Another sold out crowd attended MCBA’s 2016 Annual Judges Luncheon honoring our Marin County Judges. MCBA President Larry Strick kicked off the luncheon with announcements before turning over the luncheon to Judge Kelly Simmons. He said that the Lawyers in the Library program is off and running and that volunteer attorneys are always welcome. Lawyers in the Library Info.

Larry Strick thanked our three-year term Board Members who will leave the Board at year-end: Judge Michael Dufficy (Ret.), Patricia Medina, and Shelley Kramer. The election of the 2017 slate of MCBA Executive Officers and five new Board Members was conducted and approved. See elsewhere in this newsletter for the 2017 Board roster.

Larry then handed over the reins of the luncheon to the Honorable Kelly Simmons, the Presiding Judge of the Marin County Superior Court. She announced new judicial assignments which will go into effect January 1, 2017.

Judge Simmons also gave thanks to Judge Terrence Boren who recently retired, and to Judge Faye D’Opal, who will be retiring at the end of this year’s term. Judge Boren’s replacement will most likely be by appointment of the governor but no word on the timing of that replacement. Judge D’Opal’s replacement will be decided by the voters in the November 8 election. Both judicial candidates Michael Coffino and Sheila Lichtblau were present and acknowledged.

Attendees also heard from two other speakers. Court Executive Officer James Kim stated that our Court will continue to face budget cuts and will do so for next two fiscal years ($500, 000 each year irrespective of the number of filings). He welcomes your feedback but noted that perhaps such ideas and comments would be better received if sent via email than personal one-on-one’s at the grocery store.

Judge Paul Haakenson discussed the topic of discovery – with just 24 hours notice. With humor and a dry delivery, Judge Haakenson provided a recommended approach to handling discovery issues/disputes. Reading from a handful of Orders, Judge Haakenson painted a colorful picture of how discovery disputes have been handled in other jurisdictions and noted our own Bench echoed the sentiments of these Orders. Needless to say, our Bench is always appreciative to see discovery disputes resolved outside the courtroom. Profound thanks were given to all those who participate in the volunteer programs at the courthouse which effectively provide relief to the Judges’ caseloads.

Judge Simmons re-took the podium and dove into a Q&A session. Topics included judge’s endorsements of judicial candidates; the use of judge pro tems in Small Claims Court; and providing the same level of service when faced with continual budget cuts. Judge Simmons reiterated the Bench’s gratitude to all those who have volunteered their services as settlement conference panelists, discovery referees, judges pro tem, or as volunteers in the newly launched Lawyers in the Library.