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.

April 25, 2018 Meeting

On this date, Team John Morton presented on the community service projects that they participated in throughout the Inn year.  The title of their MCLE is "Combating Human Trafficking:  The Human and Legal Dimensions of the Crisis."

Team John Morton is comprised of Judicial Master Sherri Pym, Judicial Master Jennifer Gerard, Attorney Master Marlene Allen, Attorney Master Yoginee Braslaw, Attorney Master Abram Feuerstein, Attorney Master Nicholas Firetag, Attorney Master L. Alexandra Fong, Barrister Kelly Moran, Barrister Dani Mouri, and Associate Rebecca McKee.

Team Morton began their presentation with a tribute to their team namesake, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Attorney Master L. Alexandra Fong produced a slide show of the team namesake and provided his biography, set to the instrumental version of My Country Tis of Thee (America), recorded by the Boston Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Arthur Fiedler, circa 1938.

During the dinner, the team showed a slide show of their community service project - Human Trafficking.  Attorney Master L. Alexandra Fong produced the slide show, which showcased Rebirth Homes, the only home in the Inland Empire dedicated to adult survivors of human trafficking.  The slide show also included information concerning the schools in Riverside and San Bernardino counties where the team presented on Human Trafficking with Nancy Aguirre, Criminal Intelligence Analyst from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and Opal Singleton, CEO of Million Kids, an organization devoted to stopping human trafficking.  The slide show was set to George Gershwin's "Summertime" as performed by Simon Gale and the Vienna Symphonic Rock Orchestra, circa 2012 and set on a loop to play during dinner.

Four guest speakers assisted with the team's presentation.  Ms. Aguirre provided information concerning human trafficking in Riverside County, which included both aspects of human trafficking - labor trafficking and sex trafficking.  Ms. Singleton discussed the impacts of social media on human trafficking. 

Debbie Martis, CEO and founder of Rebirth Homes, and a human trafficking survivor currently living at Rebirth Homes, gave inspirational speeches that had the audience in tears.

March 28, 2018 Meeting

On this date, Team Matthew Thornton presents on the First Amendment - Right to Peaceably Assemble

Team Matthew Thornton is comprised of Judicial Master Bambi Moyer, Judicial Master Randall Stamen, Barrister Elisabeth Lord, Barrister Trent Packer, Associate Megan Demshki, Associate Stefanie Gutierrez, Associate Emily Meeson, Associate Taylor Bristol Warner, and Associate Gabriel White.

Team Thornton presented on historical cases involving this topic.  The team began their presentation with a "call for justice for Matt" as Judicial Master Moyer led the presentation.  The team was served with a gang injunction by a deputy district attorney and, at the end of their presentation, were arrested for violating the injunction.

Bandanas depicting the American flag were provided to all members of the Inn. 

Congratulations to the team!

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.