Weekly Newsletter        |        September 20, 2016
In This Issue
Message from the BALIF Board 


Fall is upon us, and it is a truly exciting (and very busy) time of year!  
 
Please join me, BALIF's founders, and Kate Kendall (National Center for Lesbian Rights) on October 4th from 6pm- 830pm for an exciting event - BALIF: "Past, Present and Future: Celebration of Victories in the LGBT Rights Movement and a Roadmap of the Battles Ahead."  The rock-star panel will be addressing past victories and future battles, and both drinks and food will be generously hosted by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.  You can RSVP here.
 
I look forward to celebrating our history together.   


Sincerely, 


Ashley Pellouchoud
BALIF Young Lawyers and Law Students Co-Chair
BALIF Partner Exchange Luncheon, Thursday, September 22, 2016
& Save the Date for Future Events
When: Thursday, September 22, 2016Wednesday, October 19, 2016Tuesday, November 15, 2016Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Time:  12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Where: San Francisco City Club (155 Sansome, 10th Floor)

What: Gourmet buffet lunch with other partners and firm owners 
Cost: $40 payable by cash or check only 
 
BALIF has created the BALIF Partner Exchange to bring together our members that are looking to network and exchange business and ideas.  This event is exclusively for BALIF members who are partners or owners   of their firm with 7 year or more of experience. 
 
Topic:  Who are your "power" allies?  From whom (or where) do you receive your best referrals?  To whom do you regularly refer work?  What makes a person someone to whom you will refer work?  Do you try to refer work to other LGBT lawyers, or is that factor irrelevant to you?  
 
Space is limited so only the first 11 to RSVP to  [email protected]  may attend.  RSVPs being accepted for Thursday, September 22, 2016 only.  
 
I also want to make sure you know about BALIF's upcoming Blockbuster event  October 4, 2016 from 6-8:30 pm:
 
BALIF Past, Present and Future:  Celebrating Our History and Looking at the LGBT Civil Rights Battles Ahead 
Featuring BALIF Founders, including Judge Donna Hitchens (Ret.), Carl Wolf, Fred Hertz, Nanci Clarence and others
Legal Update by NCLR's Kate Kendell 
Discussion, drinks and food generously hosted and sponsored by Pillsbury (Four Embarcadero Center)
 

Hope to see you at the Partner Exchange and at the BALIF Past, Present and Future event!

BALIF's Past, Present and Future: Celebrating our History and Looking at the LGBT Civil Rights Battles Ahead


Featuring BALIF Founders, including Judge Donna Hitchens (Ret.), Carl Wolf, Fred Hertz, Nanci Clarence and others

Legal Update by NCLR's Kate Kendell 
 
Discussion, drinks and food generously hosted and sponsored by Pillsbury 
 
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
6:00- 8:30 pm

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pitman LLP
Four Embarcadero Center 22nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111


BALIF Fall Happy Hour

Thursday, October 13th, 2016  
 6 - 8 pm at Lookout in the Castro

Come out for an evening of fun in the Castro before the Holiday season fills up your schedule.

Appetizers will be served, and BALIF members will enjoy free drinks!

BALIF Volunteer Day at National AIDS Memorial Grove
On Saturday, October 15th from 9:00AM to noon BALIF volunteers will help with the work of creating and maintaining the National AIDS Memorial Grove. The National AIDS Memorial Grove, located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, is a dedicated space in the national landscape where millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to  heal, hope, and remember.  Its mission is to provide, in perpetuity, a place of remembrance so that the lives of people who died from AIDS are not forgotten and the story is known by future generations. 

BALIF volunteers will participate in gardening activities: clearing weeds and debris, mulching and hauling topsoil, planting new trees and shrubs, and other related activities within the Grove. A breakfast of coffee, juices, bagels and fruit is served at 8:30AM and lunch is provided to all volunteers at 12:30PM.  Most volunteers find Community Volunteer Workdays to be a rewarding experience, even though you may have sore muscles at the end of the day!  If you are interested, please RSVP to   [email protected] by Wednesday, October 12th.    
Bagels & Bubbly with 
Bisexuals in the Bay
What:  Bagels and Bubbly with Bisexuals in the Bay

Who:  Legal Professionals and their partners who identify as bisexual* 
(*The term bisexual is used as an umbrella term for people who have the potential for sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to more than one gender.  This includes people who may identify as bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, and questioning.)

When:   Sunday, October 16, 11am - 2pm


Details:  An opportunity for discussion and activities focused on bi-visibility and community within the bi-community.

Follow BALIF on Instagram
Follow @BALIFSF on Instagram!

We know a picture is worth a thousand words! See what we are up to and behind the scenes updates. Sharing photos on social media? Please tag us!
BALIF's "Connections"
Mentorship Program
 
BALIF's mentorship program is seeking mentors and mentees for 2016-2017.  For more information, see the program guidelines and description on the BALIF website. If you are a law student, recent law school graduate, or newer attorney seeking a mentor, or if you are an experienced attorney interested in serving as a mentor, please contact Ashley Pellouchoud or David Sims at:  [email protected]
 
Mentors and mentee pairs will be assigned on a rolling basis from September thru October.

2016-2018 Tyron Garner Memorial Fellowship
Interested in a fellowship?  Please consider applying for the 2016-2018 Tyron Garner Memorial Fellowship for African-American LGBT Civil Rights:  http://www.lambdalegal.org/about-us/jobs/all_20160916_garner-fellow
Lambda Legal Upcoming Events
Lambda Legal Liberty Circle Reception - 9/27; 6-8pm Vanguard Properties 2501 Mission
Join members of Lambda Legal's Board of Directors, National Leadership Council, and other Liberty Circle members for a special cocktail reception welcoming Rachel B. Tiven as the new CEO of Lambda Legal. Hear her vision for the organization as we continue to fight for the full equality of LGBT people and those with HIV. RSVP to Mack Campbell at  [email protected].
 
Lambda Legal in the City VI - 10/5; 7-9pm
Enjoy cocktails and small bites while hearing about Lambda Legal's critical work across the country protecting and expanding the rights of LGBT people and people with HIV - the backlash against our historic marriage victory is in full force and we refuse to leave anyone in our community behind. The event is free to attend and your generous contributions to support Lambda Legal's work are greatly appreciated.  RSVP online at  https://www.facebook.com/events/798158370326254/.
 
Lambda Legal Silicon Valley Happy Hour - 10/20; 6-8pm 
Honcho in Los Altos
Lambda Legal invites you to join us for our Silicon Valley Happy Hour at Honcho. Please feel free to bring your friends along. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and get the latest updates on Lambda Legal cases that affect the entire LGBT community. We look forward to seeing you. All are welcome.  RSVP online at  https://www.facebook.com/events/1282576125107729/.

Probate Referee Program Opportunities -
from the 
Office of the State Controller Betty Yee
State Controller Betty Yee is searching for attorneys, certified public accountants, and certified  appraisers from diverse backgrounds to serve as probate referees. Our search encompasses everyone  including people of all races, genders, and LGBT status.

Probate referees are officers of the court who are appointed by the State Controller. They provide  reliable appraisals of all estate assets including businesses, securities, real estate, and personal
properties. Probate referees are not state employees; their fees are paid by the estates (trusts)  involved. For any appraisal required by law, probate referee fees are 1/10 th of one percent of the total  assets. The minimum fee is $75 plus expenses such as mileage and photos.

Qualification criteria and application information are on the Controller's website at  www.sco.ca.gov/eo_probate.html. The next probate referee examination will be held in April 2017.
People who meet all the qualifications and pass the examination may be contacted for an interview  by a panel of judges and attorneys. Controller Yee will decide whom to appoint after considering the  panel's recommendation.

Homeless Shelter Arbitration Training
The San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing announces the following free Arbitration Training to prepare attorneys to help homeless shelter single adults and families with due process when denied shelter for rule infractions. The arbitration experience provides an excellent opportunity to help the homelessness by providing pro-bono services. 

What:   Homeless Shelter Arbitration Training 
When:   Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: Duane Morris LLP 
   One Market Plaza, Spear Tower, 22nd Floor, Suite 2200      San Francisco, CA 94105

This training is approved by The State Bar of California for 2.5 MCLE credit.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
Program Responsibilities:  Arbitrators agree to conduct three one-hour hearings, a total three-hour session, on either Tuesday afternoons or Thursday mornings at least once every two to three months.  Arbitrators choose dates they are available.   Arbitrators decide the hearing outcomes after listening to both sides of the denial of service from a shelter. The client is usually represented by a trained Client Advocate.  Managers of shelters present their documentation for the denials of service.  Arbitrators complete minimal paper work documenting the arbitration and decision.  Arbitration procedures are based on the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing Shelter Grievance Policy. 

Arbitration Training Application - please submit the application to register for the training by September 14, 2016 to  [email protected].

ALRP from the Heart 
33rd Annual Reception & Auction

PLEASE JOIN US on OCTOBER 19, 2016

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel, formed in the early 1980s by a group of BALIF attorneys, is holding its ALRP From the Heart 33rd Annual Reception & Auction on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 6:00-9:00pm in the Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange in San Francisco (465 California Street, near Montgomery Street).

ALRP's reception features gourmet catered hors d'oeuvres,
wine and beverages, a silent & live auction, and great networking.

During this special evening, we will honor those who have made a lasting difference in the lives of people with HIV/AIDS and recognize ALRP's 33 years of achievement. ALRP will be presenting its 2016 Clint Hockenberry Leadership Award to Jerome Fishkin, Esq., the ALRP 2016 Attorney of the Year Award to Okan Sengun, Esq., and the ALRP 2016 Firm of the Year Award to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

Tickets start at just $100 and can be purchased by contacting Jim McBride at (415) 701-1200 ext. 301,  [email protected], or simply pay at the door on October 19th.

SPARK! Transgender Law Center's 
14th Anniversary Celebration
SPARK! 2016: A 14th Anniversary Celebration of Transgender Law Center

October 20, 2016 
6 p.m.  Reception
7 p.m.  Awards Ceremony and Program 

Julia Morgan Ballroom
465 California St
San Francisco, CA 94104

In 2016, Transgender Law Center will celebrate 14 years of igniting changes to law, policy, and attitudes so that everyone can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. For the last several years, we have held a widely popular anniversary celebration, called SPARK! This year, we anticipate over 400 of our most generous supporters, corporate partners, organizational allies, and elected officials to participate as we come together and recognize outstanding community leaders and businesses making huge strides in advancing transgender rights.
BALIF Amicus Brief Archive Now Online
For more than thirty years, BALIF has been participating as amicus - a friend of the court - in major cases raising issues of concern to the LGBT community and our allies. Check out the new archive on BALIF's website, where you can learn more about BALIF's amicus participation and read BALIF's briefs on a wide range of issues, including: the rights of same-sex parents and partners; the unconstitutionality of state sodomy statutes; the interpretation of disability civil rights laws to people with HIV/AIDS; Don't Ask, Don't Tell; the scope of Title VII and other workplace protections for LGBTs under federal and California law; the asserted First Amendment rights of organizations that explicitly exclude LGBTs; marriage equality; medical care for transgender prisoners; and more.
 
Please contact BALIF's Amicus Committee Chair, Julie Wilensky, [email protected], with any questions about or additions to the archive.
We Want Your BALIFBuzz

We all love that section in our alumni newsletters that talks about who's doing what.

 

Well, we're introducing the BALIFBuzz to show-off all the great things that our members are doing.  BALIFBuzz will be appearing in the weekly BALIF newsletter.   

 

New job?

New client?

Promotion?

Court victory?

Significant settlement?

Baby on the way?

Recently married or engaged?

Speaking engagement?

Award, recognition, certification, or degree?  

Or anything else you're excited about...

 

Keep it to one or two lines.  Please send to [email protected].

 

Can't wait to hear your great news!

 

Alex Touma

BALIF Membership Co-Chair

 

Job Postings Now on BALIF Website

All job postings can be found here!  

 

BALIF membership must be current to view the job postings. Simply log into the BALIF website with your membership ID and password, and select JOBS from the menu on the left.

September 22 - BALIF Partner Exchange Luncheon
October 4 - BALIF's Past, Present and Future
October 13 - BALIF Fall Happy Hour
October 15 - BALIF Volunteer Day at National AIDS Memorial Grove
October 16- Bagels & Bubbly with Bisexuals in the Bay
Our 2016-2017 Sponsors
Partner Level

 
Counsel Level

A&P

Fenwick
HB Logo

 

Mofo
Sedgwick2
Seyfarth


Wilson

Advocate Level


Benefactor Level


Individual Sponsors

BALIF Board of Directors
Jessica Bogo & Peter Catalanotti
  
Julie Wilensky
Secretary & Amicus Chair

Mario Choi
Treasurer

Nick Clements
Judiciary Chair

Sarah Nicole Davis & 
John Unruh
Gala Co-Chairs  

 

Alex Touma
Shauna Madison

CCBA Chair

 
Stan Sarkisov
Communications Chair 

Jamie Dupree
Programs Chair

Ashley Pellouchoud & David Sims
Young Lawyers & Law Students Co-Chairs  

Daniel Faessler
Social Action Chair

Jennifer Orthwein
 
Lauren Pietsch
Lindsey Rosellini
Community Ambassador Chair  

Sam Potts & Stephan Ferris
Katie Carlson
BALIF Administrator 
Follow BALIF

youtube
 
BALIF Foundation


BALIF | | [email protected] | http://www.balif.org
P.O. Box 193383
San Francisco, CA 94119