2020-2021 Program Year Orientation

On September 23, 2020, the Inn held its orientation for new members for the 2020-2021 program year. Due to the pandemic, the orientation was held virtually, via Zoom. New members were introduced to the Board, and to one another. Our Inn’s current president, Judge Eric Keen, shared a video of his presentations of the Outstanding Jurist Award to Judge John Vineyard, the Outstanding Attorney Award to Stuart Sachs, and the Hon. Douglas E. Weathers Award to Steve Harmon. Judge John Monterosso spoke on “The Meaning of Civility.” The theme chosen by the Board for the program year’s team presentations —”Stay at Home and Watch a Recent Legal Movie”—was announced to the membership.

Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Member Invited to Join National Youth Community Outreach Project Task Force

Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Member and Attorney Master L. Alexandra Fong (President, 2018-2019) has been invited to join the American Inns of Court Youth Community Outreach Project Task Force. This new national task force is focused on community outreach efforts for a youth audience and provides an opportunity to be involved in the American Inns of Court as a leader on a national scale, and to inspire the community outreach efforts of Inns around the country.

This new—and very important—endeavor meets one of the American Inns of Court’s strategic goals of promoting partnerships among Inns and their communities, thereby positioning the American Inns of Court as a recognized leader in promoting professionalism, civility, respect, and ethics.

The goal of the project is to create a framework that any Inn in the United States could use to partner with their local school district to deliver the same type of educational program, with the ability to customize for local and state laws. Not only would this “program-in-a-box" promote partnerships among Inns and their communities; it would also make it easier for Inns to adopt this as a community outreach initiative, thus upholding the values of the American Inns of Court as well as adding value to their members’ experience.

Ms. Fong is the only Inn member from California invited to join this task force. This task force began August 1, 2020 and is expected to be retired by July 31, 2021.

2020 - 2021 Board Members Take Office

On July 1, 2020, the 2020-2021 Board Members of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court officially took office. The Board is comprised as follows:

President:  Hon. Eric Keen

President-Elect:  Abram Feuerstein

Vice President: Hon. Jennifer Gerard

Secretary-Treasurer: Stefanie Field

Financial Secretary:  Gabriel White

Members-At-Large:  Hon. Randall Stamen, Kiki Manti Engel, Joshlyn Pulliam

Past President:  Sophia Choi

The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court is now accepting applications

The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court is now accepting applications for membership. Current members of the Inn who wish to return are also required to apply for membership, as membership in one program year does not guarantee membership in another program year.

Membership applications can be found on our website under “Documents” or follow this link:

https://deeganinnofcourt.org/membership-application

The Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award Winner Announced

The Board of Directors of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court is pleased to announce that Stuart V. Sachs has been chosen to receive the Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award. This award honors an attorney for his or her professional accomplishments and contributions to the legal community. 

The criteria for being nominated for this award is as follows: 

• The attorney exemplifies and demonstrates exceptional and superior legal and professional skills and conduct. 

• The attorney participates in programs improving the legal profession and system of justice. 

• The attorney gives back to the community-at-large.

The Board of Directors of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court determines the recipient of this award, based upon nominations received in the program year from Inn members. The award recipient is not required to be a current member of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.

Mr. Sachs retired from the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office after a long and distinguished career. Rather than riding off into the sunset, Mr. Sachs continues working as a defense attorney for the Conflicts panel in Riverside County. He also volunteers his time with Riverside County Bar Association.

Congratulations Mr. Sachs!

The Leo A. Deegan Outstanding Jurist Award Winner Announced

The Board of Directors of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court is pleased to announce that Hon. John Vineyard (Riverside Superior Court) has been chosen to receive The Leo A. Deegan Outstanding Jurist Award. The criteria for being nominated is as follows: 

• The jurist exemplifies and demonstrates exceptional and superior judicial conduct and demeanor. 

• The jurist participates in programs improving the legal profession and system of justice. 

• The jurist gives back to the community-at-large.

Presiding Judge Vineyard has taken the court through tough times, including the closure of most of the court for three months due to to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Since the remaining meetings for the 2019-2020 program year were cancelled due to the pandemic, the award will be presented at the September 2020 Orientation.

Congratulations Judge Vineyard!

Board Election Results

Members of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court cast their vote electronically, using Simply Voting. Each member received a unique log-in identification code, linked to their email address.

Results were tallied and a new member of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court board was elected. Congratulations Joshlyn Pulliam!

Board Elections for the 2020-2021 Program Year

There is one open position as a member-at-large of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court. Elections are ongoing and the candidates are:

• Erica Alfaro of State Compensation Insurance Fund

• Megan Demshki of Aitken Aitken Cohn

• Joshlynn Pulliam of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office

• Dawn Saenz of The Law Offices of Dawn Saenz

Elections will be conducted virtually and every member of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for the 2019-2020 Program Year should receive their ballot this week.

Stay tuned for results!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic results in cancellation of March - June meetings

The March to June meetings of the 2019-2020 program year of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court has been cancelled, due due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and resulting orders made by the State of California (stay-at-home) and the orders of the Riverside County Public Health Officer (stay-at-home and ban on gatherings).

Please check your emails for further information.

Chambers Chat—Civil Law

On February 26, 2020, during the lunch hour, in Department 7 of Riverside Superior Court, Hon. Randall Stamen, together with Hon. Irma Asberry, Hon. Chad Firetag, and Hon Carol Green, hosted a chambers chat dedicated to the discussion of civil law matters.  This was the third of four scheduled chambers chats planned for the Inn’s 2019-2020 program year.

February 19, 2020 Joint Meeting

On February 19, 2020, the Southwest American Inn of Court (Southwestern Riverside County) hosted the Joint Meeting of the four Inland Empire Chapters of the American Inn of Court.  Members of the Leo A. Deegan American Inn of Court (Riverside), Warren Slaughter-Richard Roemer American Inn of Court (Desert), and the Honorable Joseph B. Campbell American Inn of Court (San Bernardino) are the other three Inland Empire Chapters. The keynote speaker was James B. Judd, a storyteller, comedian, and lawyer. The meeting took place at the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California.

Chambers Chat--Family Law

On January 15, 2020, during the lunch hour, in Department 401 of Riverside Superior Court’s Family Law Court, Hon. Jennifer Gerard, Hon. Dorothy McLaughlin, and Hon. Belinda Handy hosted a chambers chat dedicated to the discussion of family law matters. This was the second of four scheduled chambers chats planned for the Inn’s 2019-2020 program year.

December 4, 2019 Dinner Meeting

As part of the Achieving Excellence program, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court invited government (public service) attorneys in Riverside County to its December 4, 2019 program meeting. Our distinguished guests included:

• John Aki, Chief Assistant District Attorney, Riverside County;

• Gary Guess, City of Riverside City Attorney;

• Steve Harmon, Riverside County Public Defender

• Angela Viramontes, Branch Chief, Eastern Division, Office of the Federal Public Defender, Central District of California; and

• Jerry Yang, Deputy Chief of the Riverside U.S. Attorney’s Ofifce.

Also at this meeting, Caryn Worcester, Director of Chapter Relations for the Western Region of the American Inns of Court, presented L. Alexandra Fong, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for the 2018-2019 Program Year, with the Inn’s Platinum Certificate and commemorative lapel pins.

Platinum Status recognizes “outstanding efforts in effective administration, communications, program development, mentoring, community outreach, and participation in the American Inns of Court movement.” Congratulations to the Board and all our members for the 2018-2019 program year!

Each member of the 2018-2019 Board of Directors received a lapel pin.

December 4, 2019 MCLE

Please see the flyer for details

Chambers Chat--Criminal Law

On November 14, 2019, during the lunch hour, in Department 53 of the Riverside Hall of Justice, Hon. Eric A. Keen hosted a chambers chat dedicated to discussing the various criminal law calendars of the Riverside Superior Court. Judge Keen was joined by Hon. Godofredo Magno, Hon. Jackqueline C. Jackson, Hon. Steven G. Counelis, and Hon. Emma C. Smith. This was the first of four chambers chats planned for the Inn’s 2019-2020 program year.

Celebration of Excellence 2019

Program

On Saturday, October 29, 2019, the American Inn of Court’s Celebration of Excellence was held at the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).  In attendance at the prestigious event were the winners of the Professionalism Awards, Warren E. Burger Prize, Sandra Day O’ Connor Award, A. Sherman Christensen Award, Lewis E. Powell Jr. Award, as well as representatives from the 178 chapters of the American Inns of Court which achieved Platinum Status for the 2018-2019 program year.

The event began with a cocktail hour in the East and West Conference Rooms of the SCOTUS.  Passed hors d’oeuvres of potato samosa, wild mushroom tart, lobster salad cone, crab and corn fritter, and other small bites were provided, although this author did not see or taste two of the hors d’oeuvres.  At approximately 6 p.m., the guests were led into the courtroom where hearings are held for the awards presentation.  Unfortunately, Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was unable to attend the event due to a family emergency.

Following the awards presentation, dinner was served.  Attendees dined on roasted pumpkin soup, seared beef tenderloin filet, seared halibut filet, whipped potato puree, and hazelnut praline mousse cake.  Red and white wines were also served.

Menu

October 26, 2019 - The Supreme Court of the United States, at night.

A copy of the program may be downloaded here.

Judicial Master Hon. Irma Poole Asberry to be Honored with Saint Thomas More Award

The entire legal community and persons of all faiths are invited to attend the 29th Annual Red Mass on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. The mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which is located at 12704 Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga.

At the dinner reception following the mass, the Red Mass Steering Committee will present the Saint Thomas More Award to the Honorable Irma Poole Asberry. The Saint Thomas More Award is given to a lawyer or judge who gives hope to those in need, is kind and generous in spirit, and is an overall exemplary human being.

The Honorable Irma Poole Asberry has been a Judicial Master with the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court since the 2016-2017 program year.

Congratulations Judge Asberry!

Changes in the Board Members for the 2019-2020 Program Year

On July 7, 2019, the Hon. Bambi Moyer, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for the 2019-2020 program year resigned. Per the bylaws, the President-Elect assumed office as President and the Vice President assumed office as President-Elect.

At the July 8, 2019 board meeting, the Board appointed Abram Feuerstein as the Vice President, Hon. Jennifer Gerard as the Secretary-Treasurer, Stefanie Field as the Financial Secretary and Hon. Randall Stamen as member-at-large.

The 2019-2020 Board Members are as follows:

President:  Sophia Choi

President-Elect:  Hon. Eric Keen

Vice President:  Abram Feuerstein

Secretary-Treasurer: Hon. Jennifer Gerard 

Financial Secretary:  Stefanie Field

Members-At-Large:  Hon. Randall Stamen, Gabriel White, Kiki Manti Engel

Past President:  L. Alexandra Fong

2019-2020 Board Members Take Office

On July 1, 2019, the 2019-2020 Board Members of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court officially took office. The Board is as follows:

President:  Hon. Bambi Moyer

President-Elect:  Sophia Choi

Vice President: Hon. Eric Keen

Secretary-Treasurer:  Abram Feuerstein

Financial Secretary:  Hon. Jennifer Gerard

Members-At-Large:  Stefanie Field, Gabriel White, Kiki Manti Engel

Past President:  L. Alexandra Fong

May 22, 2019 Dinner Meeting and Announcements

At the final meeting of the 2018-2019 Program Year, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court, L. Alexandra Fong, welcomed the members and introduced special guests as follows:

• Caryn Worcester, Director of Chapter Relations for the Western Region of the American Inns of Court;

• Brian Unitt of Holstein of Taylor & Unitt

Ms. Fong announced the recipient of the Terry Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award. The Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award honors an attorney for his or her professional accomplishments and contributions to the legal community. The criteria for being nominated for this award is as follows: 

• The attorney exemplifies and demonstrates exceptional and superior legal and professional skills and conduct. 

• The attorney participates in programs improving the legal profession and system of justice. 

• The attorney gives back to the community-at-large.

The recipient of the award for the 2018-2019 program year is Brian Unitt of Holstein, Taylor & Unitt. Brian is the chair of the Project Graduate Steering Committee, which helps foster children graduate from high school with a plan for the future. After accepting the award, Brian made a few remarks.

Brian Unitt, recipient of the 2018-2019 Terry Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award, and L. Alexandra Fong, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.

The members were reminded that elections for the three (3) open attorney positions on the 2019-2020 Board of Directors was open. Four candidates - Kiki Manti Engel, Stefanie Field, Diana Renteria, and Gabriel White - spoke about why they wanted to be members of the Board of Directors.

After the Community Service Team presented on the projects they were involved with during the 2018-2019 program year, Ms. Fong made additional announcements.

The recipients of the Louise Biddle Book Award were named. The Biddle Book Award is given to an outstanding attorney who exemplifies the goals of the Inn and for her professionalism and dedication to the legal community. The award is in memory of Louise Biddle, former executive director of the Inn and the Riverside County Bar Association. 

Laurie Burns (Juvenile Defense Panel - Riverside) and Goushia Farook (Law Offices of Shauna M. Albright) were chosen by the Board of Directors to be the recipients of the Louise Biddle Book Award for the 2018-2019 program year. Each attorney received a copy of Justice in Plain Sight: How A Small Town Newspaper and Its Unlikely Lawyer Opened America’s Courtrooms. The book was autographed by author Dan Bernstein, editor Mel Opotowsky, and their “unlikely lawyer” Justice James Ward (Ret.).

Cover of the Book

Goushia Farook, Laurie Burns, and L. Alexandra Fong (L-R)

Election Winners: The newest members of the Board of Directors are: Kiki Manti Engel, Stefanie Field, and Gabriel White. Congratulations!

Hon. Bambi Moyer, President-Elect of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court, presented Ms. Fong with an award for her service to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.

Hon. Bambi Moyer, President-Elect, and L. Alexandra Fong, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court for the 2018-2019 Program Year.