The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court welcomes Carl E. Douglas

On February 21, 2018, the Inland Empire Chapters of the American Inns of Court welcomed Los Angeles based attorney, Carl E. Douglas, as the keynote speaker for the joint Inns meeting, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Riverside) and held at the California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside, California.

The Leo A. Deegan would like to thank our sponsors for their generous contributions:  Rizio Law Firm (Platinum Sponsor - $1000), Holstrom Block & Parke, APLC (Platinum Sponsor - $1000), A Better Community Counseling (Silver Sponsor - $500), Best Best & Krieger LLP (Silver Sponsor - $500), Aitken Aitken Cohn (Bronze Sponsor - $100), and Thompson & Colegate LLP (Bronze Sponsor - $100).

The program began with an introduction by the Honorable Jacqueline C. Jackson, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.  L. Alexandra Fong, President-Elect of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court, welcomed our honored guests and dignitaries.  

Hors d'oeuvres and dinner were catered by Maddilicious Cafe & Catering, the preferred caterer of the venue.  A no-host bar was also provided.  Hors d'ouevres included mini peppers with sausage and ricotta, crostini with goat cheese and fig jam, mushrooms stuffed with gourmet cheese and spinach, along with assorted fruits & cheese, crackers & crostini, dips, and bread.  Dinner options included tri-tip with java bourbon sauce and a lasagna roll for our vegetarian companions.  Diners had the option of red wine, white wine, or sparkling cider to accompany their meal.

The presentation began with an introduction by Robyn Lewis, Past President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.  Mr. Douglas presented "7 Tips You Didn't Learn in Law School."  The Honorable Carol Codrington, Associate Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeals, Division Two asked various questions of Mr. Douglas which had been provided by the Inn members.

At the conclusion of the program, Judge Jackson announced how the gift bottles of wine and floral arrangements at each table would be distributed.  Congratulations to those who won these items.

Thank you to our sponsors!

The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court would like to thank our sponsors for their generosity, which helped defray the costs of the joint inn meeting of the Inland Empire Chapters of the American Inns of Court.

The venue costs were defrayed by the platinum sponsorship of the Rizio Law Firm.  The wine provided during the dinner program - and the gift bottles - were provided as a result of the platinum sponsorship by Holstrom Block & Parke, APLC.  For those non-alcoholic drinkers, Martinelli's Sparkling Cider, as well as the printing costs for the programs and sponsor board, were provided as a result of the silver sponsorship of A Better Community Counseling.  Floral arrangements, which were given away to guests, were provided as a result of the silver sponsorship of Best Best & Krieger LLP.  The bronze sponsorships by Aitken Aitken Cohn and Thompson & Colegate helped defray additional costs for the event.

One week until the Joint Meeting of the Inland Empire Chapters of the American Inns of Court

In just one week, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court will host the joint meeting of the Inland Empire Chapters of the American Inns of Court.

The dinner will be held at California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside, California.  A program of the scheduled events is shown below.

Thompson & Colegate signs on as Bronze sponsor of the February 2018 Joint Inn Meeting

Thompson & Colegate, a Riverside-based law firm, has signed on as the final sponsor for the February 2018 joint meeting of the Inland Empire Inns of Court, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Riverside). Thompson & Colegate, a bronze sponsor, donated $100 to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for this joint meeting.

The firm focuses on providing its clients with the best litigation services in the region. They have the experience and resources necessary to aggressively litigate matters in all forums. While doing so, the firm has garnered a reputation for fairness, professionalism and integrity with the judiciary and with our colleagues. Thompson & Colegate LLP handles a wide spectrum of litigation in all state and federal courts, including the Federal Bankruptcy Court. Our attorneys also actively participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) processes in state, federal, and private contractual venues.

Additional information about the firm can be found at their website:  http://www.tclaw.net/

January 24, 2018 Meeting

On this date, Team George Read presented on the topic of the First Amendment - Freedom of the Press.

Team George Read is comprised of Judicial Master Eric Isaac, Emeritus Member Peter Mort, Attorney Master Mary Anne Forrest, Barrister Sophia Choi, Associate Aaron Chandler, Associate Justine Marren, Associate Andrew Salera, and Associate Breanne Wesche.

Team Read presented on historical cases involving this topic and Attorney Master Mary Anne Forrest regaled the audience with her tribute to George Read.  The team raffled off prizes at the end of their presentation.  Congratulations to the winners!

Holstrom Block & Parke, APLC signs on as Platinum sponsor of the February 2018 Joint Inn Meeting

Holstrom Blocke & Parke, APLC, a Corona-based family law firm, has signed on as a sponsor for the February 2018 joint meeting of the Inland Empire Inns of Court, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Riverside). Holstrom Blocke & Parke, APLC, a platinum sponsor, donated $1000 to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for this joint meeting and is our Wine Sponsor.

The lawyers at Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC are committed to one thing: securing the greatest possible outcome for their clients. Their results-oriented approach is backed by the expertise of six Certified Family Law Specialists and associates committed to understanding every aspect of your case from the ground up. The firm has offices in Corona, Newport Beach, Riverside and Murrieta and has helped hundreds of clients navigate through the complex aspects of estate planning, appeals, and family law.

Additional information about the firm can be found on their website:  https://www.hbplaw.com/

Best Best & Krieger LLP signs on as the Floral (Silver) Sponsor for the February 2018 Joint Inn Meeting

Best Best & Krieger LLP (BB&K), a Riverside-based law firm, has signed on as a sponsor for the February 2018 joint meeting of the Inland Empire Inns of Court, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Riverside). BB&K, a silver sponsor, donated $500 to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for this joint meeting.  As our second silver sponsor, BB&K is the floral sponsor for the joint Inn meeting.

BB&K is a limited liability partnership that has been in business for more than 125 years. It is a full-service law firm with nearly 200 attorneys in eight offices throughout California and one in Washington, D.C. It delivers effective, timely and service-oriented solutions to complex legal issues facing public agencies, businesses and individuals across the U.S. and internationally. 

BB&K has built its reputation on a unique, long-lasting commitment to clients. Their attorneys have worked with some of their clients for decades, and they look forward to decades more.

Thank you for your sponsorship!

Aitken * Aitken * Cohn signs on as a Bronze sponsor of the February 2018 Joint Inn Meeting

Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, a personal injury law firm, has signed on as a sponsor for the February 2018 joint meeting of the Inland Empire Inns of Court, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Riverside). Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, a bronze sponsor, donated $100 to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for this joint meeting.

Aitken * Aitken * Cohn is dedicated to serving the injured and aggrieved consumer in a variety of legal conflicts. The firm enjoys a national reputation for the quality of its trial skills and the aggressive representation it provides on behalf of its personal injury clients. This reputation was built on a foundation of numerous settlements, trial victories and precedent setting appellate decisions and is nurtured by the firm's continuing commitment to each of its clients. It is true that the firm's success has translated into substantial recoveries for our clients, yet the firm derives equal satisfaction from the knowledge that these cases have also promoted a fair & safer society.

Additional information about Aitken * Aitken * Cohn can be found on its website: http://www.aitkenlaw.com

Thank you for your sponsorship!

A Better Community Counseling signs on as the Sparking Cider and Printing (Silver) sponsor of the February 2018 Joint Inn Meeting

A Better Community (ABC) Counseling Program, a Corona-based counseling and educational services provider, has signed on as the second sponsor of the February 2018 Joint Inn meeting for the Inland Empire Inns of Court, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.  ABC Counseling - a silver sponsor - donated $500 to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for this joint meeting.  As the first silver sponsor, ABC Counseling is our Sparkling Cider and Printing sponsor.

ABC Counseling provides its clients with counseling and educational services geared towards first offender DUI, Penal Code 1000 drug diversion, domestic violence, and anger management.  Regardless of where in Riverside County their clients reside, they are here to help you. 

ABC Counseling offers DUI classes for participants ordered by the court or DMV to complete a state licensed driving under the influence program.  The DUI classes are offered six days a week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Additional information about ABC Counseling can be found on their website:  http://abc-counseling.com/

Thank you for your sponsorship!

Rizio Law Firm signs on as Platinum sponsor of the February 2018 Joint Inn Meeting

Rizio Law Firm became the first sponsor for the February 21, 2018 Joint meeting of the Inland Empire Inns of Court, hosted by the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Riverside).  The Rizio Law Firm - a platinum sponsor - donated $1000 to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for this joint meeting.

The attorneys at Rizio Law Firm have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our injured clients. Our case results are matched by very few other personal injury attorneys in the state of California and throughout the nation. That is why Rizio Law Firm is certified by the Trial Lawyers Board of Regents as being in the top 1% of attorneys nationwide on the basis of their case results.

Additional information about Rizio Law Firm may be found at their website:  https://www.riziolawfirm.com/

Thank you for your sponsorship!

December 6, 2017 Meeting

On this date, Team Francis Hopkinson presented on the topic of the First Amendment - Freedom of Speech.

Team Francis Hopkinson is comprised of Judicial Master Irma Asberry, Attorney Master Dorothy McLaughlin, Barrister Jean-Simon Serrano, Barrister Keith Willis, Associate Erica Alfaro, Associate Rabia Chaudry, Associate Goushia Farook, Associate Michelanne Hrubic, and Associate Patricia Mejia.

Team Hopkinson enlightened the audience with a game of JeoPARODY, with Barrister Jean-Simon Serrano portraying host Alex Trebek, complete with salt-and-pepper hair and a moustache that appeared to be falling off.  The five remaining teams squared off in this game in order to win the grand prize of Starbucks Gift Cards.

Congratulations to the winning team!

October 25, 2017 Meeting

On this date, Team Samuel Chase presented on the topic of the First Amendment - Freedom of Religion

Team Samuel Chase is comprised of Judicial Master Kenneth Fernandez, Attorney Master Robyn Lewis, Attorney Master Wendy Seto, Barrister Sylvia Choi, Barrister Marc Steven Colen, Associate Kristine Borgia, Associate Ruthann Elder, Associate Dawn Saenz, and Associate Lauren Strickroth.

Guest speakers Glenn Wenzel and Kristi Smith, Supervising Deputy City Attorney for the City of Riverside, spoke about the history of the cross on Mt. Rubioux and the litigation that threatened it.  The City of Riverside auctioned off the cross and surrounding land (approximately 0.43 acres) and the winning bid of $10,500 was made by Totally Mt. Rubidoux, an alliance of the Mission Inn Foundation, Riverside Land Conservancy and Friends of Mt. Rubidoux.  Totally Mt. Rubidoux raised approximately $300,000 to protect the cross and these proceeds will be used to pay for liability insurance, future maintenance of the property and related costs.

Additional information about this organization can be found here:

http://www.totallymtrubidoux.org/history/

Five Inn Members Installed as Officers of the Riverside County Bar Association

On September 28, 2017, five Inn members were installed as officers of Riverside County Bar Association (RCBA). The installation ceremony took place at the Mission Inn, located in Downtown Riverside.

The five members installed are as follows:

• L. Alexandra Fong, President of RCBA;

• Sophia Choi, Chief Financial Officer of RCBA;

• Nicholas Firetag, Secretary of RCBA;

• Stefanie Field, Director-at-Large of RCBA (1st year);

• Jean-Simon Serrano, Past President.

In addition, two former Inn members (Jeffrey A. Van Wagenen, Jr. and Jack Clarke, Jr.) were installed as officers of RCBA. The Hon. Jacqueline C. Jackson, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court, administered the oath of office to the RCBA Board.

Congratulations to all!

September 27, 2017 Meeting

Our September meeting opened with an Orientation for the seventeen (17) new members of our Inn.  The Inn's President, the Honorable Jacqueline Jackson, addressed the members.

Judge Jackson announced the Inn's two newest Emeritus members:  The Honorable Carol Codrington, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeals, Fourth District, Division Two and The Honorable Virginia A. Phillips, Chief United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California.  Congratulations Your Honors!

Judge Jackson announced the winner for Best Team Presentation for the 2016-2017 year.  Congratulations Team Codrington, which consisted of Judicial Master Codrington, Attorney Master Abram Feuerstein, Attorney Master Ted Stream, Barrister Sophia Choi, Barrister Melissa Cushman, Barrister Jean-Simon Serrano, Associate Tara Hanson, Associate Joshlyn Pulliam, and Law Student Melissa Wilner.

Judge Jackson announced the recipient of the Honorable Doug Weathers Distinguished Honoree Award.  Former Inn Attorney Master John Porter of the San Bernardino office of Lewis, Brisbois, Bigaard & Smith LLP was awarded this great honor for the 2017-2018 year.

The Honorable Sharon Waters addressed the members, letting them know the story of how the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court was founded in 1992.

Finally, teams drew their meeting dates and topics for the upcoming year.

Honorable Jacqueline C. Jackson and John M. Porter, 2017-2018 Douglas E. Weathers Distinguished Honoree

John M. Porter, 2017-2018 Douglas E. Weathers Distinguished Honoree

May 24, 2017 Meeting

Our final meeting of the year was packed with activity.  Inn President, Jeremy Hansen presented the following awards:

Judge Elwood Rich Award went to Justice Thomas Hollenhorst

The Terry Bridges Award went to John Michels

The Louis Biddle Book Award went to Joshlyn Pulliam

In addition to all the awards, Team Ottolia closed out the year with a presentation of the Andrea Yates Case.  The presentation covered post-partum depression and insanity.  This portion featured a discussion with lawyer,  PsyD, and LMFT, Jim Husen.  Then the discussion moved to ethics and the false testimony of an expert witness. 

April 26, 2017 Meeting

Our April meeting featured a presentation of the People v. Brock Turner case.  The famous Stanford Rape Case was addressed in terms of creating uniformity in sentencing, bias, and victim rights.  Team Jackson brought in experts to engage the Inn in a deep discussion of this headline grabbing case. 

March 2017 Meeting

Our March meeting discussed the MacDonald's hot coffee case.  The discussion centered around the true facts of the case, the media and pubic's interpretation of the case, and the impact on similar types of litigation in the future.

January 25, 2017 Meeting

Team Codrington gave a presentation on copyright infringement.  The presentation focused on 3 prominent cases; Thicke, Williams v. Estate of Marvin Gaye, Skidmore v. Plant, Harrington v. Sheeran.  Thicke, Williams involved the song Blurred Lines which has similarities to Gaye's Got to Give it Up.  Skidmore sued the Band Led Zepplin over similarities between Taurus and Stairway to Heaven.  Harrington sued Sheeran over similarities between Amazing and Sheeran's Photograph.

December 7, 2016 Meeting

Our December meeting featured a presentation from Team Asberry detailing the case of Bollea (Hulk Hogan) v. Gawker Media.  This case involved Gawker media releasing an explicit "sex tape" of Bollea and the wife of a friend.  Bollea's lawsuit was supported by Billionaire Peter Thiel.  Thiel had been the subject of earlier news from Gawker and he supported the suit because of his belief that Gawker ruins people's lives for no reason.  The suit ended up bankrupting Gawker.  The presentation highlighted several interesting issues in right of privacy, ethics, and sponsored litigation.  Team Asberry members included Judge Irma Asberry, Dorothy McLaughlin, John Michels, Wendi Seto, Dani Mouri, Trent Packer, Aaron Chandler, Kelly Moran, and Fredrick Whitley.

October 26, 2016 Meeting

Our October began on a bittersweet note.  The Inn presented Judge David T. Bristow with the Judge Douglas Weathers Award.  Judge Weathers passed away earlier in the week and the Inn had a moment of silence to honor his passing. 

The meeting featured Team Moyer's presentation of the Menendez Brothers trial.  The presentation highlighted the patient-psychotherapist privilege and special master search warrants.