LLBA Newsletter Fall 09

LLBA Judges & Board Elections Night

LLBA hosted its annual Judges and Board Elections Night at the East 3rd Street Steakhouse on July 30, 2009. LLBA President Judy Perez led a personal and insightful discussion with panelists Hon. Teresa Sanchez-Gordon, Hon. Patricia Nieto and Hon. Graciela L. Freixes on their path to judgeship, advice to attorneys, and the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.  Judge Sanchez-Gordon and Judge Nieto spoke about the hard work and unrelenting efforts necessary to secure their seats in hotly-contested jurisdictions, such as door-to-door precinct walking and attendance at many local events.   Judge Freixes spoke about her personal decision to pursue a seat on the bench and the inspiration and motivation she found in a female judge for whom she had worked. She also emphasized the persistence and patience needed throughout the appointment process.  All panelists agreed that Judge Sotomayor’s nomination provides the Latino community with a national mentor and role model and encourages all of us to continue to pursue our personal dreams and professional goals. 

Seminar on Recent Developments in Criminal and Immigration Law

    On July of this year LLBA was proud to put together an outstanding panel of speakers to bring our members an update on recent cases and developments in criminal and immigration law.  The speakers included Firdaus Dordi, Deputy Federal Public Defender, Graciela Martinez, Los Angeles Public Defenders Office- Appellate Branch and Brigit Alvarez from the Law Offices of Brigit G. Alvarez.
    Each speaker covered in depth advanced topics of immigration and criminal law.  Recent cases from the Supreme Court were discussed and the implications that these cases will have were examined.  The speakers answered questions and also offered practice tips that can be useful when dealing with ongoing cases.
    Members that attended this event indicated that the materials provided were very helpful and that the speakers were all very knowledgeable and presented the materials in a concise and effective manner.  The presentations ended with numerous questions from different members for our distinguished panel.

Graciela Martinez Los Angeles Public Defenders Office - Appellate Branch

Firdaus Dordi Deputy Federal Public Defender

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