May 23, 2018 Meeting

On this date, Team Robert Paine presented on the community service projects that they participated in throughout the Inn year.  The title of their MCLE is "Children and the Law."

Team Robert Paine is comprised of Judicial Master Jacqueline Jackson, Attorney Master D.W. Duke, Attorney Master Stefanie Field, Attorney Master Eric Keen, Attorney Master John Michels, Attorney Master Julianna Tillquist, Barrister Melissa Cushman, Barrister Diane Wiesmann, and Associate Joshlynn Pulliam.

Team Robert Paine engaged in a mentorship program at Mira Loma Middle School. The desire for the kids to interact with positive role models was strong and the faculty advisor was torn between having the team work with youth who had a history of trouble and those who were excelling. The team decided to run programs for both groups of students, meeting bi-weekly with each group. For youth in the Personal Social Responsibility program, the team answered questions about their education and backgrounds, educated them on the legal system and what lawyers do, and the consequences of making poor choices. For the other students, the team created a mock trial club that was open to all students and helped them prepare a mock trial presentation based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Both groups of students toured the courts and were able to experience an actual trial. They learned about the history of the Historic Courthouse from Judge Vineyard and asked questions of the courtroom personnel about their jobs.

Guest presenters, Jorge Sanchez and Wendy Eccles, teachers at Mira Loma Middle School, discussed the impact of the community service project on their students.

At this final meeting of the 2017-2018 Inn year, the Inn presented awards to members of the legal community for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the legal community.  The Elwood Rich Award, which honors an outstanding jurist, was presented to the Hon. L. Jackson “Jack” Lucky IV.   Unfortunately, Judge Lucky was ill and not able to accept his award in person.

The Terry A. Bridges Award, which honors an outstanding attorney, was presented to Paul Grech of Grech and Packer.   John Michels, former President of the Inn, presented the award to Mr. Grech, who graciously accepted the award.  Mr. Grech has been practicing in our community for over 35 years and is currently serving as Chair of the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Riverside County Bar Association.

The Inn also recognized two outstanding younger attorneys for their professionalism and dedication to the legal community with the Biddle Book Award. The Biddle Book Award was awarded to Aaron Chandler, deputy city attorney for the City of Riverside, and Megan Demshki, an associate at Aitken Aitken Cohn.  The Hon. Jacqueline Jackson, President of the Inn, chose the book "In Our Defense" by Ellen Alderman and Caroline Kennedy, as the award.  Unfortunately, neither honoree was present to accept their award.

Congratulations to all winners.

The Biddle Book Award - In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action by Ellen Alderman and Caroline Kennedy

An election was held to fill a vacant Board member seat and Abram Feuerstein, Assistant U.S. Trustee (Bankruptcy) for the Central District of California, was selected by the membership.  Congratulations Abram!

President-Elect L. Alexandra Fong presented an award to President Jacqueline C. Jackson to thank her for her service to the Inn as president for the 2017-2018 year.