minneapolis activists | Nina Farnia and Hatem Abudayyeh
- Federal Grand Juries and Your Legal Rights | Ben Rosenfeld of the National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Chapter
- How are grand juries used to stifle our organizing? What’s the connection between the FBI and grand juries? | Richard Brown of the SF-8, and Environmental Activist Nadia Winstead
- What is “Material Support for Terrorism”? And how is it being used against our communities and our movements? | Marc Van Der Hout, lead attorney for the Los Angeles 8
- Know Your Rights Presentation: What to do if the FBI comes knocking | Zahra Billoo of Council on American Islamic Relations SF Bay Area
- Question and Answer
Sponsored by: EastSide Arts Alliance, National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Chapter, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Council on American Islamic Relations SF Bay Area, and Asian Law Caucus
For more information contact: 415-861-7444 or info@araborganizing.org
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The February meeting will be at 6 PM in Oakland. Email David dweintraub@beesontayer.com to RSVP and for further details.
Legal Observer Training (UC Hastings)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Hastings NLG presents
Legal Observer Training
Friday, February 4th, 5-7
UC Hastings, 198 McAllister St
Room A
A legal observer watches and records the actions of the police at demonstrations. Observers are important because they may deter police brutality and because they collect information that may be helpful in later court proceedings. In addition, legal observers can assist activists who are arrested unexpectedly or who need medical attention, by alerting the appropriate support teams associated with the demonstration. Come learn how to help protect free speech!
Light refreshments will be served. Students, attorneys, legal workers and activists are all welcome!
RSVP on facebook
contact: kayyalin@uchastings.edu
Memorial Meeting of the Civil Rights Committee
Friday, February 4, 2011
There will be a memorial meeting of the NLG Civil Rights Committee (and Krashna for Judge Committee) at 6:30 PM on Friday, February 4.
For more information, call David Borgen, 510 763 9800.
NLG Week Day 5 (UC Davis)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Please join the National Lawyers Guild at King Hall for NLG Week! We have some great events and film screenings planned - please see below for the schedule.
All events in room 1001 unless otherwise noted.
Friday, January 28
12 - 1 pm - The Death Penalty: A Global Crisis featuring attorney Robert Bryan and Professor Craig Haney. (Lunch Provided)
Mr. Bryan has served as trial and appellate counsel in numerous capital cases, including that of Mumia Abu Jamal, and Professor Haney’s research has been instrumental in revealing the many disparities at the heart of capital punishment in the U.S.
NLG Week Day 4 (UC Davis)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Please join the National Lawyers Guild at King Hall for NLG Week! We have some great events and film screenings planned - please see below for the schedule.
All events in room 1001 unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, January 27
12 - 1 pm - From Guantánamo to the Hague: One Lawyer’s Search for Justice. (Lunch provided)
Attorney Candace Gorman (Visiting Professional at the International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague, Netherlands) will address some of the more recent developments in litigation for prisoners at Guantánamo during the Obama Administration, the current habeas procedure for prisoners at Guantánamo—and what we, as law students, can do to ensure justice for those who have been detained.
8:30 - 10:30 pm - Screening of “Sowing the Seeds of Justice”, Varsity Theater, Downtown Davis
During his extraordinary life, Cruz Reynoso has been one of those rare individuals who are not only shaped by history-they make history. Sowing the Seeds of Justice paints a portrait of Cruz Reynoso, a man who felt the sting of injustice as a child and later, as a lawyer, judge and teacher, fought for over five decades to eradicate discrimination and inequality for all. More here: http://www.reynosofilm.org/MAIN.html
The Varsity Theater is located at 514 Second Street, Davis, CA 95616
CLE: What Every Lawyer Should Know About the State Bar and the Rules of Professional Conduct
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A presentation by Doron Weinberg. January 26, 5:30 - 7:30. Two hours of CLE ethics credit.
$50 for public service and low income attorneys; $75 regular rate.
At the Lewis, Feinberg, Lee, Renaker & Jackson office, 476 9th Street in Oakland.
RSVP to Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
With nearly four decades of legal experience, Doron Weinberg focuses his criminal law practice on both trial and appellate matters, with a particular expertise in white collar criminal cases. He also has extensive experience in representing attorneys and other professionals in licensing, ethics, and discipline matters. In recognition of his success, Mr. Weinberg was named as a lawyer that other criminal defense lawyers would choose to represent them by California Lawyer Magazine. He has been selected by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America for white collar and non-white collar criminal defense in every edition from 1983 to the present, has been chosen as a Northern California Super Lawyer in every year of its publication, and has received an AV-rating from Martindale-Hubbell, indicating the highest levels of professionalism and ethical standards.
NLG Week Day 3 (UC Davis)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Please join the National Lawyers Guild at King Hall for NLG Week! We have some great events and film screenings planned - please see below for the schedule.
All events in room 1001 unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, January 26
12 - 1 pm - Community Lawyering: A Hands-On Strategy for Addressing Race Disparities. Presented by Gillian Sonnad and Kyanna Williams of the Race Equity Project. (Lunch provided)
During BLSA’s King Week, attorneys from Legal Services of Northern California provided a broad overview of LSNC’s innovative Race Equity Project; in this companion event, LSNC attorneys Gillian Sonnad and Kyanna Williams will discuss the strategy of community lawyering and its central role in meeting the goals of the REP.
5 - 7 pm: Screening of “Fruits of War” with intro by Professor Raha Jorjani
Fruits of War follows four reformed gang members — Bullet, Rebel, Weazel, and Duke, who escaped to the United States as child refugees from El Salvador’s bloody civil war. More here: http://www.fruitsofwar.com/#/about-film
Doris Brin Walker NLG State Bar Committee
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Doris Brin Walker State Bar Committee will meet at 6:00pm at Don Ramon’s on 11th St. in San Francisco. We have resolutions concerning mental health treatment in jails and sentencing guidelines. Also, we are working on implementing the revisions to Prop. 13 taxation passed at the last CCBA meeting.
NLG Week Day 2 (UC Davis)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Please join the National Lawyers Guild at King Hall for NLG Week! We have some great events and film screenings planned - please see below for the schedule.
All events in room 1001 unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, January 25
12 - 1 pm: Racial Profiling of America’s Muslim Communities in the Post-9/11 World. Featuring acclaimed playwright and King Hall alum Wajahat Ali and Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of the SF/Bay Area Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Protest to Stop FBI & Grand Jury Oppression of Activists
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Join us for a national day of action.
4:30 - 6 PM
U.S. Federal Building
90 7th Street, San Francisco
On September 24, the FBI raided seven Chicago and Minneapolis homes of anti-war and international solidarity activists, and the offices of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Anti-War Committee. A total of 14 activsts from Wisconsin, North Carolina, and in San Jose were questioned by the FBI. All 14 of those who were subpoenaed in September refused to participate in the Grand Jury.
In December, another 9 anti-war and Palestine solidarity activists in Chicago were subpoenaed to appear before the Grand Jury on January 25, 2011. In addition, three of the activists subpoenaed in September - Tracy Molm, Anh Pham, and Sarah Martin - are facing re-activation of their subpoenas. On January 25th protests are being organized across the country.
Endorsers (partial list): Asian Law Caucus, Arab Resource & Organizing Center, CAIR CA, National Lawyers Guild SFBA, ASATA, Arab Cultural & Community Center, AYADI, SF Labor Council, International Solidarity Movement
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm (note the time difference from past meetings) at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
NLG Week Day 1 (UC Davis)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Please join the National Lawyers Guild at King Hall for NLG Week! We have some great events and film screenings planned - please see below for the schedule.
All events in room 1001 unless otherwise noted.
Monday, January 24
…
12 - 1 pm: New Orleans Convention Report-Back and Presentation on the History and Activites of NLG. Hear about last year’s New Orleans convention and the activities of the NLG from fellow students and Professor Holly Cooper. (Lunch provided)
5 - 7 pm: Screening of “Film as a Tool for Social Justice”. Join us for a special screening of this engaging documentary by Abby Ginzberg, which delves into the history of the National Lawyers Guild and the activities of radical attorneys including Arthur Kinoy, founder of the Center for Constitutional Rights.
Karaoke Night at Saturn Cafe in Berkeley
Friday, January 21, 2011
All NLG members, friends, and allies are welcome to join us for an evening of socializing, singing and fundraising for the chapter.
Friday, January 21 at 8:30 PM
At the Space Lounge adjoining Saturn Cafe
2175 Allston Way, Berkeley
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The next meeting of the Testimonial Dinner Committee will be Thursday, January 20 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the home of Marilyn Waller and Doron Weinberg in Piedmont. Please RSVP for the exact address by contacting David at borgen@gdblegal.com or Jody at jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com.
The Dinner Committee plans the largest fundraising event for the chapter - our annual Testimonial Dinner (scheduled for April 9, 2011). Joining the committee is a great way to contribute to the chapter and to a fabulous event that attracts 400+ NLG and community members every year.
At our 2011 Dinner, we will honor Brad Seligman as our Champion of Justice. Brad, is a visionary and fearless lawyer and progressive. Most recently he has served as the founder and Executive Director of The Impact Fund, a progressive non-profit, which provides strategic leadership and support for litigation to achieve economic and social justice. As Executive Director, Brad has been the lead counsel in the Wal-Mart case, the largest employment class action ever to be certified in the United States.
Brad is a visionary presence in the employment law bar and has made exceptionally important law in the protection of employee rights. Brad has been influential in developing and publicizing theories of law in employment cases that demonstrate that discrimination does not just involve directly discriminatory conduct but arises from the unfettered use of subjective criteria or “tap on the shoulder” promotions and hirings.
Brad has also been active in the Guild over the years and has traveled on Guild delegations to Central America.
Meditation for Lawyers CLE
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Meditation for Lawyers will be presented by Attorneys Doug Chermak and Harvey Hyman on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Registration begins at 5:30 PM and the program is from 6 - 8:30 PM at the law office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000, in Oakland.
2 Hours CLE Credit: One hour of Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse and one hour of regular CLE credit will be available.
$50 for public service and low income attorneys; $75 regular rate.
Please RSVP by emailing carlos@nlgsf.org.
Meditation has proved itself a great tool for lawyers. It brings focus, intentionality, and balance to our work life whether in the courtroom, in the office, at meetings or at home.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The January meeting will be at 6 PM in San Francisco. Email Lisa lwei@vblaw.com for further details.
Doris Brin Walker NLG State Bar Committee
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
By popular demand the Doris Brin Walker NLG state bar committee will meet at 6;00pm Wed., Jan. 12 at Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant at 225-11th St., S. F. Please call me at 415-397-1060 with questions, comments, etc.
The State Bar Committee participates in many Bar related activities throughout the year and initiates progressive resolutions for consideration and debate among delegates to the annual State Bar Convention.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Non board members must RSVP to Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our January meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We generally meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Holding Police Who Kill Accountable
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Justice for Martin Cotton
Martin Cotton II was living houseless and unarmed on August 9th, 2007 in Eureka, California when Eureka Police severely abused him, and then brought him to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. At the jail, he was further attacked by guards, and left to die on the floor of a cell.
On Monday, January 10, a federal civil rights trial, brought on behalf of Martin Cotton’s baby daughter, Siehna Cotton, and by Martin’s father, Marty Cotton, will begin in Oakland: Siehna Cotton et. al. v. Eureka Police Dept. and Humbold County Sheriff’s Dept.
Join Redwood Curtain Copwatch and the NLG SF Bay Area Anti-Racism Committee in a discussion of what happened to Martin Cotton and learn how to connect to community struggles against police brutality. Help strategize to sustain public pressure during the upcoming trial.
6:30pm Tues Dec 21
Siegel & Yee office
499 14th St, Ste 220
Oakland
Also on this earlier date and time
7pm Thurs Dec 16
Longhaul Infoshop
3124 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
More info available here, “Cops Who Beat Martin Cotton to Death in Humboldt Face Trial in Oakland”
Redwood Curtain Copwatch more info 707-633-4493
Co-sponsored by National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Anti-Racism Committee
Holding Police Who Kill Accountable
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Justice for Martin Cotton
Martin Cotton II was living houseless and unarmed on August 9th, 2007 in Eureka, California when Eureka Police severely abused him, and then brought him to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. At the jail, he was further attacked by guards, and left to die on the floor of a cell.
On Monday, January 10, a federal civil rights trial, brought on behalf of Martin Cotton’s baby daughter, Siehna Cotton, and by Martin’s father, Marty Cotton, will begin in Oakland: Siehna Cotton et. al. v. Eureka Police Dept. and Humbold County Sheriff’s Dept.
Join Redwood Curtain Copwatch and the NLG SF Bay Area Anti-Racism Committee in a discussion of what happened to Martin Cotton and learn how to connect to community struggles against police brutality. Help strategize to sustain public pressure during the upcoming trial.
7pm Thurs Dec 16
Longhaul Infoshop
3124 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Also
6:30pm Tues Dec 21
Siegel & Yee office
499 14th St, Ste 220
Oakland
More info available here, “Cops Who Beat Martin Cotton to Death in Humboldt Face Trial in Oakland”
Redwood Curtain Copwatch more info 707-633-4493
Co-sponsored by National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Anti-Racism Committee
Holiday Party and Auction
Friday, December 10, 2010
Celebrate the work of the National Lawyers Guild Immigration Committee!
Our Holiday Party and Auction will be on Friday, December 10 at the Cartoon Art Museum in downtown San Francisco. Come mingle with progressive lawyers, legal workers, and law students and bid on a range of items from restaurant gift certificates to week-long stays in France.
Friday, December 10 from 6 to 9 PM
Cartoon Arts Museum
655 Mission Street in San Francisco
Entry: $10 Low Income; $25 Attorneys and Friends
Free for sustainers and sponsors.
Admission at the Door
Live & Silent Auctions
Cash Bar
Law Student Happy Hour and LSVP Election
Thursday, December 9, 2010
This will be a gathering of Bay Area NLG students to elect a new co-Law Student Vice President to take Nadia Kayyali’s place, hear about her new position as National Student Vice President, and relax with some drinks! The event will take place:
Thursday, December 9th
6:00 pm
Benders Bar
806 South Van Ness Avenue (at 19th Street)
Email Laura leh1217@gmail.com for more information.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students. The December meeting will be at 6 PM in Oakland. Email Derek dtmcdonald@usfca.edu for further details.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our December meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650 in San Francisco.
Palestine, American Wars & Islamaphobia in America
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bay Area Teach-In Endorsed by the NLGSF
Tuesday, November 30, 7 PM
East Pauley Ballroom (MLK Student Union UC Berkeley - Corner of Bancroft and Telegraph)
Speakers include Hatem Bazian, UCB; Michael Shehadeh, LA 8; Ziad Abbas, MECA; Barbara Lubin, MECA; Jeff Mackler, United National Antiwar Committee; Masao Suzuki, Committee to Stop FBI Repression; Blanca Misse, UCB Student Worker Action Team; Rep from Cal Students for Justice in Palestine; Rep from UCB Muslim Student Association.
Donations Suggested; No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds
FOR MORE INFO: 510-268-9429, TEACHINNov30@GMAIL.COM,
TEACHINNov30.WORDPRESS.COM
ASUC SPONSORED, ADA ACCESSIBLE
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Join the Mentorship Committee and organize one of the most successful mentoring programs for progressive law students.
Where: 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
When: 6:00 pm. *Try to be here a few minutes before 6 because the door locks at 6. RSVP for instructions on how to enter after hours.
RSVP to Lisa at lwei@vblaw.com.
Agenda:
- Report back from the party
- Matt Ross’ Suggestion: video project
- Committee Roles (see policies and procedures)
- Student Reports
- Mentorship Feedback
- Matching
- Agenda for Next Meeting
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We generally meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
The FBI Raids and Grand Jury Subpoenas: Know Your Rights and Defend Our Communities
Monday, November 15, 2010
On September 24th, 2010, the FBI r`aided anti-war and solidarity activists in Chicago and Minneapolis. During the raids, the FBI took computers, cell phones, documents and personal family items. In total, 14 activists in Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan were subpoenaed to appear before a Grand Jury. This type of investigation is a tool to repress our movements for social justice and divide our communities.
The 14 activists have all refused to testify in this Grand Jury investigation.
Join us to get the facts on Grand Juries, know your legal rights with the FBI, understand why this is happening now, and learn how our communities can respond!
Monday, November 15th, 2010
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hastings College of the Law, 198 McAllister, Rm A
FREE ADMISSION, Donations Accepted
Sponsored by: National Lawyer’s Guild San Francisco, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Council on American Islamic Relations SF Bay Area, Hastings Student Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- Partial Screening of New Documentary: COINTELPRO 101 | Claude Marks of the Freedom Archives
- Update on the ongoing Grand Jury against Chicago and Minneapolis activists | Nina Farnia of the Coalition for a Safe San Francisco
- Legal explanation of Grand Juries, and how do you resist a Grand Jury subpoena? | John Viola of the National Lawyers Guild SF Chapter
- How are Grand Juries used to stifle our organizing? What’s the connection between the FBI and Grand Juries? | Scott Braley and Richard Brown of the SF-8
- Know Your Rights Presentation: What to do if the FBI comes knocking | Zahra Billoo of Council on American Islamic Relations SF Bay Area
- What is “Material Support for Terrorism”? And how is it being used against our communities and our movements? | Marc Van Der Hout, lead attorney for the Los Angeles 8
- Question and Answer
Immigration Court Observation Project Training
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Presented by the National Lawyers Guild of the SF Bay Area Immigration Committee and the Stanford NLG Student Chapter.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
7:15 pm in room 271
Stanford Law School
NLG and the San Francisco Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee invite all interested in immigration law and immigrant rights to participate in the NLG Immigration Committee’s Immigration Court Observation Project (“ICOP”).
What is ICOP? In 2006, the SF Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court.
Students should be committed to going to Master Calendar proceedings (Monday-Thursdays, 830am-12pm) in immigration court at least once a month and fill out NLG-prepared observation forms to document the immigration court process.
Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework. The training will be led by NLG Immigration Committee members Chelsea Haley Nelson, Christine Stouffer, and Michael Flynn. Trainers will familiarize participants with the way the court works, and past student observers will share their experiences.
RSVP to Carolyn Slauson carolynslauson@gmail.com or write with questions. National Lawyers Guild of the SF Bay Area 415-285-5067.
Membership Meeting: Gulf Residents Deserve More Than Crude Justice
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The chapter’s annual membership meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 9 in Latino/Hispanic Room A at the San Francisco Public Library, 10 Larkin Street (at Grove) in San Francisco.
We will watch the Alliance for Justice film, Crude Justice, and Attorney Sharon Adams, from the NLG’s Environmental Justice Committee, will speak along with Rev. Daniel A. Buford of the Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute and Communities for a Better Environment. Refreshments will be served.
5:30 PM Reception (Voting for Members)
6:30 PM Program Begins
Shot on location in Louisiana, Crude Justice explores the damage done by this unimaginable environmental calamity to the lives and livelihoods of the people who depend on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for their income, their food, and the continuation of their culture. The 17-minute documentary looks at the difficulties ordinary people face in finding fair compensation and a secure future for their families in the face of corporate domination of the courts, statutes favoring big business, judges with ties to the oil and gas industries, and the uncertainties that accompany an incident where the long-term effects may not be known for years. Crude Justice tells the story of damaged lives, but also of the fighting spirit and resilience of people who understand that what’s threatened is not just justice for the victims of the spill, but the integrity of the American judicial system itself.
This is also the meeting where ballots for the 2010 chapter election can be cast in person and where results will first be announced.
TUPOCC Mixer
Monday, November 8, 2010
Bay Area TUPOCC (The United People of Color Caucus) invites people of color in the NLG community to a social mixer Monday, November 8th, 6:30 - 8:30pm. Please come and enjoy some wine and hors d’oeuvres while meeting friends, old and new!
@ Ming Wong’s House
Please RSVP for address and directions; contact: Anne Befu, anne.befu@yahoo.com.
Annual Mentorship Project Cocktail Party
Friday, November 5, 2010
The National Lawyers’ Guild Mentorship Project’s Annual Mentorship Project Cocktail Party Is Friday, November 5, 2010!
…Students: Come meet attorneys and legal workers practicing in a variety of fields!
Lawyers/Legal Workers: Get to know the new generation of progressive law students and lawyers in addition to visiting with old friends.
Food and drink will be amply provided.
Where: David Weintraub’s house, 5582 Lawton Ave., Oakland
When: November 5 from 6 - 8:30 PM
Directions: Take BART to Rockridge Station, walk 2 blocks south on College Ave. (toward Cactus Taqueria and Oliveto Restaurant) and at the Pasta Pomodoro make a left on Lawton.
You needn’t have a mentor or mentee to attend, but if you do, please personally invite him or her!
To learn more about the committee´s work, visit our web page or download the mentorship brochure by clicking here
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Non board members must RSVP to Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our November meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
CLE: Student Discipline in Colleges and Universities (Postponed)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
This CLE is being rescheduled. We will update the site with the new date and time when finalized.
An Introduction With Emphasis On Protest Cases
2 Hours CLE Credit
$60 Nonmember Attorneys
$40 Member Attorneys
$5 - $20 Suggested Donation for All Others
Please RSVP to carlos@nlgsf.org
Students facing disciplinary action in institutions of higher education often face potentially serious consequences, including the potential for large fines and expulsion. For many students working towards a degree, these consequences can be far more serious than the fines and community service that often come with minor criminal matters. Yet, students navigate a system with fewer safeguards and more confusing processes in schools than in the criminal courts. Worse still, lawyers and legal workers rarely know how to navigate those college and university systems.
Come to a two hour seminar on student discipline and get the basic tools you need to help your clients through these processes. Faculty will include attorneys Steve Rosenbaum, Anne Weills and Dan Siegel, who have helped represent UC Berkeley students facing disciplinary penalties as a result of public education protests last year. Presenters will also include UC Berkeley School of Law students Kiva Schrager and Nathan Shaffer, who formed a defense team for their fellow students.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The next meeting of the Testimonial Dinner Committee will be Tuesday, October 19 from 6 - 8 PM at the home of David Weintraub, 5582 Lawton Avenue in Oakland. To RSVP or for more information, contact David at borgen@gdblegal.com or Jody at jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com.
The Dinner Committee plans the largest fundraising event for the chapter - our annual Testimonial Dinner (scheduled for April 9, 2011). Joining the committee is a great way to contribute to the chapter and to a fabulous event that attracts 400+ NLG and community members every year.
At our 2011 Dinner, we will honor Brad Seligman as our Champion of Justice. Brad, is a visionary and fearless lawyer and progressive. Most recently he has served as the founder and Executive Director of The Impact Fund, a progressive non-profit, which provides strategic leadership and support for litigation to achieve economic and social justice. As Executive Director, Brad has been the lead counsel in the Wal-Mart case, the largest employment class action ever to be certified in the United States.
Brad is a visionary presence in the employment law bar and has made exceptionally important law in the protection of employee rights. Brad has been influential in developing and publicizing theories of law in employment cases that demonstrate that discrimination does not just involve directly discriminatory conduct but arises from the unfettered use of subjective criteria or “tap on the shoulder” promotions and hirings.
Brad has also been active in the Guild over the years and has traveled on Guild delegations to Central America.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 19th at 7:00 p.m. at 179-11th Street, San Francisco; 415/864-5600, x111.
We will have a program about the policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” including its application and legal challenges. The presenter is to be announced. Law students are encouraged to attend the meeting.
After the program, there will be a discussion of active cases.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We generally meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
The Illegality of Torture and the Complicity of Lawyers
Friday, October 15, 2010
Immediate past president of the NLG and editor of the forthcoming The United States and Torture, Marjorie Cohn, will speak at a brownbag event qualifying for 1 hour of CLE credit. The location is 2140 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 601, October 15th at noon. The cost is $25 for attorneys, $10 for NLG members and non-attorneys, no one turned away for lack of funds. Please RSVP to Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com.
The Illegality of Torture and the Complicity of Lawyers is presented as part of Berkeley Says “No” To Torture week.
Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice
Monday, October 11, 2010
“When Sonia Sotomayor was nominated to the Supreme Court last year, she famously touted her working-class origins as valuable experience for dispensing compassionate justice. She could have been describing Cruz Reynoso, the son of Mexican-American farm workers who carved out a brilliant career as an organizer, activist, attorney, California Supreme Court Justice and law professor. Principled and fearless, Reynoso-still best known, perhaps, for being pushed off the state Supreme Court with death-penalty opponent and Chief Justice Rose Bird in 1986-fought for underdogs on countless fronts, from California farm workers in need of legal representation (a cause that earned him the enmity of then-Governor Ronald Reagan) to Florida citizens deprived of their votes in the 2000 election. This riveting, inspiring documentary by lawyer-cum-filmmaker Abby Ginzberg (Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey, MVFF 2006), beautifully narrated by Luis Valdez, reintroduces us to an authentic California champion. ”
Mon. October 11, 6:45PM, Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center 3
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
1118 Fourth St, San Rafael, CA 94901
http://www.cafilm.org/mvff/mvff2010.html
Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice
Sunday, October 10, 2010
“When Sonia Sotomayor was nominated to the Supreme Court last year, she famously touted her working-class origins as valuable experience for dispensing compassionate justice. She could have been describing Cruz Reynoso, the son of Mexican-American farm workers who carved out a brilliant career as an organizer, activist, attorney, California Supreme Court Justice and law professor. Principled and fearless, Reynoso-still best known, perhaps, for being pushed off the state Supreme Court with death-penalty opponent and Chief Justice Rose Bird in 1986-fought for underdogs on countless fronts, from California farm workers in need of legal representation (a cause that earned him the enmity of then-Governor Ronald Reagan) to Florida citizens deprived of their votes in the 2000 election. This riveting, inspiring documentary by lawyer-cum-filmmaker Abby Ginzberg (Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey, MVFF 2006), beautifully narrated by Luis Valdez, reintroduces us to an authentic California champion. ”
Sun. October 10, 5:00PM, CinéArts @ Sequoia 1
CineArts @ Sequoia
25 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
http://www.cafilm.org/mvff/mvff2010.html
Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, October 9, 2010
9:30 AM - 5 PM
Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street in San Francisco
San Francisco National Lawyer’s Guild will be having our 42nd annual Progressive Lawyering Day on Saturday October 9th at GGU. We have an exciting day of practical skills workshops, panels, and organizing lined up. CLE credit will be available for some of the day’s events. Lunch will be fantastic pizza generously provided to us at cost from Goat Hill and sponsored by the Associated Students Union of UC Hastings.
Keynote Speaker: Reginald T. Shuford, Esq, Director of Law and Policy at the Equal Justice Society
Opening comments from Lateefah Simon, Executive Director of the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights
Full Schedule
9:30-10:00
Check-in with coffee and tea
Second Floor Lobby
10:00-10:30
Opening remarks by Lateefah Simon
Room 2203
10:40-11:40
Environmental Justice Panel- Room 3201
Panel on local environmental justice issues with speakers from Center for Race, Poverty, and the Environment, Communties for a Better Environment, and the GGU Environmental Law Clinic.
Community Lawyering - Room 3214
Legal Services of Northern California will discuss how to use the technique of community lawyering to empower communities.
Coalition Building- Room 3208
This panel will touch on current coalition building efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area. Panelists will discuss creative ways their organizations use lawyers and non-lawyers in collaborations to achieve social justice. Speakers will include Bob Offer-Westornt from the Coalition on Homelessness,
11:40-12:00
Lunch served
Second Floor Lobby
12:00-1:00
Keynote speech by Reggie Shuford
Room 2203
1:10-2:10
Alternative Perspectives on Prop 8- Room 3201
Panelists will discuss Prop 8 from outside the perspective represented by mainstream media, which does not take include wider voices of the community such as trans folks and people of color. Speakers will include Miss Major from TGIJP, queer activist Tommi Avicolli Mecca and attorney Zoe Polk.
Re-entry, Recidivism and Rejection: Disparity, Displacement and Disenfranchisement of Communities and People of Color.- Room 3214
Speakers include Nickolas Gregorios from Prison Legal Services and Dorsey Nunn from All of Us or None.
FOIA Training- Room 3208
Learn how and when to make FOIA requests from an expert: Marcia Hoffman from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
2:20-3:20
Immigration Panel- Room 3201
This panel will discuss the intersections of issues and interests between immigrant communities and other communities of people of color. Speakers will include Zahra Billoo, Outreach Director for Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations, Angela Chan from the Asian Law Caucus, and Phil Hutchings from the Black Alliance for Just Immigration.
Youth Law Panel- Room 3214
Current developments in Youth law. Speakers include Diana Tate Vermeire from ACLU, David Inocenico, co-founder of the Beat Within, as well as speakers from Public Advocates and the San Francisco Public Defender’s office.
Changing World: Defending Medical Marijuana in Criminal Cases- Room 3208
Speaker Joseph Elford of Americans for Safe Access. Whether or not Prop 19 passes, federal law does not change. This workshop discusses the recent changes occurring due to a landmark case by the California Supreme Court, People v. Kelly, that will change the legal landscape of how to defend people accused of marijuana offenses.
3:30-5:00
Reception with drinks and snacks
Second Floor Lobby and Room 2203
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our October meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650 in San Francisco.
Legal Observer Training (Stanford)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Become a certified, NLG legal observer! Come to a training at Stanford Law School Room 85 from 12:45 to 2 PM, Friday, October 1.
Legal observers monitor law enforcement at protests, demonstrations, and other political actions involving free speech and/or civil disobedience. Legal observers have collected evidence that has ultimately been helpful to activists facing false charges in criminal court or to activists suing police departments.
For more information on NLG Legal Observers and Legal Observer trainings, check out: http://www.nlg.org/resources/legal-observing/
NLG legal observers must be trained and have signed a confidentiality agreement.
Legal Observer Training (San Francisco)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Become a certified, NLG legal observer! Legal observers monitor law enforcement at protests, demonstrations, and other political actions involving free speech and/or civil disobedience. Legal observers have collected evidence that has ultimately been helpful to activists facing false charges in criminal court or to activists suing police departments.
Wednesday, September 29, 5:00-6:15 PM at Golden Gate University School of Law, Room 2201, 536 Mission Street in San Francisco.
Legal Observer Training (Davis)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Become a certified, NLG legal observer! Come to a training at King Hall, UC Davis School of Law in Davis from 4 - 6 PM, Tuesday, September 21!
Legal observers monitor law enforcement at protests, demonstrations, and other political actions involving free speech and/or civil disobedience. Legal observers have collected evidence that has ultimately been helpful to activists facing false charges in criminal court or to activists suing police departments.
For more information on NLG Legal Observers and Legal Observer trainings, check out: http://www.nlg.org/resources/legal-observing/
NLG legal observers must be trained and have signed a confidentiality agreement.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
Jeff Patterson of Courage to Resist will discuss the Bradley Manning/Wikileaks case. Courage to Resist has been instrumental in supporting the case.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Monday, September 20, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We generally meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month but this month we will meet on a Monday - September 20, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Afghanistan: Occupation, Wikileaks, and Accused Whistle-blower Army Pfc. Bradley Manning
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Bay Area Military Law Panel is pleased to co-sponsor the following benefit for the Bradley Manning defense fund:
“Afghanistan: Occupation, Wikileaks, and Accused Whistle-blower Army Pfc. Bradley Manning”
Thursday, September 16, 7pm - 9pm
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland CA
(Between Telegraph and Broadway)
Featuring:
- Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers whistle-blower
- Tom Hayden, author and activist
- Carl Davison, US Marine/Army vet of Guantanamo Bay, Africa, and Asia
- Wikileaks “Collateral Murder” video screening
- Aimee Allison, author and KPFA Morning Show Host
Presented by Courage to Resist, with the help of National Lawyers Guild Bay Area Military Law Panel, Veterans for Peace-Bay Area Chapter, CodePink, War Resisters League-West, Iraq Veterans Against the War-Bay Area, and BAY-Peace
The Bradley Manning defense fund is hosted by Courage to Resist (www.couragetoresist.org) in collaboration with the Bradley Manning Support Network (www.bradleymanning.org). $5 requested donation at the door for event expenses, with a pitch during the event for the defense effort.
Wheelchair accessible via the 411 28th Street entrance. For more info, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Courage to Resist at 510-488-3559 or courage(at)riseup.net.
Film Screening of Banished
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The anti-racism committee of the National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area presents Banished: a film about the history of ethnic cleansing of African Americans in the US
at Somar Bar & Lounge 1727 Telegraph
6pm-8pm
11 September 2010
A film screening and discussion
Benefit for the United People of Color Caucus NLG convention travel stipend. Donations of $5-50 requested, no one turned away for lack of funds.
contact: antiracism@nlg.org
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Mentorship Committee coordinates the NLGSF mentorship program. The next meeting of the Committee will be Wednesday, September 8, at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor, in San Francisco
Please rsvp to Lisa Weissman-Ward by emailing lwei@vblaw.com.
NLG Far West Regional Conference
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, 6:30PM - 8:30PM (Meet and Greet with David Gespass)
Saturday, 8:00AM - 5:45PM (Conference)
Saturday, 7:30PM - 11:30PM (Party!)
Sunday - TBD. Space available for committee meetings. Please contact the Coordinating Committee if you would like to arrange for your committee meeting.
Friday night Meet and Greet:
Join us at the home of NLG-SF Champion of Justice and Executive Board member/Mentorship Committee Extraordinaire, David Weintraub, for a gathering of progressives with NLG President David Gespass. Refreshments will be served.
Saturday night Party:
Not to be missed, the Far West after party will be an awesome gathering of radical legal activists (+friends and allies) and held at the new Saturn Café in Berkeley, a progressive and NLG-loving establishment. The Saturn has been a long-time supporter of the Guild and is thrilled to host us! The lineup includes performances by emcees Bocafloja (Mexico City/ California, http://www.myspace.com/bocafloja) and Cambio (California, http://www.myspace.com/mcchange), music mixes by NLG’s own DJ Ian Head (everydaybeates.net), speakers, drinks, food discounts, and maybe even a possible surprise raffle! FoodMore about the Saturn here: http://saturncafe.com/saturnblog/?p=23
Donations $5-50 (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Saturday Conference:
The San Francisco Women’s Building, 3543 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. See more about the Women’s Building here: http://womensbuilding.org/content/index.php/about-us/the-maestrapeace-mural
The Women’s Building is a wheelchair accessible space.
Transportation to the Women’s Building: 16th Street/Mission BART or 24th Street/Mission/BART; Muni Bus #33
The Conference is designed to provide legal information and updates concerning and relevant to the NLG Far West Region and its members. The Far West region includes California, Nevada and Hawaii. The Conference will include panels and workshops with topics on current radical legal and progressive issues, and is intended to be useful to NLG attorneys, law students, and legal workers, as well as the larger progressive community.
Saturday Agenda
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
8:00 AM - Registration, pan dulce, coffee
8:25 AM - 8:40 AM - Welcome and Opening Remarks
Welcome: Renee Quintero Sanchez, Far West Regional Vice President
Opening Remarks: Teague Briscoe, NLG-SF President
8:45 AM- 10:00 AM - Workshops I and II
(concurrent presentations)
Workshop I: Student Organizing
This workshop is created and presented by and for radical and progressive law students. Facilitated discussion will include how to start an NLG chapter at your law school, organizing tools and models, transitioning into becoming the “next gen” in the NLG, and more!
Facilitated by NLG-SF Law Student Vice Presidents and Regional Law Student Leaders
Workshop II: The Prison Industrial Complex and Crisis
Join a discussion amongst a group of racially diverse presenters representing a range of philosophies and politics about how to redress the wrongs of the prison system in California. This panel will be presented by attorneys and legal workers who will discuss the current state of California’s prison system, including regarding prison crowding and expansion, issues that formerly incarcerated people face, and current health care litigation. The workshop will also focus on alternatives to incarceration, including a discussion regarding the possibilities, success and challenges of using restorative justice, harm reduction, and other strategies that do not solely rely on litigation.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM - Break
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM - Workshops III and IV
(concurrent presentations)
Workshop III: Due Process in Removal Proceedings: the Immigration Court Observation Project, with a Primer on Deport Defense
While people across the country are rallying to oppose racist laws like SB1070 and ICE’s S-Comm program, and rallying for real immigration reform, deportations under the Obama administration are at record levels. A panel of attorneys from the NLG Immigration Committee’s Immigration Court Observation Project and a Centro Legal de la Raza’s deportation defense fellow will present a short training on immigration court observation and provide a basic introduction to deportation defense. The workshop is geared toward law students, legal workers, legal activists and attorneys new to immigration law. Experienced immigration attorneys and paralegals are welcome to take part in the discussion.
Workshop IV: The Use of International Law in Domestic Court Cases, Local Municipalities and Human Rights Campaigns
-Presented by the Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM- NO HOST LUNCH (Tentative: lunch available for sale at the Women’s Building by La Raza Women’s Collective)
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - KEYNOTE
Introductory Remarks: Russell Bloom, Executive Vice President
Keynote: “Visioning: The National Lawyers Guild and the State of Human Rights in 2010 and Beyond”
David Gespass, National President
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM - Workshops V and VI
(Concurrent Presentations)
Workshop V: Legal Support and Observing, including Transgender Advocacy
Workshop VI: Ending the Occupation: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions and Legal Considerations
2:15 - 2:25 PM Break
2:25 PM - 3:40 PM - Workshops VII AND VIII
(Concurrent Sessions)
Workshop VII: Islamophobia and Civil Rights for MEMSA Communities.
This workshop will make connections between Islamophobia and other forms of xenophobia and racism. It will also connect this analysis to the current work of the Coalition4SafeSF (of which NLGSF is part), which is currently pressuring the SF police commission not to revive the defunct SF Intelligence Unit (which spied on pro-Palestine/anti-apartheid groups in the 80s/90s including NLG). The Coalition also seeks to prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal agents in profiling and gathering intelligence on MEMSA communities in SF.
Workshop VIII: Foreclosure Defense
3:40 PM - 5:15 - Regional Rap: Making the Connections
5:30 PM- Closing Remarks
5:45 PM - Adjourn
6:00-6:45 — The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) and the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) committee meetings (Off-Site. Location TBA)
Calling All Volunteers!
If you would like to participate on the planning and organizing committee, volunteer at the event, need or can provide community housing, please contact Renee Quintero Sanchez at: farwestRVP@nlg.org
PLEASE INVITE OTHERS AND SPREAD THE WORD
Next Gen Happy Hour
Thursday, August 19, 2010
6pm-8pm at EZ5 Lounge, 684 Commercial St., b/ Montgomery and Kearny Streets in San Francisco.
All NLG members, friends, and allies are invited to join us for an evening of socializing and gathering support for NLGSF Bay Area’s Convention Travel stipend, the Mentorship Committee, and Progressive Lawyering Day.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Our next Mentorship Committee Meeting will be on Wednesday, August 11th, 6:00 p.m. at Beeson, Tayer & Bodine in downtown Oakland. This is going to be an important meeting, as we’ll be talking about gearing up for the fall semester and getting ready for our annual party.
Please RSVP to Derek at dtmcdonald@dons.usfca.edu.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Monday, August 9, 2010
Please join us at the next NLG Immigration Committee meeting.
When: Monday August 9th 2010, 12:30-1:30
Where: ACLU, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco
Please forward any items you would like to see on the agenda to Christine or Chelsea. Please kindly rsvp to Christine at christine@stoufferlaw.com by Thursday August 5, 2010.
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Spying and Profiling: Past and Present Perspectives
Saturday, August 7, 2010
On August 7th from 1-3 pm, the Coalition for Safe San Francisco will be having an educational panel on the the use of profiling and surveillance in Arab and Muslim communities, and the relationship to historical surveillance of other communities.
WHAT: Spying and Profiling: Past and Present Perspectives
WHERE: 240 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco.
WHO: Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Asian Law Caucus, Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA), CAIR San Francisco Bay Area
We will be focusing on:
- Movement infiltration
- The ADL spying case of 1993
- Racial and religious discrimination in the Arab/Muslim community
Come LEARN about SF Spying and Profiling so we can FIGHT it in our community!
Co-sponsored by the following C4SafeSF Organizations: American Muslims for Palestine, Arab Film Festival, and National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Arab American Cultural Cente of Silicon Valley AACCSV, Al Awda The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, Middle East Children’s Alliance
Transgender Double CLE Event
Friday, August 6, 2010
10:30am - 1:30pm
UC Hastings College of Law
198 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA
Dear friends and colleagues, please join the National Lawyers Guild, San Francisco, for its second-annual transgender CLE brownbag event. Bring a lunch and join us for two interactive CLEs about working with transgender clients in criminal law and the corrections system.
We will be offering one Legal Ethics credit hour, and one Eliminating Bias credit hour. Attendees can attend one or both CLEs, although we highly recommend attending both. Both CLEs are designed to be accessible to attorneys, law students, and legal activists of all levels of experience working with the transgender community. Non-attorneys are encouraged to attend.
CLE Schedule:
10:30 a.m.: Registration and check-in
11a.m.: Transgender Criminal Law: Strategies and Practice. This panel presentation will focus on alternative sentencing, impact litigation, and prisoner advocacy for transgender clients.
Noon: Transgender Activists in Demonstration Law: special considerations and strategic support for transgender activists and legal workers, including risk assessment in planning actions, jail support, bail considerations, and defense strategy.
1:00 p.m.: Informal discussion and networking
NLGSF Member Rate: $40 for one CLE, $60 for both
Non Member Rate: $60 for one CLE, $90 for both
Join today and save $20-30!
Law Students/Legal Workers/Non-Credit Seeker Rate: $10 for one CLE, $15 for both (suggested donation only, no one turned away for lack of funds)
To pre-register and ensure a seat, email Micah Ludeke at Micah.Ludeke@gmail.com, and write “CLE Pre-Registration” in the subject line. In the body, state which CLE you are attending, or both, and whether you are an NLG member, a non member, or a law student/legal worker/not seeking CLE credit. Payment can be made at the event by cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
For more information, please contact Micah Ludeke by email at Micah.Ludeke@gmail.com, or by phone at 651/470.5731.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Fast For Freedom Statewide Action
Friday, August 6, 2010
Fast 4 Freedom is a STATEWIDE day of fasting and solidarity actions on Friday, August 6th initiated by family members and loved ones of prisoners locked up across California.
FRIDAY AUGUST 6TH - FAST all day* and Rally from 11:30am-1pm at the State Building in San Francisco.
Bring your music, drums, and poetry or words to share!
People will be fasting in front of the State Building from 10am- 4pm.
“Because so many are starving for FREEDOM” (from the call by family members of prisoners)
The Bay Area CURB Alliance will be organizing a rally on August 6th from 11:30am- 1pm at the State Building in San Francisco - 350 McAllister St (at Polk) - where Mark Leno, Senate Public Safety Committee, Tom Ammiano,
Assembly Public Safety Committee and Fiona Ma, Assemblywoman from San Francisco, all have their local offices.
Are you going to be fasting? Let us know so we can get an accurate count of fasters! Drop us a line at lisa@criticalresistance.org.
We will be spreading awareness about the many extreme injustices currently faced by prisoners, their families and their communities. Our demands include:
- End Three Strikes
- Reduce the Prison Population NOW
- Release Prisoners Eligible for Parole
- Release Sick, Aged and Terminally Ill prisoners
- Family Visits for All Prisoners
- End the Death Penalty
- Education Not Incarceration
- Stop All New Prison Construction including New “Mental Health” Cages being built in Chino and Vacaville
- Justice for Oscar Grant and all targets of racist police brutality
JOIN US ON TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND JUSTICE ON THIS IMPORTANT DATE!
August 6th is also the 65th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima and events marking this horrendous date will be occurring around the Bay Area.
The NLGSF is a member of the CURB ALLIANCE (Other Member organizations include Critical Resistance, All of Us
Or None, Families to Amend California’s Three Strikes, California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Youth Justice Coalition, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, American Friends Service Committee and many more….)
Public Interest Staff/Intern Mixer
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Come mix and mingle with Bay Area public interest attorneys and law clerks! Find out what other attorneys and students are working on this summer and have fun getting to know new friends and allies!
Thursday, July 29th, 5-7pm: Public Interest Intern Happy Hour/Mixer at Sens (4 Embarcadero, Promenade level)
Other participating orgs include: ACLU, Asian Law Caucus, Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach, California Rural Legal Assistance, Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, East Bay Community Law Center, Employment Law Center, Equal Rights Advocates, Impact Fund, La Raza Centro Legal, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, National Center for Youth Law, National Lawyers Guild, Equal Justice Society, Public Advocates, Bay Area Legal Aid, Homeless Action Center and many more…
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
There will be a panel discussion about representation of service members in a war zone, including legal strategy and management of cases. Attorney Chris Wilson traveled to Iraq to represent one of his clients in a court martial. Other panelists have represented clients stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. One hour of CLE credit available.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, July 19, 2010
Please join us for ARC’s July meeting on Monday, July 19 at 6:30pm in Oakland at Golden Lotus restaurant, located at 13th & Franklin.
At our last meeting we discussed plans for the NLG Convention antiracism training, plans for possible workshops at the Far West Regional gathering, updates on SFIRDC, and more.
Proposed Agenda
1) Welcome & Announcements - (Need legal support for Ariz Jul 29 actions)
2) Anti-Oppression series (workshop at Far West gathering?)
3) Fundraising drive for TUPOCC travel stipend
4) NLG Convention Antiracism Training, ARC meeting
6) Updates from work of SF Immigr Rights Defense Committee (still need volunteers) and Coalition for a Safe SF.
7) Other
Email Mike at rmflynn79@gmail.com for more information.
Public Interest Staff/Intern Mixer
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Come mix and mingle with Bay Area public interest attorneys and law clerks! Find out what other attorneys and students are working on this summer and have fun getting to know new friends and allies!
Thursday, July 15, 5-7pm: Public Interest Intern Happy Hour/Mixer at Somar (1727 Telegraph btw 17th & 18th, near 19th Street BART in Oakland)
Other participating orgs include: ACLU, Asian Law Caucus, Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach, California Rural Legal Assistance, Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, East Bay Community Law Center, Employment Law Center, Equal Rights Advocates, Impact Fund, La Raza Centro Legal, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, National Center for Youth Law, National Lawyers Guild, Equal Justice Society, Public Advocates, Bay Area Legal Aid, Homeless Action Center and many more…
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The next mentorship committee meeting will be Wednesday, July 14 at 6 PM. We will meet at 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Lisa at LWei@vblaw.com.
The mentorship committee overseas the mentorship project of the NLGSF, which links law students, recent graduates, or legal workers with experienced Guild attorneys and legal workers. Click here to find out more about the project or to sign up to be a mentor or mentee.
Legal Observer Training
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Become a certified, NLG legal observer! Come to a training at the NLGSF office in San Francisco from 6 - 7:30 PM, Wednesday, June 30. The office is at 558 Capp Street, upstairs.
Legal observers monitor law enforcement at protests, demonstrations, and other political actions involving free speech and/or civil disobedience. Legal observers have collected evidence that has ultimately been helpful to activists facing false charges in criminal court or to activists suing police departments.
NLG legal observers must be trained and have signed a confidentiality agreement. Contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org to RSVP or with any questions.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, June 28, 2010
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 28; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
NLG Happy Hour for Summer Law Clerks and Interns
Friday, June 25, 2010
NLG SF Bay Area invites all Bay Area summer law clerks and interns, friends and allies to join us at Somar, 1727 Telegraph, on Friday, June 25, 5:30-8:30pm for a mixer. Meet and greet your comrades from other Bay Area social justice and public interest organizations and offices. Meet NLG attorneys and legal workers. Learn about opportunities to plug into NLG-related projects. End the week with some relaxing drinks in beautiful Oakland! See you then!
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at 179-11th Street, San Francisco; 415/864-5600, x111.
We will discuss development of a BAMLP project for training and supervising law students and attorneys doing military law counseling. The project will be in cooperation with American Friends Service Committee and GI Rights Network. Law students are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Active cases will also be discussed.
New members are welcome.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, June 21, 2010
The next Anti Racism Committee meeting will be Monday, June 21 in San Francisco. Exact Location TBD. Email rmflynn79@gmail.com to RSVP.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Radical History of San Francisco Bike Ride
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Radical History of San Francisco Bike Ride
Benefiting the National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Chapter
Sunday, June 13, 10:45 am –3:00pm
Meet at Harry Bridges Plaza - Front of Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, San Francisco
Learn about the radical history of San Francisco from the 1800s through the more recent past, visiting sites of protest and dissent relating to workers’ rights, immigrant rights, civil rights, women’s rights, environmental struggles, and more.
Led by NLGSF Executive Board members Rai Sue Sussman and Michael Flynn. All proceeds benefit the National Lawyers Guild-SF chapter.
RSVP: $15 to $50 sliding scale donation. RSVP to raul@nlgsf.org. Click here to prepay online.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The next mentorship committee meeting will be Wednesday, June 9 at 6 PM. We will meet at 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Lisa at LWei@vblaw.com.
The mentorship committee overseas the mentorship project of the NLGSF, which links law students, recent graduates, or legal workers with experienced Guild attorneys and legal workers. Click here to find out more about the project or to sign up to be a mentor or mentee.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our June meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650 in San Francisco.
CLE: Material Support and Security-Related Issues in Immigration Law
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Golden Gate University, Room 3209
1.5 MCLE credits available
Suggested donation- $20 (No one will be refused admittance for lack of funds).
The training is primarily designed toward providing immigration practitioners practical tools for representing clients in cases where security-related issues may arise, but is open to and helpful for anyone impacted or working with often-targeted communities.
Panelists will address the most common scenarios in naturalization, asylum, adjustment of status and I-751 applications where the material support and other terrorism-related bars may be applied. Speakers will cover the statutory elements necessary and the government’s burden of proof on the bars, and will provide defenses, strategies and possible counter arguments, including strategies in Federal District Court. Speakers will also cover the asylum revocation process, how/when security-related issues arise, and how to counter them to effectively represent your client.
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Christine Stouffer at christine@stoufferlaw.com, or Chelsea HaleyNelson at chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com.
Speakers
Ted Roethke, is an Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow at the Asian Law Caucus. His work focuses on protecting the rights of detained immigrants and immigrants facing overreaching national security related immigration charges, including but not limited to asylum seekers who provided “material support” to armed groups under duress. In 2007, his article “American Law and the Problem of Coerced Provision of Support to a Terrorist Organization as Grounds for Removal” appeared in the Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review. Mr. Roethke is a member of the California State Bar, the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Carrie Rosenbaum, Attorney, Rosenbaum Immigration Appeals. Ms. Rosenbaum is past co-chair of the NLG-SF Immigration Committee, is an American Immigration Lawyer’s Association member, and past Continuing Education Subcommittee member. She is also an active volunteer with the National Immigration Project (NIP). Her pro bono efforts include policy work for NIP, and representation of clients through the AIDS Legal Referral Panel as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Project. She has written on the issue of revocation at the asylum office based on security-based grounds, addressing practice, procedure and strategy for attorneys representing individuals through the process.
NLG, SAN FRANCISCO IS A STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA APPROVED PROVIDER.
Co-sponsored by the Asian Law Caucus, the San Francisco Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, the Council on American Islamic Relations, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, OMID Advocates for Human Rights and Dolores Street Community Services.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. at 179-11th Street, San Francisco; 415/864-5600, x111.
We will discuss MLTF projects and brainstorm about active cases.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, May 17, 2010
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 17; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, May 17, 2010
The next Anti Racism Committee meeting will be on May 17, 6:30 PM in Oakland at Golden Lotus, 1301 Franklin Street. Email Mike Flynn rmflynn79@gmail.com for details.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, May 14, 2010
Please join us at the next NLG Immigration Committee meeting coming up later this week.
When: Friday May 14, 2010, 12:30-1:30
Where: ACLU, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco
Please kindly rsvp to Christine at christine@stoufferlaw.com by Wednesday May 12, 2010. If there are other items you would like to address at the meeting, please let us know.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP): update following ICOP subcommittee meetings, including updates regarding potential partnership with Warren Institute for data collection and analysis and focus on longer term project goals.
- Answering NLG SF Chapter’s request for all committees to participate in strategic planning.
- Updates on collaboration, joint events with ally advocates and organizations, including planning of CLE on Material Support
- Counterjournalism: report back from those who were tracking stories, positive and negative. Further discussion on how and where to collect these stories and how to mobilize responses to negative and incorrect reports.
- Announcements
If you have agenda items you would like to add, please contact one of the committee co-chairs.
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer christine@stoufferlaw.com.
HUAC City Hall Protests - 50th Commemoration
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Fifty years ago, on May 13, 1960, thousands of students from SF State, UC Berkeley, Stanford and other local campuses and high schools converged on San Francisco City Hall to protest the hearings being held by The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). In a dramatic confrontation, 64 were arrested after being washed down the rotunda staircase with firehoses. HUAC was discredited and the 60s were launched throughout the country on campuses and elsewhere. The silent 50s were over.
On May 13, 2010, at noon, in the San Francisco City Hall Rotunda, we will again remember and celebrate this historic tipping point with appearances by original protesters, with speeches, and music. Hear original arrestees, protesters, subpoenaed witnesses, and students from today’s campuses. Folksinger, Barbara Dane, will sing some of the songs that rocked City Hall in 1960.
HUAC City Hall Protests Forum & Film Viewing
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The NLGSF is hosting a forum on film viewing on May 13, 7:30 PM at UC Hastings, 198 McAllister in San Francisco, Room A, with special guests, to discuss the HUAC City Hall Protests from 50 years ago. More details to come.
Current Speakers Include
Becky Jenkins, a 1960’s demonstrator and student leader from SF State.
Marshall Krause, the only attorney arrested at the demonstration and currently a lawyer with the ACLU.
Bob Meisenbach, a demonstrator charged with felony assault on a police officer, represented at trial by an NLG team led by Charles Garry, and acquitted of all charges.
Attorney Rai Sue Sussman moderating.
Operation Abolition Film
After the 1960 demonstrations and arrests, HUAC produced the film Operation Abolition, a 42 minute attempt to “expose” the communist plot to abolish HUAC. Complete with footage of “red dupe” demonstrators being dragged down the Rotunda steps in City Hall, the film was widely shown by the John Birch society and ring-wing groups and was met with hostile questions from the emerging student left. It was called both “raucous” and “boffo” by Time magazine on 5/17/61, which added, “Operation Abolition stirs up some kind of trouble nearly everywhere it goes.”
Additional Background
In 1959 a coalition of left, labor, education, and religious groups tried to put an end to HUAC, but had a short-lived effect. Fifty years ago, on May 13, 1960, thousands of students and community members came to San Francisco City Hall to protest the hearings being held by The House Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC). HUAC had subpoenaed teachers and workers, journalists and secretaries, longshoremen and clerks, salesmen and writers to question them about their loyalty to the US. This was an extension and continuation of the witch hunts and numbing influence of McCarthyism that had dominated the politics of the 50s.
The students organized a large picket line outside City Hall. Many came inside and up the stairs, outside the doors of the Supervisor’s Chambers, and asked and then clamored to be let in. The Committee had jammed the hearing room with their ‘friends’. Police finally aimed fire hoses at the demonstrators, washing them down the long marble staircase of the Rotunda inside City Hall. They arrested 64 and hauled them off in Paddy Wagons. The students were acquitted of all charges promptly except but for one, Robert Meisenbach, a UC Berkeley student, who stood trial on false changes and was later acquitted and completely exonerated.
The story hit the national press. Thousands of people came to City Hall on Saturday, the next day, to protest the Committee and the conduct of San Francisco’s Police Department. Longshoremen arrived in great numbers in their white hats with their work hooks in their pockets.
This demonstration did several things: It sounded the death knell of the Committee and the end of the stifling 50s and the anti-communist hysteria that had injured so many. It helped to revitalize the student movement that had been silenced during the 50s encouraging students to work for social change around the country, adding impetus to the already stirring Civil Rights Movement and inspiring the soon to follow Free Speech Movement, the Anti-War Movement and the Women’s Movement.
In 1990 the San Francisco Human Rights Commission proclaimed the 30th Anniversary of the May 13 Demonstration, and concluded, “Our city has come a long way in 30 years, and has fought to maintain those civil liberties which are so important to the functioning of a free society. We must remain vigilant in protecting these freedoms, and educate present and coming generations about the struggles undertaken to secure and maintain them.” Mayor Art Agnos issued an official City apology to the demonstrators.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our May meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Golstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, April 26, 2010
The next Anti Racism Committee meeting will be on April 26, 6:30 PM in San Francisco at Cafe La Boheme, 3318 24th Street. Email Mike Flynn rmflynn79@gmail.com for details.
Citizenship Workshop
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The NLGSF is cosponsoring this event, hosted by the American Immigration Lawyers Association Northern California Chapter:
CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 24, 2010
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
UC Hastings College of the Law, Mayer Lounge
198 McAllister Street, San Francisco
Near Civic Center BART/Muni Station
Eligible applicants will receive free assistance with their citizenship applications as time permits. All applicants will receive individualized screening for eligibility, but the requirements generally include:
- At least 5 years of lawful permanent residency (3 if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of those 5 years/3 years
- No departures from U.S. over 1 year (absences over 6 months need attorney review)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Speak, read and write basic English and pass a Civics Test. You may take the test in your native language only if you are: Age 55 or older and have been a permanent resident for 15 years or more (at time of filing); Age 50 or older and have been a permanent residents for 20 years or more (at time of filing).
- Applicants may be eligible for a medical disability waiver for the tests, but would be referred to a nonprofit or private attorney for assistance with the waiver
- Have good moral character and pay taxes. All arrest/court documents will need to be reviewed
- Pay filing fee of $595 plus biometrics fee of $80 (total fee $675). No biometrics fee for ages 75 and older.
To receive assistance at the workshop, you must bring all of the following:
- “Green card,” Social Security card, passport and California identification/driver’s license
- List of all addresses (including ZIP code) for the past five years including dates of residence
- List of employers and/or schools for the past five years, with addresses plus start and end dates
List of all trips outside the U.S. during the past five years, including start and end dates - Information about all current and former spouses and all children, including full legal name, date of
birth, Social Security number, alien number, date and place of naturalization, and current address - Information about your current and all prior marriages, including date of marriage, date the marriage
ended, and how marriage ended (divorce/death/annulment)
Information about all of spouse’s prior marriages, including start and end date - Documentation of all arrests and/or convictions, including reason for the arrest, date, place, and outcome/disposition. Bring ALL arrest and court documents, even if the charges were dropped
- Men only: Evidence of Selective Service registration if you were a lawful permanent resident between the ages of 18 and 26. You may verify registration at www.sss.gov, or by calling (888) 655-1825
- Recommended: Complete and bring sample application from http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/N-400.pdf
PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to register, just drop in on April 24.
You must have a photo ID to pass building security.
AILA NorCal thanks our host, UC Hastings College of the Law.
Media inquiries: Katy Chase, media@ailanorcal.com
Other inquiries: Mary Beth Kaufman and Lisa Baker, probono@ailanorcal.com
TUPOCC Meeting & Happy Hour
Friday, April 23, 2010
The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) of the National Lawyer’s Guild (NLG) is an alliance of law students, legal workers, attorneys and other people of color within the NLG community. Membership is open to those who self-identify as people of color. Please join us for our first mixer happy hour of the year.
We’ll be gathering as legal activists of color for a community building meeting at 5:00pm. The event will then be open to everyone at 6:00pm. We encourage you to bring your friends, see you there!
NLG-TUPOCC Happy Hour @ Somar
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Somar Bar www.somarbar.com
Street: 1727 Telegraph Ave.
City/Town: Oakland, CA
The necessity of an organization like TUPOCC is borne from the historical context of the capitalist United States where economic prowess is dependent on the furthered and continued subjugation of people of color, women, the poor, queers and other oppressed people. We are dedicated to fostering and supporting the growth and empowerment of all people of color, particularly within the organization of the NLG.
Membership is open to all members of the NLG community who self-identify as people of color. There will be no arbitrary exclusion from membership on the basis of sexuality, religion, gender, gender presentation or identity, sexual orientation, disability or age.
Contact TUPOCC Co-Chair Marc-Tizoc Gonzales: marctizoc@yahoo.com.
Visit our website at: http://www.nlg.org/TUPOCC.
Cruz Reynoso Film Screening (Hastings)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Abby Ginzberg, producer and director of two films about the Guild’s history, and the 2006 Champion of Justice Honoree has just completed her latest film - Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice.
The film will screen April 22 at 5:30 pm at Hastings College of the Law followed by a post-film discussion with Cruz Reynoso and filmmaker, Abby Ginzberg.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, April 19, 2010
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:00 PM on Monday, April 19; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Medical Marijuana Training for Lawyers (CLE)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Calling all lawyers interested in medical marijuana litigation:
Attend a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course on medical marijuana at Hastings School of Law in San Francisco on April 19th at 6pm.
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is teaming up with the Bay Area chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) to co-sponsor a rare CLE on medical marijuana in California. This training will help you better understand the complicated laws surrounding medical marijuana, and is strongly encouraged if you are a criminal defense or civil attorney.
What: CLE seminar on all aspects of medical marijuana law in California
When: Monday, April 19th at 6pm
Where: Hastings School of Law, 198 McAllister St., Room A
Who: ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford will lead the training
Suggested donation for CLE credit: $20 for NLG members, $50 for non-members. Contributions will benefit the Bay Area chapter of the NLG.
The CLE will last approximately ninety minutes and will cover all aspects of medical marijuana law in California. The course will begin with a brief overview of marijuana prohibition in the U.S. and explain how Proposition 215 (California’s Compassionate Use Act) represents a dramatic departure. Turning to the implementation of the medical marijuana laws in California, the course will describe the evolution of the laws in both the criminal and civil contexts. The development of distribution channels in California will be the focus of the next section of the course, finishing off with a discussion of specific defenses and motions that can be brought in criminal actions based on these cases.
Joe Elford and ASA have significantly advanced the medical marijuana movement over the past 5 years by fighting for and winning several landmark decisions, which have secured and expanded the rights of medical marijuana patients. Consider participating in this rare CLE opportunity to be educated by one of the leading attorneys working on the issue of medical marijuana.
For more information, contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org or 415-285-5067 x304.
NLG Student Party and Meeting
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Party in Oakland - RSVP to Nadia Kayyali, ontological@gmail.com for specific location details.
Barbequing at 4:00 (bring your own stuff to bbq!) meeting at 6:00 (projected time 1.5- 2 hours) drinks afterwards!
Drinks and some snacks will be provided
- Working better with each other: 20 minutes
- updates from each group on participation, events, outreach at their school
- ideas for collaborations among student groups?
- Improving connections: 20 minutes
- ways for groups to stay more connected to national/BAY area
- ways national/SF could better meet student needs
- NOLA Convention: 20 minutes
- workshop?
- fundraising?
- Progressive lawyering day: 20 minutes
- ideas for panels
- form a committee to work on planning?
- elections: 15 minutes
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The next mentorship committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 6 PM, at the Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale office, 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor in San Francisco.
RSVP to Lisa at LWei@vblaw.com.
Cruz Reynoso Film Screening (GGU)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Abby Ginzberg, producer and director of two films about the Guild’s history, and the 2006 Champion of Justice Honoree has just completed her latest film - Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice.
The film will screen at Golden Gate Law School April 1st at 4:30 followed by a panel discussion with Hon. Cruz Reynoso; Hon. Joseph Grodin, Jose Padilla and Jim Brosnahan
also on
April 22-at 5:30pm at Hastings College of the Law followed by a post-film discussion with Cruz Reynoso and filmmaker, Abby Ginzberg
“Intentional Professional Misconduct”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
“Intentional Professional Misconduct”: Analysis of the DOJ’s internal investigation into authorship of the torture memos.
A Lecture by Jameel Jaffer, Director of the
ACLU’s National Security Program
What were the findings in the Office of Professional Responsibility’s report?
What are the possible legal, legislative and advocacy steps moving forward?
Booth Auditorium, Boalt Hall
(corner of Piedmont and Bancroft)
University of California, Berkeley
Wednesday, March 31 at 4:45pm
Followed by a reception with refreshments at 6pm in Steinhart
Brought to you by
Boalt Alliance to Abolish Torture
Boalt Hall Committee for Human Rights
California Law Review
National Lawyers Guild – Boalt Chapter
Annual Testimonial Dinner Honoring Champions of Justice Matt Ross and David Weintraub
Saturday, March 27, 2010
This year our chapter is honoring two Champions of Justice: Matt Ross & David Weintraub. We are also honoring Megan Books as our Unsung Hero. The big event will be March 27 at the Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway near 12th Street BART.
A reception will begin at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner at 7:30. Featured speakers will include Mike Casey, president of UniteHere! Local 2 and the San Francisco Labor Council, as well as Beverly Tucker, Former Chief Counsel for the California Teachers Association, and Assemblymember Bill Monning.
Questions? Send an email to NLGSFdinner@gmail.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. at 179-11th Street, San Francisco; 415/864-5600, x111.
The program will be presented by Gordon Erspamer of Morrison and Foerster who has been lead counsel on major class actions brought on behalf of veterans. He will report on the “Edgewood case” which he filed in January 09 against the CIA and DoD for their human experiments at Edgewood Arsenal and Fort Detrick from 1954 through 1976. Those troops were exposed to toxins, biological and nerve agents during experiments that began in the 1950’s. He will also give an undate on the Veterans for Common Sense lawsuit which charges that the VA violates the civil rights of veterans by taking too long to provide mental health care and benefits for PTSD, among other things. CLE credit available.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Chapter Happy Hour
Friday, March 19, 2010
National Lawyers Guild-SF Bay Area Chapter Happy Hour @ Somar:
Join progressive law students, lawyers, and other legal workers from around the Bay Area to make connections, chat, and learn about NLG’s Bay Area work. We will start arriving around 5pm and plan to stay until about 8pm. Any questions—email Salena Copeland salenacopeland@gmail.com, NLG SF Secretary.
Non-lawyer legal workers are welcome to mix and mingle with us!
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS: 4:30-8pm
MIXER: 5-8pm
LOCATION: Somar, 1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
Then stay after as Somar Presents: Friday FUNK! with DJ Kimani.
It doesn’t get much better than Fridays at Somar! End with a phenomenal mix of music by DJ Kimani!
DJ MUSIC: 9:30pm-2am (house, 80’s, R&B, mashups…whatever gets you dancing!)
For more info, reservations, or bookings contact
events@somarbar.com
www.somarbar.com
http://twitter.com/SomarBar
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, March 15, 2010
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 15; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Sparks Fly 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The NLGSF is an endorser of this evening in celebration of Marilyn Buck and Women Political Prisoners
When: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 7 PM
10 PM Dance Party with DJ Kuttin Kandi
Where: Uptown Body and Fender Garage, 401 26th St., Oakland (Telegraph Ave)
Art Auction, Speakers and Music including, Maisha Quint, devorah major, Phavia Kujichagulia, Kayla Marin, Yuri Kochiyama, Graciela Perez-Trevisan & Bomberas de la Bahia Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Plena
$10-50 (no one turned away)
Sparks Fly has honored women political prisoners for 20 years. Marilyn Buck is scheduled to getout of prison later this year after serving more than 25 years. Let’s welcome her home! All money raised will go to the Release Fund for Marilyn Buck.
During this evening we also pay tribute to Safiya Bukhari on publication of her posthumous book, The War Before.
For book tour dates go to http://www.feministpress.org/books/safiya-bukhari/war.
wheelchair accessible for more information: sparksfly2010@gmail.com.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The next Mentorship Committee Meeting will be this Wedensday, 6PM at Beeson Tayer & Bodine, 1404 Frankin Street, Fifth Floor, Oakland CA 94612.
RSVP to Darin at dranahan@berkeley.edu.
Hearing on Youth Immigrant Policy
Thursday, March 4, 2010
On Thursday, March 4, at 10:30am, the San Francisco
Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee
Thurs. March 4, 2010, 10:30a.m.
SF City Hall, Room 263
The Board of Supervisors Rules Committee will hold a hearing at city hall to discuss why City Attorney Herrera is not implementing the Board-enacted youth immigrant policy. The San Francisco Immigrant Rights Defense Committee, of which the NLGSF is a member, hopes to use the occasion to advocate for implementation.
The Board of Supervisors passed the new policy by a veto-proof majority in November 2009. The deadline for implementation was February 9 but Herrera has still not advised the Juvenile Probation Department to implement the new policy. Youth in San Francisco are still being reported to ICE simply upon arrest.
The first half hour of the hearing will be a closed session from 10 to 10:30am, then at 10:30am the meeting will open up to testimony from supporters of the immigrant youth policy. Email any questions that one wants the Board of Supervisor to answer to Angela Chan at angelac@asianlawcaucus.org.
The event will be televised, and there should be good press turnout generally. Spread the word to anyone one who might speak persuasively (for a max of 2-3 min).
Please come to this event and/or submit questions if you can. It would be great to get some testimony from Guild members.
Legal Observer Training
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Come learn to ensure police accountability during free speech activity and protests. Tuesday, March 2; 4:30-5:30; Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, room 2202. Snacks will be provided.
Students who attend will be able to put their skills to use directly in the activism that occurs on March 4th - so come support public education and come support free speech!
Co-sponsored by the ACLU and BLSA.
NLG Happy Hour
Friday, February 26, 2010
Come meet and mingle with awesome NLG attorneys and student members. This month we will be meeting up at 111 Minna in San Francisco. Join us from 5 - 8 PM!
Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The next meeting of the Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee (formerly the State Bar Committee) will be February 24, 2010 at Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant at 6:30PM. No host dinner. Please invite interested friends to join us. RSVP to Terry Koch, Committee Chair, at 415-595-0491.
Don Ramon’s is conveniently located near the Van Ness Muni Station.
Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant
225 11th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: (415) 864-2700
Resolutions must be submitted to the State Bar Conference of Delegates by March 12, 2010. Therefore, they must be ready for the committee to review, edit, and prepare at our next meeting on the 24th.
Please note that if you propose a resolution that you are responsible for seeing to it that it is in the correct format before you submit it to the committee. Please see the Guide for Proponents at: http://www.calconference.org/about_guide.html.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
Elinor Roberts will provide an update on the recent settlement of litigation brought againt the V.A. on behalf of PTSD veterans. It’s great to hear about legal success stories. Elinor is Legal Director at Swords to Plowshares.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Gathering
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The next meeting to organize our chapter’s annual Testimonial Dinner will be on February 23 at 6:30 PM in the East Bay. There will be food and drink and we could use help stuffing envelopes. If you can attend, please RSVP by email to carlos@nlgsf.org for the location and other details.
The Testimonial Dinner, this year on March 27, is the biggest fund raiser for the chapter. Getting involved in planning and executing the event is a great way to contribute to the chapter, meet other volunteers, and add your voice and creativity to a project that highlights our chapter and some of its members to hundreds of attendees every year. Please join us.
Legal Marijuana: Policy Implications In California
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sponsored by the UC-Hastings NLG chapter.
When California taxes and regulates marijuana, how will other state policies be affected?
JOIN US 12p-1p Monday 2/22/10 at UC-Hastings Room A (198 McAllister St.) for a panel discussion featuring:
Prof. Hadar Aviram, UC-Hastings College of the Law
Prof. Alex Kreit, The Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Quintin Mecke, Communications Director, AB390 sponsor Assm. Tom Ammiano.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, February 15, 2010
What: ARC Meeting
Where: La Boheme Cafe, 24th St BART.
When: Monday, February 15, 6:30pm
(3rd Monday of each month, alternating between SF & Oakland)
RSVP to rmflynn79@gmail.com
Proposed Agenda for Feb 15 ARC meeting
1) Check-in /Announcements
2) Anti-Oppression series: Hastings, Boalt, Far West Regional, NEC, brownbag series in summer
3) Reportback from NEC meeting, ways to get involved with national ARC work
4) Reportback from NLG Immigration Court Observation Training, ideas for developing project more, how to get involved
5) Other plans for this year: human rights treaty shadow reports (collaboration with MCLI), other
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The next mentorship committee meeting will be Wednesday, February 10, 6 PM at 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor, SF 94110. Please rsvp to Lisa at lwei@vblaw.com.
“Tortured Law”: Reception and Film Screening
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A reception and film screening of the New Short Documentary “Tortured Law”
A discussion of the actions of the U.S. Department of Justice lawyers who authored the infamous “torture memos” will follow the film screening.
Co-sponsored by Alliance for Justice, Bar Association of San Francisco, Bar Association of San Francisco Barristers Club, Bay Area Lawyer Chapter of American Constitution Society, Minority Bar Coalition, South Asian Bar Association of Northern California, National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Chapter, and the Northern California Chapter of Iranian American Bar Association
Moderator:
Nan Aron, President, Alliance for Justice
Featuring special guests:
James Brosnahan, Senior Partner, Morrison & Foerster
Richard Zitrin, Of Counsel, Carlson, Calladine & Peterson LLP and Adjunct Professor of Legal Ethics, U.C. Hastings
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
5:30pm: Reception begins
6:00pm: Program begins
Hosted by:
Coblentz, Patch, Duffy, & Bass LLP
One Ferry Building, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94111
President Barack Obama ended six years of American torture of suspected terrorists arising from the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks. The torture was originally outlined and sanctioned in 2002 by a series of memos drafted by lawyers in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. Attorney General Eric Holder has announced an investigation of CIA interrogators who exceeded the authority provided by the “torture memos.” But the officials who ordered these actions, and the lawyers who provided the legal cover, have not been held accountable. Should Attorney General Holder conduct a full investigation of those who ordered, designed, and justified torture? A panel of distinguished legal experts will discuss these questions and more during a provocative conservation about lawyers, legal ethics and rule of law.
The discussion will follow a screening of Tortured Law, a new 10-minute documentary produced by Alliance for Justice. Tortured Law examines the legal and ethical questions regarding the lawyers who sanctioned the use of torture and asks whether these lawyers were simply giving the President their best legal advice, or whether their work was part of a larger conspiracy to distort the law and authorize torture.
This event is a free event but seating is limited so please RSVP.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, February 5, 2010
The next Immigration Committee meeting will be Friday, February 5 from 12:30 - 1:30 PM at the ACLU Offices, 39 Drumm Street in San Francisco. Please kindly rsvp to Christine at christine@stoufferlaw.com by Wednesday February 3, 2010.
Introduction to Demonstration Law CLE
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Get the basics on how to defend demonstrators against criminal charges at this training offering two hours of CLE credit for attorneys. The training is ideal for new attorneys or lawyers without this type of experience, but law students and legal workers are welcome also.
Thursday, February 4
5:45-6 pm Registration and light refreshments
6-6:10 pm Lawyer or Activist or Both: How to Give Legal Advice Without Stifling Political Dissent
Bobbie Stein
6:10-6:40 pm Behind Closed Doors - Grand Juries and How They Are Used to Silence Political Activists
Mark Vermeulen
6:40 - 7:20 pm Where Have All The Protesters Gone? - What Happens to People After They Are Arrested? Taken to Holding Areas or Jails or Released? Jail Support & Jail Solidarity
John Viola
7:20-8 pm From the Streets to the Courtroom: Going to Court, Typical Charges, Creative Motions, Alternative Dispositions
Bobbie Stein
Golden Gate University, Room 5212
536 Mission Street in San Francisco
$20 suggested entry for NLGSF members
$40 for nonmembers
Free for law students
RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org
Bringing Human Rights Home CLE
Saturday, January 30, 2010
COME GET YOUR CLE CREDITS AND LEARN ABOUT BRINGING INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS HOME!
Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute (MCLI) and the SF Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild will be sponsoring a 4 hour CLE on January 30th at Golden Gate University.
Time: Sat January 30th, from 1-5 pm.
Speakers: Ann Fagan Ginger (Founder and long-time ED of MCLI) will present the overview of how international treaty and customary human rights law can be (and has been) used to meet domestic needs;
Susan Scott (co-chair of NLG/IC committee and MCLI Interim Board President) will explain how Human Rights treaty ratification could be used to enforce economic and social rights, such as the right to housing, health care, food security and human dignity.
Michael Sorgen (civil rights and international human rights lawyer from SF; plaintiffs’ attorney in Bowoto v Chevron Corp) will discuss the history of the Alien Tort Statute (Alien Torts Claims Act) and how to use it to bring international human rights to US courts and corporations.
Location: Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St, San Francisco, Room #3208 (check in on first floor)
Seminar and Materials:
$100-200 for attorneys (sliding scale)
$50 for new attorneys (admitted after 11/08)
$25 for law students or paralegals
To ensure that we have enough materials, we would appreciate it if you would call Kot at 510 848-0599 or email him at kot@mcli.org at MCLI if you intend to come.
For more information on the program, call Susan Scott at syscott@prodigy.net.
Bay Area Chapter Happy Hour
Friday, January 29, 2010
Join progressive law students, lawyers, and other legal workers from around the Bay Area to make connections, chat, and learn about NLG’s Bay Area work. We will start arriving around 5pm to Somar (1727 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland) and plan to stay until 8pm.
Any questions—email Salena Copeland salenacopeland@gmail.com, NLG SF Bay Area Secretary.
Non-lawyer legal workers are welcome to mix and mingle with us!
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS: 4:30-8pm
MIXER: 5-8pm
Then stay after as Somar Presents: Friday FUNK!
It doesn’t get much better than Fridays at Somar! End with a phenomenal mix of music by DJ Kimani!
DJ MUSIC: 9:30pm-2am (house, 80’s, R&B, mashups…whatever gets you dancing!)
For more info:
events@somarbar.com
www.somarbar.com
NLG Law Student Membership Meeting
Friday, January 29, 2010
NLG Law Student Membership meeting. 4:00 Friday, January 29 at Somar, 17th and Telegraph. http://www.yelp.com/biz/somar-bar-and-lounge-oakland Meeting to be followed by an NLG happy hour at 5:00 for law students and attorneys.
Meeting will include:
- Discussing NLG organizing with other bay area law students from Boalt, UC Hastings, Davis, Santa Clara, Golden Gate and Stanford. All are welcome!
- Electing a new Law Student Vice President, term 1.5 years. Duties include: running Progressive Lawyering Day, holding a voting seat on the NLG SF Board and reporting to the board on student organizing, open leadership opportunity to create student actions, attending monthly board and executive committee meetings, voting on endorsements and other executive committee decisions.
Board meetings happen on the first Wednesday of every month. If there are multiple students from your law school interested in this type of position, you can also vote to fill your school’s board seat this semester.
Interested candidates in the LSVP position should email me LaurenNLevy@gmail.com with a brief statement of interest by Monday, January 25th.
King Hall NLG Week - Day Five
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 5: Friday, January 29th - Moot Courtroom - Fundamentally Flawed: The Death Penalty in California: The California state death penalty system is procedurally complicated, failing to bring justice swiftly and burdening our state budget. Join us for a panel discussion which includes three prominent attorneys who work with condemned inmates, clinics, and defense organizations to discuss what can be done to help by raising awareness, making legislative changes, and moving to abolish the method altogether. Featuring Christine Thomas, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit of the Sacramento Federal Defenders; Steven Shatz, Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law; and Shelley Sandusky, Staff Attorney, Habeas Corpus Resource Center.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Zia’s Delicatessen
The King Hall NLG Board is delighted to invite you all to NLG Week, our annual series of noontime events designed to raise awareness of the aims of our organization - “to unite the lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization which shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that human rights shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests.” This year’s theme “Not for Profit,” reflects this overarching goal - we seek to encourage all of our colleagues to work “not for profit - for justice,” and to elucidate the ways in which economics can help or hinder progressive reform. Details on the speakers and panels are below, and also on the facebook event page.
Day 1: Monday, January 25th - A Conversation on Palestine: A forward-looking presentation by noted scholars and activists regarding the occupation of Palestine within a legal and historical framework. Featuring Richard Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Western Regional Director, and As`ad AbuKhalil, Visiting Professor, UC Berkeley.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Shah’s Halal Cart
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th - Careers Serving the People: Movement, Law and Social Change: Wondering how to navigate your career path in the public interest? In this panel workshop, lawyers from diverse public interest practice fields share their insight and experience in the field with an interactive Q&A session on how to grow and sustain an effective and rewarding career in the service of human rights and social justice. Feautring Chelsea HaleyNelson, Partner, HaleyNelson Law; Claudia Peña, Statewide Project Coordinator for CaCCR, Equal Justice Society; Pamela Coukos, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, Organizing for America; Marc-Tizoc Gonzalez, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino Studies Program; Cynthia Chandler, Executive Director, Justice Now.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th - Tackling Homelessness: Legal Solutions and Direct Action: Attorneys, judges and activists on the front lines of the struggle against the causes of homelessness will discuss the challenges facing the homeless and the steps being taken in the legal community to confront and overcome them. Featuring Judge Gordon Baranco, Alameda County Superior Court and Homeless/Caring Court; Teague Briscoe, Staff Attorney, Alameda County Homeless Action Center; Mark Merin, Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney; Paula Lomazzi, Director, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwiches from Sunrise Restaurant
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th - Room 2011 - Worth the Cost? Reform and The War on Drugs: Panelists will discuss the social and economic costs of the “war on drugs” and the urgent need for reform. Featuring Allen Hopper, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Drug Reform Project; Lee Berger, Lee Berger & Associates (Portland, OR); Tamar Todd, Staff Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Office of Legal Affairs.
Location: Room 2011
Lunch: Dos Coyotes
Day 5: Friday, January 29th - Moot Courtroom - Fundamentally Flawed: The Death Penalty in California: The California state death penalty system is procedurally complicated, failing to bring justice swiftly and burdening our state budget. Join us for a panel discussion which includes three prominent attorneys who work with condemned inmates, clinics, and defense organizations to discuss what can be done to help by raising awareness, making legislative changes, and moving to abolish the method altogether. Featuring Christine Thomas, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit of the Sacramento Federal Defenders; Steven Shatz, Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law; and Shelley Sandusky, Staff Attorney, Habeas Corpus Resource Center.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Zia’s Delicatessen
King Hall NLG Week - Day Four
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th - Room 2011 - Worth the Cost? Reform and The War on Drugs: Panelists will discuss the social and economic costs of the “war on drugs” and the urgent need for reform. Featuring Allen Hopper, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Drug Reform Project; Lee Berger, Lee Berger & Associates (Portland, OR); Tamar Todd, Staff Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Office of Legal Affairs.
Location: Room 2011
Lunch: Dos Coyotes
The King Hall NLG Board is delighted to invite you all to NLG Week, our annual series of noontime events designed to raise awareness of the aims of our organization - “to unite the lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization which shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that human rights shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests.” This year’s theme “Not for Profit,” reflects this overarching goal - we seek to encourage all of our colleagues to work “not for profit - for justice,” and to elucidate the ways in which economics can help or hinder progressive reform. Details on the speakers and panels are below, and also on the facebook event page.
Day 1: Monday, January 25th - A Conversation on Palestine: A forward-looking presentation by noted scholars and activists regarding the occupation of Palestine within a legal and historical framework. Featuring Richard Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Western Regional Director, and As`ad AbuKhalil, Visiting Professor, UC Berkeley.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Shah’s Halal Cart
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th - Careers Serving the People: Movement, Law and Social Change: Wondering how to navigate your career path in the public interest? In this panel workshop, lawyers from diverse public interest practice fields share their insight and experience in the field with an interactive Q&A session on how to grow and sustain an effective and rewarding career in the service of human rights and social justice. Feautring Chelsea HaleyNelson, Partner, HaleyNelson Law; Claudia Peña, Statewide Project Coordinator for CaCCR, Equal Justice Society; Pamela Coukos, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, Organizing for America; Marc-Tizoc Gonzalez, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino Studies Program; Cynthia Chandler, Executive Director, Justice Now.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th - Tackling Homelessness: Legal Solutions and Direct Action: Attorneys, judges and activists on the front lines of the struggle against the causes of homelessness will discuss the challenges facing the homeless and the steps being taken in the legal community to confront and overcome them. Featuring Judge Gordon Baranco, Alameda County Superior Court and Homeless/Caring Court; Teague Briscoe, Staff Attorney, Alameda County Homeless Action Center; Mark Merin, Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney; Paula Lomazzi, Director, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwiches from Sunrise Restaurant
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th - Room 2011 - Worth the Cost? Reform and The War on Drugs: Panelists will discuss the social and economic costs of the “war on drugs” and the urgent need for reform. Featuring Allen Hopper, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Drug Reform Project; Lee Berger, Lee Berger & Associates (Portland, OR); Tamar Todd, Staff Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Office of Legal Affairs.
Location: Room 2011
Lunch: Dos Coyotes
Day 5: Friday, January 29th - Moot Courtroom - Fundamentally Flawed: The Death Penalty in California: The California state death penalty system is procedurally complicated, failing to bring justice swiftly and burdening our state budget. Join us for a panel discussion which includes three prominent attorneys who work with condemned inmates, clinics, and defense organizations to discuss what can be done to help by raising awareness, making legislative changes, and moving to abolish the method altogether. Featuring Christine Thomas, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit of the Sacramento Federal Defenders; Steven Shatz, Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law; and Shelley Sandusky, Staff Attorney, Habeas Corpus Resource Center.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Zia’s Delicatessen
King Hall NLG Week - Day Three
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th - Tackling Homelessness: Legal Solutions and Direct Action: Attorneys, judges and activists on the front lines of the struggle against the causes of homelessness will discuss the challenges facing the homeless and the steps being taken in the legal community to confront and overcome them. Featuring Judge Gordon Baranco, Alameda County Superior Court and Homeless/Caring Court; Teague Briscoe, Staff Attorney, Alameda County Homeless Action Center; Mark Merin, Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney; Paula Lomazzi, Director, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwiches from Sunrise Restaurant
The King Hall NLG Board is delighted to invite you all to NLG Week, our annual series of noontime events designed to raise awareness of the aims of our organization - “to unite the lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization which shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that human rights shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests.” This year’s theme “Not for Profit,” reflects this overarching goal - we seek to encourage all of our colleagues to work “not for profit - for justice,” and to elucidate the ways in which economics can help or hinder progressive reform. Details on the speakers and panels are below, and also on the facebook event page.
Day 1: Monday, January 25th - A Conversation on Palestine: A forward-looking presentation by noted scholars and activists regarding the occupation of Palestine within a legal and historical framework. Featuring Richard Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Western Regional Director, and As`ad AbuKhalil, Visiting Professor, UC Berkeley.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Shah’s Halal Cart
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th - Careers Serving the People: Movement, Law and Social Change: Wondering how to navigate your career path in the public interest? In this panel workshop, lawyers from diverse public interest practice fields share their insight and experience in the field with an interactive Q&A session on how to grow and sustain an effective and rewarding career in the service of human rights and social justice. Feautring Chelsea HaleyNelson, Partner, HaleyNelson Law; Claudia Peña, Statewide Project Coordinator for CaCCR, Equal Justice Society; Pamela Coukos, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, Organizing for America; Marc-Tizoc Gonzalez, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino Studies Program; Cynthia Chandler, Executive Director, Justice Now.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th - Tackling Homelessness: Legal Solutions and Direct Action: Attorneys, judges and activists on the front lines of the struggle against the causes of homelessness will discuss the challenges facing the homeless and the steps being taken in the legal community to confront and overcome them. Featuring Judge Gordon Baranco, Alameda County Superior Court and Homeless/Caring Court; Teague Briscoe, Staff Attorney, Alameda County Homeless Action Center; Mark Merin, Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney; Paula Lomazzi, Director, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwiches from Sunrise Restaurant
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th - Room 2011 - Worth the Cost? Reform and The War on Drugs: Panelists will discuss the social and economic costs of the “war on drugs” and the urgent need for reform. Featuring Allen Hopper, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Drug Reform Project; Lee Berger, Lee Berger & Associates (Portland, OR); Tamar Todd, Staff Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Office of Legal Affairs.
Location: Room 2011
Lunch: Dos Coyotes
Day 5: Friday, January 29th - Moot Courtroom - Fundamentally Flawed: The Death Penalty in California: The California state death penalty system is procedurally complicated, failing to bring justice swiftly and burdening our state budget. Join us for a panel discussion which includes three prominent attorneys who work with condemned inmates, clinics, and defense organizations to discuss what can be done to help by raising awareness, making legislative changes, and moving to abolish the method altogether. Featuring Christine Thomas, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit of the Sacramento Federal Defenders; Steven Shatz, Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law; and Shelley Sandusky, Staff Attorney, Habeas Corpus Resource Center.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Zia’s Delicatessen
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
Tim Kingston and Jeff Patterson will present a program on Effective Media Strategies in Military Cases. Tim is a free lance reporter. Jeff works for Courage to Resist. This should be an interesting program of practical use when we consider whether media attention would help clients.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Immigration Court Observation Project Training
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: UC Hastings - room 640 in the library (6th floor)
Street: 200 McAllister St in San Francisco
In 2006, the SF Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court.
Students should be committed to going to Master Calendar proceedings (Monday-Thursdays, 830am-12pm) in immigration court at least once a month and fill out NLG-prepared observation forms to document the immigration court process.
Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework. The training will be led by NLG Immigration Committee members Michael Flynn and Jody Santiago. Trainers will familiarize participants with the way the court works, and past student observers will share their experiences.
RSVP to Jody Santiago Jody.Santiago@gmail.com or write with questions.
MCLE: Fighting for Tenants In The Age of Foreclosure
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Presented with Tenants Together.
Fighting for Tenants In the Age of Foreclosure: Eviction Defense And Affirmative Litigation Against Banks
Tuesday, January 26
8:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Women’s Building, Room A
3543 18th Street, San Francisco
3 Hours of CLE Credit Offered
Registration Fees
$100 regular rate
$50 nonprofit employee rate
Free for law students
Limited financial aid available (contact mcle@tenantstogether.org to request financial aid)
Space is limited, so please register online as soon as possible at: www.tenantstogether.org/mcle1
Please contact mcle@tenantstogether.org with any questions.
Tenants Together, California’s statewide organzation for renters’ rights, invites attorneys, housing counselors, law students and other interested community members to participate in a training regarding representation of tenants in foreclosure situations. The event is cosponsored by the National Lawyers Guild which is providing MCLE credit (3.0 hours) to attorney participants.
Panelists: Richard Hurlburt, Esq. (Law Offices of Richard Hurlburt), Laura Lane, Esq. (East Bay Community Law Center), Leah Simon Weisberg, Esq. (Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto), and Dean Preston, Esq. (Tenants Together).
Agenda
8:45 – 9:00 Registration
9:00 – 9:30 Overview of tenant rights in foreclosure situations
9:30 – 10:45 Defending tenants against eviction after foreclosure
11:00 – 12:15 Representing tenants in affirmative litigation after foreclosure
King Hall NLG Week - Day Two
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th - Careers Serving the People: Movement, Law and Social Change: Wondering how to navigate your career path in the public interest? In this panel workshop, lawyers from diverse public interest practice fields share their insight and experience in the field with an interactive Q&A session on how to grow and sustain an effective and rewarding career in the service of human rights and social justice. Feautring Chelsea HaleyNelson, Partner, HaleyNelson Law; Claudia Peña, Statewide Project Coordinator for CaCCR, Equal Justice Society; Pamela Coukos, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, Organizing for America; Marc-Tizoc Gonzalez, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino Studies Program; Cynthia Chandler, Executive Director, Justice Now.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
The King Hall NLG Board is delighted to invite you all to NLG Week, our annual series of noontime events designed to raise awareness of the aims of our organization - “to unite the lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization which shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that human rights shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests.” This year’s theme “Not for Profit,” reflects this overarching goal - we seek to encourage all of our colleagues to work “not for profit - for justice,” and to elucidate the ways in which economics can help or hinder progressive reform. Details on the speakers and panels are below, and also on the facebook event page.
Day 1: Monday, January 25th - A Conversation on Palestine: A forward-looking presentation by noted scholars and activists regarding the occupation of Palestine within a legal and historical framework. Featuring Richard Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Western Regional Director, and As`ad AbuKhalil, Visiting Professor, UC Berkeley.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Shah’s Halal Cart
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th - Careers Serving the People: Movement, Law and Social Change: Wondering how to navigate your career path in the public interest? In this panel workshop, lawyers from diverse public interest practice fields share their insight and experience in the field with an interactive Q&A session on how to grow and sustain an effective and rewarding career in the service of human rights and social justice. Feautring Chelsea HaleyNelson, Partner, HaleyNelson Law; Claudia Peña, Statewide Project Coordinator for CaCCR, Equal Justice Society; Pamela Coukos, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, Organizing for America; Marc-Tizoc Gonzalez, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino Studies Program; Cynthia Chandler, Executive Director, Justice Now.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th - Tackling Homelessness: Legal Solutions and Direct Action: Attorneys, judges and activists on the front lines of the struggle against the causes of homelessness will discuss the challenges facing the homeless and the steps being taken in the legal community to confront and overcome them. Featuring Judge Gordon Baranco, Alameda County Superior Court and Homeless/Caring Court; Teague Briscoe, Staff Attorney, Alameda County Homeless Action Center; Mark Merin, Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney; Paula Lomazzi, Director, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwiches from Sunrise Restaurant
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th - Room 2011 - Worth the Cost? Reform and The War on Drugs: Panelists will discuss the social and economic costs of the “war on drugs” and the urgent need for reform. Featuring Allen Hopper, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Drug Reform Project; Lee Berger, Lee Berger & Associates (Portland, OR); Tamar Todd, Staff Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Office of Legal Affairs.
Location: Room 2011
Lunch: Dos Coyotes
Day 5: Friday, January 29th - Moot Courtroom - Fundamentally Flawed: The Death Penalty in California: The California state death penalty system is procedurally complicated, failing to bring justice swiftly and burdening our state budget. Join us for a panel discussion which includes three prominent attorneys who work with condemned inmates, clinics, and defense organizations to discuss what can be done to help by raising awareness, making legislative changes, and moving to abolish the method altogether. Featuring Christine Thomas, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit of the Sacramento Federal Defenders; Steven Shatz, Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law; and Shelley Sandusky, Staff Attorney, Habeas Corpus Resource Center.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Zia’s Delicatessen
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, January 25, 2010
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 25; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
King Hall NLG Week - Day One
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 1: Monday, January 25th - A Conversation on Palestine: A forward-looking presentation by noted scholars and activists regarding the occupation of Palestine within a legal and historical framework. Featuring Richard Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Western Regional Director, and As`ad AbuKhalil, Visiting Professor, UC Berkeley.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Shah’s Halal Cart
The King Hall NLG Board is delighted to invite you all to NLG Week, our annual series of noontime events designed to raise awareness of the aims of our organization - “to unite the lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization which shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that human rights shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests.” This year’s theme “Not for Profit,” reflects this overarching goal - we seek to encourage all of our colleagues to work “not for profit - for justice,” and to elucidate the ways in which economics can help or hinder progressive reform. Details on the speakers and panels are below, and also on the facebook event page.
Day 1: Monday, January 25th - A Conversation on Palestine: A forward-looking presentation by noted scholars and activists regarding the occupation of Palestine within a legal and historical framework. Featuring Richard Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Western Regional Director, and As`ad AbuKhalil, Visiting Professor, UC Berkeley.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Shah’s Halal Cart
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th - Careers Serving the People: Movement, Law and Social Change: Wondering how to navigate your career path in the public interest? In this panel workshop, lawyers from diverse public interest practice fields share their insight and experience in the field with an interactive Q&A session on how to grow and sustain an effective and rewarding career in the service of human rights and social justice. Feautring Chelsea HaleyNelson, Partner, HaleyNelson Law; Claudia Peña, Statewide Project Coordinator for CaCCR, Equal Justice Society; Pamela Coukos, Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, Organizing for America; Marc-Tizoc Gonzalez, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino Studies Program; Cynthia Chandler, Executive Director, Justice Now.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th - Tackling Homelessness: Legal Solutions and Direct Action: Attorneys, judges and activists on the front lines of the struggle against the causes of homelessness will discuss the challenges facing the homeless and the steps being taken in the legal community to confront and overcome them. Featuring Judge Gordon Baranco, Alameda County Superior Court and Homeless/Caring Court; Teague Briscoe, Staff Attorney, Alameda County Homeless Action Center; Mark Merin, Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney; Paula Lomazzi, Director, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwiches from Sunrise Restaurant
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th - Room 2011 - Worth the Cost? Reform and The War on Drugs: Panelists will discuss the social and economic costs of the “war on drugs” and the urgent need for reform. Featuring Allen Hopper, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Drug Reform Project; Lee Berger, Lee Berger & Associates (Portland, OR); Tamar Todd, Staff Attorney, Drug Policy Alliance Office of Legal Affairs.
Location: Room 2011
Lunch: Dos Coyotes
Day 5: Friday, January 29th - Moot Courtroom - Fundamentally Flawed: The Death Penalty in California: The California state death penalty system is procedurally complicated, failing to bring justice swiftly and burdening our state budget. Join us for a panel discussion which includes three prominent attorneys who work with condemned inmates, clinics, and defense organizations to discuss what can be done to help by raising awareness, making legislative changes, and moving to abolish the method altogether. Featuring Christine Thomas, Paralegal, Capital Habeas Unit of the Sacramento Federal Defenders; Steven Shatz, Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law; and Shelley Sandusky, Staff Attorney, Habeas Corpus Resource Center.
Location: Moot Courtroom (1008)
Lunch: Zia’s Delicatessen
Introduction to Medical Cannabis Dispensary and Law Workshop
Monday, January 25, 2010
Presented By National Expert Matt Kumin, Attorney at Law.
CLE Credit Available
INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP
- CA State Cannabis Laws
- Fedenal CniminalCannabis Law
- Federal Sentencing
- Fedenal Enforcement Law Reality
- Preferned Corporate Entity
- Compensation
- Local Zoning Business and Permits
COMPLIANCE WORKSHOP
- Wage & Hour & Employment Law
- Business Licensing
- Sales and Business Taxes
- Commercial Leases
- Complying with H&S Code Sec. 11362.775
- Addressing Federal Criminal Law
- Fedenal Tax Compliance Law
10AM - 1PM: The Introductory Workshop is designed to provide basic information about Medical Cannabis Laws and how to legally operate a cooperative in California.
2:30PM - 5:30PM: The Compliance Workshop is designed
primarily for already-formed associations and cooperatives which need basic information about operating as a business.
$495 First Person
$300 Additional Person in Group
870 Market Street, 11th Floor, Room 1185
San Francisco
Registration 9:45 and 2:15
Call to Register 415-434-4500
Presented with Kumin Sommers LLP
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The next mentorship committee meeting will be at 6PM at Beeson Tayer & Bodine, 1404 Frankin Street, Fifth Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.
Please RSVP to Darin at dranahan@berkeley.edu.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The next meeting to organize our chapter’s annual Testimonial Dinner will be on Wednesday, January 13, 6:30 PM in Oakland. If you can attend, please RSVP by email to carlos@nlgsf.org for the location and other details.
The Testimonial Dinner, this year on March 27, is the biggest fund raiser for the chapter. Getting involved in planning and executing the event is a great way to contribute to the chapter, meet other volunteers, and add your voice and creativity to a project that highlights our chapter and some of its members to hundreds of attendees every year. Please join us.
Ethics Jeopardy & Coping with the Challenge of Legal Practice MCLEs
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sponsored by BALIF, California Young Lawyer’s Association and NLG San Francisco Chapter
Attention all attorneys with last names ending in the letters A-G! BALIF, in partnership with the California Young Lawyers Association and NLG San Francisco Chapter, is offering two opportunities for attorneys to meet the ethics and substance abuse MCLE requirements:
Ethics Jeopardy with Bob Hawley
Coping with the Challenge of Legal Practice (Substance Abuse Issues) with Richard Carlton, Lawyers Assistance Program
Dates: November 30, 2009 or January 11, 2010
Location and Time: Office of the California State Bar, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Ethics Jeopardy, 6-7:00 PM; Coping with the Challenge of Legal Practice, 7:15-8:15.
Cost: These MCLEs may be taken together, for 2 hours MCLE credit (1 hour each in ethics and substance abuse) or separately, for one credit each. Cost is $50 for 2 MCLE credits for BALIF members or $70 for nonmembers. Participants may also choose to attend one CLE at a cost of $25 for BALIF members, or $35 for nonmembers.
State Bar Committee Meeting
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday evening, January 20, 2010, at 6:30PM we will hold a State Bar Committee Meeting at Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant, 225 11th St. San Francisco, CA. We have changed our name to the Doris Brin Walker Law Reform Committee in honor of Doris, who was the leading light of this committee and did this work for decades.
We will be discussing upcoming changes instituted by the California Conference of Bar Associations and planning resolutions for the coming meetings.
Please mark your calendar and forward this message to anyone else you think may be interested. Please RSVP to rpkoch1@sbcglobal.net if you are planning on attending. We will have dinner there as well (no host.) There is plenty of convenient parking and it is near the Van Ness muni stop.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our January meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Golstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, December 21, 2009
Join us for our last meeting of the year. East bay this time!
What: Antiracism Committee Meeting
When: Monday, 21 Dec, 6pm
Where: Levende East, 827 Washington Street, Oakland
Email Mike with questions at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Wherever There’s a Fight: A History of the California Civil Rights Struggle
Friday, December 18, 2009
The NLGSF is cosponsoring this event with the Bay Area Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society.
Featuring:
Elaine Elinson
Co-Author of Wherever There’s a Fight: How Runaway Slaves, Suffragists, Immigrants, Strikers and Poets Shaped Civil Liberties in California and Media Relations Advisor, Equal Justice Society
Stan Yogi
Co-Author of Wherever There’s a Fight: How Runaway Slaves, Suffragists, Immigrants, Strikers and Poets Shaped Civil Liberties in California and Director of Planned Giving,
American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California
Moderated by:
Jahan Sagafi
Partner, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Friday, December 18, 2009
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP
One Ferry Building
Suite 200
San Francisco, CA
This brown-bag lunch event is free of charge.
The American Constitution Society is a State Bar of California approved CLE provider. This event has been approved for 1.0 hours of MCLE credit.
RSVP here.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Holiday Soiree & Auction
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Celebrating the work of our Committee Against Torture!
Our annual holiday party will include a live & silent auction - just in time for the gift-giving season.
Bid on a week at a great vacation house, theatre tickets, artwork, a rafting adventure, restaurant gift certificates and more. Have something to donate? Contact Raul at raul@nlgsf.org or 415.285.5067x302. You can also fill out a donation pledge form online by clicking here.
December 10, 2009
6-9 PM
The Blue Macaw
2565 Mission Street in San Francisco
(2 blocks north of the 24th Street BART station)
$10 Low Income; $25 Attorneys & Friends; Free for Sustainers, Sponsors & Law Student Members
Admission at the door.
Cash bar.
Meditation for Lawyers CLE
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Meditation for Lawyers will be presented by Doug Chermak, Hon. Mary Morgan (SF Superior Court), Judi Cohen and David Borgen on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Registration begins at 5:30 PM and the program is from 6 - 8:30 PM at the law office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000, in Oakland.
2 Hours CLE Credit: One hour of Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse and one hour of regular CLE credit will be available.
$35 for public service and low income attorneys; $65 regular rate.
Please RSVP by emailing raul@nlgsf.org.
Meditation has proved itself a great tool for lawyers. It brings focus, intentionality, and balance to our work life whether in the courtroom, in the office, at meetings or at home.
Co-sponsored by the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society.
Release? A Conversation with Michael Bien, Lead Counsel in the CA Prisoner Release Case
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The CURB Coalition Presents:
Release? A Conversation with Michael Bien, a Lead Counsel in the CA Prisoner Release Case in front of the three-judge federal court panel.
This is an opportunity to ask questions directly about how this lawsuit will impact our loved ones and our work. We hope that we can come to some collective clarity about what the current legal situation is — as well as what to expect in the future — so that we can build better plans to bring people home from California prisons.
Thursday December 3rd from 6 - 8 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room at 1904 Franklin in Oakland (one block from 19th St. BART)
childcare and snacks provided
For more info, contact Carol Strickman at (415) 255-7036 ext. 324.
The NLGSF is a member of CURB (Californians United for a Responsible Budget).
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our December meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Golstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Ethics Jeopardy & Coping with the Challenge of Legal Practice MCLEs
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sponsored by BALIF, California Young Lawyer’s Association and NLG San Francisco Chapter
Attention all attorneys with last names ending in the letters A-G! BALIF, in partnership with the California Young Lawyers Association and NLG San Francisco Chapter, is offering two opportunities for attorneys to meet the ethics and substance abuse MCLE requirements:
Ethics Jeopardy with Bob Hawley
Coping with the Challenge of Legal Practice (Substance Abuse Issues) with Richard Carlton, Lawyers Assistance Program
Dates: November 30, 2009 or January 11, 2010
Location and Time: Office of the California State Bar, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Ethics Jeopardy, 6-7:00 PM; Coping with the Challenge of Legal Practice, 7:15-8:15.
Cost: These MCLEs may be taken together, for 2 hours MCLE credit (1 hour each in ethics and substance abuse) or separately, for one credit each. Cost is $50 for 2 MCLE credits for BALIF members or $70 for nonmembers. Participants may also choose to attend one CLE at a cost of $25 for BALIF members, or $35 for nonmembers.
Disturbing the Universe Screening
Monday, November 23, 2009
Join your friends from the National Lawyers Guild and filmmaker Emily Kunstler for a special benefit screening of William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe at the Landmark Shattuck Cinema, 2230 Shattuck Avenue, beginning at 7:30 pm.
A portion of ticket sales benefits the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the NLG. This event is expected to sell out, so reserve your tickets early.
Reserve your tickets now by clicking here.
Watch the trailer by clicking here.
In William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe filmmakers Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler explore the life of their father, the late radical civil rights lawyer. In the 1960s and 70s, Kunstler fought for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr. and represented the famed “Chicago 8” activists who protested the Vietnam War. When the inmates took over Attica prison, or when the American Indian Movement stood up to the federal government at Wounded Knee, they asked Kunstler to be their lawyer.
To his daughters, it seemed that he was at the center of everything important that had ever happened. But when they were growing up, Kunstler represented some of the most reviled members of society, including rapists and assassins. This powerful film not only recounts the historic causes that Kunstler fought for; it also reveals a man that even his own daughters did not always understand, a man who risked public outrage and the safety of his family so that justice could serve all.
“The most hated and most loved lawyer in America.”
The New York Times
“Expertly put together and never less than compelling.”
The Hollywood Reporter
Protest Lynne Stewart’s Incarceration
Monday, November 23, 2009
Lynne Stewart has been a leading civil and human rights attorney for 30-years as well as a member of the National Lawyers Guild. On November 16, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of her 1995 frame-up conviction on five counts of aiding and abetting terrorism. She has now begun serving a 28-month prison term. The 2nd Circuit remanded to the district court to reconsider sentencing. We need to stand up in defense of Lynne!
Join us on Monday, November 23 at 5:00 pm at the San Francisco Federal Courthouse, 7th and Mission.
For further information contact: Jeff Mackler, Coordinator, West Coast Lynne Stewart Defense Committee 510-268-9429, jmackler@lmi.net.
2009 Medical Cannabis Dispensary Law Workshop (Los Angeles)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Attorney’s who register and attend will receive 5 hrs. MCLE Credit.
Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel
711 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Sunday, November 22, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Early Bird Registration $250
After Nov. 16, 2009 $300
Cash or check only at the door. We will not be accepting credit card payments.
Download registration form (pdf).
Spend a day with leading experts in this field, William G. Panzer, Esq. and Matthew Kumin, Esq., and learn the
real facts about California’s Medical Cannabis Laws. Find out the truth in an area rife with confusion, misunderstanding, and misperceptions.
The Seminar will cover all of the following topics:
1. What makes a dispensary “Legal” - Elements
of cooperatives
2. Salaries and expenses
3. California Attorney General Guidelines
4. Obtaining Cannabis
5. Dealing with Landlords
6. Working with local authorities
7. The Feds: (a) Taxes; (b) Federal defenses and sentencing; (c) The Obama Administration; (d) Developments in Sacramento and on Capitol Hill
The Seminar will allow time for audience questions and answers.
Being presented by:
The Law Office of
William G. Panzer and
Kumin Sommers LLP
For more information call (415) 434-4500
Fruits of War Screening and Panel Discussion (Davis)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
UC Davis School of Law, Rm. 2021 at 5:00pm
The film “Fruits of War” takes an uncompromising look at the lives of four reformed gang members — Bullet, Rebel, Weazel, and Duke, all of whom escaped to the United States as child refugees from El Salvador’s civil war, and the role that U.S. immigration, incarceration, and anti-gang policies have played in their journeys towards helping young people deal with the violent realities of life in the U.S. and their native countries.
The UC Davis School of Law chapter of the National Lawyers Guild is proud to present this film and a panel discussion in support of Alex Sanchez, an internationally-renowned gang prevention/intervention peacemaker, whose vital community service is depicted in the film. Alex’s recent arrest and indictment provide another chapter to this already tragic tale, one that fits all too well with the U.S. government’s long history of missteps and draconian policies, which have typically done more to create problems than solve them.
Our distinguished panelists, Josiah Hooper, the film’s director, Raha Jorjani, staff attorney at the UC Davis Immigration Law Clinic, and Angie Junck, staff attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, all have unique perspectives on these issues and will share their thoughts in a discussion after the screening.
Immigration Committee Meeting/Gathering
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Please join us from 5:30 to 6:30 on Wednesday November 18, 2009 for our next NLGSF Immigration Committee meeting/gathering. For those who were not with us for past evening gatherings, this will be another chance for us to meet with one another in a less formal setting. We will provide snacks and drinks.
We will meet at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale 180 Sutter Street , 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Please RSVP to christine@stoufferlaw.com by Monday November 16th by the end of the day. Please let us know, too, if there is something in particular you’d like to present or discuss. On the agenda so far are updates on the Immigration Court Observation Program, including the recent blog posts at kalnews, work and events with TUPOCC and ARC, and counter-journalism ideas and possible projects.
Check out the blog by Cal Journalism school masters student Jude Joffe-Block on the ICOP project here.
Look for “Immigration Focus” way over on the right—it is directly over the most viewed tab (and a little hard to find!)
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee Co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson, chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer, christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at 179 11th Street, 2nd floor, in between Mission & Howard in San Francisco
The program will be presented by attorney Alec Hendersen on Article 13 proceedings. Article 13 prohibits punishment before trial.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, November 16, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, November 16; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, November 16, 2009
Please join us for our Anti Racism Committee meeting, Monday, November 16 at 6:30 PM, Cafe La Boheme, 24th St, across the street from BART on the W side of Mission St, SF. RSVP to Mike at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Proposed Agenda
1) Reportback from Convention, Anti-Racism workshop, moving forward
2) Next steps in Antiracism CLE classes, how to get involved
3) Next steps in Counterjournalism campaign
4) Collaboration with other Guild committees: SFIRDC and Immigr Committee
5) Other
Tortured Law Film Screening & Discussion
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The NLGSF is cosponsoring this Alliance for Justice presentation of the new short documentary Tortured Law.
A discussion of the actions of the U.S. Department of Justice lawyers who authored the infamous “torture memos” will follow the film screening.
Featured Speakers:
Drucilla Ramey, Dean, Golden Gate Law School
Nan Aron, President, Alliance for Justice
George Harris, Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP
Harris served as co-counsel to John Walker Lindh, known as the “American Taliban.” Lindh was tortured while in US custody.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Noon – 1:30pm
Lunch will be provided
Golden Gate University School of Law
536 Mission Street, Room 3201
Please contact films@afj.org to rsvp or with questions about this event.
President Barack Obama ended six years of American torture of suspected terrorists arising from the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks. U.S. torture was originally outlined and sanctioned in 2002 by a series of memos drafted by
lawyers in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced
an investigation of CIA interrogators who exceeded the authority provided by the “torture memos.” But the
officials who ordered these actions and the lawyers who provided the legal cover have not been held accountable.
Should Attorney General Holder conduct a full investigation of those who ordered, designed, and justified torture?
Tortured Law, a new 10-minute documentary by Alliance for Justice, examines the legal and ethical questions
regarding the lawyers who sanctioned the use of torture and asks: Were these lawyers simply giving the President
their best legal advice? Or was their work part of a larger conspiracy to distort the law and authorize torture?
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The next mentorship committee meeting will be at 6 PM, November 11 at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano, & Nightingale— 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor, SF, CA 94104.
Please RSVP to Lisa at lwei@vblaw.com.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our November meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650, in San Francisco.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Looking for a way to support the chapter? Help us build a successful Testimonial Dinner - the largest NLGSF fundraiser of the year. Join us Tuesday, October 27, 6 PM at 1939 Harrison St, Suite 307 in Oakland. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org if you can make it.
On March 27, 2010 our Annual Dinner will honor 2 Champions of Justice: David Weintraub and Matt Ross. Mark your calendars and join the planning committee to make it a huge success!
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Monday, October 26, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Monday, October 26th at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
The program will be presented by Dan Mayfield, a long-term military law attorney practicing in San Jose. He will discuss Article 15s, non-judicial punishment, and Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) procedures. It is a special pleasure for us to have Dan share his military legal expertise.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, October 26, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, October 26; Boalt Hall, Berkeley School of Law, Room 111, 2778 Bancroft Way. Contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org for more information.
Marjorie Cohn Book Release Benefit for GI Resisters
Sunday, October 25, 2009
An evening to support GI resistance
Sunday, October 25 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St, Oakland (across from the new Whole Foods near Lake Merritt).
Marjorie Cohn is president of the National Lawyers Guild and a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she teaches criminal law and procedure, evidence, and international human rights law. She is author of “Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law” that ‘makes the case for prosecuting Bush officials with exquisite legal detail in straightforward, everyman language.’ She and Kathleen Gilberd just published “Rules of Disengagement: The Politics and Honor of Military Dissent” which ‘takes the side of US service members who didn’t check their conscience — and their sense of honor — at the door when they signed up.’
Free event, $5 donation suggested. $20 donation to include the new book “Rules of Disengagement”. Wheelchair accessible. Book signing will be held.
This event is a benefit for Courage to Resist in support of military war resisters. Endorsed by Veterans for Peace SF Bay Area Chapter and the National Lawyers Guild SFBA. For more information, contact 510-488-3559.
Mentorship Cocktail Party
Friday, October 23, 2009
Come and meet attorneys and legal workers practicing in a variety of fields! Food and libations will be provided.
This event will give law student members a chance to meet students from neighboring law schools who are committed to working on the same issues and attorneys who’ve built careers in progressive lawyering. Oh, and did we mention
the margaritas?
Friday, October 23, 2009
6 - 9 PM
Annual Mentorship Cocktail Party at David Weintraub’s home, 5582 Lawton Avenue in Oakland
To get there, take BART to Rockridge Station, walk two blocks south on College Avenue (towards the restaurants Cactus and Oliveto), and at the Pasta Pomodoro make a left on Lawton.
Students, if you have a mentor, please personally invite him or her!
What Happened at OLC During the Bush Administration?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
12:45-1:45pm
UC Berkeley School of Law
Room 122
1.5 hours of CLE credit available.
Fee for attorneys seeking CLE credit: $35 for NLG and public interest attorneys and $65 for others.
The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel has been called “the President’s law firm”. During the George W. Bush presidency, OLC staff members, including Prof. John Yoo, produced legal opinions justifying torture, warrantless wiretapping, sweeping executive powers, and indefinite detention of terrorism suspects without trial.
This panel will explore the role and culture of the OLC, examine whether Bush OLC staff fulfilled their ethical and professional responsibilities as attorneys—and discuss what we can expect from OLC during the Obama administration.
Kathleen Clark is a professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. Clark teaches in the law school’s Congressional and Administrative Law Clinic in Washington, D.C., and frequently writes about ethics and national security law. She authored Ethical Issues Raised by the OLC Torture Memorandum in the Journal of National Security Law & Policy.
George Harris is a partner at Morrison Foerster, a former associate counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel, and served on the defense team of John Walker Lindh. He has taught legal ethics as a law professor, and authored The Rule of Law and the War on Terror: The Professional Responsibilities of Executive Branch Lawyers in the Wake of 9/11 in the Journal of National Security Law & Policy.
Joseph Lavitt has handled numerous appeals from criminal convictions in practice, he is a Lecturer at Berkeley Law, and the author of a forthcoming article in the Maine Law Review, titled “The Crime of Conviction of John Choon Yoo: The Actual Criminality in the OLC During the Bush Administration.”
Paul Harris at GGU: Life as a People’s Lawyer
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Join our GGU chapter for a lunchtime talk with the “Guerrilla Lawyer” Himself Paul Harris.
When: Thursday Oct. 22; 12 - 1
Where: Room 2202
Who: Former National President of the NLG, Paul Harris is an outstanding advocate and an inspirational professor! Hear him talk about life as a People’s Lawyer.
Presented by the NLG Chapter at Golden Gate University.
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Workshop (Part IV)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The San Francisco Bay Area National Lawyers Guild (“NLG”) Chapter’s Anti-Racism Committee and The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) are happy to announce:
A workshop series on Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
on four alternating Tuesdays this fall (September 8th, September 22nd, October 6th and October 20th) from 6:30pm to 9pm. Geared toward lawyers, legal workers, law students, and legal activists. In the interest of continuity and building community, we strongly encourage participants to attend all four classes.
CLE credit: We are offering credits in Legal Ethics and Elimination of Bias.
Location: East Bay Community Law Center’s Neighborhood Justice Clinic, 3130 Shattuck Ave. @ Woolsey, Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)
Cost: Sliding scale depending on income (discount for NLG members) - $10-$60 per class; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Light beverages (with caffeine!) and snacks will be provided.
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out this brief survey, and the organizers will be in touch with more details.
Goals and Outline of the Workshop
The class series fuses cutting-edge critical legal theory on intersectionality, multiple consciousness, multi-dimensional analysis, interracial justice and critical race praxis, with popular education techniques.
We seek to:
- Reframe the discourse on “elimination of bias” and “ethics” in the law.
- Build a community of interracial justice advocates with a
- Develop a shared analysis of white supremacy and other forms of racism (e.g., anti-semitism, orientalism and nativism)
- Understand how racial oppression and privilege interact with the other dimensions of power and identity in the US and beyond (e.g., gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, citizenship, religion, etc.)
Four Sessions, 2 to 2.5 hours each:
Session 1: Introductions, concepts, and a reflection on self-identity, how race and the law relate to my identity and my family background. Creating shared definitions
Session 2: Being anti-racist in my own practice.
Session 3: Changing things within the organization where I work.
Session 4: Changing the area of law where I practice.
Each session will incorporate:
Issues of framing: Building common framework for discussion
Substantive issues: Content, analysis, theory, models, and definitions to discuss and analyze anti-racism in the law, in our practice and in society.
Reflection: How do I fit in, how does this relate to my life, relating individuals, communities, legal community and organizations we are in and part of to substantive discussion, individual and group dynamics within organizations and society.
Tools and Strategies for Action and Praxis: Concrete steps people can take, coming out of the interactive process of the class (flowing from the reflective portion & substantive discussion).
Punishing the Poor: The Effects of Budget Cuts on Californians
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
We will have our membership meeting/election on October 20th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street (at Grove), Latino/Hispanic Community Room A.
Our meeting will include a presentation by special guests:
Assemblymember Bill Monning
San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi and
Jennifer Friedenbach from the Coalition on Homelessness.
They will discuss the effects of budget cuts on services for low-income California residents at all levels of government.
It is also the last opportunity to vote in our membership-wide election. Election details are available by clicking here.
Fight for Justice: Using UN Treaties and Offices of Inspector General
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Continuing Legal Education | NLG CONVENTION | Seattle
Thursday, October 15 2009, 1-5:15PM at Convention Hotel (Marriott Renaissance)
Lawyers citing U.N. treaties are winning many cases on civil rights and liberties, criminal law, election law, immigration, juvenile, labor, and military law. Ann Fagan Ginger of Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute will briefly describe U.S. treaty law under the U.S. Constitution. Prof. Bill Quigley, just back from helping Katrina victims and Haiti, will join Bill Goodman of Detroit and the Center for Constitutional Rights, in describing 47 cases won recently in U.S. federal and state courts based on U.S. treaty law. Solidarity lawyer Susan Scott of Sacramento and the NLG International Committee will describe the UN Human Rights Committees reporting system and how it is affecting some U.S. government actions. Ann Fagan Ginger will describe human rights ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City Council of Berkeley and how they are improving enforcement of human rights in the city.
Then Prof. John Brittain of the University of D.C. College of Law, former NLG national president, will describe the process of filing complaints with the Offices of Inspector General and how this is helping clients, from fired U.S. Attorneys and detained noncitizens to Hurricane Katrina victims and people seeking access to secret EPA, CIA, and NSA documents.
Participants will make oral presentations commented on by the presenters. The session for 4-hour CLE credit will be held on Thursday, October 15, 1-5:15 pm at the national convention of the National Lawyers Guild in Seattle. Each participant will receive a coursebook of cases, the text of all relevant treaties, descriptions of successful OIG complaints, etc., and the oral presentations, in searchable PDF format.
Pre-register by clicking here.
Lawyers: $130.00
Students / Legal Workers: $25.00
Pre-Registration includes CLE coursebook and digital copy. Please contact (510) 848-0599 or email cle [at] mcli.org with questions
As of September 1, 2009: Lawyers from California and Washington States will receive four hours of CLE credit
NLG Convention in Seattle, WA
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The 2009 Law for the People Convention will be in Seattle, Washington, October 14-18. The keynote address will feature Richard Falk, United Nations Special Rapporteur on “the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.” With major panels on Surveillance & Domestic Spying, Ending the War on Drugs, and Perpetual War or Rule of Law, it is 5 days of cutting-edge legal and political presentation, discussion and discovery that must not be missed. It is also the one opportunity each year to meet Guild members from accross the country, meet in our various national organizations and caucuses, and vote on our national leadership and national resolutions.
For more information see the NLG Convention Page.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Please RSVP to Darin dranahan@berkeley.edu at your soonest convenience for next Wedensday’s (10/14) mentorship committee meeting, scheduled to take place at 6PM at Beeson Tayer & Bodine, 1404 Frankin Street, Fifth Floor, Oakland CA 94612.
*Just a note: as this is the last mentorship committee meeting before the mentorship cocktail party, your attendance is crucial. Please make your best efforts to attend.
Agenda
I. Party
II. Update on outreach to areas of need
III. Matching
IV. Update on potential student reps from schools not at committee meetings
V. Student Reports
VI. Agenda for next meeting
Tortured Justice: Why the Torture Memos Were Illegal
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
At its kick-off event, the Boalt Alliance to Abolish Torture (B.A.A.T.) will host a panel of prominent lawyers and legal academics to discuss the infamous memos written by the Bush Administration’s Office of Legal Counsel, including Berkeley Law Professor John Yoo. Experts will examine the memos’ violations of legal and ethical standards. The presentation is part of Ending Torture Month, a series of events and advocacy efforts that will take place at Boalt Hall through mid-November.
WHAT: The inauguration of the Boalt Alliance to Abolish Torture, featuring “Tortured Justice: Why the Torture Memos were Illegal,” and the West Coast premiere of Tortured Law, a new video by Alliance for Justice
WHEN: Tuesday, October 13, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
WHERE: UC Berkeley School of Law
Booth Auditorium
Boalt Hall, Berkeley, CA
WHO: Liz Jackson and Sushil Jacob
Boalt Alliance to Abolish Torture, Berkeley Law
Host and Moderator
Allen Weiner (J.D., Stanford)
Senior Lecturer in Law, Stanford Law School
International Law Panelist
Gowri Ramachandran (J.D., Yale)
Visiting Associate Professor, Berkeley Law
Constitutional Law Panelist
John Steele (J.D., Georgetown)
Lecturer, Berkeley Law
Legal Ethics Panelist
John Sims (J.D., Harvard)
Professor of Law, McGeorge School of Law
Constitutional Law and National Security Law Panelist
“Tortured Justice” is co-sponsored by National Lawyers Guild - Boalt Chapter, Women of Color Collective, Boalt Muslim Students Association, South Asian Law Students Association, Students for Environmental and Economic Justice, Pilipino American Law Society, Law Students for Justice in Palestine, Native American Law Student Association, and La Raza Student Association and La Raza Law Journal, Boalt Hall Committee for Human Rights.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, October 12, 2009
The next Anti-Racism Committee meeting will be on October 12 at 6:30 PM at Levende East, 827 Washington Street, in Oakland.
Please RSVP to Mike at rmflynn79@gmail.com if you can make it.
East Bay Happy Hour
Friday, October 9, 2009
Co-sponsored by the Anti-Racism Committee and the Immigration Committee
Friday, October 9
5:30-8:30p
Somar
1727 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
At the 19th Street BART stop.
hang out with other law students and new attorneys
find out information about the new campaign: Counterjournalism and Public Advocacy for Immigrant Rights
sign and send a letter to stop hateful anti-immigrant reporting
or just drink with friends!
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our October meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Golstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Workshop (Part III)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The San Francisco Bay Area National Lawyers Guild (“NLG”) Chapter’s Anti-Racism Committee and The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) are happy to announce:
A workshop series on Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
on four alternating Tuesdays this fall (September 8th, September 22nd, October 6th and October 20th) from 6:30pm to 9pm. Geared toward lawyers, legal workers, law students, and legal activists. In the interest of continuity and building community, we strongly encourage participants to attend all four classes.
CLE credit: We are offering credits in Legal Ethics and Elimination of Bias.
Location: East Bay Community Law Center’s Neighborhood Justice Clinic, 3130 Shattuck Ave. @ Woolsey, Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)
Cost: Sliding scale depending on income (discount for NLG members) - $10-$60 per class; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Light beverages (with caffeine!) and snacks will be provided.
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out this brief survey, and the organizers will be in touch with more details.
Goals and Outline of the Workshop
The class series fuses cutting-edge critical legal theory on intersectionality, multiple consciousness, multi-dimensional analysis, interracial justice and critical race praxis, with popular education techniques.
We seek to:
- Reframe the discourse on “elimination of bias” and “ethics” in the law.
- Build a community of interracial justice advocates with a
- Develop a shared analysis of white supremacy and other forms of racism (e.g., anti-semitism, orientalism and nativism)
- Understand how racial oppression and privilege interact with the other dimensions of power and identity in the US and beyond (e.g., gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, citizenship, religion, etc.)
Four Sessions, 2 to 2.5 hours each:
Session 1: Introductions, concepts, and a reflection on self-identity, how race and the law relate to my identity and my family background. Creating shared definitions
Session 2: Being anti-racist in my own practice.
Session 3: Changing things within the organization where I work.
Session 4: Changing the area of law where I practice.
Each session will incorporate:
Issues of framing: Building common framework for discussion
Substantive issues: Content, analysis, theory, models, and definitions to discuss and analyze anti-racism in the law, in our practice and in society.
Reflection: How do I fit in, how does this relate to my life, relating individuals, communities, legal community and organizations we are in and part of to substantive discussion, individual and group dynamics within organizations and society.
Tools and Strategies for Action and Praxis: Concrete steps people can take, coming out of the interactive process of the class (flowing from the reflective portion & substantive discussion).
Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Liberty and Justice for All
Saturday, October 3, 2009
UC Hastings, 198 McAllister, Rooms TBA
(near Civic Center BART)
Panels include Transgender Advocacy 101, Getting a Public Interest Fellowship, Using the Alien Tort Claims Act to Pursue International Law Violators, and Juvenile Justice & Immigration Featuring SF Supervisor David Campos.
Registration at 10 AM
Keynote by Police Brutality & Civil Rights Attorney John Burris
3:00 - 4:30 PM
Reception from 4:30 to 6:00 PM
Free Breakfast and Lunch
CLE Credit Available for Attorneys
Immigration Court Observation Project Training
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NLG GGU and the San Francisco Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee invite all interested in immigration law and immigrant rights to participate in the NLG Immigration Committee’s Immigration Court Observation Project (“ICOP”).
Thursday October 1, 2009
6:30 pm in room 6208
Golden Gate University School of Law
What is ICOP? In 2006, the SF Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court.
Students should be committed to going to Master Calendar proceedings (Monday-Thursdays, 830am-12pm) in immigration court at least once a month and fill out NLG-prepared observation forms to document the immigration court process.
Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework. The training will be led by NLG Immigration Committee members Michael Flynn and Jody Santiago. Trainers will familiarize participants with the way the court works, and past student observers will share their experiences.
RSVP to Jody Santiago Jody.Santiago@gmail.com or write with questions. National Lawyers Guild of the SF Bay Area 415-285-5067.
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Workshop (Part II)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The San Francisco Bay Area National Lawyers Guild (“NLG”) Chapter’s Anti-Racism Committee and The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) are happy to announce:
A workshop series on Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
on four alternating Tuesdays this fall (September 8th, September 22nd, October 6th and October 20th) from 6:30pm to 9pm. Geared toward lawyers, legal workers, law students, and legal activists. In the interest of continuity and building community, we strongly encourage participants to attend all four classes.
CLE credit: We are offering credits in Legal Ethics and Elimination of Bias.
Location: East Bay Community Law Center’s Neighborhood Justice Clinic, 3130 Shattuck Ave. @ Woolsey, Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)
Cost: Sliding scale depending on income (discount for NLG members) - $10-$60 per class; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Light beverages (with caffeine!) and snacks will be provided.
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out this brief survey, and the organizers will be in touch with more details.
Goals and Outline of the Workshop
The class series fuses cutting-edge critical legal theory on intersectionality, multiple consciousness, multi-dimensional analysis, interracial justice and critical race praxis, with popular education techniques.
We seek to:
- Reframe the discourse on “elimination of bias” and “ethics” in the law.
- Build a community of interracial justice advocates with a
- Develop a shared analysis of white supremacy and other forms of racism (e.g., anti-semitism, orientalism and nativism)
- Understand how racial oppression and privilege interact with the other dimensions of power and identity in the US and beyond (e.g., gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, citizenship, religion, etc.)
Four Sessions, 2 to 2.5 hours each:
Session 1: Introductions, concepts, and a reflection on self-identity, how race and the law relate to my identity and my family background. Creating shared definitions
Session 2: Being anti-racist in my own practice.
Session 3: Changing things within the organization where I work.
Session 4: Changing the area of law where I practice.
Each session will incorporate:
Issues of framing: Building common framework for discussion
Substantive issues: Content, analysis, theory, models, and definitions to discuss and analyze anti-racism in the law, in our practice and in society.
Reflection: How do I fit in, how does this relate to my life, relating individuals, communities, legal community and organizations we are in and part of to substantive discussion, individual and group dynamics within organizations and society.
Tools and Strategies for Action and Praxis: Concrete steps people can take, coming out of the interactive process of the class (flowing from the reflective portion & substantive discussion).
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, September 21, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, September 21; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Doris Brin Walker Memorial
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Join former NLG president Marjorie Cohn and others at this celebration of Doris Brin Walker’s life. Take a look at the obituary from the NY Times if you’d like to learn more about Doris.
The National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area memorial for Doris Brin Walker will be at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House (NABE) on September the 20th, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. NABE is located at 953 De Haro Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.
Please note that the family is having another memorial in November.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, September 18, 2009
Our next NLG Immigration Committee meeting will be Friday September 18, 2009 from 12:30-1:30 at the ACLU, 39 Drumm Street in San Francisco.
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson Chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer Christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Dignity In Schools
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Youth Law Panel
Noon-1PM
Golden Gate Law School, 536 Mission Street, Room 2202
Lunch will be Provided
Panelists include:
- Greg Feldman, San Francisco Public Defender, Juvenile Division
Greg has been a criminal defense lawyer for nearly 20 years. He currently works for the San Francisco Office of the Public Defender in the Juvenile Division. Previously he was in private practice for 10 years and before that he was a Deputy Public Defender in Santa Clara County. The focus of his practice has always been in the area of Juvenile Delinquency.
- Jesse Hahnel, National Center for Youth Law (NCYL)
Jesse Hahnel is an attorney and Skadden Fellow at the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), where he focuses on improving the educational outcomes of foster youth. Jesse represents individual foster youth in educational proceedings, works to improve the systems serving children in foster care, and leads NCYL’s new foster youth education advocacy (FYEA) project. Before becoming an education attorney Jesse was a public school teacher in Washington DC and New York City and served as Senior Foundation Analyst at the KIPP Foundation.
- Lauren Brady Blalock, Legal Services for Children
Lauren Brady Blalock has been a staff attorney at Legal Services for Children since 2006. She was awarded a Skadden Fellowship to implement a project to address the educational needs of foster youth in the Bay Area through individual representation, outreach and policy advocacy. Lauren has previously worked on education related issues through the Youth & Education Law Project at Stanford Law School, and continues to focus on educational advocacy for at-risk youth, and also represents minors in dependency, guardianship, immigration and emancipation matters.
Moderated by Professor Michele Benedetto Neitz, Golden Gate School of Law. Presented by the GGU chapters of the National Lawyers Guild, American Civil Liberties Union and the Black Law Students Association.
For More Information Contact Orien Nelson at orien.nelson@gmail.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
We will discuss cases and current trends in military policies.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The next mentorship committee meeting will be Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 pm at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, LLP (180 Sutter Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104).
This is a super important mtg for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to: finalizing roles for the mentorship party, finalizing roles (for the committee), and generally getting the new school year off to a committed and organized start.
Please RSVP to Darin at: dranahan@berkeley.edu.
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Workshop (Part I)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The San Francisco Bay Area National Lawyers Guild (“NLG”) Chapter’s Anti-Racism Committee and The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) are happy to announce:
A workshop series on Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
on four alternating Tuesdays this fall (September 8th, September 22nd, October 6th and October 20th) from 6:30pm to 9pm. Geared toward lawyers, legal workers, law students, and legal activists. In the interest of continuity and building community, we strongly encourage participants to attend all four classes.
CLE credit: We are offering credits in Legal Ethics and Elimination of Bias.
Location: East Bay Community Law Center’s Neighborhood Justice Clinic, 3130 Shattuck Ave. @ Woolsey, Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART)
Cost: Sliding scale depending on income (discount for NLG members) - $10-$60 per class; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Light beverages (with caffeine!) and snacks will be provided.
If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please fill out this brief survey, and the organizers will be in touch with more details.
Goals and Outline of the Workshop
The class series fuses cutting-edge critical legal theory on intersectionality, multiple consciousness, multi-dimensional analysis, interracial justice and critical race praxis, with popular education techniques.
We seek to:
Reframe the discourse on “elimination of bias” and “ethics” in the law.
Build a community of interracial justice advocates with a
Develop a shared analysis of white supremacy and other forms of racism (e.g., anti-semitism, orientalism and nativism)
Understand how racial oppression and privilege interact with the other dimensions of power and identity in the US and beyond (e.g., gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, citizenship, religion, etc.)
Four Sessions, 2 to 2.5 hours each:
Session 1: Introductions, concepts, and a reflection on self-identity, how race and the law relate to my identity and my family background. Creating shared definitions
Session 2: Being anti-racist in my own practice.
Session 3: Changing things within the organization where I work.
Session 4: Changing the area of law where I practice.
Each session will incorporate:
Issues of framing: Building common framework for discussion
Substantive issues: Content, analysis, theory, models, and definitions to discuss and analyze anti-racism in the law, in our practice and in society.
Reflection: How do I fit in, how does this relate to my life, relating individuals, communities, legal community and organizations we are in and part of to substantive discussion, individual and group dynamics within organizations and society.
Tools and Strategies for Action and Praxis: Concrete steps people can take, coming out of the interactive process of the class (flowing from the reflective portion & substantive discussion).
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our September meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650, in San Francisco.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, August 17, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 17; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
We have another mentorship committee meeting taking place on Wednesday, 8/12/09, at 6pm in the office of Beeson Tayer & Bodine,1404 Frankin Street, Fifth Floor, Oakland CA 94612.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to dranahan@berkeley.edu.
Transgender Law Brownbag Lunch CLE Event
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bring a lunch and join NLG SF for two interactive CLEs about working with, for, and as transgender people in a legal practice. We will be offering 1 Legal Ethics credit hour, and 1 Eliminating Bias credit hour. Attendees can come for one or both CLEs, although we highly recommend attending both. Both CLEs are designed to be accessible to attorneys, law students, and legal activists of all levels of experience working with the transgender community. Non-attorneys are encouraged to attend.
Hastings Law School
Room K
198 McAllister St, San Francisco
11am-12pm: Legal Ethics
12pm-1pm: Eliminating Bias in Law
NLGSF Member Rate: $40 for one CLE, $60 for both
Non Member Rate: $60 for one CLE, $90 for both
Join today and save $20-30!
Law Students/Legal Workers/Non-Credit Seeker Rate: $10 for one CLE, $15 for both (suggested donation only, no one turned away for lack of funds)
To pre-register and ensure a seat, email Micah Ludeke at Micah.Ludeke@gmail.com, and write “CLE Pre-Registration” in the subject line. In the body, state which CLE you are attending, or both, and whether you are an NLG member, a non member, or a law student/legal worker/not seeking CLE credit. Payment can be made at the event by cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.
The Legal Ethics CLE will discuss sustaining a socially just practice, and how to do so within, and beyond the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Alexander Lee, Angela Perone, and Micah Ludeke will present this collaborative CLE. Participants will discuss best practices and walk through ethical dilemma hypotheticals, examining responsibility to clients, community justice, and professional ethical requirements in the context of working with transgender clients and colleagues, and working as transgender professionals.
The Eliminating Bias CLE will explore barriers to access and effective resolutions for working with, as, and for members of the transgender community. Carlos Villarreal, Dani Williams, and Micah Ludeke will provide real-practice examples and lead an interactive discussion about working with transgender clients, working in the law as a transgender person, and working with transgender people in law. Topics will include confidentiality and disclosure in a network and reputation-based profession, credibility and confidentiality with transgender clients, and balancing ally and agent identities when doing advocacy work.
For more information, please contact Micah Ludeke by email at Micah.Ludeke@gmail.com, or by phone at 651/470.5731.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our August meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Summer Mixer with the East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association and Others
Thursday, July 30, 2009
East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association,
Berkeley La Raza Law Students Association,
Centro Legal de la Raza,
and friends*
Invite you to join our Mentorship Program and Summer Mixer!
Thursday July 30, 2009, 5:30pm
Cocina Poblana
499 Embarcadero West
Jack London Square
Oakland, California
Join us for tapas, drinks y comunidad (community) as we celebrate the end of the summer 2009 California bar exam and introduce East Bay Latina/o law students to volunteer mentors from the local bench and bar.
The night promises to be one to remember for Oakland’s progressive bench, bar and friends. Join us to mingle, learn about local immigrant rights struggles and celebrate the work of Latina and Latino lawyers organized in critical coalitions dedicated to social justice!
- Cosponsored by the TUPOCC (The United People of Color Caucus of the National Lawyers Guild); San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association; NLG - SF Bay Area Chapter Anti-Racism and Immigration committees; Charles Houston Bar Association; and Alameda - Contra Costa County Trial Lawyers Association.
Please RSVP to marctizoc@yahoo.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
The program will be presented by Courage to Resist. We are pleased that Jeff Patterson will discuss CTR programs and give an update on the resister movement. We’ll also discuss how we can work together.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
“Fruit of War” Benefit Supporting Alex Sanchez of Homies Unidos
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
El Rio, Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 6:30 PM
3158 Mission Street in San Francisco
With live commentary and question and answer period, including Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender, Julia Sabory, Director of the San Francisco Youth Commission, Ana Maria Loya of La Raza Centro Legal, Marc-Tizoc González, Chicano Studies Professor & President East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association, and the filmmaker, Josiah Hooper.
Please join us for a screening of “Fruit of War” about recently indicted Alex Sanchez, the executive director of Homies Unidos, a non-profit in Los Angeles. Alex’s community organizing led a federal immigration judge to grant him asylum, as the MS-13 gang has targeted him for persecution in El Salvador. His work here in the U.S. has helped troubled youth steer clear of gangs. Heedlessly, domestic authorities have arrested him repeatedly and investigated him for years despite his renunciation of his former gang affiliation.
Alex has been targeted by the police for the courageous work he did for justice by helping expose misconduct of Los Angeles Police officers in the Ramparts scandal. The inability of city, county and state officers and prosecutors to establish evidence of criminal wrongdoing led to their collaboration with FBI officers, other federal investigators and the U.S. Attorney to charge him under the RICO statute. This collaboration culminated in his recent federal indictment under RICO for conspiracy to commit murder of an alleged gang member in El Salvador. While the alleged wiretap evidence has yet to be disclosed, he has been denied bail by a federal magistrate. Federal District Court Judge Real has been assigned to review this bail determination, but his conservative record may bode poorly for Alex.
This film is a benefit to fund further distribution of DVD’s of the documentary, inform more people of his good work by prompting screenings in other cities, and perhaps provide Alex with a small contribution toward a fund for his defense and his family members (wife and kids), who are in crisis because of his incarceration.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Meeting at El Rio in SF, 3158 Mission St (a block south of Cesar Chavez, about 4 blocks south of 24th St Bart), 6 PM.
Updated Proposed Agenda for Tues ARC meeting:
- Antiracism workshop at national convention
- Antiracism CLE project
- SF Immigrant Rights Defense Committee - NEED FOR NLG SUPPORT AT CAR IMPOUNDMENT HEARINGS
- Collaboration with NLG Immigration Committee, TUPOCC, Queer committee, and Anti-Sexism Committee
- Announcements, Other?
RSVP to rmflynn79@gmail.com please.
PLD Planning Meeting
Monday, July 27, 2009
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, July 27, 6:30-8 pm
UC Hastings, 198 McAllister, Room TBA
(near Civic Center BART)
We’ll be discussing the theme for this year’s PLD event to be hosted at Hastings, brainstorm keynote speaker and panel topic ideas, and meet folks from other NLG student chapters. Please email Raul at raul@nlgsf.org to RSVP or with any questions! Dinner will be provided so we’d really appreciate it if you RSVP!
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, July 20, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, July 20; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Immigration Committee Meeting/Gathering
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Please join us Wednesday July 15, 2009 from 5:30 to 6:30 for our next NLGSF Immigration Committee meeting/gathering. For those who were not with us for past evening gatherings, this will be another chance for us to meet with one another in a less formal setting. There will be snacks and drinks.
We will meet at
Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale
180 Sutter Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Please RSVP christine@stoufferlaw.com by Monday July 13th by the end of the day.
Please let us know, too, if there is something in particular you’d like to present or discuss. On the agenda so far are updates on alternative immigration legislation presented by committee members who have been active with local coalitions, discussion of collaboration with the Guild’s TUPOCC and ARC and a proposal that the Guild spearhead a boycott of the S.F. Chronicle due to the unchecked nativist and racist reporting of Jaxon Van Derbeken.
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, July 13, 2009
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, July 13, 6:30-8 pm
UC Hastings, 198 McAllister, Room K
(near Civic Center BART)
We’ll be discussing the theme for this year’s PLD event to be hosted at Hastings, brainstorm keynote speaker and panel topic ideas, and meet folks from other NLG student chapters. Please email Raul at raul@nlgsf.org to RSVP or with any questions! Dinner will be provided so we’d really appreciate it if you RSVP!
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The next NLG Mentorship Committee mtg will be Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 6:00 at the office of Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, 180 Sutter St, Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Proposed agenda to come. Please rsvp to Lisa if you will attend: lwei@vblaw.com.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our July meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650, in San Francisco.
Immigration Committee Meeting/Gathering (POSTPONED)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Immigration Committee Meeting/Gathering originally scheduled for July 1st has been postponed until Wednesday, July 15th.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, June 29, 2009
TIME: 6:30pm
PROPOSED LOCATION, in downtown Oakland, near 12th St BART.
Pacific Coast Brewing Company (patio area. They serve salads and dinner and appetizers)
906 Washington St (b/ 10th & 9th St)
Oakland, CA 94607-4032
Proposed Agenda
1. Anti-Racism workshop at the national convention, possible facilitators, and how to complement the TUPOCC training.
2. CLE committee update
3. Anti-Racism workshop for the bay area NLG: Fall 2009?
4. Developing our collaborative work, joint campaigns
5. Joint social event/ happy hour with Immigration Committee in July
For more information contact Mike at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
The program will be Lessons Learned: Tips for protecting the post-discharge rights of our active duty and reserve clients. A legal staff member from Swords to Plowshares will present the program. It will include a description of the STP projects that are available to our clients after discharge.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, June 22, 2009
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, June 22, 6:30-8 pm
UC Hastings, 198 McAllister, Room M120
(near Civic Center BART)
We’ll be discussing the theme for this year’s PLD event to be hosted at Hastings, brainstorm keynote speaker and panel topic ideas, and meet folks from other NLG student chapters. Please email Raul at raul@nlgsf.org to RSVP or with any questions! Dinner will be provided so we’d really appreciate it if you RSVP!
Marjorie Cohn Book Tour (Oakland)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
National President Marjorie Cohn will also be speaking at this event hosted by the Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute (MCLI). Along with her new book, Marjorie is just back from the IADL Tribunal on Agent Orange in Paris and the IADL conference in Hanoi.
Wine & cheese provided.
At the Office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian 300 Lakeside Dr. in Oakland; 5:30 - 7 PM.
Marjorie Cohn Book Tour (San Francisco)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Marjorie Cohn will discuss her new book, The Rules of Disengagement: The Politics and Honor of Military Dissent, Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 PM at Modern Times Bookstore - 888 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110.
In Rules of Disengagement, president of the National Lawyers Guild Marjorie Cohn, examines the reasons men and women in the military have disobeyed orders and investigates their acts of resistance to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan —and what readers can do—to help end illegal orders and illegal wars.
Modern Times information: 415.282.9246 and www.moderntimesbookstore.com.
Marjorie Cohn Book Tour (Palo Alto)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Marjorie Cohn: Rules of Disengagement
Tuesday, June 16 2009 @ 07:30 PM - - 09:30PM
Fellowship Hall, First Presbyterian Church
1140 Cowper Street
Palo Alto
National Lawyers Guild President Marjorie Cohn will discuss her new book: Rules of Disengagement.
Marjorie Cohn has been a writer, teacher, and scholar for more than 15 years and a practicing attorney since 1975. She authored Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law (PoliPointPress 2007). Her columns have appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, the Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, AlterNet, Common Dreams, and The National Law Journal. She is a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, president of the National Lawyers Guild, and the U.S. representative to the executive committee of the American Association of Jurists.
Copies of Rules of Disengagement will be available for sale and signing by the author at the end of the program.
$8 - $20 suggested donation || No one turned away for lack of $ || Wheelchair accessible
Presented by
Peninsula Peace and Justice Center
http://www.PeaceandJustice.org || (650) 326-8837
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, June 15, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, June 15; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The next mentorship committee meeting will be on Wednesday, June 10 at 6pm in the office of Beeson Tayer & Bodine,1404 Frankin Street, Fifth Floor, Oakland CA 94612. Please RSVP to Darin at dranahan@berkeley.edu.
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, June 8, 2009
2009 Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) Planning Meeting
Monday, June 8, 6-8 pm
UC Hastings, 198 McAllister, Room A
(near Civic Center BART)
We’ll be discussing the theme for this year’s PLD event to be hosted at Hastings, brainstorm keynote speaker and panel topic ideas, and meet folks from other NLG student chapters. Please email Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org with any questions!
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our June meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Jury Selection CLE: How To Make The Most Of Voir Dire
Friday, May 22, 2009
3.5 Hours of CLE Credit
MAY 22, 2009, 12:30-5 PM
Practicing Law Institute, 685 Market Street, Monadnock Building, 1st Floor, San Francisco
Dowload the registration form (pdf) by clicking here or register instantly online by clicking here.
$80 for non-members
$60 for members (NLG or cosponsoring orgs)
$15 law students
Please join us for a very special half day program. Nationally renowned jury consultant Karen Jo Koonan will present the best strategies for picking a jury. The second half of the program will consist of smaller groups facilitated by National Jury Project consultants in which participants will have an opportunity to practice and develop their voir dire skills.
Program Schedule
12:30 – 1:00 Registration
1:00 – 3:00 INTRODUCTIONS, JURY SELECTION BASICS WITH INPUT FROM REAL JURORS
3:00 – 3:15 Break
3:15 – 5:00 VOIR DIRE PRACTICE WORKSHOPS: 3 to 4 small groups each facilitated by a consultant from National Jury Project/West
Featuring KAREN JO KOONAN of NATIONAL JURY PROJECT/WEST
The National Jury Project has been a pioneer in the field of trial consulting for more than 40 years. Karen Jo Koonan is nationally recognized for her expertise in civil rights and employment law, plaintiffs’ personal injury, criminal defense and commercial litigation. She has consulted on over 1,500 cases and is past national president of the National Lawyers Guild.
Cosponsored by Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association; Alameda County Bar Association Labor & Employment Committee; Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom; California Employment Lawyers Association; East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association; National Jury Project/West; San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association.
Bay Area Military Law Panel
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. at 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks east of the Ashby BART, between Ashby and Alcatraz.
We are excited to have Attorney Sharon Adams speak on the lawsuit brought by the US Government against the Cities of Arcata and Eureka. These cities passed an ordinance called the “Youth Protection Act” which makes it an infraction for any military recruiter to initiate contact with minors, within the city limits, for the purpose of recruiting them into any branch of the military.
After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, May 18, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM on Monday, May 18; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sharon.adams131@gmail.com for more information.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Please find below the proposed agenda for the NLG Immigration Committee’s upcoming meeting this Thursday May 14, 2009 at 12:30. We hope you will be able to attend despite the somewhat short notice.
The meeting will be held at the ACLU office, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco .
Please send additional proposed agenda items and rsvp before 5 pm on Tuesday May 12th to christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Proposed agenda items:
- Introductions
- Updates on local immigration coalitions
- Developments in local and state legislation and Obama administration vis a vis immigration
- Guild-sponsored CLEs
- Partnering with TUPOCC and NLG anti-racism committee
- Immigration Committee partnering with student clinical placement programs to place students at Guild immigration practices and work in ICOP and/or with pro bono representation of detained individuals
- Announcements
We hope to see you next Thursday!
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson Chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer Christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Our chapter Executive Board meetings are generally held every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. The board governs the chapter and is elected by the Bay Area membership. Any current member may attend, though only board members may vote. Contact Carlos by email at carlos@nlgsf.org with questions. The current board list can be found by clicking here.
Our May meeting will be from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rosenberg Foundation office, 131 Steuart Street, Suite 650, in San Francisco.
2009 Justice Summit
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The NLGSF is cosponsoring the 2009 Justice Summit: Defending the Public and the Constitution.
Wednesday, May 6
10 AM - 2:30 PM (9:30 AM Registration)
Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library
100 Larkin Street
Lower level, enter at 30 Grove Street
Public defenders and defense attorneys protect our constitutional rights, ensure fair treatment of the poor under the law, and expose government misconduct and injustice. Defenders also provide crucial services by addressing clients’ underlying challenges such as drug dependency, mental health and access to employment. All of our clients are poor; many are people of color, youth and immigrants. Due to the economic downturn, more must rely on public defenders for help. Recent budget cuts threaten to undermine defenders’ duty to provide representation. Please join us on May 6 to find out how you can help support the constitutional right to public defense.
10:00am: Welcome, Introduction, Keynote: Representing Communities of Color
10:20am: Panel 1: Defending the Public and the Constitution
Noon: Free lunch - registration required
1:15pm: Panel 2: Defenders Serving the Community
Speakers/Panelists:
LaDoris Cordell, Former Superior Court Judge
Ted Cassman, President, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Bart Sheela, President, California Public Defenders Association
Barbara Babcock, Professor, Stanford Law School
Richard Goemann, Director, National Legal Aid & Defender Association
Cookie Ridol , Director, Northern California Innocence Project
Kimberly Thomas-Rapp, Director of Law and Policy, Equal Justice Society
Barry Krisberg, Director, National Council on Crime & Delinquency
Michael Laurence, Director, Habeas Corpus Resource Center
Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender
Christine Voss, Senior Public Defender, Riverside County
Michael Judge, Chief Public Defender of Los Angeles
Melanca Clark, Brennan Center for Justice, NYU School of Law
This is a free event, but seating is limited.
To register, visit www.sfpublicdefender.org or call (415) 575-4390.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, April 27, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable.
We will meet at 6:30 PM (note the new time) on Monday, April 27; 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Contact Sharon Adams at sjadams@adamslaw.biz for more information.
“Jailhouse Lawyers,” by Mumia Abu-Jamal, Book Release Celebration
Friday, April 24, 2009
Join Angela Davis, Ed Mead, Avotcja, Tiny aka Lisa Gray-Garcia, Lynne Stewart, Tony Serra, Kiilu Nyasha, JR, and Noelle Hanrahan to celebrate the release of a new book “Jailhouse Lawyers” by Mumia Abu-Jamal. Introduction to the book written by Angela Davis.
Friday, April 24, 6:30 PM
Humanist Hall in Oakland
411 28th St.
$5-25, no one turned away.
City Lights in association with Prison Radio Announce the Bay Area Book Party and Celebration - for the Release of Jailhouse Lawyers by Mumia Abu-Jamal. Produced by Prison Radio & City Lights. Join Local and National Authors, Artists - as we celebrate Mumia’s life and his freedom. (It is Mumia’s birthday as well).
Co-sponsored by Labor Action Committee for Mumia Abu-Jamal, Poor Magazine, Mobilization to Free Mumia, Prisoners of Conscience Committee (POCC), International Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia-Abu-Jamal, and the National Lawyers Guild.
Legal Observer Training at JFK
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Legal Observer Training
JFK School of Law, Room L5
2629 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
11:45 am-1:00 pm
Free Pizza and Drinks
For more information, contact the JFK Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild at JFKNLG@gmail.com or Desiree at (415) 359-7524.
The Legal Observer training is geared to provide basic skills in monitoring demonstrations and other public gatherings to help ensure that they are conducted in a way that preserves our Constitutional rights.
Crimes Without Punishment: Gender-Motivated Killings in Guatemala
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is pleased to invite you to the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies’ upcoming event, Crimes without Punishment: Gender-Motivated Killings in Guatemala. Two representatives from the internationally recognized Guatemalan human rights organization, the Myrna Mack Foundation, will discuss the issues of impunity and violence against women - including the femicides - in Guatemala.
Event Details:
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Reception: 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Program: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
U.C. Hastings School of Law, Alumni Reception Center
200 McAllister Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
For additional details on the event, and in order to RSVP, please go to the following link, and click on the right hand side where the event is announced: www.cgrs.uchastings.edu.
Space is limited, so please RSVP in advance!
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Annual Testimonial Dinner Honoring Stephen Bingham
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Our annual Testimonial Dinner will be on the evening of Saturday, April 18, 2009 in Downtown Oakland. Stephen Bingham will be honored as the 2009 Champion of Justice and Teague Briscoe will be honored as the 2009 Unsung Hero.
Reception at 5:30 PM - Dinner at 7:30 PM
Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway
Speakers Include:
- Marjorie Cohn, National President NLG
- Paul Harris, Past National President NLG and Bingham Defense Team Counsel
- Henry Weinstein, UC Irvine School of Law Professor and LA Times Staff Writer
- Susan Rutberg & M. Gerald (Gerry) Schwartzbach, Stephen Bingham’s Trial Counsel
- Minouche Kandel, Bay Area Legal Aid Staff Attorney
- Bill Monning, California Assemblymember
with Pragya Bobby Shukla as MC.
Student Retreat and LSVP Election
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
NLG SF Law Student Spring Retreat & Law Student Vice President (LSVP) Election Meeting!
Wednesday, April 8th 2009
6:00pm-8:00pm
Van der Hout, Brigagliano, and Nightingale
180 Sutter Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Contact, Aliya (510) 364-9739
Food will be provided.
Mandatory RSVP if you think you may come, since security lock their doors at 6pm! If you change your mind, no worries!
Come gather with other progressive and radical law students to share news from NLG chapters at local Bay Area law schools, how to get students involved in NLG Committee work, and to strategize for next year, including for the 41st annual Progressive Lawyering Day, mentorship programs, and the 72nd National Convention to be held in October 2009 in Seattle.
Contact any of us with questions if you have them!
In Solidarity,
Aliya Karmali, aliya.karmali@gmail.com
Jessica Stender, jstender@berkeley.edu
Tina Valkanoff, studentorganizer@nlgsf.org
Legal Observer Training (Berkeley)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Become a green-hat-certified National Lawyers Guild legal observer. Join us for a training at UC Berkeley School of Law - Boalt Hall.
Wednesday, April 8
12:45 - 1:45 PM
UC Berkeley School of Law - Boalt Hall
Room 12
The Legal Observer program is part of a comprehensive system of legal support coordinated by the National Lawyers Guild designed to enable people to express their political views as fully as possible, without unconstitutional disruption or interference by the government and with the least possible consequences from the criminal justice system.
Legal Observer Training (Stanford)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Become a green-hat-certified National Lawyers Guild legal observer. Join us for a training at Stanford Law School.
Tuesday, April 7
12:30 PM
Stanford Law School
Room 95
Click for Stanford location information.
RSVP to Nicole by emailing ndaro@stanford.edu
The Legal Observer program is part of a comprehensive system of legal support coordinated by the National Lawyers Guild designed to enable people to express their political views as fully as possible, without unconstitutional disruption or interference by the government and with the least possible consequences from the criminal justice system.
Occupation 101 Viewing at El Rio
Monday, April 6, 2009
The NLG Anti Racism Committee presents a fundraising event and film viewing at 5 PM on April 6 at El Rio, 3158 Mission Street in San Francisco (a few blocks south of the 24th Street BART Station - just past Cesar Chavez Street).
Occupation 101 is a thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict - Occupation 101 presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.
The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. Find out more at occupation101.com.
Fighting Back—Impact Litigation, Wal-Mart and Economic Justice
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Fighting Back—Impact Litigation, Wal-Mart and Economic Justice
Brad Seligman, Founder and Executive Director of the Impact Fund
Tuesday, March 31, 12pm - 1 pm
at UC Hastings, B-2 in the 198 McAllister building
Food provided.
Please RSVP to Blair at sandlerb@uchastings.edu if possible, so we know how much food to get. Come even if you don’t RSVP
For more info on Brad’s work:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/09/12/BUGU58MNS41.DTL/
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, March 30, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture will meet to discuss our efforts to hold the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable. We will meet at 6 PM on Monday, March 30; location TBA. Contact Sharon Adams at sjadams@adamslaw.biz for more information.
Immigration Court Observation Project TRAINING
Monday, March 30, 2009
SF Bay Area National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Chapter Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP) Training
Monday, March 30
6:00 pm at Golden Gate University School of Law
536 Mission St., San Francisco (Near Montgomery BART)
Room 5312
Please RSVP, or direct questions, to Jody Santiago Jsan@VBlaw.com.
NLG GGU and the San Francisco Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee invite all interested in immigration law and immigrant rights to participate in the NLG Immigration Committee’s Immigration Court Observation Project (“ICOP”).
What is ICOP? In 2006, the SF Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court. Students will go to Master Calendar proceedings in immigration court about once a month and fill out NLG-prepared forms to document the immigration court process. Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework.
The training is designed to familiarize trainees with the way the court works, and to hear from past student observers about their experiences with the pilot program.
Military Law Task Force Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The next Bay Area Military Law Task Force meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30 p.m. (note time) at 179 11th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA; 415/864-5600, x111. The office is between Howard and Natoma with easy on-street parking.
Jane Kaplan and Steve Collier will facilitate a round table discussion about how to best liaison with military commands for representation of your clients. After the presentation we will discuss current cases and trends.
New members are welcome. If you have issues that you want addressed, contact Jane at 510/848-4572, ext. 4.
Legal Observer Training (USF)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Become a National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer! We will have a training on Tuesday, March 24 at the University of San Francisco School of Law, 2199 Fulton Street, Kendrick Hall Room 103, from 12:30 to 1:20 PM. Click here for a map of the University of San Francisco campus. Click here for driving and public transport directions.
The primary role of legal observers is to monitor law enforcement and collect evidence during protests, demonstrations, strikes and other public political actions. Trainees will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement with the National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
Anti Racism Committee
Monday, March 23, 2009
The next Bay Area NLG Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) Meeting will be on Monday, March 23 at 6:30 PM at Saigon Restaurant, 326 Frank H Ogawa Plz in Oakland. Please send questions or proposed agenda items to Mike Flynn rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The mentorship committee is now meeting the 2nd Thursday of each month. March 12, we will meet at the offices of Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale, 180 Sutter Street
5th Floor, in San Francisco.
Please RSVP to Lisa at LWei@vblaw.com.
Testimonial Dinner Committee
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Our Dinner Committee will meet on March 11 and we can use all the help we can get to plan the biggest fund raiser of the year - our annual Testimonial Dinner. We could also use help on the 11th stuffing envelopes. Food, drink and friendly discussion will all be provided.
We will meet Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 PM at David Weintraub’s home, 5582 Lawton Avenue in Oakland. Contact Jody jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com or David borgen@gdblegal.com for more information.
Meet David Kairys - Author and Civil Rights Attorney
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
David Kairys, a longtime NLG member and professor of law at Temple University, will speak, read from his new book, Philadelphia Freedom, and sign copies.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia Street in San Francisco
Philadelphia Freedom: Memoir of a Civil Rights Lawyer
A memoir that is also a compelling page-turner, Philadelphia Freedom is the often inspiring account of renowned civil-rights lawyer David Kairys’s personal quest for social justice during the turbulent 1960s and 70s.
Kairys stopped police sweeps of minority neighborhoods in Philadelphia, won the leading race discrimination and harassment case against the FBI, challenged the CIA’s drugging a scientist with LSD, won challenges to unrepresentative juries around the country, represented Dr. Benjamin Spock in a free speech case before the Supreme Court, conceived and sometimes litigated the lawsuits brought by over 40 cities against handgun manufacturers, and was the lead lawyer in the most significant acquittal of Vietnam-era antiwar activists. His cases involved such well-known figures as J. Edgar Hoover, William Colby, Arlen Specter, John Mitchell, Lester Maddox, Ed Rendell – as well as many others less famous but no less fascinating or important.
Though it reads like a novel, Philadelphia Freedom also has historical significance as a firsthand account of the 1960s and 70s, social commentary about equality, liberty and the nature and social role of law, and poignancy for the twenty-first century.
“David Kairys is one of the grand long-distance runners in the struggle for justice in America. His brilliant legal mind and superb lawyerly skills are legendary. This marvelous book is his gift to us!”
—Cornel West, Princeton University, award-winning author of Race Matters
The Aftermath of the Gaza Attack: A Report Back from a Legal Observer on the Ground
Thursday, March 5, 2009
12:45 PM to 1:45 PM - 105 Boalt Hall, Berkeley School of Law, with Noura Erakat.
Learn what really happened on the ground in Gaza…Law Students for Justice in Palestine along with the Boalt National Lawyers Guild (NLG) invite you to a report back from a member of the NLG delegation to Gaza.
The delegation interviewed doctors, humanitarian aid workers, hospital patients, and many civilians in the process of preparing a report of findings and recommendations on the impacts and implications of the recent hostilities.
Noura Erakat is an adjunct professor of international human rights law in the Middle East at Georgetown University. Most recently she served as Counsel for a Congressional Committee in the House of Representatives. Noura has appeared on national and international television programs including Al Jazeera International, MSNBC, HBO’s “Politically Incorrect” and Fox’s “The O’Reilly Factor.”
She is a graduate of Berkeley Law. Lunch will be provided.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, February 23, 2009
The tide is turning. Join us to continue our efforts in holding the architects of torture from the Bush administration accountable. We will meet on Monday, February 23 at 6 PM at 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley. Questions? Contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, February 23, 2009
The next Bay Area NLG Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) Meeting will be on Monday, February 23 at 630 PM (location TBA). Please send questions or proposed agenda items to Mike Flynn rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Bay Area Military Law Panel of the MLTF will meet on February 17 at 6:30 PM at the Law Offices of Jane R. Kaplan, 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705, 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks from the Ashby BART.
Elizabeth Stinson will be presenting on PTSD and mental health issues for soldiers.
State Bar Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A warm invitation to join us at the NLGSF State Bar Committee Meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 10, 6:30 PM at:
Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant
225 11th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 864-2700
We will be working on the following resolutions, which we plan to submit to the Conference of Delegates of the State Bar Association for action in September. The resolutions must be submitted by the end of February. If you have ideas for more resolutions or you are interested in these resolutions in process, please join us! This is important Guild work with a visible impact.
- Protection for Renters during Foreclosure Proceedings
- Commercial Property Tax Reassessment (Prop 13 issue)
- Removing 2/3 majority requirement to pass the California State budget (only two other states have such a requirement)
- Protection for Mentally Ill Prisoners when incarcerated (needless deaths in custody)
- Changing Election Code so that religious organizations do not serve as polling places (influencing voters and lack of compliance with Election Code) (this resolution undergoing significant redirection)
- Supporting effective Citizen’s Oversight of Police Departments
Please mark your calendars and contact Deborah Lagutaris at debocracy@sbcglobal.net to RSVP for the no-host dinner and fine margaritas!
Legal Observer Training
Monday, February 9, 2009
The next opportunity to be trained as a legal observer will be on Monday, February 9, 6:10 PM at UC Hastings, 198 McAllister in San Francisco, Room E. Trainings usually take an hour to an hour and a half. Law students, legal workers and lawyers are encouraged to attend.
For more information contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The next Bay Area NLG Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 28 at 630 PM. We will meet at Golden Lotus Restaurant, 13th St & Franklin.
Proposed Agenda Items:
- Vision & Purpose Statement (15 min)
- Oscar Grant protests, Policy Brutality (10 min)
- TUPOCC update (5-10 min)
- ARC Bank Account- Need agreement for minutes (5-10 min)
- ARC Report to NEC has been submitted, review (5-10 min)
- NEC meeting 1/23-25 review (5-10 min)
- CLE series planning progress update (5-10 min)
- Other
Please send your thoughts and feedback on the agenda items to Mike Flynn rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Committee Against Torture Meeting (postponed)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Our Committee Against Torture meeting originally scheduled for Monday, January 26 has been postponed. Stay tuned for a new date and time.
Questions? Email carlos@nlgsf.org.
NLG Week at UC Davis King Hall
Monday, January 26, 2009
NLG WEEK: January 26-30.
From the Ground Up: Social Movements Inspired by Everyday People.
All events take place from 12:00-1:00 in the Moot Courtoom of UC Davis Law School
Monday, January 26: Periaktos Production’s Abbreviated Performance of “Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes and the Courtroom”
*Food provided by Zia’s Delicatessen
-The performance explores Darrow’s moral convictions and philosophies using personal reflections and summations from two of his most famous cases: the Loeb and Leopold Trial, in which he saved two teenaged “thrill killers” from the hangman and the Sweet Trial, in which he defended a young black family against charges of murder. Darrow was well known for his humor and the play incorporates his wit as well and his strong opinions regarding social issues of the day. Although the performance spans the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the social issues and legal concerns presented are as relevant today as they were then. See http://www.periaktos.com/ for more information on Periaktos and their performances.
Tuesday, January 27: “In the Trenches: Creating Change in the Community”
* Food provided by UC Davis Food Co-op
-Samina Faheem Sundas from American Muslim Voice
-Dean Preston from Tenants Together
-Henry Clark from West County Toxic Coalition
Wednesday, January 28: “Providing Voice to the Voiceless”
*Food Provided by Dos Coyotes
-Richard Becker from A.N.S.W.E.R.
-Brooke Anderson from EBASE
-Representative from H.O.M.E.Y. (tentative)
Thursday, January 29: “Alliances for Change: Doing together what we can not do alone”
*Food Provided by Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
-Amie Fishman from Catalyst Project
-James Crouch from CA rural Indian Health Board (tentative)
-Mark Silverman from Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Friday, January 30:
-NLG Know Your Rights training informational — Room 091, 12:00-1:00
Last year, the Midnight Special Law Collective - a non-profit Bay Area organization dedicated to providing legal training and support to activists - trained a small group of King Hall NLG members to deliver “Know Your Rights” presentations to members of the local community. These students have since created their own presentation scenarios, and took their show on the road last semester at a local Sacramento high school. Come find out how you can join NLG in demystifying the law, shattering the accepted limitations on learning, and asserting everyone’s right to access and understand the law.
-Public Interest Alumni/Student Mixer-
NOTE: This event is limited to UC Davis Law students and alums
-Bistro 33, 6:00-8:00pm (Co-sponsored with HALO, KHLF, and the UC Davis School of Law, offices of Career Services and Alumni Relations)
Students of King Hall, in conjunction with the the office of alumni relations, welcome all public defenders, legal aid attorneys and other public interest alumni to join us for a networking reception designed to bring public interest attorneys together with current law students. This event will serve as the finale for a week of events sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild, taking place January 26-30 in the Moot Courtroom, and a kick-off to public interest month in February. This event is sponsored by the School of Law. For more information, please contact Kirsten Hill, Associate Director of Career Service and Public Interest Career Planning at khhill@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-5135.
Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, January 28 to marketing@law.ucdavis.edu or 530-754-5335.
CLE: Getting Out of the Military
Saturday, January 24, 2009
GETTING OUT OF THE MILITARY: a CLE on how to advise soldiers seeking discharge from the military
Saturday, January 24, 2009
10:00am – 4:05pm. Registration begins at 9:30am
Session One starts promptly at 10:00 am
UC Berkeley School of Law – Boalt Hall, Room # TBA
Five hours of CLE credit available, including one hour of ethics credit
GIs are trying unsuccessfully to leave the military all the time, but could often use the help of an attorney. This CLE will cover the nuts and bolts of discharges available for military personnel, and related issues: the Delayed Entry Program; Entry Level Separation; Medical; Psychiatric; Hardship & Dependency; Conscientious Objection; Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; and others. Also addressed are special issues faced while representing AWOL clients.
Hosted by the Bay Area Military Law Panel of the NLG’s Military Law Task Force. Co-sponsored by the Boalt Hall Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
This event is wheelchair accessible.
Pre-registration deadline: January 19, 2009. Save money and pre-register!
Registration fees:
$10 Law Students
$25 Legal Workers
$50 NLG Member Attorneys ($70 after 1/19/09)
$90 Non-NLG Member Attorneys ($120 after 1/19/09)
Scholarships may be available.
To register for the training, request disability accommodations or a scholarship, or for more information, please contact Jane Kaplan at jkaplan@att.net, tel. (510) 848-4752 x4.
To learn more about the Military Law Task Force, visit www.nlgmltf.org.
Immigration Committee Gathering
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Please join us Wednesday January 21, 2009 from 6:30 to 7:30 (note time change from earlier announcement) for our next meeting/gathering. For those who were not with us at the meeting last October, this will be another chance for us to meet with one another in a less formal setting. There will be snacks and drinks.
We will meet at
Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale
180 Sutter Street , 5th Floor
San Francisco , CA 94104
Please RSVP christine@stoufferlaw.com by Monday January 19, 2008 by the end of the day. Please let us know, too, if there is something in particular you’d like to present or discuss.
If you have any questions, please contact NLG Immigration Committee Co-chairs Chelsea HaleyNelson, chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com or Christine Stouffer, christine@stoufferlaw.com.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Join our Demonstrations Committee for our monthly meeting. We review past and future demonstrations, protests and other actions. We discuss our chapter’s legal support of activists, evolving laws, and police practices.
We meet each 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco. Please RSVP to Carlos carlos@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The next mentorship committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 6 pm at 180 Sutter Street (Sutter b/t Montgomery and Kearny). Please RSVP to Lisa Weissman-Ward LWei@vblaw.com.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Our Dinner Committee will meet at 6:30 on January 14 in Oakland to plan our 2009 Testimonial Dinner. For more information contact David Borgen at borgen@gdblegal.com or Jody LeWitter at jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com.
Legal Observer Training (Santa Rosa)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Join us for a training session on legal observing demonstrations and protests. Participants will be expected to volunteer for future actions.
We will be at the Peace and Justice Center in Santa Rosa, 467 Sebastopol Ave, at 2 pm. Please RSVP to lloydlaw@comcast.net or 707-865-2742.
State Bar Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
NLG members are invited to attend the NLGSF State Bar Committee Meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 6, 6:30 PM at:
Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant
225 11th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 864-2700
We will be working on the following resolutions, which we plan to submit to the Conference of Delegates of the State Bar Association for action in September. The resolutions must be submitted by the end of February. If you have ideas for more resolutions or you are interested in these resolutions in process, please join us! This is important Guild work with a visible impact.
- Protection for Renters during Foreclosure Proceedings
- Commercial Property Tax Reassessment (Prop 13 issue)
- Removing 2/3 majority requirement to pass the California State budget (only two other states have such a requirement)
- Protection for Mentally Ill Prisoners when incarcerated (needless deaths in custody)
- Changing Election Code so that religious organizations do not serve as polling places (influencing voters and lack of compliance with Election Code)
Please mark your calendars and contact Deborah Lagutaris debocracy@sbcglobal.net to RSVP for the no-host dinner and fine margaritas!
Holiday Party
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mark your calendars for another evening of fun with your favorite folks from the progressive Bay Area legal community! Our annual Holiday Party will be on December 12 from 6-9 PM at the offices of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian in Oakland.
Admissions at the door.
Hors d’oeuvres, no host bar, door prizes!
Free for student members, sustainers & sponsors.
$10 low income, $25 attorneys & friends.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, December 12, 2008
Our immigration committee will meet on Friday, December 12, 12:30 at the ACLU offices, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco. For more information email Christine Stouffer christine@stoufferlaw.com or Chelsea Haley Nelson chelsea@haleynelsonlaw.com.
Mentorship Project Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The next meeting of the Mentorship Committee will take place on Wednesday, December 10 at 6 PM in the office of Beeson Tayer & Bodine, located at 1404 Frankin Street, Fifth Floor, Oakland CA 94612.
On the agenda:
- Follow-up from party – what was successful, what wasn’t
- Comments on Policies and Procedures
- Student Reports
Please e-mail any additional agenda items you may have and/or RSVP to Darin at dranahan@berkeley.edu.
State Bar Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Join us for a very important meeting of the SF Bay Area NLG State Bar Committee. We will be discussing ideas for Resolutions to submit to the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Association at the annual Conference of Delegates on September 10-13 in San Diego.
Last year, we submitted resolutions on establishing a Sentencing Commission, which was approved, and a resolution to protect renters during foreclosure, which we withdrew in favor of a similar resolution. The year before, we submitted resolutions for impeaching the Bush Administration and establishing statewide training regulations for taser use by police, which the Conferees also approved.
Your ideas and participation are most welcome. If you have an idea for a resolution, but cannot attend, please notify us.
Please join us at Don Ramone Restaurant on Wednesday, December 10, 6:30PM.
225 11th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 864-2700
Fax: (415) 864-6497
If you wish to join us, or have an idea for a resolution, please RSVP to Deborah Lagutaris deb@debocracy.org.
Dinner and beverages are “no host”.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Our Committee Against Torture meeting will be December 4 at 6 PM, 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley.
We will discuss the Berkeley City Council meeting consideration of the John Yoo resolution, scheduled for December 8; potential other actions against other architects of torture, such as William Haynes; and a CLE on lawyers, torture and legal ethics.
Questions? Email carlos@nlgsf.org.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Meditation for Lawyers CLE
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Meditation for Lawyers will be presented by Doug Chermak, Hon. Mary Morgan (SF Superior Court), and David Borgen on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. Registration begins at 5:30 PM and the program is from 6 - 8:30 PM at the law office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000, in Oakland.
2 Hours CLE Credit: One hour of Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse and one hour of regular CLE credit will be available.
$35 for public service and low income attorneys; $65 regular rate.
Please RSVP by emailing raul@nlgsf.org.
Meditation has proved itself a great tool for lawyers. It brings focus, intentionality, and balance to our work life whether in the courtroom, in the office, at meetings or at home.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, December 1, 2008
Please join us for the next meeting of the Anti-Racism Committee of the NLG Bay Area, Monday, December 1. We will meet at 6pm at the law office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000, in Oakland (near 19th St BART),
We will have a discussion to develop a vision & purpose statement for ARC. We will also plan to briefly discuss the plans for a multi-part CLE series created by ARC & TUPOCC.
Contact Mike for more information by emailing rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Committee Against Torture Meeting (Postponed)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Our next Committee Against Torture meeting, originally schedule for the 20th, will be postponed until December 4.
It’s Not a Disease and You Are Not in Denial (CLE Substance Abuse)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Brown bag lunch from noon until 1 PM at 1330 Broadway, 4th Floor in Oakland (above the 12th Street BART Station). Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse or Mental Illness - California CLE - One Hour. $35 for public service and low income attorneys; $65 regular rate. RSVP to carlos@nlgsf.org.
Presented by Annie Fahy, LMSW, RN.
Annie co-founded the Recovery Café a consulting counseling and training business in 2001. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Master’s program in Social Work, though her counseling career began over 15 years earlier as a registered nurse in mental health and addiction settings. Annie designed and managed the Women’s Services program, which provides intensive outpatient and residential addiction treatment services to women and their children. Since 2001 she has consulted and offered various training to a number of different entities. She is an experienced consultant and trainer for the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Family and Children’s Services, Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences, the Department of Corrections and Pardons and Paroles, State Drug Court, Georgia Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Georgia Council For Substance Abuse and Georgia department of Children and Family Services and several Health organizations.
Annie is a behavior change specialist with expertise in substance abuse, high-risk lifestyle behaviors, harm reduction, trauma, compassion fatigue, and mind body disorders. Most recently she offers training in Motivational Interviewing; an evidenced based interviewing method that motivates people toward health behavior change. She is affiliated with The MINT (Motivational Network of Trainers); She was recently published in The Clinical Social Work concerning her work with Compassionate Fatigue. She is currently a Therapist/Trainer for The Harm reduction Therapy Center in San Francisco.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Monday, November 17, 2008
Our Dinner Committee will meet at 6:30 on November 17 to plan our 2009 Testimonial Dinner. For more information contact David Borgen at borgen@gdblegal.com or Jody LeWitter at jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com.
Mentorship Cocktail Party
Friday, November 14, 2008
Come and meet attorneys and legal workers practicing in a variety of fields! Food and libations will be provided.
This event will give law student members a chance to meet students from neighboring law schools who are committed to working on the same issues and attorneys who’ve built careers in progressive lawyering. Oh, and did we mention
the margaritas?
Friday, November 14, 2008
6 - 9 PM
Annual Mentorship Cocktail Party at David Weintraub’s home, 5582 Lawton Avenue in Oakland
To get there, take BART to Rockridge Station, walk two blocks south on College Avenue (towards the restaurants Cactus and Oliveto), and at the Pasta Pomodoro make a left on Lawton.
Students, if you have a mentor, please personally invite him or her!
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The next mentorship meeting will take place on November 12th at 6pm at Van der Haut Brigagliano & Nightingale, 180 Sutter Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco; Phone: 415-981-3000. Please RSVP to jody.santiago@gmail.com.
NLG Fundraiser at the Berkeley Rep: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Click here to buy your tickets now.
Join your friends at the National Lawyers Guild for dinner at Downtown Restaurant in Berkeley followed by Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre - at $100 with proceeds benefiting the NLGSF it’s a bargain. We will meet at Downtown Restaurant at 6 PM for dinner and drinks.
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is an intoxicatingly hopeful blend of history, mystery, myth, ribald humor, music, dance, and enduring faith.”
—Chicago Reader
“Wilson gives haunting voice to the souls of the American dispossessed…The clash between the American and the African shakes white and black theatergoers as violently as it has shaken the history we’ve all shared.”
—New York Times
Renowned actor Delroy Lindo returns to Berkeley Rep with the play that netted him a nomination for the Tony Award—but this time, he’s in the director’s chair. Following last year’s triumph with Tanya Barfield’s Blue Door, Lindo takes on August Wilson’s African-American epic, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Haunted by seven years on a chain gang, Herald Loomis appears in Pittsburgh to reunite his family. Surrounded by the vibrant tenants of a black boarding house, he fights for his soul and his song in the dawning days of a century without slavery.
Delroy Lindo came to prominence with his Broadway performance in Master Harold…and the Boys, and he reinforced his reputation with major roles in films such as The Cider House Rules, Get Shorty and Malcolm X. In his third outing as a director, Lindo works on a bigger stage: Berkeley Rep’s state-of-the art Roda Theatre.
August Wilson’s countless accolades include two Pulitzer Prizes, the Tony Award for Best Play, two Drama Desk Awards, an Olivier Award and eight prizes for Best Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle—including one for Joe Turner’s.
For more information contact Raul at raul@nlgsf.org, Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org or call 415.285.5067.
Legal Observer Training (Sacramento)
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Legal Observer program has been critical in defending free speech rights, the right to dissent, and against police abuse. Our next legal observer training will be Friday, November 7 at 12:30 PM at McGeorge School of Law, 3200 Fifth Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Justice for Vietnam’s Agent Orange Victims (San Francisco)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Join us in welcoming Vietnamese Agent Orange victims during this 4th Vietnam Agent Orange Justice Tour.
We will educate our friends and neighbors about the suffering caused by Agent Orange in Vietnam and in other wars our government waged; build friendship between U.S., Vietnamese American and Vietnamese Agent Orange victims; hold the U.S. chemical manufacturers responsible by supporting the Agent Orange victims’ lawsuit and a corporate campaign to demand Dow and Monsanto compensate the victims; hold the U.S. government responsible for providing significant and meaningful compensation to Vietnamese victims and additional coverage to affected U.S. veterans; and support the work of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA).
Guests will include Dang Hong Nhut who suffers from cancer and has had multiple miscarriages due to Agent Orange exposure, and Tran Thi Hoan who is a 21 year old college student born without legs due to her mother’s exposure to Agent Orange.
Oakland, Tuesday, October 28, 7 PM, EastSide Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd (@23rd Avenue).
Santa Rosa, Wednesday, October 29, 7 PM, Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino (@10th).
San Francisco, Thursday, October 30, 7 PM, Veterans’ Building, Room 223, 401 Van Ness (@McAllister).
For more information contact call 510-418-3436 or email coxschueler@igc.org.
Justice for Vietnam’s Agent Orange Victims (Oakland)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Join us in welcoming Vietnamese Agent Orange victims during this 4th Vietnam Agent Orange Justice Tour.
We will educate our friends and neighbors about the suffering caused by Agent Orange in Vietnam and in other wars our government waged; build friendship between U.S., Vietnamese American and Vietnamese Agent Orange victims; hold the U.S. chemical manufacturers responsible by supporting the Agent Orange victims’ lawsuit and a corporate campaign to demand Dow and Monsanto compensate the victims; hold the U.S. government responsible for providing significant and meaningful compensation to Vietnamese victims and additional coverage to affected U.S. veterans; and support the work of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA).
Guests will include Dang Hong Nhut who suffers from cancer and has had multiple miscarriages due to Agent Orange exposure, and Tran Thi Hoan who is a 21 year old college student born without legs due to her mother’s exposure to Agent Orange.
Oakland, Tuesday, October 28, 7 PM, EastSide Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd (@23rd Avenue).
Santa Rosa, Wednesday, October 29, 7 PM, Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino (@10th).
San Francisco, Thursday, October 30, 7 PM, Veterans’ Building, Room 223, 401 Van Ness (@McAllister).
For more information contact call 510-418-3436 or email coxschueler@igc.org.
Military Law Task Force Meeting: Service Women’s Action Network Presentation
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The next Bay Area Military Law Task Force meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 7 p.m at the Law Offices of Jane R. Kaplan, 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705, 510/848-4752, x4. The office is 2 blocks from the Ashby BART.
We are pleased to have a presentation by the co-founder of Service Women’s Action Network, Tina McCauley. She will speak about how and why SWAN was founded, their programs, and her experience in the military and as a veteran as a woman of color.
Legal Observer Training (San Francisco)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Legal Observer program has been critical in defending free speech rights, the right to dissent, and against police abuse. Our next legal observer training will be Tuesday, October 28 at 5 - 6:15 PM in room 3203 at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, San Francisco.
Justice for Vietnam’s Agent Orange Victims (Oakland)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Join us in welcoming Vietnamese Agent Orange victims during this 4th Vietnam Agent Orange Justice Tour.
We will educate our friends and neighbors about the suffering caused by Agent Orange in Vietnam and in other wars our government waged; build friendship between U.S., Vietnamese American and Vietnamese Agent Orange victims; hold the U.S. chemical manufacturers responsible by supporting the Agent Orange victims’ lawsuit and a corporate campaign to demand Dow and Monsanto compensate the victims; hold the U.S. government responsible for providing significant and meaningful compensation to Vietnamese victims and additional coverage to affected U.S. veterans; and support the work of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA).
Guests will include Dang Hong Nhut who suffers from cancer and has had multiple miscarriages due to Agent Orange exposure, and Tran Thi Hoan who is a 21 year old college student born without legs due to her mother’s exposure to Agent Orange.
Oakland, Tuesday, October 28, 7 PM, EastSide Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd (@23rd Avenue).
Santa Rosa, Wednesday, October 29, 7 PM, Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino (@10th).
San Francisco, Thursday, October 30, 7 PM, Veterans’ Building, Room 223, 401 Van Ness (@McAllister).
For more information contact call 510-418-3436 or email coxschueler@igc.org.
Torture: U.S. Law & Policy (Ethics CLE Credit)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Berkeley Law (Boalt Hall), Booth Auditorium, 2778 Bancroft Way in Berkeley
CLE 1.25 Ethics Credits Available: $35 for public service and low income attorneys; $65 regular rate; FREE if no credit required.
Please join us for a rigorous panel discussion with Boalt professors and practitioner experts on the ethics and legality of torture. Panelists will include:
Chris Kutz, Professor of Law in the Jurisprudence & Social Policy Program at Boalt, has written about complicity, torture, emergency power, and the moral foundations of the laws of war.
Oona Hathaway, Professor of Law at Boalt, is a scholar of international law, former recipient of the Carnegie Scholars Award, and current member of the Advisory Committee on International Law for the Legal Advisor of the U.S. Department of State.
Ben Wizner has been a staff attorney at the ACLU since 2001. He specializes in national security, human rights, and first amendment issues. He has been involved in numerous post-9/11 civil liberties cases, including a challenge to the CIA’s abduction, detention, and torture of an innocent German citizen (El-Masri v. Tenet) and a suit against a private company for facilitating extraordinary rendition by the CIA (Mohamed v. Jeppesen Dataplan, Inc.).
Moderator John Steele is Special Counsel and Director of Ethics & Conflicts for Fish & Richardson P.C., and Lecturer in Legal Ethics at Boalt.
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
Sponsored by the Boalt Hall National Lawyers Guild chapter
Co-sponsored: The Henderson Center for Social Justice; Middle Eastern Law Students Association; American Constitution Society.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2008
Our Committee Against Torture will meet on Monday, October 27 at 6 PM. We will meet at 2140 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley CA, Suite 601. Please RSVP to Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
We will discuss Professor John Yoo, Chevron Attorney William Haynes, and an upcoming event at UC Berkeley.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2008
What: AntiRacism Committee meeting
Where: at Al Hamra (on 16th Street near BART, between Valencia and Mission) in SF,
When: Monday, Oct 27 6pm.
RSVP to Mike at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
This meeting will be an opportunity for those of us that went to the Convention to share what we learned and participated in. We will report back on the powerful anti-racism training at the Convention led by Catalyst Project. We will discuss collaborative plans made while meeting with co-chairs of TUPOCC, the Anti-Sexism Committee, the Queer Caucus, and the NextGen Committee.
Proposed Agenda:
1. Convention & Anti-Racist Training Reportback
2. Collaboration with other NLG committees
3. Reportback from October 2 Anti-Bias/ AntiRacism CLE
4. Future AntiRacist Trainings in the Bay and in our region
5. ?
Law and Justice in Haiti: Accountability and Reparations
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Symposium with Reception - Law and Justice in Haiti: Accountability and Reparations
DATE: Thursday, October 23, 2008
TIME: 4:30-7:30pm
LOCATION: Alumni Reception Center, 200 McAllister
DETAILS: The Keynote Address will be provided by Father Jomanas, the Dean and founder of Hastings’ sister law school, who will speak about the importance of law and justice in a country like Haiti.
Professor Naomi Roht Arriaza will moderate a panel on Accountability and Reparations in Haiti in light of several recent judgments.
Brian Concannon Jr., Director and founder of the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti will speak about the recent Inter-American Court judgment in the case of Yvonne Neptune, Haiti’s former Prime Minister;
Mario Joseph, Haitian Human Rights Lawyer, Director and founder of the Bureau des Avocats Internationaux will speak about the Raboteau Massacre reparations and recent dispersal in Haiti; and
Moira Feeney, Hastings alumna and former staff attorney at the Center for Justice & Accountability will speak about the victories in the U.S. lawsuits against Toto Constant and Jean Dorélien.
Reception to follow in the ARC co-hosted by the Office of the Academic Dean
Co-sponsored by the Black Law Students Association, Hastings International & Comparative Law Review, Hastings International & Comparative Law Society, Hastings International Human Rights Organization, Hastings Public Interest Law Foundation, Hastings for Race and Poverty Law Journal, National Lawyers Guild, La Raza
Immigration Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Join our Immigration Committee to discuss raids response, countering media misinformation, and more.
New date and time: We will meet on October 23rd, 5:30 PM at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, 180 Sutter Street,
5th Floor.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Join our demonstrations committee for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 21 at 6 PM. We will meet at 558 Capp Street in San Francisco. For more information contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Project Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Mentorship Project Committee will meet at 6 PM on Wednesday, October 6 at 1404 Franklin St., 5th Floor in Oakland. Please RSVP to David Weintraub by emailing DWeintraub@beesontayer.com.
This is a critical meeting as we will be reviewing and adopting our Committee’s Policies and Procedures AND volunteering for the positions we create, AND planning for the Cocktail Party which is only about 6 weeks away.
PROPOSED AGENDA:
DISCUSSION/ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
a) Committee’s Structure and Roles
b) Student Coordinator Responsibilities
c) Matching Policies and Practices
d) Party ProceduresVOLUNTEERS FOR THE ROLES (Facilitators/Recorder/Reminder, Publicity, Student Liaison)
PARTY
Reports and Discussion
a) Food (Derek H)
b) Beverages (Lisa/Jose Luis)
c) Program (David W)
Mentor of the Year (Derek McD)
d) Sign Up Table (Teague/Shauna)
e) Set -Up/Clean -up (Darin/Layla)
f) Paper Products (Derek H)STUDENT REPORTS
STATUS OF PROPOSAL TO EB/EC RE 5 HOURS FOR STAFF LIAISON TO COMMITTEE
Anti-Racism for Effective Legal & Social Justice Work (CLE)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Anti-Racism for Effective Legal & Social Justice Work—Theory and Practice,
1.5 hour CLE (anti-bias)
When: Monday, 6 October 2008, 12:00-1:30 pm
Where: Mexicali Rose Restaurant meeting room, 701 Clay St, Downtown Oakland (at 7th st, across from Alameda County Courthouse, 4 blocks from 12th St BART [11th st exit])
CLE Charge: $25-40 for attorneys. Law students and legal workers, donations suggested. (Proceeds will help pay for anti-racist trainings to be held in the future for NLG members.)
Note: Mexicali Rose Restaurant requires that each person using the meeting room purchase food with a value of at least $6.50. Upon registration, we will send you a menu to choose an item, so we can submit orders ahead of time.
RSVP to Michael Flynn, NLG Anti-Racism Committee Chair, rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Lawyers and legal workers in the U.S. live and work within a society and a system that was founded in and remains shaped by racism. More legal practitioners, legal scholars, and legal activists are recognizing that anti-racism is essential for effective legal work in the twenty-first century. The NLG Bay Area Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) is presenting this opportunity to discuss and promote anti-racist legal work and anti-racist organizing.
The State Bar of California requires that some CLE credits cover “anti-bias” or anti-discrimination. Presenters will discuss the legal analysis that underlies effective anti-racist work, how to develop an anti-racist legal organization, and how anti-racism is important for community-based legal activists, lawyers and legal workers to work together in solidarity.
MCLE Rule 2.1.3 requires anti-bias CLE, and California Rule of Professional Conduct Rule, 2-600 prohibits discrimination or allowing discrimination.
MCLE Rule 2.1.3 At least one [CLE class/ term] shall relate to elimination of bias in the legal profession based on any of, but not limited to the following characteristics: sex, color, race, religion, ancestry, national origin, blindness or other physical disability, age, and sexual orientation.
Topics to Be Presented:
Latina & Latino Critical Legal (LatCrit) Theory, Multi-dimensional Analysis, Critical Race Praxis & the Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession
The role of anti-racism in a legal organization
The role of anti-racism while working with a community-based social justice organization and working with communities of color.
Presenters:
Marc-Tizoc González is a staff attorney at the Alameda County Homeless Action Center and teaches for U.C. Berkeley’s Chicano Studies Program and San Francisco State University’s Raza Studies Department. He graduated from Boalt Hall in 2005 and earned a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Science from SF State in 2002. He is a director of the Berkeley Law Foundation, LatCrit, Inc. and the NLG-SF Bay Area Chapter. He serves as treasurer for the East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association and helped found the National Latina/o Law Student Association. The grandchild of Mexican immigrants, Marc-Tizoc was born and raised in Sacramento, CA to Chicana/o activists who raised him to engage the intergenerational struggle for social justice. He lives in Oakland, CA with his wife of ten years.
Rose Braz is the National Campaign Director for Critical Resistance, a national grassroots organization working to end society’s use of prisons and policing as an “answer” to social problems. Prior to coming to CR, Rose worked as a criminal defense attorney and also has experience working on police misconduct and prisoner civil rights litigation. She was a member of the original organizing committee for the 1998 Critical Resistance Conference and has been active in prison and criminal justice issues since graduating from U.C. Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law in 1992. Rose is on the board of Justice Now and the advisory board of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. She helped restart the National Lawyers Guild Prison Law Project in the early 1990’s.
The Bay Area Chapter of the Anti-Racism Committee works to create an anti-racist culture within the National Lawyers Guild by supporting the efforts of The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) and spearheading anti-racist policies and projects locally and nationally. The ARC seeks to work in coalition with partner organizations on issues of racial and economic justice and to create mechanisms of accountability to the movements and communities we serve.
The Framing of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Friday, October 3, 2008
Crime Magazine Editor J Patrick O’Connor discusses his new book, “The Framing of Mumia Abu-Jamal,” in a tour of the SF Bay Area.
The NLGSF is sponsoring Friday evenings event: October 3rd, 5:30 pm: Room 3214, Golden Gate University, Mission St between 1st and 2nd, San Francisco. Sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and the Mobilization To Free Mumia (info 510 268-9429).
Efficiently and Methodically Framed—Mumia is innocent! — that is the conclusion of a new book on the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal. The book is, THE FRAMING OF MUMIA ABU-JAMAL, by J Patrick O’Connor (Lawrence Hill Books 2008). The author is a former UPI reporter who took an interest in Mumia’s case, and who is now the editor of Crime Magazine crimemagazine.com. He offers a fresh perspective, and delivers a clear and convincing breakdown on perhaps the most notorius frame-up since Sacco and Vanzetti.
“This book is the first to convincingly show how the Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney’s Office efficiently and methodically framed [Mumia Abu-Jamal].” (from the book jacket)
This is a case not just of police corruption, or a racist lynching, though it is both. The courts are in this just as deep as the cops, and it reaches to the top of the equally corrupt political system, in both the Democratic and Republican parties—something to keep in mind in this election season.
In the first week of October, J Patrick O’Connor will tour SF Bay Area to discuss the conclusions of his investigation of Mumia’s case. The Labor Action Committee To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal (LAC) is working with the Mobilization To Free Mumia to organize and promote this tour.
O’Connor will be featured in interviews on KPFA’s Flashpoints, Africa Today, Living Room and the Morning Show in the days prior to, and during the tour (94.1 FM).
Here is the tour schedule (some details still to be filled in):
Thursday October 2nd, 12 Noon: Golden Gate University Law School, Mission St between 1st and 2nd streets, San Francisco.
Friday October 3rd, 5:30 pm: Room 3214, Golden Gate University, Mission St between 1st and 2nd, San Francisco. Sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and the Mobilization To Free Mumia (info 510 268-9429).
Friday October 3rd, 7:30 pm: Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library for Social Research, 6501 Telegraph Ave, in Oakland, between Alcatraz Ave and 66th St. Sponsored by the Labor Action Committee To Free Mumia abu-Jamal (info 510 763-2347).
Saturday October 4th, 2 to 5 pm: wine and cheese with O’Connor, Lynne Stewart, and KPFA programmers—at the home of Jeff Mackler, 33 Mandana Circle (cross st Mandana Blvd), Oakland (info 510 268-9429)
Sunday October 5th, 4 to 6 pm: O’Connor and Lynne Stewart, College of Marin, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield (room to be announced). Sponsored by Marin Peace and Justice Coaliton.
Tuesday October 7th, 7 pm: event sponsored by Peninsula Peace and Justice Coalition. Details to be announced.
Wednesday October 8th, 7 pm: Santa Rosa Peace and Justice Center, 467 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa, CA. info: 707 575-8902.
General Tour Information, call 510 268-9429.
South Bay Meeting/Mixer
Thursday, October 2, 2008
NLG members who live or work in San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont, Mountain View or anywhere in the South Bay are invited to a meeting and mixer at the Law Office of Carpenter & Mayfield, 730 North First Street in San Jose, on October 2 at 6 PM. Food and drink provided.
Documentary and Discussion on the Jena 6
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A benefit for the SF Bay Area NLG Anti Racism Committee.
6-8 PM (film at 7 PM)
El Rio
3158 Mission Street
Suggested donation $20 (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Dress warmly. The film will be shown outdoors.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. This month’s meeting will start earlier than usual and be abbreviated to leave time for our membership meeting. We will begin at 5:30 PM at the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., Audre Lorde room, in San Francisco.
Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Membership Meeting & Board Elections: Defending & Promoting Sanctuary Cities
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Our election and membership meeting - including a presentation on Defending and Promoting Sanctuary Cities - will be the evening of October 1st.
Polls will open at 5:30 PM and the presentation will begin at 6:30 PM at the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., Audre Lorde room, in San Francisco. Presenters include attorneys Angela Chan of the Asian Law Caucus, Laura Sánchez of CARECEN, and Francisco Ugarte of Dolores Street Community Services.
Angela F. Chan, staff attorney in the Juvenile Justice and Education Project at the Asian Law Caucus. She represents immigrant families with youth caught in the juvenile justice system and youth who are harassed or discriminated in the education system.
Laura Sánchez, Staff Attorney, CARECEN. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Laura holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California Hastings and a BA in political science from Loyola University New Orleans. She has a long-standing commitment to serving the immigrant community.
Francisco Ugarte, Staff Attorney for Dolores Street Community Servies. Francisco has been actively working against the ICE raids with the NLG Immigration Committee and SFILEN.
Immigration Court Observation Project TRAINING
Monday, September 29, 2008
SF Bay Area National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Chapter Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP) Training
Monday, September 29
6:00 pm in room 5224
Golden Gate University School of Law
NLG GGU and the San Francisco Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee invite all interested in immigration law and immigrant rights to participate in the NLG Immigration Committee’s Immigration Court Observation Project (“ICOP”).
What is ICOP? In 2006, the SF Bay Area NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court. Students will go to Master Calendar proceedings in immigration court about once a month and fill out NLG-prepared forms to document the immigration court process. Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework. The training will be led by immigration attorney Ilyce Shugall to get familiar with the way the court works, and to hear from past student observers about their experiences with the pilot program.
Please e-mail GGU 3L Jody Santiago Jsan@VBlaw.com with questions.
Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Students of the National Lawyers Guild present:
40th Annual Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, September 27, 2008, 10 am - 6 pm
University of San Francisco School of Law, Kendrick Hall
2199 Fulton St at Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA
(Accessible by buses 5 Fulton and 21 Hayes)
Panel topics will include immigration, sex workers’ rights and organizing efforts, international womens’ rights, and juvenile justice.
Our keynote speaker is San Francisco Chief Deputy City Attorney Terry Stewart. Ms. Stewart successfully argued before the California Supreme Court on behalf of the city and county of San Francisco for the legalization of same sex marriage.
Free breakfast, lunch, and reception.
CLE credit offered - suggested donation $20-$60 to be used toward student travel stipends for the national NLG convention in Detroit.
Progressive Lawyering Day – Sat, Sept 27 at USF
Schedule:
10 am Registration/breakfast
10:30-12 pm
International women’s rights panel
Sophie Clavier, Professor of International Relations San Francisco State; Zakia Afrin, Amnesty International; Mona Cadena, Deputy Director, Amnesty International USA Western Region
Immigration panel
Francisco Ugarte, San Francisco Immigrant Legal Education Network; Diana Rashid, Workplace Immigrant & Civil Rights Organizer
12-1 pm Lunch
1-2:30 pm
Juvenile justice panel
Cassandra James, Center for Young Women’s Development; Roger Chan, San Francisco Public Defender’s office
Sex workers rights panel
Maxine Doogan and Starchild, Erotic Service Providers Union
3-4:30 pm Keynote speaker
San Francisco Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart
4:30-6 pm Reception
Contact Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for more information.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, September 26, 2008
Our next immigration committee meeting will be September 26 at 12:30. We will meet at the ACLU office, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco.
Military Law Task Force Meeting
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Law Office of Jane Kaplan, 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley. We will discuss plans for a military law training and case updates. Contact Jane at jkaplan@att.net for more information.
Annual Fall Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday, September 19, 2008
Our annual Fall Auction and Cocktail Party will be on Friday, September 19, 6-9 PM at the LGBT Center in San Francisco, 1800 Market by Octavia.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The next Anti Racism Committee meeting will be at Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant, 326 Frank H Ogawa Plz in Oakland at 6pm.
Proposed Agenda:
1. National Convention Anti-Racist Training
2. Bay Area Anti-Racist training
3. Fundraising
4. CLE week of October 6-10
5. Multipart CLE for winter/spring
6. ?
For more information or to add agenda items, please contact Mike Flynn at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Our Demonstrations Committee provides legal support to protests, free speech actions, and civil disobedience. Our meetings are every third Tuesday, 6 PM at the NLG Office, 558 Capp Street in San Francisco.
Please RSVP to Carlos by emailing carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Monday, September 15, 2008
Our next Committee Against Torture meeting will be on Monday, September 15 at 6 PM, 2140 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley CA, Suite 601. Please RSVP to Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Torture as an acceptable interrogation technique is increasingly defended by political and legal figures in positions of power. The NLG maintains what most scholars and human rights activists maintain, that torture is immoral and illegal. Join us for our next committee meeting to organize against torture and its defenders.
Queer Committee Meeting (postponed)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Our Queer Committee Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 11 has been postponed. Stay tuned for updates.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Get involved in organizing the mentorship project, which connects law students and new lawyers with more experienced progressive attorneys.
The next meeting will be at 6 pm at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, 180 Sutter Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco.
RSVP to Jody Santiago Jody.santiago@gmail.com or David Weintraub DWeintraub@beesontayer.com.
Testimonial Dinner Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The 2009 Champion of Justice will be longtime Guild member Steven Bingham. Our Testimonial Dinner Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 PM at the home of board member David Weintraub, 5582 Lawton Ave in Rockridge Oakland. Contact David Borgen at borgen@gdblegal.com or Jody LeWitter at jlewitter@sl-employmentlaw.com to RSVP or for more information.
PLD Planning Meeting
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Progressive Lawyering Day Planning Meeting
Sunday, September 7 at 11 am at Liz’s apt in SF
Join students from bay area nlg chapters to prepare for Progressive Lawyering Day to be held at USF on Sat, Sept 27 2008.
email Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for details & directions.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, August 29, 2008
Our next immigration committee meeting will be August 29 at 12:30. We will meet at the ACLU office, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco.
Post-Bar Exam Party
Friday, August 22, 2008
Post-Bar Party and Student Attorney Mixer
Fri, August 22, 6-8 pm
Jupiter - 2181 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Celebrate our recent graduates’ completion of the bar exam and welcome everyone back for another school year by joining us at Jupiter Bar in Berkeley. right next to downtown Berkeley BART!
http://www.jupiterbeer.com/
Progressive Lawyering Day planning meeting
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday, August 22 at 5 pm at Jupiter in Berkeley (jupiterbeer.com)
Please join us to help organize Progressive Lawyering Day set for Sat, September 27 at USF.
email Tina Valkanoff (studentorganizer@nlgsf.org) for more details.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting (Canceled)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Our Demonstrations Committee meeting is canceled for August. We will meet next on September 16 at 6 PM.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Our Anti Racism Committee will meet at 6pm at Mission Creek Cafe, 968 Valencia St (between 21st St & Liberty St) in San Francisco. We will discuss Anti-Racism Training among other things. Please contact Mike Flynn for more information at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Queer Committee Meet-Up
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Queer Committee of the NLGSF will meet-up on August 14, 6 PM at The Bench & Bar, 2111 Franklin Street in Oakland, near the 19th Street BART stop. This is a mostly social meeting, with only casual political discussions. Contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org for more information.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Please join us for our monthly mentorship committee meeting on Wednesday August 13, 2008 at 6 pm, at David Weintraub’s office in Oakland.
For more info please contact Derek at dtmcdonald@usfca.edu
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Our next Committee Against Torture meeting will be on Tuesday, August 12 at 6 PM, 2140 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley CA, Suite 601. Please RSVP to Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Torture as an acceptable interrogation technique is increasingly defended by political and legal figures in positions of power. The NLG maintains what most scholars and human rights activists maintain, that torture is immoral and illegal. Join us for our next committee meeting to organize against torture and its defenders.
Committing Poetry in Times of War
Monday, August 11, 2008
Come watch Committing Poetry in Times of War with Special Appearances by Filmmaker Eric Sirotkin and Poet Shahid Buttar. At El Rio bar, 3158 Mission at Cesar Chavez at 7pm on August 11, 2008. $8-$20 sliding scale donation, no one turned away for lack of costs.
Find out more about the film at committingpoetry.com.
Progressive Lawyering Day planning meeting
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sun, Aug 10, 11 am at Matt’s apartment in SF
Please join us to help organize Progressive Lawyering Day set for Sat, September 27 at USF.
email Tina Valkanoff (studentorganizer@nlgsf.org) for more details. please RSVP - lunch will be provided
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 29th at 7 p.m. Chris Wilson will discuss the best strategy for getting a hardship discharge. Location TBA. For more information contact Jane Kaplan at jkaplan@att.net.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Monday, July 28, 2008
Get involved in organizing the mentorship project, which connects law students and new lawyers with more experienced progressive attorneys.
The next meeting will be at Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, 180 Sutter Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco.
The Meeting will start at 6 pm, please call 415-981-3015, as the elevator stops running on its own after 6.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, July 25, 2008
Join our immigration committee Friday, July 25 at 12:30 PM. We will meet at the ACLU office, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco. Contact Carrie crosenbaumimmigrationlaw@gmail.com if you have questions or suggestions for agenda items.
Committee on Torture Meeting
Monday, July 21, 2008
Join our Committee on Torture to counter the promotion of torture as a legitimate tactic against prisoners held by the U.S. military. We will discuss our call to take action against Professor John Yoo among other things. Please RSVP to Carlos by emailing carlos@nlgsf.org.
Committee on Torture of the NLGSF
Monday, July 21, 2008 6PM
Law Office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian
300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1000
Oakland
PLD Planning Meeting
Sunday, July 20, 2008
PLD Planning meeting
Sunday, July 20 at 2 pm
at Darin’s house in Oakland
(please email Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for more details)
Please join us to help prepare for the Bay Area-wide student organized Progressive Lawyering Day conference to be held on Sat, September 27 at USF.
New Immigration Court Rules MCLE
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
MCLE credit 1 hour
Free to all
RSVP to Silvia Contreras at scontreras@lccr.com
Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe
405 Howard Street, San Francisco
(BART/Muni Montgomery)
Check in with reception, 10th Floor
Brownbag held in Cafeteria, 8th Floor
New Nationwide Rules For Practice in Immigration Court
The new Immigration Court Practice Manual becomes the nationwide guide to the court’s rules and procedures July 2, 2008. What does this mean for your pending or new case?
Presentation by Shahpour (Shawn) Matloob, Ilyce Shugall and Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Stephen S. Griswold
Attorneys in the practice of immigration law and members of the Lawyers’ Committee pro bono mentor attorney panel
with Asst. Chief judge of San Francisco Immigration Court
Sponsored by NorCal AILA, National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Chapter and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story
Monday, July 14, 2008
Come watch Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story under the stars at El Rio bar, 3158 Mission at Cesar Chavez at 8pm on July 14, 2008.
Download our Summer Film Series Flyer here.
Queer Committee Meeting
Thursday, July 10, 2008
We are having our NLGSF Queer Committee meeting on Thursday, July 10, from 6-8 PM. It will take place at The LGBT Center, 1800 Market St in San Francisco, Room 305. Food will be provided!!
Among other agenda items, we will be discussing this summer’s launch of the transgender know your rights project. Please come to hear what we are up to, discuss current issues that we can focus on, and enjoy good company! If you have any questions, please contact Alicia Virani at (415) 285-5067 x10.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Monday, July 7, 2008
Please join us for our monthly mentorship committee meeting on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 6 pm, location TBA.
For more info please contact Derek at dtmcdonald@usfca.edu
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, June 27, 2008
Please join us at 12:30 on Friday, June 27th at the ACLU building, 39 Drumm Street, 2nd floor for our monthly NLG Immigration Committee meeting. The primary topic will be the continuing raids response work including motions to redetermine, individual representation, motions to suppress, and time permitting, strategy for responding to future raids.
Please email Carrie Rosenbaum at crosenbaumimmigrationlaw@gmail.com if you have questions or additional agenda items.
Criminal Justice and the “War on Terror:” Defending Individuals Accused of Terrorism
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Bay Area Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society and the NLGSF present:
Criminal Justice and the “War on Terror:” Defending Individuals Accused of Terrorism
Featuring:
Wazhma Mojaddidi
Criminal Defense Attorney, Law Office of Wazhma Mojaddidi and Attorney for Defendant in United States v. Hamid Hayat
and
Steven T. Wax
Author of Kafka Comes to America: Fighting for Justice in the War on Terror, Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon (1983-present) and Attorney for Portland lawyer Brandon Mayfield and seven Guantanamo Bay detainees
Thursday, June 26, 2008
12:00 pm
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Embarcadero Center West
275 Battery Street, Suite 3000
San Francisco, California
This is a brownbag lunch event.
The American Constitution Society is a State Bar of California approved MCLE provider. This activity has been approved for 1.0 hours of MCLE credit.
RSVP here.
Come hear these criminal defense attorneys share compelling tales from the trenches of the so-called “War on Terror” and discuss how prosecutions threaten essential liberties.
Bay Area Military Law Task Force meeting
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The next Bay Area Military Law Task Force meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Law Offices of Jane R. Kaplan, 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705, 510/848-4752, x4. for more info please contact Jane Kaplan, jkaplan@att.net
The office is 2 blocks from the Ashby BART.
Progressive Lawyering Day planning meeting
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) planning meeting
Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 7 pm at USF, Kendrick Hall Room 104 (2199 Fulton at Shrader)
directions here: http://www.usfca.edu/law/about/shared-content/VisitingCampus/VisitingCampus.html
Please join us for a PLD planning meeting to discuss keynote speaker options, panel topic ideas, and work on the logistics of the day’s event. This is a great opportunity to meet other NLG student activists and collaborate on the largest student-run NLG event of the year in the Bay Area.
For more info contact: Tina Valkanoff, Law Student Organizer at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, June 23, 2008
Our next Anti Racism Committee meeting will be on Monday, June 23rd at 6:30 PM in Oakland. Please RSVP to Heather hmmills@gmail.com for location information.
Squeeze Box Benefit
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The NLGSF is co-sponsoring a Benefit Performance of Squeeze Box in support of the San Francisco International Program
5:00pm
Saturday, June 21st, 2008
The Marsh
1062 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Map & Directions
About Squeeze Box
Produced by Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, Squeeze Box won the Theater Award (2002) & Ovation Award (2002) for Best Solo Performance (L.A. Weekly) and is now touring North America!
Ann Randolph skillfully weaves together stories about working in a women’s homeless shelter and the pursuit of true love. Her painfully funny portraits of the shelter’s residents, and hilarious account of her romances, are beautifully drawn in this poignant tale about finding dignity and grace in unusual places.
Purchase Tickets
To purchase tickets or sponsor the event, mail a check payable to
San Francisco International Program. Please include your return mailing address and email, along with the name of the person who refered you. You will receive tickets in the mail in a few days!
ATTN: Squeeze Box Tickets OR Gold/Silver Sponsorship
San Francisco International Program
660 4th Street, #129
San Francisco, CA 94107
Tickets
$35 for advanced purchase tickets
Sponsorship
Platinum Circle ($1,000), sponsor a Core Program fellow in your name, plus two complementary front row seats
Gold Circle ($500), sponsorship includes two complementary front row seats
Silver Circle ($150), sponsorship includes two complementary tickets
In addition to complementary tickets to the show, sponsors will be recognized at the event reception following the performance, on our website, and in the newsletter and Annual Report.
Thank you for your contribution!
A portion of your ticket is tax-deductable and you will receive a donation receipt in the mail. All proceeds will support San Francisco International Program’s cultural exchange and professional training programs in 2008:
Bridging Leaders Program will support training for three delegations including Ethiopian women in business, Turkish youth workers, and Italian environmental and human rights lawyers.
Core Program will bring two Caribbean youth leaders to train at the Red Cross Bay Area Chapter and one German social worker to train at Edgewood.
Contact
Amourence Lee, Executive Director
Email: director@sfip.org
Mobile: (415) 896-0127
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Monday, June 9, 2008
Please join us for our monthly mentorship committee meeting on Wed, June 9, 2008 at 6 pm at Siegel & Yee: 499 14th Street, Suite 220 Oakland, CA.
For more info please contact Derek at dtmcdonald@usfca.edu
The People’s Advocate at the San Francisco Black Film Festival
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter copresents The People’s Advocate: The Life & Times of Charles R. Garry with the San Francisco Black Film Festival
The National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is pleased to co-present The People’s Advocate: The Life & Times of Charles R. Garry
directed by Hrag Yedalian at the 10th Annual San Francisco Black Film Festival, June 4-6 and June 11-15, 2008.
One of the most influential criminal defense attorneys of the 20th century, Charles R. Garry (1909-
1991) became a household name during the 1960s with his defense of a host of revolutionary political icons, including Huey Newton and Bobby Seale of the Black Panther Party. Garry’s career came to an unexpected and tragic halt in 1978, when his client, the Reverend Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple, led over 900 of his followers in mass suicide at Jonestown. This documentary recounts Garry’s
life through the voices of those who knew him best—family, fellow attorneys and former clients.
The film screens Thursday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. the Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission Street San Francisco, CA.
For tickets and schedule log on www.sfbff.org or call 415.771.9271
Black Power to Green Scare: The Criminalization of Dissent in the U.S.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Center for Constitutional Rights and NLGSF present…
BLACK POWER TO GREEN SCARE:
The Criminalization of Dissent in the United States
Thursday, June 5, 2008
6:30 PM
Women’s Building
3543 18th St #8
San Francisco, CA 94110
Join the Center for Constitutional Rights for an engaging and important discussion exploring the criminalization of dissent historically and in the era of the so-called “war on terror.” Hear from directly impacted communities and the attorneys and grassroots organizers struggling against repression.
Featuring speakers:
Shayana Kadidal, Center for Constitutional Rights – Managing attorney of the Guantanamo Global Justice Initiative.
Richard Brown, one of the “San Francisco 8,” former Black Panthers facing renewed charges based on torture evidence
Michel Shehadeh, one of the “Los Angeles 8”, Palestinian and Kenyan immigrants targeted for their political activity who won a historic victory after a 20-year struggle in November 2007
And a spokesperson involved in the struggle against the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act and the suppression of environmental activism in California
Moderated by Annette Warren Dickerson, Director of Education and Outreach, CCR
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
First Progressive Lawyering Day planning meeting
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
First Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) planning meeting for 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 7 pm at USF - Kendrick Hall Room 104
Please join us for the first PLD planning meeting of the year to discuss keynote speaker and panel topic ideas and also check out USF which will be hosting the event this year.
For more info contact: Tina Valkanoff, Law Student Organizer at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org
East Bay La Raza Mixer
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Join the East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association for it’s Monthly Membership Mixer on Tuesday, June 3, at 6pm.
Latina/o lawyers, law students, legal workers, and our friends, will gather at The Bench & Bar, a queer Latin bar and nightclub, at 2111 Franklin Street in Oakland.
Military Law Task Force Meeting
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The next Bay Area Military Law Task Force meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at 7 p.m., at the office of Jane Kaplan, 3050 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA (near Ashby BART station).
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The next Demonstrations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday May 20 at 6pm at the Guild office. We will be discussing recent anti-war demonstrations and future actions planned for later this month. Please RSVP to Mel at mel@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Monday, May 19, 2008
Please join us for our monthly mentorship committee meeting on Wed, May 19, 2008 at 6 pm at Siegel & Yee: 499 14th Street, Suite 220 Oakland, CA.
For more info please contact Derek at dtmcdonald@usfca.edu
Immigration Committee Raid Response Meeting
Friday, May 9, 2008
Stacy Tolchin, former SF Bay Area NLG board member, will be in San Francisco to discuss her recent experience dealing with ICE raids in the LA area. Please join us at 12:30 on Friday, May 9th at the ACLU building, 39 Drumm Street, 2nd floor! Bring questions and ideas for ways we can tailor the LA ICE raid response experience to the specific challenges in the Bay Area.
Please rsvp to Heather Robert Coffman at hcof@vblaw.com.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
May Day Marches for Workers and Immigrant Rights
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The NLG is looking for legal observers for the following May Day actions, please email mel@nlgsf.org to sign up:
10:30 AM: March with the Longshore Workers
Longshore (ILWU) Hall, Mason and Beach St. (Take Muni F-Market.)
March down Embarcadero
12 noon: Rally at Justin Herman Plaza
12:30 PM: Direct Action to Stop the War (DASW) March/protest at military recruitment center & ICE. Depart from Justin Herman Plaza (Embarcadero BART)
2 PM: Amnesty rally at Dolores Park and then march to Civic Center
3 PM: March for Immigrant rights in Oakland.
Assemble at Fruitvale BART and march to city hall.
5 PM: Rally and music at SF Civic Center
6 PM: Rally and community celebration at Oakland City Hall.
Through a peaceful, organized march in San Francisco and in several other major U.S. cities we seek to resurrect the historical significance of May 1st in the international labor/worker struggle and to reignite the labor movement by integrating the current undocumented worker struggle of obtaining amnesty. We believe this struggle is about worker rights, and should be incorporated into other social justice issues if we are to strive for a fairer and much more peaceful world.
Under the broad theme of “Workers Uniting without Borders –Amnesty for All” we invite all individuals and organizations interested in fighting for social justice and upholding the rights of all workers to join us to collectively demand for:
• Stop the War at Home and Abroad
• Stop the Persecution and Repression of Immigrants
• Stop the Violation of Labor, Human and Civil Rights of All Workers
• Stop the Gentrification of our San Francisco Neighborhoods
• Unconditional Amnesty-Papers for All
Anti-Racism is Essential for Effective Legal & Social Justice Work
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Theory and Practice, 1.5 hour CLE
When: Tuesday, 29 April 2008, 12-1:30 pm
Where: Golden Gate University School of Law, 536 Mission St (b/ 1st & 2nd st, Montgomery BART) room 3203
CLE Charge: $20-40, Law students and Legal workers free/donations requested
PLEASE RSVP to Michael Flynn, NLG Anti-Racism Committee Chair, rmflynn79@gmail.com
Lawyers and legal workers work within a society and a system that is often racist. More legal practitioners, legal scholars, and legal activists are recognizing that anti-racism is essential for effective legal work. This CLE has been organized and sponsored by the NLG Bay Area Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) to present an opportunity to discuss and promote anti-racist legal work and anti-racist organizing. The State Bar of California requires that some CLE credits cover “anti-bias” or anti-discrimination. Presenters will discuss the legal analysis that underlies effective anti-racist work, developing an anti-racist legal organization, and how anti-racism is important for community-based legal activists, lawyers and legal workers to work together in solidarity.
MCLE rule 2.1.3 requires anti-bias CLE, and California Rule of Professional Conduct Rule, 2-600 prohibits discrimination or allowing discrimination.
MCLE Rule 2.1.3 At least one [CLE class/ term] shall relate to elimination of bias in the legal profession based on any of, but not limited to the following characteristics: sex, color, race, religion, ancestry, national origin, blindness or other physical disability, age, and sexual orientation.
Topics to Be Presented:
· Latina & Latino Critical Legal (LatCrit) Theory, Multi-dimensional Analysis & the Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession
· The role of anti-racism in a legal organization
· The role of anti-racism while working with a community-based social justice organization and working with communities of color.
Presenters:
Marc-Tizoc González is a staff attorney at the Alameda County Homeless Action Center and teaches “Latinas/os & the Law” for U.C. Berkeley’s Chicano Studies Program. He graduated from Boalt Hall in 2005 and earned a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Science from San Francisco State University in 2002. Before that he worked in mental health with youth in Los Angeles, San Mateo, San Francisco and Alameda counties. He is a director of the Berkeley Law Foundation, the NLG-SF Bay Area Chapter, and LatCrit, Inc. and serves as treasurer for the East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association. He was the inaugural Attorney General of the Nat’l Latina/o Law Student Association and co-founded the NLLSA Alumni Association. Marc-Tizoc was born and raised in Sacramento, CA to Chicana/o activists who raised him to engage the intergenerational struggle for social justice. He lives in Oakland, CA with his wife of ten years.
Anne Befu sits on the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NLG as co-chair of the The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC). She is also a board member of the SF Bay Area Chapter of the NLG, and has also served on the NEC as co-chair of the Queer Committee. Anne has a B.A. in Comparative Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley, and graduated from the New College of California School of Law in 2006.
Rose Braz is the National Campaign Director for Critical Resistance, a national grassroots organization working to end society’s use of prisons and policing as an “answer” to social problems. Prior to coming to CR, Rose worked as a criminal defense attorney and also has experience working on police misconduct and prisoner civil rights litigation. She was a member of the original organizing committee for the 1998 Critical Resistance Conference and has been active in prison and criminal justice issues since graduating from U.C. Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law in 1992. Rose is on the board of Justice Now and the advisory board of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. She helped restart the National Lawyers Guild Prison Law Project in the early 1990’s.
The Bay Area Chapter of the Anti-Racism Committee works to create an anti-racist culture within the National Lawyers Guild by supporting the efforts of The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) and spearheading anti-racist policies and projects locally and nationally. The ARC seeks to work in coalition with partner organizations on issues of racial and economic justice and to create mechanisms of accountability to the movements and communities we serve.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting (BALMP), April 29, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Jane Kaplan’s office, 3050 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA. [Between Ashby and Alcatraz, Kitty corner to Starry Plough & La Pena] - Discussion on the Okinawa cases, reports, Article 9 in Japan and various statewide cases.
Hearing on U.S. Military Rules of Engagement in Iraq
Monday, April 28, 2008
There will be a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) hearing involving the release of the US military’s Rules of Engagement in Iraq this coming Monday, April 28, at 2:00 pm at the Federal Courthouse in San Francisco before Judge Marilyn Hall Patel.
NLG members Colleen Flynn, Chris Ford, and Gordon Kaupp filed a motion asking the federal court to compel disclosure of documentation concerning the U.S. military’s attack on the city of Fallujah and assault on a car carrying Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena. The disclosure requested is of military Rules of Engagement as well as other documentation.
The hope is that the release of this documentation will clear-up ambiguities generated by the widely differing accounts of the military Rules of Engagement, and will allow the public to better consider its military’s legal justification for the destruction of Fallujah.
Protest Against Cuts to G.A.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Legal Observers needed for Monday April 28 at 9:30-10:30AM at 1221 Oak Street, in Oakland at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. The action will take place outside the building. Email mel@nlgsf.org to sign up.
Over 35 CBO’s and hundreds of people will be present for a press conference and public hearing regarding the cuts to General Assistance (welfare) in Alameda County. These cuts will affect thousands of Alameda County recipients.
Oakland, California, April 28, 2008 – The Alameda County Board of Supervisors Social Services Committee will hold a public hearing on the county Social Services Agency’s proposed six-month time limit to General Assistance (“GA”). Community-based organizations and community members plan oppose the proposal with a rally and march scheduled for 9:30AM, before attending the 10:30AM hearing in the Board of Supervisors chambers at 1221 Oak Street.
“Leaving people with nothing to live on for half the year is wrong,” said Patricia Wall, Executive Director of the Alameda County Homeless Action Center. “You have to be at the end of your last rope to even qualify for GA. But, Alameda County has decided that they’ll limit GA to six months. If you don’t get a job by then, you’re off the rolls for six months—with nothing.”
GA is the social safety-net of last resort for people who don’t qualify for any other public benefit. It provides a loan that people use to buy food and pay rent. (The maximum that a single person can receive on GA is $336 in one month.)
“Last quarter’s report shows that nearly 6,000 jobs have left the East Bay. The jobs that remain are as scarce as they have ever been,” said Wall. “With the economy continuing to worsen, now is not the time to dismantle the safety net that keeps people from starving.”
In 1997, Alameda County implemented a time-limit on GA. The county also commissioned UC Berkeley to study the effects of the time limit. The study showed that the time-limit increased homelessness, hunger and crime. It also showed that the health of GA recipients deteriorated. The Board of Supervisors rescinded the time-limit after just one year.
“Total deprivation is morally unacceptable,” said attorney Edward Barnes of the East Bay Community Law Center. “This proposed cut will increase crime, disease, hunger, and homelessness.”
ABOUT – Since 1990, the Homeless Action Center (“HAC”) has been advocating for poor and disabled people in Alameda County. HAC attorneys and legal advocates help people prove their disability before the Social Security Administration and apply for and retain other public benefits. Founded in 1988 by law students at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law, the
East Bay Community Law Center (“EBCLC”) has become a nationally-recognized poverty law clinic and is the largest provider of free legal services in the East Bay. EBCLC’s work makes the lives of East Bay community members more healthy, secure, productive, and hopeful.
Hearing on NSA Spying in San Francisco District Court
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Does FISA trump State Secrets? This is the big question that may have an enormous impact on the future of privacy. Guild attorneys Ashlee Albies, Steven Goldberg, Lisa Jaskol, Zaha Hassan, Tom Nelson and others will ask District Court Judge Vaughn to rule on this at a hearing set for next Wednesday, April 23rd at 10:00 a.m. The courtroom is at 450 Golden Gate Ave., 17th Floor, Courtroom 6 in San Francisco.
Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation v. George W. Bush has already been to the Ninth Circuit, which ruled against the Al-Haramain side on the state secrets privilege, holding that the privilege prevented reliance on a classified document that proves standing. However, the Ninth Circuit left open the question of whether the provision in FISA allowing for the use of such documents preempts the state secrets privilege. If Walker rules in favor of Al-Haramain and Goldberg, the case goes on.
Veterans for Common Sense Hearing
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 21, Monday, 9:00 a.m., Federal Court House, Veterans for Common Sense vs. Peake, Judge Conti, Disability Rights Advocates representing Veterans for Common Sense and Veterans for Truth.
Rally & Court Hearing for the SF8
Monday, April 21, 2008
Rally for the SF8! Drop all the charges!
Monday, April 21, 8:00 a.m.
Court at 9:30 a.m.
850 Bryant Street, SF, Dept. 23
Announcement from Free the SF8:
While the preliminary hearing will likely be set for September, this hearing is an important time to show support. All of the brothers are expected to be in court with us. Some motions will be heard and possible examinations of some witnesses may take place or be scheduled.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO freethesf8.org.
Sacramento Valley Region NLG Meeting
Monday, April 21, 2008
Please join us for the Sacramento area regional NLG Meeting on Monday, April 21 at 6 pm at the Law Office of Mark Merin, 2001 P St, Suite 100, in Sacramento. The agenda includes: a speaker, report from Regional meeting in L.A.: Jose Luis Fuentes, report from Blue Diamond protest: Gary Fitzgerald, reports from Davis and McGeorge student chapters, and a report from Gang-Injunctions: Joshua Kaizuka.
Location:
Law Office of Mark E. Merin
2001 P Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: 916/443-6911
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, April 18, 2008
The Committee will meet at 12:30 pm at the ACLU building, 39 Drumm Street, 2nd floor. Please RSVP to Heather Robert Coffman at HCof@vblaw.com.
The agenda will include an update on Bay Area raids; discussion of CLE topics for Spring 2008; and an update on the Immigration Court Observation Pilot program.
TUPOCC Meeting
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Bay Area members of The United People of Color Caucus (TUPOCC) will gather to break bread on Thursday, April 17 at 7:00pm following the UC Hasting SOL’s Race and Poverty Law Journal’s Annual Symposium. Meet at farmer brown’s
in San Francisco on 25 Mason Street (@ Market Street).
farmer brown’s is located a short walk from hastings and is located one block from the powell bart/muni station.
POSTPONED: Military Law Task Force FOIA Hearing
Monday, April 14, 2008
The hearing has been postponed, further details tba.
April 14th, Monday, 2:00 p.m. Judge Patel, Federal Courthouse, Marguerite Hiken and the MLTF vs. the Department of Defense and CENTCOM, FOIA Hearing, MLTF lawyers, Colleen Flynn, Gordon Kaupp, and Chris Ford representing the NLG/MLTF.
Far West Regional
Friday, April 11, 2008
Save the Date!
NLG Far West Regional
April 11-13, 2008
Los Angeles, California
The Loyola Law School
Action-Oriented (MCLE) Workshops
•State-wide Tenant Union Organizing
•Fighting Back Against Homelessness
•Counter-Military Recruitment Strategies that Work
•Employment Is sues /Wage Claims , Workers ’ Comp, etc.
• International Trade & Immigration Policy
Special Presentation by S.F. 8 Defendants !
Law Student Organizing!
Socializing and Networking!
For More Info Contact Jim Lafferty at 323/653-4510 or Rebecca Thornton at 310/393-3055, rebecca@humanrightsesq.com
Student Retreat and Law Student VP Elections
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Student Retreat and Law Student VP Elections
Thursday, April 10, 2008 6-8 pm
at New College in San Francisco
For more info please contact Tina Valkanoff, Law Student Organizer studentorganizer@nlgsf.org
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Please join us for our monthly mentorship committee meeting on Wed, April 10, 2008 at 6 pm at Beeson, Tayer, & Bodine: 1404 Franklin Street 5th Floor Oakland, CA.
For more info please contact Derek at dtmcdonald@usfca.edu
Olympic Torch Protest for Burma & Tibet
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Multiple groups are planning direct actions along the route of the Olympic torch, to protest China’s policies towards Tibet and Burma, in downtown San Francisco and along the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Burma protest on the Bridge walk is permitted and will take place from 10am-12pm. The exact location and time of marches and rallies in the city is still being determined. If you can legal observe for any part of the day, please email mel@nlgsf.org.
Anti Racism Committee Meeting
Monday, April 7, 2008
The next Anti Racism Committee Meeting will be April 7 at 7 pm at Mission Creek Cafe, 968 Valencia St, between 20th and 21st Streets, in San Francisco.
Possible agenda items include anti-racist trainings; national convention workshop/panel ideas; prep and planning for NLG Regional gethering in LA Apr 11-13; and planning an Anti-Bias CLE. For more information contact Michael Flynn at rmflynn79@gmail.com.
Annual Testimonial Dinner
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The 2008 NLGSF Annual Testimonial Dinner will honor distinguished member David Borgen with the Champion of Justice award and Renée Quintero Sánchez as our Unsung Hero. Join us at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Jewett Banquet Room at 1001 Broadway, between 10th and 11th Streets in Downtown Oakland (Above 12th Street BART Station) on Saturday, April 5.
5:30 pm Reception
7:30 pm Dinner
RSVP Required
The deadline to RSVP has passed.
Convergence Actions for AFSCME Local 3299
Thursday, April 3, 2008
AFSCME Local 3299 represents 20,000 workers employed at the University of California, on April 3, we will converge at the San Francisco and Los Angeles Medical Centers to turn up the heat on UC and demand a fair contract NOW!
Hundreds of members will travel hundreds of miles to attend marches and picket lines to show UC that we are dead serious about winning a fair contract that will help our patients, students and families!
Join us to legal observe at Parnassus (UCSF Medical Center) in San Francisco at 3:30pm. Email mel@nlgsf.org to sign up.
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Legal Support Meeting
Sunday, March 30, 2008
There will be two meetings for all arrestees from March 15th and March 19th. This will be a chance for you to talk to lawyers and organize your legal defense.
Monday, March 24th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
AK Press
674 23rd St #A
Oakland, CA
Sunday, March 30th
2:00pm - 4:00pm
St. Martin de Porres
225 Potrero Ave.
SF, CA
For additional information, visit the legal website. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding your cases:
- Hold on to all your jail paperwork - especially your citation!
- Think before you talk (blog, email, etc.) about any potentially illegal activities that happened around your arrest - you could get you or other folks in trouble
- Keep an eye on the legal website for updates - http://midnightspecial.net/dasw
- Try to make one of the arrestees meetings
- There will be an announcement email list for updates - if you haven’t given Legal your contact info, please download an outtake form from their website (http://midnightspecial.net/dasw/arrestees.html) and email it to dasw-legal (at) unsealed.net.
- Attorneys will be organized attorneys through the National Lawyers Guild to represent you at your arraignments
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Discussion: Kasey Corbit of Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), one of the Plaintiffs’ attorneys in Veterans for Common Sense vs. Peake
Tuesday March 25th, 7:00 p.m.
California Appellate Office,
101 2nd Street, Ste. 600 (6th Floor)
San Francisco, CA
(corner of Mission of Mission and 2nd, enter at the atrium on 2nd street, go through the glass doors to the front desk, and take the elevator to the 6th floor — BART - Montgomery Street Exit)
For more information on the Military Law Task Force see:
www.nlgmltf.org
www.militarylawtaskforce.org
www.myspace.com/nlgmltf
Direct Actions on Anniversary Of the Iraq War
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
We need legal observers for the Direct Actions on the Fifth Anniversary Of The Iraq War in Downtown San Francisco. To sign up to legal observe, please email contact@nlgsf.org
There will be multiple actions at multiple locations beginning at Market and Sansome at 7:30 am. The Demonstrations Committee will be staffing the NLG legal hotline for arrestees and legal observers 415-285-1011.
War machine tours of shame leaving from Market and Sansome throughout the day.
Join the March 19 DASW Text Mob to stay updated through the day: Send a text to 40404 with the words “follow dasw” (case sensitive, no quotation marks). Standard rates apply.
On March 19, 2008 - the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq - Direct Action to Stop the War will be organizing a day of decentralized, multiple-target direct action against government offices and war profiteers in downtown San Francisco. We have created a list of San Francisco offices of federal agencies, corporations with military contracts or contracts in Iraq, politicians who have failed to stop the war, and foreign embassies of countries linked to the war in Iraq.
We are focusing primarily on corporations with military or Iraqi contracts, because we want to focus attention on the prominent role played by war-profiteering corporations in the U.S. occupation of Iraq. We will take direct action on March 19th against as many of these locations as possible, in order to send a clear message to the economic and political elites that control this country: No business as usual until all U.S. troops are withdrawn from Iraq!
Prison Law Symposium at UC Davis Sunday
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Opening Address will be given by Craig W. Haney, at 8:50am, a professor at UC Santa Cruz and a leading researcher in the field of psychology and the effects of incarceration on psychology, as well as the psychology of communities regarding criminals and justice.
The panels are as follows:
Panel 1 [9:30am-10:30] (Health issues)
-Carter White (supervising attorney at the UC Davis civil rights clinic)
-Cynthia Chandler (Justice Now Co-director)
-Steve Fama (attorney at the Prison Law Office who worked on the Plata v. Davis case, the largest ever prison class action lawsuit, settled in 2002)
Panel 2 [11:00am-12:00] (Race, sex, capital punishment)
-Ron Tabak (Skadden, Arps)
-Natasha Minsker (Death Penalty Policy Director of the Northern CA ACLU)
-Floyd Feeney (Professor at UC Davis)
Panel 3 [1:00pm-2:00] (re-entry and recidivism)
-Kimberly Wong (Public Defender in LA, currently working on two projects expanding prison alternatives for women charged with felonies)
-Edith Guillen-Nunez (CA Endowment Post-Release Wellness Project)
-Elder Freeman (All of Us or None)
-Representative from Delancey Street Foundation (the country’s leading residential self-help organization for former substance abusers, ex-convicts and homeless)
Panel 4 [2:30pm-3:30] (advocacy)
-Russ Turner (crime prevention specialist)
-Claude Marks (Freedom Archives- a project directed towards compiling over 8000 hours of social justice movements since the 1960�s)
-Vanessa Nelson (the State Family Council)
-Paul Wright (former prisoner and Editor of Prison Legal News)
Flyer and blog:
http://behindthewallspls.blogspot.com/
For more info contact: Deborah Gettleman dgettleman@yahoo.com
Direct Action at the Chevron Refinery
Saturday, March 15, 2008
We need legal observers for the Direct Action & Rally at the Chevron Richmond Refinery on March 15. Please email contact@nlgsf.org to sign up to legal observe.
11am Rally at Judge G. Carroll Park
W. Cutting Blvd & S. Garrard Blvd, Richmond map
1pm Nonviolent Direct Action at Chevron Refinery
841 Chevron Way, Richmond map
(Free shuttle buses will leave from Richmond BART and Point Richmond - 3rd St. and Chesley Ave - at 9:30am, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.)
The purpose of this action is shut the Chevron refinery down for the day, and to support community efforts to stop Chevron from expanding its refinery, which will increase pollution and cause asthma, cancer and rising death rates in surrounding communities.
Chevron is driving the war and occupation in Iraq, refining over a million barrels of stolen Iraqi oil in Richmond a month, and actively lobbying for the privatization of Iraq’s oil fields so companies like Chevron can seize control of them. Join Direct Action to Stop the War (DASW), and help send a clear message to Chevron: Stop stealing Iraqi oil, and stop polluting our communities! See DASW’s Chevron fact sheet for more information.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Please join us for our monthly mentorship committee meeting on Wed, March 12, 2008 at 6 pm at 444 14th St, Suite 220, Oakland, CA.
For more info please contact Derek at dtmcdonald@usfca.edu
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The next Demonstrations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday March 11 at 6pm at the Guild office. We will be discussing the anti-war protests and evidence collection and storage. Please RSVP to Mel at mel@nlgsf.org.
Screening of The People’s Advocate
Monday, March 10, 2008
“The People’s Advocate: The Life & Times of Charles R. Garry” will be shown on March 10 at 4:45pm at UC Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall Room 110.
The documentary features Charles R. Garry—one of the most influential criminal defense attorneys of the 20th century who became a household name during the 1960s with his defense of revolutionary political icons like Huey Newton and Bobby Seale of the Black Panther Party.
This film seeks to fill the gap Seale wrote about nearly thirty years ago in his autobiography Seize the Time: “We don’t know every detail of Charles’ life, but we can see that he is a man who is dedicated to the survival and the existence of the right to self-determination of human beings. We need a lot more history on Charles R. Garry so we can understand what motivates a man to be such a defender of the people’s human rights.” An outspoken advocate for the underdog, Garry’s career came to an unexpected and tragic halt in 1978 when his client, the Reverend Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple, led over 900 of his followers to death at Jonestown. This documentary recounts Garry’s life through the voices of those who knew him best ― family, fellow attorneys, and former clients.
Sponsored by: Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice, Law Students of African Descent, National Lawyers Guild, Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law.
For more information: Contact Dylan Nicole de Kervor - dylan@berkeley.edu
Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Executive Board of the NLGSF generally meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, alternating between the East Bay and San Francisco. Meetings are open to all Bay Area chapter members in good standing. For details contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Student Day Against the Death Penalty
Saturday, March 1, 2008
What will you do for the abolition movement this year? On March 1, National Lawyers Guild student chapters across the country will collectively raise our voices to mark NLG Law Student Day Against the Death Penalty (SDADP). Please join us. For more information about Bay Area events, contact Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org.
Leap Year Student/Attorney Mixer
Friday, February 29, 2008
Join us for a student/attorney mixer on Friday, February 29, at 6:30 pm at Luka’s Taproom & Lounge in Oakland (2221 Broadway). Luca’s is near the 19th street BART and close to Lake Merritt. Bring your mentor or mentee and come celebrate the leap year.
Berkeley Rep Event: Wishful Drinking with Carrie Fisher
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Fundraiser for the National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
wishful drinking
written and performed by carrie fisher
directed by tony taccone
in association with jonathan reinis productions
the roda theatre of the Berkeley Rep
february 8–march 30, 2008
$125/person (Price includes dinner from Downtown restaurant in Berkeley).
Buy your ticket and reserve your spot now by clicking here!
the art
Legendary actress Carrie Fisher comes to Berkeley Rep with her hilarious new show—a sobering look at her Hollywood hangover entitled Wishful Drinking. Onstage, Fisher recounts a true and intoxicating story with the strong, wry wit that she poured into bestselling books like Postcards from the Edge. Born to celebrity parents, this Tinseltown toddler lands among the stars when she’s cast as Princess Leia in a little movie called Star Wars. But it isn’t all sweetness and light sabers. As a single mom, she also battles addiction, depression, mental institutions and that awful hyperspace hairdo. Fisher’s uproarious tale is a tabloid vivant—from enduring Elizabeth Taylor as a stepmother, to marrying (and divorcing) Paul Simon, to waking up one morning to find a dear friend dead beside her in bed. Entertainment Weekly declares Drinking “drolly hysterical,” and the Los Angeles Times dubs it a “Beverly Hills yard sale of juicy anecdotes.” Don’t miss this outrageous chance to see the galaxy get Carried away.
the artists
The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher became a cultural icon when she starred as Princess Leia in the first Star Wars trilogy. Her star-studded career includes roles in countless films such as Austin Powers, The Blues Brothers, Hannah and her Sisters, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Man with One Red Shoe, Romancing the Bride, Shampoo, When Harry Met Sally and Wonderland. Fisher’s first novel, Postcards from the Edge, leapt onto the New York Times’ bestseller list—and she turned it into a screenplay for a hit film starring Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep. Fisher followed this with three more bestsellers: The Best Awful, Delusions of Grandma and Surrender the Pink. Her television credits range all the way from Laverne and Shirley to Jack and Bobby. Fisher hosted her own show on the Oxygen network, Conversations from the Edge, and is currently a celebrity judge for Steven Spielberg’s On the Lot. Her experiences with addiction and mental illness—and her willingness to speak honestly about them—have made her a sought after speaker and respected advocate for this community.
After his Broadway success with a completely different one-woman show—Sarah Jones’ Bridge & Tunnel—Tony Taccone directs another wild ride. Last year, he took two shows from Berkeley Rep to New York City: Brundibar sold out its run and was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards while Bridge & Tunnel extended its Broadway stay for five months and won a Tony Award. Taccone’s other recent hits here at home include Continental Divide, Culture Clash’s Zorro in Hell and Honour.
the buzz
“a Hollywood survivor and, as ever, a witty chronicler of its many pitfalls”—New York Times
“hilariously ennobling…she definitely provides humorous theatrical company…and wry ambivalence to keep it getting from sappy…By now you’ve probably heard a good deal about the psychological case study known as Carrie Fisher. To review the basic facts: Hollywood icon parents torn asunder by lavender-eyed Jezebel, early movie stardom marred by laughingstock hairdo, a minor shipwreck on the shoals of Paul Simon, rehab, resurrection via Postcards From the Edge, rehab again, confession of mental illness to Diane Sawyer, bipolar acclaim, fresh scandal involving dead gay Republican operative in bed, more rehab. Prognosis: one-woman show. Wishful Drinking, the Beverly Hills yard sale of juicy anecdotes, is an L.A. story that would defy credulity were it not for the very credible presence of its narrator. You can call Fisher many things—an unflagging exhibitionist for starters—but she has a candor that makes her a most reliable witness to the far-fetched autobiography that is at once her curse and cure…the sight of the unsinkable daughter of the unsinkable Molly Brown reasserting control never grows old.”—Los Angeles Times
“a drolly hysterical collection of unrelated short-short-short stories…Fisher’s Drinking serves up funny Hollywood stories at a rapid-fire pace…Fisher is so gifted as both a standup comic and actress, and so good at segues between non sequiturs…arrive expecting to be regaled with tidbits about first husband Paul Simon (who dryly replies ‘Maybe not’ after a semi-estranged Fisher tells him he’ll feel bad if her plane crashes), George Lucas (who informs her ‘There are no bras in space’), ultimate bad dad Eddie Fisher (who ‘consoled Elizabeth Taylor with his penis,’ we learn in a finely detailed history of Hollywood affairs and divorces), and cameo players like Bob Dylan (who calls Fisher because he needs a co-writer—to help him name a fragrance he wants to develop).”—Entertainment Weekly
“Carrie Fisher. She is an actress and a writer, daughter, sister, wife, ex-wife, mother, survivor. She’s now created a funny and personal one-woman show, Wishful Drinking…Think of the real-life cast: Elizabeth Taylor as the evil stepmother, OK. And then Paul Simon as the wandering troubadour love interest—they were married for two years. Harrison Ford as the costar pal. Then the alcoholism, the drugs, the bipolar shifts that get her locked up and medicated. And finally true love, a solid romance, a baby—until her guy, Brian, says he’s fallen for someone else—named Scott.”—National Public Radio
“very funny and highly entertaining…Fisher takes us on a hopscotch journey across some of the highlights of her life, her anecdotes exhibiting her trademark wit and wry observations…Yes, the humor of hangover tales, pill-popping escapades, and off-the-chart family drama is great fun…All of it becomes fair game for pithy remarks about a life lived in outlandish excess…Fisher holds nothing safe from being poked with a sharp stick just for laughs.”—Theatermania
“hilarious…the jokes cascade…a gold mine of very funny material…Fisher spells out her life in Wishful Drinking without ascribing blame or, dare we say it, crying in her cocktail glass.”—Variety
“Carrie Fisher’s new one-woman show Wishful Drinking is an imperfect yet poignant rumination on drugs, survival, and the psychological scars left by a certain metal bikini…The way in which Fisher can spin her web of tragedy into one of ironic comedy is what makes her remarkable…her stock-in-trade biting one-liners, which border on the aphoristic, are in abundant supply.”—The Advocate
Death Penalty Discussion with Lance Lindsay and Aundre Herron
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Thursday, February 28th, at 5:30pm, the New College of California School of Law Black Law Students Association and the National Lawyers Guild Chapters are co-sponsoring a panel discussion on the death penalty with:
- Executive Director of Death Penalty Focus, Lance Lindsay, and
- California Appellate Project Staff Attorney, former ACLU Northern California Board member and stand-up comedienne Aundre Herron.
Please join us in Room 213 at New College of California School of Law, 50 Fell Street, between Van Ness and Market, from 5:30pm - 8pm.
This event is free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Refreshments will be served.
For more information about the death penalty and the organizations involved in this event, please visit:
www.capsf.org
www.nblsa.org
www.deathpenalty.org
www.nlg.org/deathpenalty
Racial & Criminal Injustice: The Case of the Jena 6 and Its Implications
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A University of San Francisco Law Justice Forum
Co-Sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild, Black Law Students Association, and the Student Bar Association
Panel discussion in Kendrick Hall Room 100 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Reception to follow in the Terrace Room from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Jena 6 are six young black men – mostly minors – from rural Jena, Louisiana, who in the winter of 2005 found themselves to be the undeserving scapegoats of a community still heavily influenced by the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow. As a result of the social and racial inequities that pervade the criminal legal system throughout the South and nationwide, these young men were effectively persecuted on trumped up battery charges, and faced with the prospect of adult criminal trials without adequate or fair representation. The charges were brought after the Jena 6 allegedly got into a fight with a white youth in the violence-filled weeks following an incident in which a noose was placed underneath a tree designated for whites only on their high school campus. The mishandling of the case by Jena D.A. Reed Walters drew nationwide criticism about the racially disproportionate severity of the charges and sentences for the Jena 6. Professors and practicing attorneys in the fields of juvenile justice, race law and policy, and American studies will discuss the legal status of the case and its social and political implications within larger struggles among black communities and other communities of color.
Panelists include: USF Law Professors Sharon A. Meadows and Rhonda Magee, USF Politics Professor James Taylor, and S.F. Assistant D.A. Eric Flemming. Dr. Joe Marshall from Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers, invited.
USF Law is located at 2130 Fulton Street at Parker Street. Accessible by the MUNI #5 and 21 lines from downtown S.F.
Contact: Aliya Karmali, University of San Francisco Law National Lawyers Guild Co-Chair at aliya.karmali@gmail.com.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The next BAMLTF meeting will be Tuesday, February 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Jane Kaplan’s office, 3050 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA. [Between Ashby and Alcatraz, Kitty corner to Starry Plough & La Pena]
The program topic will be “What a Congressmember Can (or Cannot) Do for Your Client.” We are pleased to have Elaine McKellar of Hon. Barbara Lee’s office speak on this subject and answer our questions, subject to her availability.
We will also discuss Article 138s - when to bring them, their purpose, good and bad points - and individual cases.
Sacramento Valley NLG Meeting
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mark your calendars. The next Sacramento Valley NLG meeting will be on February 20 at the Law Office of Mark Marin, 2001 P. Street, Suite 100 in Sacramento. More details to come.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The next Demo Committee meeting will be held at 6pm at the Guild office on Tuesday, February 19. We will be discussing the anniversary of the war protests, collecting legal observer evidence and ongoing cases. If you would like to rsvp to the meeting, or to sign up to legal observe on March 19, please email Mel Campagna at mel@nlgsf.org.
Soul of Justice
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey will be broadcast on KQED, Channel 9 on Sunday, Feb. 17th at 6pm.
Guild member and award-winning director Abby Ginzberg’s riveting and thought-provoking new film transports viewers through the inspiring life and work of one of the first African-American federal judges in the United States. We encourage you to tune in. To watch promo go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koT34hdKZBI
Fajitagate Appeal to the 9th Circuit
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Guild attorney Dennis Cunningham is set to argue the Fajitagate appeal before the Ninth Circuit in a special session at Boalt Hall, on Febraury 13.
The session begins at 9:30. Torture policy architect, Jay Bybee, a Ninth Circuit judge is on the panel. Dennis filed a motion to recuse him on the grounds that as a proponent of torture, he cannot sit impartially in judgment of a case about police brutality. Guild members encouraged to attend what will surely be an interesting session.
NLG Pakistan Delegation Report Back
Monday, February 11, 2008
After Benazir: Eyewitness Accounts of Lawyers on Pakistan’s Constitutional Crisis and the Implications for Global Security
A panel discussion co-sponsored by the Bay Area Association of Muslim Lawyers and the South Asian Bar Association of Northern California on Monday, February 11th at 6 pm.
Hosted by Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP, 101 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Join our distinguished panel of speakers as they examine the future of the rule of law in Pakistan and explore connections among the struggle for an independent judiciary, the pro-democracy movement, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the upcoming elections, and the “War on Terror”.
Please RSVP to Khurshid Khoja at kkhoja@thelen.com by no later than Friday, February 8th, 2008.
Our Speakers:
Ali Zahid Rahim is lawyer from Lahore, Pakistan and formerly an Associate Advocate at the law firm Minto & Mirza. Mr. Rahim is a member of the Lahore High Court Bar Association and the Punjab Bar Council, and has been an active participant in the lawyer’s movement that began in March 2007 in support of the ousted Chief Justice of Pakistan and for the independence of the judiciary. He is currently pursuing an LLM at UC Berkeley School of Law.
Radhika Sainath is currently a third year law student at UC Berkeley School of Law and a member of the South Asian Law Students Association. During her law school career, Ms.Sainath has worked at the ACLU, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Asian American Legal Defense Fund, on issues relating to national security, war crimes, free speech and immigrants’ rights. Prior to law school, Ms. Sainath has served as an organizer with UNITE and the International Solidarity Movement.
Shahid Buttar is the newest Counsel at Muslim Advocates, where his work will focus on addressing racial and religious profiling affecting Muslim-Americans. A 2003 graduate of Stanford Law School, he served as Executive Editor of the Stanford Environmental Law Review and the only Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law in 2002-03. Prior to embarking upon his legal career, Mr. Buttar was offered a position in the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service, and later served as an Associate Director of the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, where he led the organization’s national communications and outreach departments efforts from 2005 until very recently.
Ms. Sainath and Mr. Buttar recently travelled to Pakistan on a fact-finding mission as part of an 8-member delegation of the National Lawyers Guild. The delegation recently released “Defending Dictatorship” a report compiled at the invitation of the Rule of Law project at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. The report is available here.
Public Interest/Public Service Day
Saturday, February 9, 2008
PI/PS day will be held at UC Hastings on Saturday, Feburary 9. Guild students will protest military presence during lunchtime, contact Tina for more info at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The next Mentorship Committee Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 5th at 6:00 p.m. at David Weintraub’s office. This change in date was made to accommodate several people who could not make our regularly scheduled meeting on the second Wednesday of the month.
As the first meeting of the new semester, this will be an important one. We will discuss follow-up to the matches we made last semester, finalization of our policies and procedures, and we’ll choose some new folks to take over committee “roles.” And all in just one hour. Please RSVP to Derek at mcjuresa@sbcglobal.net
Lynne Stewart in San Francisco
Monday, February 4, 2008
The NLGSF will host a reception with Lynne Stewart at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street in San Francisco, on February 4 from 5-7 pm in the student lounge.
Earlier in the day the University of San Francisco NLG Chapter will also host Lynne, 12:30, Feb. 4, USF Law at 2130 Fulton St. and Parker St., Kendrick Hall Rm. 103.
Radical human rights attorney Lynne Stewart has been falsely accused of helping terrorists. Convicted in 2006, the government pushed for the full 30 years in prison. However, Lynne Stewart received a 28-month sentence in October 2006, and is free on bail pending appeal.
This is an obvious attempt by the U.S. government to silence dissent, curtail vigorous defense lawyers, and install fear in those who would fight against the U.S. government’s racism, seek to help Arabs and Muslims being prosecuted for free speech and defend the rights of all oppressed people.
Find out more about Lynne’s case by clicking here.
Citizenship Workshop (Volunteers Needed)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Help your neighbors realize their dream of citizenship!
On Saturday, February 2, 2008, please join the NLG as a cosponsor with the American Immigration Lawyers Association Northern California Chapter at a Citizenship Workshop.
The event will be held at:
Hastings College of the Law, Mayer Lounge
198 McAllister Street
San Francisco
Saturday, February 2, 2008
10:00 am – 2:00 pm (volunteers are needed from 9:00-12:00 and from 12:00-3:00)
Hastings is conveniently located near the Civic Center BART/Muni station.
Parking is available at the Civic Center garage on McAllister (between Polk and Larkin).
See training information below.
For most immigrants, becoming a United States citizen is the culmination of many years of hard work and waiting. Being a citizen offers those who have worked hard a new opportunity to have a greater say and a
stronger voice in determining our country’s future.
We will be helping legal permanent residents fill out their citizenship applications, and we will be answering
questions about the process. Many community organizations will be present to provide additional information about resources available for naturalization, immigration, and immigrants. For the event to be truly successful, we need your help in assisting community members. We particularly need volunteers with a variety of language skills, especially Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian and Vietnamese. The workshop will be open to the public 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We need volunteers 9:00-12:00 and 12:00-3:00. (You may volunteer for both.)
If you are able to volunteer on February 2, please email Christina Lee at advocacy@ailanorcal.com. We will put you on a list to receive emails containing important volunteer information for the event.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE PHOTO ID IN ORDER TO GET PAST HASTINGS SECURITY
We will also host a training for those who have not had previous experience in assisting clients with
naturalization applications. The training will be held:
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Hastings College of the Law
Room A
198 McAllister Street, San Francisco
6:10-8:00 pm
If you will attend the training, please register online by clicking here.
This training is free to community members who wish to volunteer at our event. You do not need to be an
attorney. On the online registration form, there is an option for “Citizenship Workshop Volunteer.”
We look forward to working with you!
The Changing Face of the Civil Rights Movement (UC Davis)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
January 28 through February 2
Hosted by the NLG Chapter at UC Davis, King Hall
All events open to the public. 12-1 pm in the Wilkins Moot Courtroom.
At a time when we approach the possibility of immense political and cultural growth or regression, we must educate ourselves on the issues most pressing in our community. As future attorneys, we must build coalitions in spite of our differences and regardless of our educational and career goals. The events this week address a variety of concerns, but they are interrelated. Poverty, race, citizenship, and identity (real or presumed) affect us no matter where we come from or where we are going.
Monday January 28th: Representing Civil Rights
- Patti Roberts, civil rights attorney in Oakland, CA
Patti Roberts is an attorney practicing in Oakland who has been active since law school in the areas of prisoners rights, women’s rights, labor, civil rights and LGBT rights. She has represented employees in virtually all aspects of employment law, including cases of race, sex, religion, national original, sexual orientation, age and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, breach of contract, family medical leave, as well as labor code violations and wage and hour claims. She is a member of NLG’s Tom Steel Fellowship committee and is currently an Adjunct Professor at San Francisco State’s Paralegal Certificate Program and San Francisco Community College’s Labor Studies Program, where she teaches Legal Research and Writing, as well as Employment and Labor Law.
- Pamela Price, civil rights attorney in Oakland, CA
Ms. Price is respected nationally as a tenacious and principled advocate. In 1993, and again in 2001, she received the Charles Houston Bar Association’s Clinton W. White Advocacy Award. She is one of the youngest recipients of that distinguished honor and one of only three people ever to receive it twice. She received the 2002 CLAY Award for Employment Law from California Lawyer Magazine, March 2003. She was also honored in October 2003 by U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her outstanding and invaluable service to the community. In 2004 and again in 2005, she was recognized as one of the top 50 women lawyers in Northern California. In 2006 and 2007, she was recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers in Northern California. In 2002, she successfully argued Morgan v. Nat’l Passenger Railroad Corp., 536 U.S.101 in the U.S. Supreme Court. Ms. Price is a member of the Charles Houston Bar Association and the California Association of Black Lawyers. She serves on the Executive Boards of the San Francisco Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights and the Friends Foundation
- Erica Tomlinson, immigration attorney in Sacramento, CA
Erica Tomlinson practices immigration law at her two-attorney firm in Sacramento , Mahoney & Tomlinson. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of California , Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco (1999). Since becoming an attorney, she has practiced exclusively in the area of immigration law, representing individuals, families and employers in a wide range of immigration matters. She has represented clients in removal proceedings based on criminal convictions, as well as applicants for asylum, adjustment of status, and cancellation of removal. Many of her clients are undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America . Ms. Tomlinson volunteers for community workshops and clinics sponsored by the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center .
- Scott Williams, partner at Alexander, Berkey, Williams & Weathers, a firm committed to serving Native American tribes and tribal organizations throughout the United States and Canada. [confirmation determinate on court schedule]
In addition to representing Indian tribes and tribal organizations in litigation, Mr. Williams also provides ongoing advice and consultation on employment and personnel issues, on natural resources, and on governmental and corporate affairs. Illustrative cases include representation of healthier tribal interests in employment disputes throughout the country, health clinics in personnel and organizational matters, water rights disputes, protection of tribal land and cultural sites from environmental degradation, and defense of tribal sovereign immunity in tribal, state and federal courts.
Tuesday January 29th: The Queer Rights Movement
- Alex Lee, of the TGI Justice Project
Alexander Lee is a community organizer and activist. In 2004, Alex launched the TGI Justice Project, a nonprofit that seeks to reduce incarceration rates of transgender, gender variant, and intersex people, and bring attention to the abuse TGI people frequently experience while imprisoned. He received his J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall in 2004. Before law school, Alex worked as a community organizer for TransAction – a joint project of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Community United Against Violence to organize the transgender and transsexual communities of San Francisco to end abuse from local law enforcement. Alex has also worked at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children as co-coordinator of the California Habeas Project, a statewide effort to assist imprisoned survivors of domestic violence challenge their imprisonment. And as a legal advocate with Justice Now, a teaching law clinic that works with women prisoners and local communities to build a safe, compassionate world without prisons.
- Professor Courtney Joslin
Prior to joining the King Hall faculty, Professor Joslin was a Staff Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the only national legal organization with a primary commitment to issues affecting lesbians and their families. Professor Joslin litigated family law and relationship recognition cases on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families, as well as cases involving LGBT young people. She also was co-counsel in multiple lawsuits pending in California regarding the right of same-sex couples to marry. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and received her undergraduate degree at Brown University.
Wednesday January 30th: The Effect of Poverty on Civil Rights
- Professor Lisa Ikemoto, discussing health care in poor communities
Professor Ikemoto’s scholarship and community work focuses on race and gender issues in bioethics and health care. She has written extensively on genetic and assisted reproductive technology use, reproductive justice, and health care disparities issues.
- Nwamaka Agbo, of the Ella Baker Center discussing environmental racism
Nwamaka Agbo was a double major in Sociology and African American Studies at UC Davis, she realized her passion is working to solve social justice issues and her future career would be a civil rights lawyer. After, moving to the Bay Area, Nwamaka began volunteering at the Ella Baker Center because she believed in the mission of the organization and its commitment to peace, justice and opportunity. Nwamaka is passionately committed to the work of the Green Collar Jobs Campaign because she believes that the pressing environmental justice concerns are the civil rights movement of her generation.
- Mark Merin, a Sacramento Civil Rights Attorney discussing his work with the displacement of the Sacramento homeless
Mark Merin was named one of the two best attorneys in Sacramento by a “readers choice” poll conducted by the Sacramento News & Review in September of 2006. He is currently working in opposition to the infamous “Gang Injunction” of West Sacramento and has recently filed a lawsuit against the city of Sacramento for their abhorrent treatment of the homeless. In 2004 he won the largest settlement in the history of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department over strip-search violations at the county jail. Mr. Merin’s work focuses largely on issues surrounding the 4th amendment, police misconduct, jail conditions and illegal searches.
Thursday January 31st: The Immigrant Rights Movement
- Julia Mass from ACLU
Julia Harumi Mass is a staff attorney at the ACLU of Northern California. Since joining the ACLU in 2003, Julia has worked on a variety of civil rights and civil liberties issues involving students’ rights, immigrants’ rights, public employees’ rights, and criminal justice. In 2005, she worked to secure the return of two U.S. citizens in Pakistan whom the U.S. government refused to allow them to return home without their submitting to interrogation and a lie detector test. In the last year, Julia has been involved in monitoring immigration enforcement practices, including a lawsuit on behalf of a young U.S. citizen boy who was held in detention with his father. Prior to 2003, Julia worked as a union lawyer in Pasadena, California and clerked for the Honorable Warren J. Ferguson on the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
- Professor Jennifer Chacon
Jennifer Chacon is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of California, Davis. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School. After graduating from Yale, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sidney R. Thomas, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, she worked as an attorney with Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City. She teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Immigration Law. Her research interests center upon the nexus of criminal law and procedure and more general issues of citizenship. Her publications are forthcoming in the Fordham Law Review and Connecticut Law Review. She is currently in the midst of finalizing an essay that deals with the meaning of the legacy of MLK and the Civil Rights Movement for the immigrants’ rights movement.
- Kim Seelinger from the UC Hastings Refugee and Human Rights Clinic
Prior to joining CGRS, Kim helped to develop a clinical law project at Yunnan University in the People’s Republic of China, as the 2005-2006 Yale-China Association Clinical Legal Education Fellow. Before that, Kim was a staff attorney at the Lutheran Family & Community Services Immigration Unit in New York City, where she worked primarily in the areas of asylum and post-9/11 deportation defense. She graduated from New York University School of Law, where was a student in the Immigrant Rights Clinic. Kim has worked with the Hague Conference on Private International Law, as well as with the International Labour Organisation’s Trafficking in Children and Women project in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Committee Against Torture Meeting
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Our Committee Against Torture will meet on January 26 at 6 pm to discuss our ongoing work against torture as an acceptable interrogation technique. We will meet at 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 601 in Berkeley.
Berkeley Rep Event: Taking Over by Danny Hoch
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Fundraiser for the National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
taking over
written and performed by danny hoch
directed by tony taccone
thrust stage of the Berkeley Rep
world premiere
$125/person (Price includes dinner from Downtown restaurant in Berkeley).
Buy your ticket and reserve your spot now by clicking here!
the art
Like Sarah Jones, Anna Deavere Smith and other solo performers who brought stunning shows to our stage, Danny Hoch took Berkeley Rep by storm with Jails, Hospitals & Hip Hop. Now Danny returns to unveil his latest work—a one-man tour de force that captures the indelible characters of his neighborhood, where the melting pot is boiling over with ethnic and economic tensions. Danny effortlessly transforms across the boundaries of race, age and gender, masterfully depicting a city in transition with compassionate and hilarious results. This highly anticipated world premiere, commissioned by Berkeley Rep, is expertly staged by Artistic Director Tony Taccone.
the artists
Danny Hoch is the founder of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival and the Obie Award-winning artist who created Whiteboyz; Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop; and the HBO special Some People. His work has been seen in 50 U.S. cities and 15 countries.
Tony Taccone took two shows from Berkeley Rep to New York City last year: he made his Broadway debut with Sarah Jones’ Bridge & Tunnel, which won a Tony Award for its star, and also directed a sold-out run of Tony Kushner and Maurice Sendak’s Brundibar in Times Square. His other recent hits here at home include Continental Divide, Culture Clash’s Zorro in Hell and Honour.
the buzz
“[Hoch is] a gifted performer who uses his mastery of rap rhythms to invest his characters with remarkable energy and definition…portrayals as harsh and authentic as a police photograph, [with] an occasional touch of sentimentality.”—New York Times
“This is not stand-up but it is very funny—sometimes. And at other times you get so close to these people, in a few minutes, that they make you weep.”—Revolutionary Worker
“I think [Danny Hoch] is one of the best people I’ve ever seen do this kind of work. Ever.”—Sarah Jones, Tony Award-winning writer and actress
“There is nobody on earth you want to develop a new work with other than [Tony Taccone]. He’s Tony Soprano mixed with Samuel Beckett and the brains of a rocket scientist.”—Culture Clash’s Richard Montoya
“Taccone’s skill as a theatrical midwife is legendary…His unusual ability to develop new work is particularly strong with artists who aren’t conventional playwrights.”—American Theatre
Sacramento Valley NLG Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
At the Law Office of Mark Merin, 2001 P Street, Suite 100, Sacramento at 6 p.m.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Demonstrations Committee will be meeting at 6 pm at 558 Capp Street, 2nd Floor, to discuss legal support for past and upcoming demonstrations. Please contact Mel at mel@nlgsf.org for more information.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The next BAMLP meeting will be Tuesday, January 15th, 2008. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Jane Kaplan’s office, 3050 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA. [Between Ashby and Alcatraz. (Kitty corner to Starry Plough & La Pena)]
We will be discussing the Jose Padilla case against John Yoo recently filed in San Francisco, and individual cases.
Imagine Peace 2008, a progressive peace party
Monday, December 31, 2007
Join CODEPINK and Global Exchange for an inspiring & unforgettable night of dancing, music, merrymaking & performance with your favorite Bay Area progressives. Enjoy a magnificent view of the fireworks by the Bay, rub elbows with the most famous and infamous att San Francisco’s imaginary and unique Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, 145 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
9:00pm-1:00am
In person guests include San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano, State Assemblyperson Mark Leno, San Francisco School Board President Mark Sanchez, Medea Benjamin cofounder of Global Exchange and CODEPINK and Kevin Danaher cofounder of Global Exchange and co-author of the new book, “Building the Green Economy, Success from the Grassroots”
Musical performances:
HYIM and the Fat Foakland Orchestra
The AVERAGE DYKE BAND, the Bay Area’s hottest new all-Lesbian dance band
Tony Mayfield, solo and acoustic performance
Tickets:
$50.00 regular
$25.00 student/youth
Or pick up tickets at Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores
* San Francisco, CA 4018 24th Street (415) 648-8068
* Berkeley, CA 2840 College Avenue (510) 548-0370
Transit to Wax Museum
BART: Disembark at Embarcadero and take the antique “F” Line streetcars
MUNI: Board #15, #19, #30, #32 or #42
CABLE CARS: Board at Powell and Market Streets, or at any stop along way. Disembark two blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf
To volunteer at this event fill out the on-line form.
Cosponsors of Imagine Peace 2008: Amazon Watch, American Muslim Voice, Credo Mobile, Department of the Environment, Global Peace Partners, La Mediterranee, Media Alliance, Mother Jones Magazine, National Lawyer’s Guild SF-Bay Area, Network of Spiritual Progressives, Rainforest Action Network, Redefining Progress, SF Bay Guardian, SF Bay View Newspaper, Solo Rosa Wines & more!
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, December 14, 2007
The next Immigration Committee Meeting will be Friday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m. at the ACLU Offices, 39 Drumm Street, in San Francisco. Contact Heather Robert Coffman at hcof@vblaw.com for more information.
Holiday Party
Friday, December 7, 2007
The annual Holiday Party will be at the office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian - 300 Lakeside Drive - Suite 1000 from 6-9 p.m.
Meditation for Lawyers CLE
Monday, December 3, 2007
Please join us for an Evening of Meditation and Instruction for Lawyers CLE. Meditation has proved itself a great tool for lawyers. It brings focus, intentionality, and balance to our work life whether in the courtroom, in the office, at meetings or at home.
Please join Susan B. Jordan, David Borgen and Doug Chermak on Dec. 3, 2007 for an evening of meditation instruction and practice worth 2 hours of ethics CLE credit at the offices of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian, 300 Lakeside Drive Suite 1000 in Oakland.
Registration and light refreshments will be held from 5:30-6pm and the program is from 6-8:30pm. You may bring cushions but chairs are provided. Cost is $35 for lawyers who have been practicing for less than 10 years and $50 for all others. To RSVP please email mel@nlgsf.org
From the LA 8 to Guantanamo with Jules Lobel, Marc Van Der Hout and Michel Shehadeh
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
How the “war on terror” has diminished human rights and actually made us more susceptible to future terrorist attacks.
Wednesday, November 28
Women’s Building, 3543 18th Street, San Francisco
Audre Lorde Room
6:30 p.m. Reception
7 p.m. Presentation
co-sponsored by the Center for Constitutional Rights
Featuring
Jules Lobel: professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Vice President of the Center for Constitutional Rights, and author of Less Safe, Less Free: Why America is losing the War on Terrorism.
Marc Van Der Hout: former national president of the National Lawyers Guild and attorney for the LA8.
Michel Shehadeh: Palestinian activist and one of the LA8
Michel Shehadeh was a member of a group of Palestinian student activists arrested in 1987 in Los Angeles. A 20-year effort to deport him and another man, Khader Hamide, ended last month when the nation’s highest administrative body overseeing immigration cases dismissed all charges against them.
The case against the pair began in January 1987, when the government arrested them and six others who became known as the LA 8, placed them in maximum security prison, and accused them of having ties to a faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The government alleged that Hamide and Shehadeh distributed newspapers, held demonstrations and organized humanitarian aid fundraisers for Palestinians, and that because these actions supported the PLO faction, they should be deported for providing material support to a terrorist organization. The case went before the US Court of Appeals four times, the Supreme Court once, and the Board of Immigration Appeals multiple times. The BIA dismissed the case at the request of the government, which agreed in a settlement to drop all charges and not to seek removal of either of the men in the future based on any of the political activities or associations at issue in the case.
Marc Van Der Hout is the founding partner of the San Francisco immigration law firm of Van Der Hout, Brigagliano and Nightingale and has been representing the LA 8 since the case began. When the charges were finally dismissed Van Der Hout commented “This is a monumental victory for all immigrants who want to be able to express their political views and support the lawful activities of organizations in their home countries fighting for social or political change … The government’s attempt to deport them all these years marks another shameful period in our government’s history of targeting certain groups of immigrants for their political beliefs and activities.”
The 20-year time period that the federal government has gone after the LA8 connects the Cold War with the “War on Terror.” The Communist label has now been replaced with the terrorist one. The end of the LA8 case is a great victory but a rare one in a time of dwindling civil liberties for Americans and far worse for non-citizens around the world who find themselves a target of American anti-terror policies. In his new book, co-authored with David Cole, Less Safe, Less Free: Why America is Losing the War on Terror, Jules Lobel argues that the U.S. government has cast far too broad a net and that the government’s policies are making us less, not more, safe.
In this brilliantly conceived critique, two of the country’s preeminent constitutional scholars argue that the great irony is that these sacrifices in the rule of law, adopted in the name of prevention, have in fact made us more susceptible to future terrorist attacks. They conclusively debunk the administration’s claim that it is winning the war on terror and offer an alternative strategy in which the rule of law is an asset, not an obstacle, in the struggle to keep us both safe and free.
Join the National Lawyers Guild and the Center for Constitutional Rights for this event with Jules, Marc and Michel and discover more about why and how our human rights and our safety are both dwindling.
Legal Observer Training
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The next legal observer training will be held on Wednesday, November 14 at 6:30pm at the Guild office. To attend please RSVP to Mel at 415-285-5067 x11 or mel@nlgsf.org.
Protest in Solidarity with Pakistani Attorneys
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The National Lawyers Guild is helping to coordinate demonstrations in Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles in solidarity with the lawyers in Pakistan. See our press release on the situation here.
In San Francisco, we will demonstrate at the Federal Building (450 Golden Gate Ave) on Tuesday, November 13, at 1:00 p.m. Please come out to show your support and contact mel@nlgsf.org if you have any questions.
Sacramento Valley NLG Meeting
Monday, November 12, 2007
There will be a meeting of the Sacramento Valley NLG on November 12 at 6 pm at the law office of Mark E. Merin, 2001 P Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814. RSVP to Jose Luis Fuentes at jlf499@sbcglobal.net.
Mentorship Party
Friday, November 9, 2007
Calling all mentors and mentees: come meet, greet, eat and drink on Friday November 9th, at the 3rd annual Mentorship Party! Held at the lovely home of David Weintraub at 5582 Lawton Ave in Rockridge Oakland starting at 6 p.m.
Directions
By BART: Get off at Rockridge. Go south on College two blocks to Lawton. Go left (always) on Lawton up the little hill to 5582 on your left.
By Car: Take Highway 24 toward the Caldecott Tunnel , take the Broadway exit , turn right on Broadway, go down two blocks, turn right on Lawton and go past the stop sign on McMillan and it’s about 10 houses down on your right.
2007 National Convention
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Seventy years of law for the people. The 2007 NLG Convention will be in Washington, DC from October 31 through November 4. Check the national website at nlg.org for the latest information.
South Bay Student-Attorney Mixer
Friday, October 12, 2007
For our members in Redwood City, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, San Jose and other South Bay locations. Meet national President Marjorie Cohn, author of Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law.
Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. at Nolan, Armstrong, & Barton, 600 University Ave, Palo Alto (near the Stanford campus).
Gang Injunction Working Group Meeting
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The first meeting of the Gang Injunction Working Group will be held on October 11 from 5:30-7 pm at the NLG Office. Food will be provided - please RSVP to Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
We are convening this meeting as a response to the action of the San Francisco city attorney who is asking for two new gang injunctions, one in the Mission and the other in the Western Addition, to add to an already existing injunction in Bayview Hunters-Point. All of these injunctions impose heavy restrictions on the civil rights of people of color - including limiting the color of clothes people can wear, where people can congregate, with whom, and even prohibiting hand signals. Because the city attorney has filed in civil court, the individuals named are not entitled to free representation. However, if any of them violate the injunction, once in place, they can be subject to criminal penalties.
Although sold as a tool to keep communities safe, studies show they don’t result in a decrease in violence over the long term, and may result in an increase in violence against community-members by law enforcement. They also tend to be used in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.
A number of community organizations have been opposing these injunctions and a handful of attorneys have been working to fight them in the courts, including NLG attorneys. NLG lawyers, law students and legal workers are invited to discuss how we can help oppose the injunctions as individuals and as an organization.
Charles Garry Film at Mill Valley Film Festival
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Guild is a proud copresenter of The People’s Advocate: The Life and Times of Charles Garry - World Premiere at this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival.
Charles R. Garry was one of the great badass radicals of the ’60s. The San Francisco criminal defense attorney changed the way American law was practiced when he won freedom for clients like Black Panther Party founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, and the antiwar activists dubbed the Oakland Seven, in the nation’s most important and highly charged political trials of the day. Archival footage, historical background and interviews with those who witnessed Garry working his impassioned legal magic create a superb portrait of “the defender of the despised,” whose illustrious career came to a shattering end when his client, Reverend Jim Jones, enacted a mass suicide at Jonestown. For any student of the sixties, this is a must-see.
World Premiere
October 6, 4:45PM
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael
October 8, 9:30PM
CinéArts @ Sequoia, Mill Valley
FESTIVAL VENUES
CinéArts@Sequoia, 25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael
BUYING TICKETS
THE FASTEST WAY TO BUY TICKETS IS ONLINE
ORDER ONLINE: mvff.com
24 hours daily beginning:
September 12 at 5:00 pm for Members
September 16 at 9:00 am for the General Public
ORDER BY PHONE: Toll-Free 1.877.874.MVFF (6833)
Opening Members Day: September 12, 5:00–8:00 pm
Members Only: September 13–15, 9:00 am–5:00 pm daily
General Public: September 16–October 14, 9:00 am–5:00 pm daily
TICKET PRICES (unless otherwise indicated)
$12 General Admission
$10 Members
$10 Seniors (65+)
$10 Children (12 and under) available for Children’s FilmFest only
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, October 5, 2007
The next Immigration Committee Meeting will be October 5 from 12:30-1:30 in room 3320 at Golden Gate University School of Law, 536 Mission Street in San Francisco. Contact co-chairs Heather Coffman hcof@vblaw.com or Carrie Rosenbaum crosenbaumimmigrationlaw@gmail.com for more information.
Immigration Court Observation Project Training
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Golden Gate University School of Law
536 Mission Street in San Francisco
Room 5215 at 5:30 pm
Last year, the NLG Immigration Committee kicked off a pilot program, based in part on other NLG chapters’ work, to conduct observations of the Master Calendar hearings for detained clients in San Francisco’s Immigration Court.
Law students go to Master Calendar proceedings in immigration court about once a month and fill out NLG-prepared forms to document the immigration court process. Other NLG groups have done similar projects and written publications that expose the systematic lack of due process available to deportation defendants under the current immigration law framework.
The training will be led by immigration attorney Ilyce Shugall to get familiar with the way the court works, and to hear from past student observers about their experiences with the pilot program.
Join us on Wednesday, October 3rd at 5:30 pm at GGU for a training led by Ilyce Shugall to get familiar with the way the court works, and to hear from past student observers about their experiences with the pilot program.
Please email Heather at hcof@vblaw.com with questions.
Defending the SF8: Torture, Racism & Political Prosecutions
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Eight former Black Panthers were arrested in January and charged with the murder of San Francisco Sgt. John Young in 1971 as well as conspiracy that encompasses numerous acts between 1968 and 1973.
Harold Taylor and John Bowman (recently deceased) as well as Ruben Scott (thought to be a government witness) were first charged in 1975. But a judge tossed out the charges, finding that Taylor and his two co-defendants made statements after police in New Orleans tortured them for several days employing electric shock, cattle prods, beatings, sensory deprivation, plastic bags and hot, wet blankets for asphyxiation.
All the men were victims at the time of the FBI Cointelpro program, and the governmental attack on the Black Panther Party and black leaders continues today.
Come out to hear revolutionary journalist and reporter for the San Francisco Bay View, Kiilu Nyahsa, as well as NLG Member, and attorney for Herman Bell, Stuart Hanlon, discuss the case.
Defending the SF8:
Torture, Racism & Political Prosecutions
Tuesday, October 2, 6 pm
Oakland Library - Rockridge Branch
Guild members will also be able to cast ballots for the Bay Area Chapter’s Executive Board at this location from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. For more information on the election click here.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The next BALMP Meeting will be September 25 from 7-9 pm at 3050 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley (between Ashby and Alcatraz). Contact Marti Hiken if you have any questions by emailing mlhiken@mltf.org.
Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, September 15, 2007
This year’s PLD will be at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. Attorney and advocate, Banafsheh Akhlaghi, founder and president of the National Legal Sanctuary for Community Advancement will give the keynote address.
Registration begins at 8:30 am. Panels and workshops include Police Accountability, Immigrant Rights, Transgender 101, Environmental Justice and more. A reception with DJ Chris Hernandez begins at 4 pm.
Contact law student organizer Tina Valkanoff for more information at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org.
Annual Fall Auction and Cocktail Party
Friday, September 14, 2007
Our annual fall auction and cocktail party will be the evening of September 14, from 6-9 pm at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. If you’d like to donate an item for the auction please contact Carlos at 415.285.5067 x 10 or carlos@nlgsf.org. Download the invite here
Testimonial Dinner Committee
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Our next dinner committee meeting will be on August 29 at 6:30 pm. Note the location is different than usual for this first meeting - we will be at David Borgen’s office in Oakland find directions here.
Next year we are honoring David Borgen! This is our initial meeting to begin planning. The ad solicitation letter goes out in about 5 months, so it’s not too early to get started. Please RSVP to Marilyn at marilynawaller@yahoo.com.
Immigration Committee Meeting (NEW TIME)
Friday, August 24, 2007
Please save the date for the next Immigration Committee meeting of the NLG Bay Area chapter! We’ll be meeting on Friday, August 24th, at 1:00 pm, at a NEW LOCATION – Golden Gate University’s law school, Room 3320, conveniently located near BART/Muni on Mission street.
(Note: The start time was previously advertised as 12:30)
PLD Planning Meeting
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The next Progressive Lawyering Day meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug 16 at 6:30 pm in Berkeley. For more details/exact location email law student organizer, Tina Valkanoff, at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org.
Warrantless Surveillance Case in San Francisco: Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation v. Bush
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Wednesday, August 15 at 2 p.m.
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Courthouse
95 Seventh Street in San Francisco
NLG Attorney Steve Goldberg and others will argue their case challenging the constitutionality of the federal government’s warrantless domestic electronic surveillance program. Goldberg represents plaintiffs in Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation v. George W. Bush. The plaintiffs allege that their domestic communications were intercepted by the National Security Agency without a warrant, and that this violated their constitutional rights. The case is widely regarded as the most important legal challenge to the NSA program in the nation because, unlike most similar cases, the plaintiffs here appear to be able to establish standing.
The Oregon case, and challenges by the Electronic Freedom Foundation (EFF) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (see August 9 hearing details), have been consolidated before Judge Vaughn Walker in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. At earlier stages, the government filed motions to dismiss this case and the EFF case based on the “state secrets doctrine.” Both motions were denied. The government filed an interlocutory appeal, and that appeal will be heard on August 15.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The next Mentorship Committee meeting will be on Wednesday, August 15th at 6:00 p.m. at David Weintraub’s office, 1404 Franklin Street, 5th Floor, Oakland. We’ll be discussing our fall Mentorship Program Cocktail Party, our fall recruitment efforts, and the organization of the committee for the remainder of the year. We’d like to see a good mix of students, attorneys, legal workers and recent grads. Please RSVP to mcjuresa@sbcglobal.net if you plan to attend.
Warrantless Surveillance Case in San Francisco: CCR v. Bush
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Before District Judge Vaughn Walker
450 Golden Gate Ave., Courtroom 6, 17th Floor
Thursday, August 9 at 2 p.m.
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and several of its attorneys filed suit against President Bush and the National Security Agency (NSA) seeking an injunction against the warrantless electronic surveillance the government has admitted conducting. The plaintiffs are represented by Michael Avery and
Ashlee Albies on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG), Shane Kadidal from CCR and Prof. David Cole. Plaintiffs allege that the surveillance program violates the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the Constitution.
Last weekend Congress passed an amendment to FISA purporting to make warrantless electronic surveillance legal where at least one party is reasonably believed to be outside the country. Attorneys will challenge the constitutionality of this new statute on Thursday, arguing that it violates the Fourth Amendment. It will be the first challenge to the new statute, coming only four days after Bush signed the law.
Plaintiffs claim that the government’s public admissions constitute a sufficient factual basis for a declaratory judgment that the surveillance is illegal and an injunction against further surveillance. The government filed a motion to dismiss, claiming that facts surrounding the program constitute state secrets that cannot be revealed, that the case cannot be fairly litigated without exposing state secrets and hence the case must be dismissed. Both motions were fully briefed and argued in September, 2006 in federal court in N.Y., but the case was subsequently transferred to the multidistrict litigation panel on the motion of the government and now will be reargued (see also the August 15 hearing information here).
The case raises the most fundamental constitutional questions regarding the powers of the president, separation of powers, the availability and scope of
judicial review, and the nature of privacy protections afforded by the Fourth Amendment. The CCR case will be argued on the 9th of August by Michael Avery and Shane Kadidal.
Student/Attorney Mixer at El Rio
Friday, August 3, 2007
We are having a student/attorney mixer at 6:30 at El Rio bar on 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez) in San Francisco. Contact law student organizer Tina Valkanoff studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for more information.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting with Mike Sorgen
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting is 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 25th, Jane Kaplan’s office (510-848-4752 x 4, jKaplan@att.net), 3050 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA, across from the Starry Plough and La Pena.
We are pleased that Bay Area MLTF and NLG member, Mike Sorgen, will be speaking on his and Barry Vogel’s recent victory against recruiters’ abuse of women.
Marine Corps to pay $200,000 to 2 young women who say recruiters sexually assaulted them
By Associated Press
Friday, June 8, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO - The Marine Corps agreed Thursday to revamp its recruiting practices in Northern California and pay $200,000 to two young women who claimed they were raped during a slumber party at a Ukiah recruiting office.
The women were in high school, 17 years old, and interested in joining the military in late 2004 when they claimed the two recruiters, Sgts. Joseph Dunzweiler and Brian Fukushima, raped them. Both recruiters were demoted after court-martial proceedings but were acquitted of the most serious charges.
The unusual settlement, signed Thursday by a federal judge in San Francisco, requires notices to be posted at recruiting stations throughout the region advising potential recruits how to reach a confidential advocate if they feel a recruiter has behaved inappropriately, and explaining that young women have the right to work with a female recruiter. The settlement also requires female supervision at slumber parties with female recruits.
An Associated Press investigation published last year found that across all military services, one out of 200 frontline recruiters - the ones who deal directly with young people - was disciplined for sexual misconduct in 2005. In response, the Defense Department announced last summer it would closely monitor military recruiters and their commanders and consider a policy change.
Ukiah attorney Barry Vogel, who represented the plaintiffs, said Thursday that although the court settlement applies to Northern California, “it sets a precedent nationwide.”
“The Marine Corps will have the opportunity now to show their good faith behind this settlement and make this a nationwide practice. That will test their mettle,” he said.
Marine Corps officials declined to comment.
One of the young women told the AP last year that they were drinking and playing cards at a recruiting station slumber party when Fukushima climbed into her sleeping bag on the floor of the station and took off her pants. Two other recruiters were having sex with two of her friends in the same room, she said. The Associated Press generally does not name victims in sexual assault cases.
“Even though I think this is a bunch of hush money and the Marines failed to acknowledge their involvement, we encourage all other women to join us and stand up and fight against this kind of behavior in the military or anywhere else,” the woman, now a college student, told the AP in an interview Thursday.
She said that she met Dunzweiler in late 2004, and that he immediately began flirting with her, asking her out and sending her e-mails about how he wanted to “get her alone.”
She said she believed Dunzweiler would prevent her from joining the Marines if she didn’t have sex with him. The other plaintiff said in court documents that she was very drunk, had vomited and could not
resist Fukushima’s advances.
Dunzweiler, reached Thursday at a hotel where he works, was surprised to hear of the settlement and said he never agreed with the plaintiff’s version of events.
“No, no, not at all,” he said.
Vogel, and his co-counsel Michael Sorgen of San Francisco, said their clients were adamant that policy changes accompany the settlement. “We’re very proud of our clients for the change they made,” Vogel said. “They are the forerunners of this kind of change so that hopefully other women will stand up and speak up.”
Happy Hour with Marjorie Cohn
Friday, July 20, 2007
At Caffe Verbena, 1111 Broadway, Lobby Level, in Oakland (Right above 12th Street BART Station). From 5 pm until 7 pm.
We will meet and greet, discuss the upcoming 70th Anniversary convention in Washington D.C., and welcome special guest, National President Marjorie Cohn, author of the new book Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law.
Please join us.
Sacramento Valley National Lawyers Guild Meeting
Monday, July 16, 2007
The next meeting of the NLG Sacramento Valley Chapter will be at 2001 P. Street, Suite 100 in Sacramento beginning at 6 p.m. Please call 916-443-6911 for more information.
Legal Observer Training
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A legal observer training will be held at 6:30pm at the Guild office, 558 Capp St (between 20 & 21) on Wednesday June 27. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org
Queer Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Queer Committee is having a meet up on Wednesday, June 27 at 8pm on the rooftop bar at Medjool (Mission between 20 & 21) for a meet and greet with the Thomas Steel intern, Becky Straus, and updates about the Transgender Know Your Rights project and the Newark 7 case. Please RSVP to Mel if you would like to attend at mel@nlgsf.org.
Vietnam’s Agent Orange Survivors Speak
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
These men and women have lived through and with Agent Orange poisoning, and have very important stories to tell. Come share their experiences, and support them in their effort to secure a measure of relief for their country from this blight of war, Agent Orange.
Veteran’s Building Room 223, 401 Van Ness (at McAllister) in San Francisco
7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign.
Military Law Panel Meeting
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Norton Tooby will be speaking on the Intersection of Military and Immigration Law at the next Bay Area Military Law Panel meeting. Norton is an expert on this subject and practices criminal defense law in Oakland, CA. He specializes in:
- Immigration consequences of criminal convictions,
- Post-conviction relief, and
- Criminal defense of noncitizens
The meetings are the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., CAP office, 101 2nd Street, SF, CA, corner of Mission and 2nd Street downtown. Take the BART exit at Montgomery Street. Contact Marti at mlhiken@mltf.info for more information.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, June 22, 2007
Note the change in location—same building, different room.
The immigration committee will be meeting June 22 at 12:30 pm, 550 Montgomery Street, Suite 550. Please email Heather at hcof@vblaw.com to RSVP or for more information.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Demonstrations Committee will meet on June 19 at 6:00pm at the Guild office 558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21) in the Mission. We will be discussing legal support for past and future demonstrations. If you are interested in attending please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org.
Rally & Court Hearing for the SF8
Monday, June 18, 2007
The next hearing for the SF 8 will now be on MONDAY, JUNE 18, Department 21 - 850 Bryant Street in San Francisco. The court session will be at 9 a.m. with a rally in front of 850 Bryant Street at 8 a.m.
Who are the SF8?
Eight former Black Panthers were arrested January 23rd in California, New York and Florida on charges related to the 1971 killing of a San Francisco police officer. Similar charges were thrown out after it was revealed that police used torture to extract confessions when some of these same men were arrested in New Orleans in 1973. Richard Brown, Richard O’Neal, Ray Boudreaux, and Hank Jones were arrested in California. Francisco Torres was arrested in Queens, New York. Harold Taylor was arrested in Florida. Two men charged have been held as political prisoners for over 30 years – Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim are both in New York State prisons. A ninth man — Ronald Stanley Bridgeforth – is still being sought. The men were charged with the murder of Sgt. John Young and conspiracy that encompasses numerous acts between 1968 and 1973.
Harold Taylor and John Bowman (recently deceased) as well as Ruben Scott (thought to be a government witness) were first charged in 1975. But a judge tossed out the charges, finding that Taylor and his two co-defendants made statements after police in New Orleans tortured them for several days employing electric shock, cattle prods, beatings, sensory deprivation, plastic bags and hot, wet blankets for asphyxiation. Such “evidence” is neither credible nor legal.
Learn more at www.freethesf8.org.
PLD Planning Meeting (DATE CHANGE)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Due to a scheduling glitch we’ve pushed back the meeting by a day to the 14th:
Progressive Lawyering Day Planning Meeting
Thurs, June 14, 6:30 pm
Oakland (near MacArthur BART)
email studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for the address
Please join us to help plan this year’s PLD at Golden Gate in September. We will discuss choosing a keynote speaker, panel/workshop ideas and participants, entertainment, fundraising, and other plans.
Protest Immigration Proposal
Friday, June 1, 2007
As you’ve probably heard, the US Senate is currently debating an immigration proposal that would be devastating to immigrant communities. Among other things, it would require families to separate in order to apply for residency, it would fail to provide legalization to the vast majority of undocumented folks, it further criminalizes immigrants, creates a new Bracero Program, and would further militarize the US/Mexico border. No bill is better than this bill!
Friday, June 1, 11-1, Press Conference and Direct Action at Sen. Feinstein’s Office, 1 Post St. (At Montgomery BART)
Saturday, June 2, 7-10 am, Rally and vigil at Sen. Feinstein’s house, 30 Presidio Terrace (@ Lyon and Washington)
We particularly need legal observers for both of these events. If you can help, please contact Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org.
Bay Area Military Law Panel
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The next BAMLP meeting will be Tuesday, May 29, 2007, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, at Jane Kaplan’s office, 3050 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA [Between Ashby and Alcatraz. (Kitty corner to Starry Plough & La Pena)].
We will have a guest presentation from Elinor Roberts of Swords to Plowshares who will discuss: Consequences of Discharges on VA Benefits and Discharge Upgrade Issues. Other agenda items will include a report on MLTF business and case discussion.
All are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Marti Hiken at mlhiken@mltf.info.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The next Mentorship Committee meeting will be at 6pm on May 22 in Oakland. Contact Derek McDonald for more details and to RSVP by emailing dtmcdonald@usfca.edu.
The Impact Fund’s Fourteenth Anniversary Reception
Thursday, May 17, 2007
From 5:30pm-7:30pm at The Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.
Honorees will include:
Anna Deavere Smith, the renowned actress, playwright, teacher and author for her portrayal of racial tension and its effect on society. Her one woman show “Twilight: Los Angeles,” about the 1992 Los Angeles riots, received two Tony nominations. She is also well known for her continuing role on The West Wing as the Secretary of State.
The Fox and Robertson Law Firm of Denver, Colorado, for their passion and dedication for disability civil rights. Their ground-breaking work is most recently reflected in a nation-wide settlement against K-Mart, the biggest disability access case to date.
Sponsorships are available from $350 to $10,000. Contact Nyomi Gruber at 510 845 3473, ext. 314 or email her at ngruber@impactfund.org for more information. Regular tickets at $125 per person and $35 for nonprofits per person.
THE IMPACT FUND is the nation’s only foundation providing broad support for complex public interest litigation. Founded in 1992, our mission is to support impact litigation in the areas of civil rights, environmental justice, and poverty law. Over the past fourteen years, we have granted over $4.2 million in litigation grants to attorneys and community groups throughout the nation. The Impact Fund also provides innovative technical support, training, and expertise on issues that arise in large-scale impact litigation, such as class actions. The Impact Fund’s Equal Justice Litigation Program provides strategic leadership in civil rights class action litigation, and is lead counsel in Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the largest civil rights class action ever certified.
For more information, see our website at www.impactfund.org.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Demonstrations Committee will meet on May 15 at 6:00pm at the Guild office 558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21) in the Mission. We will be discussing legal support for past and future demonstrations, if you are interested in attending please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org.
¡Venezuela en Movimiento!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Global Exchange, World Press Association, and the National Lawyers Guild present:
¡Venezuela en Movimiento! A perspective of Chavez’s Venezuela through the eyes of photojournalists Brian Frank, Darcy Holdorf, and Amy Siemers.
Featuring keynote speaker Eva Gollinger, attorney and author of “The Chávez Code” and “Bush vs. Chávez: Washington’s War on Venezuela”.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Galeria de la Raza
2857 24th St. @ Bryant
San Francisco
Doors at 6:00pm
Program begins at 7:00pm
Evening includes live music, art auction and sangria and other refreshments.
No Cover
Wheelchair Accessible
Proceeds to benefit the Barrio Coche neighborhood of Caracas.
For more information contact:
Carlos Martinez
Global Exchange
415-255-7296 x247
carlos@globalexchange.org
March for Immigrants Rights—May 1
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
On Tuesday, May 1, 2007 Immigrant and Workers’ Rights groups will gather at Dolores Park at 12pm on the first anniversary of the Great Boycott of 2006, followed by the Grand March for Unconditional Amnesty to Civic Center at 1p.m. On this day the many contributions to society that the immigrant workers provide will be highlighted and applauded and we are reminded that immigrants and workers are one and the same. There will also be protests and marches in the East Bay. We need everyone to come out and support the immigrant community on May 1. If you can legal observe in either San Francisco or the East Bay please send an email to mel@nlgsf.org
Know Your Rights Meeting
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The NLG will host a discussion about our Know Your Rights project(s) on Thursday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the NLG office. Please RSVP to Carlos at carlos@nlgsf.org so I can get an accurate count for dinner. Topics for discussion will include:
- Updating our general Know Your Rights pamphlet and translating it into more languages;
- Responding to changes to immigration enforcement practices;
- Creating a KYR Speakers Bureau;
- Creating a KYR video;
- Collaborating on a Know Your Rights Trainer’s Guide to be available online; and
- an update on the Trans Know Your Rights project that will have a full-time intern this summer.
If you have agenda suggestions please let me know.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, April 13, 2007
The next committee meeting will be 12:30 at 550 Montgomery Street, 11th Floor. Agenda and details will follow. Please RSVP to co-chair Heather Robert Coffman at hcof@vblaw.com.
Prison Law Symposium: The Crime Within
Saturday, April 7, 2007
9:00am-5:00pm (breakfast and lunch served)
UC Davis School of Law - Martin Luther King Jr. Hall, Room 2021
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency for the California prison system on October 4, 2006. In response, the Third Annual King Hall Prison Law Symposium will address the pressing issues of this complex problem.
We have four panels scheduled: Present Prison Conditions, Reform and Alternatives, Sex and Gender Oppression, and Death Penalty. The speakers on the panels come from a myriad of experiences with groups like: California Death Penalty Focus, Transgender Law Center, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, San Quentin Insight Garden Project, and Office of the Federal Public Defender. Please join us for a day of informative discussions and a peak into a problem of growing concern.
BLOG: http://crimewithinpls.blogspot.com/
EMAIL: prisonsymposium@ucdavis.edu
Law Student Election & Leadership Retreat
Sunday, April 1, 2007
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NLGSF office, 558 Capp St.
topics include:
- student day against the death penalty debrief
- PLD planning
- Law Student Vice President election
- ideas for student unity & Bay Area-wide activities
Contact Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for more details.
Far West Regional Convention
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The 2007 Far West Regional Convention will happen at McGeorge School of law on March 31, 2007. McGeroge School of Law, Classroom C, 3200 5th Ave. Sacramento, CA. The Far West Region includes California and Hawaii. For more info email punkethos@hotmail.com. To arrange a carpool from the SF Bay Area contact mel@nlgsf.org.
[Download the flier](/docs/07 Far West Conference.pdf)
Convention Agenda
Panel Discussions:
9:30am Police Accountability Workshop
10:30am Immigration Raids and Punitive Legislation
11:30am Military Law Workshop: Counter Recruitment and Aiding Conscientious Objectors
Key Note Speaker
1:30pm Omar Dajani, Professor of Law
Open Forum Discussion
2:30pm The Future of Radical Law Practice in California
Legal Observer Training
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
We will be training new legal observers at our office, 558 Capp Street, at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Mel if you would like to attend mel@nlgsf.org.
Legal Observers are a critical part of our Demonstrations legal support work. They are trained to gather evidence during the course of a protest or demonstration, particularly involving law enforcement. This evidence can be critical if there is a need to aid criminal defendants or litigate following civil rights violations.
For more information see our demonstrations committee page.
Military Law Task Force meeting
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The next Bay Area Military Law Task Force meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 28th at 7 p.m. at California Appellate Project office at 101 Second Street, Suite 600, San Francisco.
Here’s a proposed agenda:
Introductions
Report on NLG Military Law Task Force- Marti Hiken
Presentation (still being decided)
Discussion of cases
Military Law Task Force FOIA Hearing
Monday, March 26, 2007
Come hear NLG Military Law Task Force lawyers, Colleen Flynn, Chris Ford, and Gordon Kaupp, argue the Task Force’s Freedom of Information request (FOIA) before the federal district court in San Francisco on March 26th at 2:00 p.m.
We have asked for the Rules of Engagement and all other Department of Justice, State Department, CENTCOM, and Department of Defense Directives and orders pertaining to the shooting incident involving Sgrena in 2005 and for Fallujah throughout 2004. The government has been stalling for two years now.
Annual Testimonial Dinner
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Gifted lawyer and dedicated Guild member, Dennis Cunningham, is being honored by our chapter in 2007. Well known for his masterful work on the civil rights suit against the FBI for the false arrest and media smear of Earth First! activists Judy Bari and Darryl Cherney after their car was firebombed in 1992.
The RSVP deadline has passed. Please contact the office at 415.285.5067 to attend.
Click here for direction to the Oakland Marriott City Center.
Download a copy of the invite as a pdf file by clicking here.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Demonstrations Committee will meet at 6:00pm on March 20, 2007. The demo committee meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Guild office—558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21) in the Mission. Please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org.
“The Forest for the Trees” Viewing at GGU
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Come out and see a film about this year’s Testimonial Dinner hinoree Dennis Cunningham!
GGU NLG presents:
The Forest for the Trees
Judi Bari v. The FBI
A Film by Bernadine Mellis
Thursday, March 15th
5-6:30 p.m. room 2203
At the Golden Gate University School of Law (536 Mission @ 1st st.)
Question and Answer Session with Attorney Dennis Cunningham (honoree of the 2007 NLG testimonial dinner) and reception to Follow.
This film is an intimate look at an unlikely team of young activists and old lefties who come together to battle the U.S. government following environmental activist Judi Bari’s arrest on terrorism charges in 1990.
Filmmaker Bernadine Mellis, the daughter of Bari’s attorney, Dennis Cunningham, is there to document her morally driven, very tired dad. The film offers access into the life of the extraordinary Judi Bari, and a piece of U.S. history that everyday grows Increasingly resonant.
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Monday, March 12, 2007
The next Mentorship Committee meeting will be at 6pm on March 20 in Oakland. Contact Derek McDonald for more details and to RSVP by emailing dtmcdonald@usfca.edu.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, March 9, 2007
Agenda is forthcoming. Please join us!
12:30 Location is 550 Montgomery, 11th floor.
Please RSVP to hcof@vblaw.com so we can include you on the security sign-in sheet.
NLG Law Student Day Against the Death Penalty
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Law student chapters across the country organize against the death penalty on March 1. You can find information from our national office here: www.nlg.org/deathpenalty/. Here are some events planned for the Bay Area:
University of San Francisco
Wednesday, Feb. 28
12:25-1:30, Kendrick Hall Room 100
Death Penalty debate between Elizabeth Zitrin (Amnesty International) and Kent Scheidegger (California Justice Legal Foundation); moderated by Dean Jeffrey Brand.
5-6:30 p.m., Kendrick Hall, Room TBA
Screening After Innocence, a Documentary about Barry Scheck’s Innocence Project, which uses DNA technology to exonerate falsely accused prisoners, and the lives of people exonerated because of the Innocence Project.
New College
Thursday, March 1
1-2 p.m., 50 Fell Street, Room 310
Discussion and Q&A with panelists from Death Penalty Focus and the California Appellate Proejct.
Golden Gate University
Thursday, March 1
4:30-5:30 p.m., Room 3201 at GGU
Aundre Herron: attorney at the California Appellate Project, Member of the board of directors at Death Penalty Focus.
Sarah Chester: member of Critical Resistance, the National Lawyers Guild and current attorney at the California Appellate Project.
Know Your Rights Training for Attorneys and Advocates CLE
Monday, February 26, 2007
From 5-7 p.m. at Golden Gate University School of Law. More details to come. Sponsored by our Immigration Committee and law student chapter at GGU.
Fighting Back: Lynne Stewart and Michael Ratner Speak
Friday, February 23, 2007
No one shall be tortured, falsely imprisoned, or denied basic democratic rights.
A benefit for the Lynne Stewart Defense Committee & the Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal.
NLG Member Attorney Lynne Stewart and Center for Constitutional Rights President Michael Ratner will speak at the Women’s Building, 3543 18th Street (between Valencia and Guerrero).
Special reception at 5:30 p.m. $25 wine and cheese reception only, includes signed poster. RSVP to 415-285-1055 x 10 or carlos@nlgsf.org.
At 7:30 p.m. $20, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Lynne Stewart is in the process of preparing her appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She was falsely convicted of conspiracy to aide and abet terrorism in a trial replete with constitutional violations including the government’s use of some 80,000 wiretaps, phone taps and other infringements on the attorney client privilege. Lynne’s appeal and her similarly framed co-defendants Ahmed Sattar and Mohammed Yousry, will be combined with a defense against government efforts to reverse and lengthen the two-year jail sentence jail imposed by District Court Judge John Koeltl. The government originally asked for a 30-year sentence and is insisting that it be imposed.
Michael Ratner is the President of the Center for Constitutional Rights and among the leading U.S. figures in the fight for fundamental constitutional rights for those illegally detained and tortured by U.S. authorities in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Ratner has also been involved in filing war crimes charges in a German court against several figures in the Bush Administration.
Race to Execution Film Screening
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The Guild is co-sponsoring a film screening of Race to Execution on Thursday, February 22 at 6:00 pm at the San Francisco Public Library, Koret Auditorium, (100 Larkin St. @ Civic Center). Free and Open to the Public. This compelling investigation of America’s death penalty traces the fates of two Death Row inmates, revealing how race discrimination infects the capital punishment system. Neither for nor against the death penalty, Race to Execution explores how the media’s racially charged portrayal of victims and perpetrators is internalized by potential jurors and carried into the courtroom.
Panel Discussion Following the Film
Rachel Lyon, Filmmaker “Race to Execution”
Rory Little, Professor of Law UC Hastings College of the Law
Barbara Becnel, Stanley Tookie Williams Advocate
Sujatha Baliga, Esq., Capital Appellate Defense Attorney
Lance Lindsey, Executive Director of Death Penalty Focus
Mentorship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. in Oakland. Contact Derek McDonald for more details and to RSVP by emailing dtmcdonald@usfca.edu.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The Demonstrations Committee will meet at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. The Demo Committee meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Guild office—558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21) in the Mission. Please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, February 2, 2007
Please join us for a general meeting of the immigration committee on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 12:30 pm, at 550 Montgomery Street, 11th floor. Please be sure to email hcof@vblaw.com to rsvp.
Upcoming issues we will discuss (a more complete agenda will be available at the meeting):
1. Recent immigration sweeps in the East Bay - opportunities for Committee members to get involved;
2. Immigration Court Observation Project: Tentative start date in February - signup email for interested students will be sent shortly; and
3. Proposed additions to our format and offerings for committee members.
If you cannot make the meeting in person but are interested in calling in, please let us know.
Law Student Leadership Retreat & Planning Meeting
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Law student members are encouraged to attend this retreat to discuss goal-setting for the rest of the year and to start planning the student day against the death penalty. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in San Francisco. RSVP to Tina at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org for location details.
Jury Selection CLE
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Jury Selection in Civil Cases CLE: Lecture, Demonstration & Workshop
presented by NLGSF & The National Jury Project/West
4 Hours of CLE Credit
Practicing Law Institute, 685 Market Street (between Third and Annie Streets), Monadnock Building, First Floor, San Francisco
Beverages, Coffee & Snacks Provided
$250 for non-members; $150 for members; limited free entry for member law students and member Sustainers
Program Schedule
9:00 – 9:30 REGISTRATION
9:30 – 9:45 INTRODUCTIONS
9:45 – 10:15 OVERVIEW OF JURY SELECTION PROCEDURES IN CIVIL CASES
10:15 – 10:30 Question and Answer
10:30 – 11:00 VOIR DIRE DEMONSTRATION IN CIVIL CASES
11:00 – 11:15 Q&A
11:15 – 11:45 Break
11:45 – 2:00 WORKSHOPS
There will be 3 to 4 small groups. National Jury Project consultants will facilitate each of the groups.
Presenters & Facilitators: Simona A. Farrise of Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons, Farrise & Greenwood; Jean Hyams of Boxer & Gerson; and Pamela Price. From the National Jury Project: Karen Jo Koonan; Sonia Chopra, Ph.D.; Carol Bauss.
Bay Area Military Law Panel Meeting
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
This meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., at the CAP office, 101 2nd Street, 6th Floor, SF. Please RSVP to mlhiken@pacbell.net if you would like to attend.
Lunchtime MCLE on Substance Abuse
Friday, January 19, 2007
The NLGSF is cosponsoring this MCLE:
This presentation fulfills MCLE mandatory requirement for Detection/Prevention of Substance Abuse in time for the January 2007 deadline! The speaker will discuss the disease of addiction, and describe sources of assistance for lawyers and others in the legal profession who are suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems. The presentation will also explore one lawyer’s personal journey through these issues.
This event is offered in association with The Other Bar, a network of lawyers, judges and friends who offer 12-step meetings, counseling, referrals and assistance to others in the legal profession who are suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems.
Light lunch will be provided. The event provides 1.0 unit of MCLE credit.
Location:
Law Offices of Farella, Braun, and Martel
235 Montgomery (@ Bush), in downtown San Francisco, Mezzanine Conference Room
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Cost: $35 for members of BALIF, The Other Bar, and the National Lawyers Guild, $45 for non-members, free for law students. Send to BALIF, 1800 Market Street, Box 47, San Francisco, CA, 94102.
RSVP: Liz Noteware – mcle@balif.org
Download Flyer in pdf
Party for Peace In the New Year!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
The NLGSF is a co-sponsor of this great event.
8pm-1am
Zeum Arts & Tech Museum
221 Fourth Street
San Francisco
(@ Howard St. in Yerba Buena Gardens, take the BART to Powell St. or carpool)
Come to an inspiring & unforgettable night of dancing, music, merrymaking and performance with your favorite Bay Area progressives. Enjoy a magnificent view of the fireworks and city skyline from the balcony and become a star with karaoke, movie making, and other interactive art installations at San Franciscos whimsical & innovative Zeum! Savor the New Year with drinks & delicious bites. Dont miss SFs premier progressive New Years eve celebration!
Entertainment:
Jill Sobule and SFs hottest DJs!
Tickets:
No host beer & wine bar included
$25 until December 15th
$30 until December 31st
$50 at the door
$15 youth/students, kids under 12 free
Tickets available online at www.codepinkalert.org
Other Co-Sponsoring ruckus-raisers & change-makers include: CODEPINK, Gold Star Families for Peace, Global Exchange, Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, Cindy Sheehan, Working Assets, Rainforest Action Network, AlterNet, League of Young Voters, Network of Spiritual Progressive, Ti Couz Restaurant, Media Alliance, Amnesty International, Mujeres Unidas y Activas, Drug Policy Alliance, Bioneers Foundation, Rockwood Leadership Program, Ella Baker Center, Ashbury Images, and Dor Hadash of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue, and Amos Glick of The San Francisco Mime Troupe.
Lets reconnect and step into the New Year together, ready to spread San Francisco values throughout the country!
For more information email outreach@codepinkalert.org or call 415.575.5555
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The demonstrations committee will meet at 6:00pm. The demo committee meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Guild office—558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21) in the Mission. Please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org.
9/11 Committee Meeting
Monday, December 18, 2006
The 9/11 committee will meet at 6:00pm on December 18 at the Guild office—558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21). We will be discussing our Know Your Rights project and the grant we recently received. Dinner and drinks will be provided, please RSVP to carlos@nlgsf.org.
Holiday Party
Friday, December 1, 2006
The annual Holiday Party will be at the office of Goldstein, Demchak, Baller, Borgen & Dardarian - 300 Lakeside Drive - Suite 1000 from 5-8 p.m.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The demonstrations committee will meet at 6:00pm. The demo committee meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Guild office—558 Capp St. (btwn 20 & 21) in the Mission. Please RSVP to mel@nlgsf.org.
Immigration Committee Meeting
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Committee will meet on the 11th Floor of 550 Montgomery Street in San Francisco at 12:30. For more information contact co-chair Heather Robert Coffman at HCof@vblaw.com or Carrie Rosenbaum at crosenbaumimmigrationlaw@gmail.com.
Annual Mentorship Cocktail Party
Friday, November 10, 2006
The National Lawyer’s Guild Mentorship Program requests the honor of your presence at our Annual Mentorship Program Cocktail Party! The fun will start at 6pm on Friday, November 10, 2006.
Come and meet students, attorneys and legal workers practicing in a variety of fields! Food and libations will be provided.
This event is open to all students, attorneys and legal workers interested in the Guild and the mentorship program. Please invite your friends, mentors and mentees!
Location:
Casa de Weintraub
5582 Lawton Avenue, Oakland, CA
Directions: Take BART to Rockridge Station, walk two blocks south on College Avenue (towards the restaurants Cactus and Oliveto), and at the Pasta Pomodoro make a left on Lawton.
Passing Strange at the Berkeley Rep
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Join your NLG friends for Dinner, Drinks and a performance of Passing Strange at the Berkeley Rep.
6 p.m. Dinner and Drinks
8 p.m. Performance
Contact Carlos at the NLG office for more information: 415.285.5067 x 10 or carlos@nlgsf.org.
Passing Strange is an exuberant stage show about an African American’s search for authenticity through music. It’s loaded with soulful lyrics, hook-filled melodies, sardonic insights and heartfelt passion.
Developed at the Sundance Theatre Lab and making its world premiere at Berkeley Rep, the show takes us from black, middle-class America to Amsterdam, Berlin and beyond.
Join Stew and our superb company of actors and musicians for Passing Strange…See it now before it goes to New York!
book and lyrics by stew
music by stew and heidi rodewald
directed by and created in collaboration with annie dorsen
thrust stage
october 19–december 3, 2006 World Premiere
National Convention in Austin, Texas
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The national convention is happening in Austin, TX this year from October 18th through the 22nd and you should register today! Visit the national website for more information.
Seeking Answers - All Women's Human Rights Report Back from Philippine Delegation
Friday, October 13, 2006
Culture - Food - Discussion
7-9 pm at New College of California, 771 Valencia (btw 18th and 19th - near 16 St BART). $7-10 (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Over 750 activists have been killed in the Philippines since Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took office in 2001. Hundreds more have been harassed, displaced and/or disappeared. Of these over half came from the organized opposition movement, such as GABRIELA Women's Party and Bayan Muna. 80 of those killed were women - half of those were GABRIELA Women's Party organizers.
In May 2006, GABRIELA Network organized an all women human rights delegation including four attorneys from the Center for Constitutional Rights, the National Lawyers Guild and the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to investigate. On September 21, the Day of Global Action Against the Killings in the Philippines, they submitted their findings.
Come hear their report and an update on the current situation in the Philippines. Come support the women in the Philippines in their quest for justice!
Speakers Include: Rachel Lederman, National Lawyers Guild attorney - delegation member; Annalisa Enrile, Chairperson, Gabriela Network - delegation member; Gemma Mirkinson, Gabriela Network member recently returned from 4 month immersion in the Philippines.
All monies to go the Gabriela Women's Legal Defense Fund. For more information: sfbayarea@gabnet.org.
Legal Observer Training
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Come get trained as a legal observer! Guildies in green hats are always in demand at Bay Area protests. Our next training will be held on October 5 at 7pm. RSVP to Mel at mel@nlgsf.org.
Executive Board Elections and Pre-Convention Meeting
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
5:30 – 8 P.M.
The San Francisco Public Library: 100 Larkin St., (at Grove).
Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, located on the Library’s lower level, (Enter 30 Grove St., proceed down stairs).
The NLGSF is electing 8 new at-large members of our Executive Board and all 4 of our Executive Officers. This will be combined with a pre-convention discussion in San Francisco. The full election procedures are available here. Note that absentee voting is possible. For further information you may call Mel at the NLG Office – 415.285.5067 x 11.
Progressive Lawyering Day
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Join us this for our 38th annual Progressive Lawyering Day (PLD) - an event for progressive law students from throughout the Bay Area, this year featuring keynote speaker Angela Davis.
At Barrows Hall, U.C. Berkeley Campus
Panels Throughout the Day:
- Immigration Reform
- Torture/Human Rights Litigation
- No Child Left Behind and Disabled Children\\\'s\\\' Access to Public Education
- Youth Criminalization
- Wiretapping
- Local redevelopment Issues
- Criminal Law - Reentry Issues for Employment and Housing
- Critical Race Theory
Breakfast 9:00 - 10:00 am
Panel 1 - 10:00 - 11:15 am
Panel 2 - 11:30 - 12:45 pm
Lunch 12:45 - 1:30pm
Panel 3 - 1:45 to 3:00 pm
Key Note Speaker Angela Davis 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Reception 4:30 - 6:00 pm
The event is free of charge. Students who want to get involved in planning PLD should contact Law Student Organizer Tina Valkanoff at studentorganizer@nlgsf.org.
Demonstrations Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Join the demonstrations committee at 6pm at the Guild office (558 Capp St) in the Mission on Tuesday, September 19, 2006. We will be discussing legal support for upcoming demos and the creation of a “Know Your Rights” wallet card for protestors. RSVP to Mel at mel@nlgsf.org if you would like to attend.
Fall Cocktail Party and Auction
Friday, September 15, 2006
The annual fall cocktail party and auction will be held at 111 Minna in San Francisco this year. The festivities will happen from 6-9pm and there will be food, drinks and fabulous auction prizes. You can view the latest list of auction items at http://nlgauction.pbwiki.com/.If you would like to volunteer at the party please email Mel at mel@nlgsf.org.