Jeffrey H.K. Sia, HSBA President

“The HSBA should get out of the business of evaluating the qualifications of persons appointed to judicial office.”  

This quote is not attributed to any one person, but the sentiment has been expressed by some.   It may not be surprising that it comes from some involved in other aspects of the judicial selection, appointment and confirmation process.   Other groups specifically tasked in the process may welcome informational input from the HSBA about judicial candidates and appointees, but not the HSBA’s evaluation and determination as to whether an appointee is “not qualified,” “qualified,” or “highly qualified.”   Last year, the American Judicature Society’s Hawaii Chapter approved a report by its Special Committee on the Judicial Selection System, which recommended that the HSBA “cease its current practice of rating nominees.”   A minority report by two Committee members, one of whom was HSBA’s former President, Douglas Crosier, disagreed with that recommendation.

While there are those who prefer the discontinuance of HSBA’s role, there has been significant vocalized membership support for that role.   The HSBA is looking into ways of improving its role in that process.   Before the HSBA Board completely scuttles its current role in the judicial appointee process, I want to hear from you on this matter.   I encourage all of you to let your Officers and Board know your position on the HSBA’s continuing role in the judicial appointee process.  

Please email president@hsba.org with your comments.

January-February

Learn Effective Legal Calendaring Techniques—Register Now!

Thursdays from noon to 1:30 p.m.

January 17      Calendaring Manual & Electronic

January 31*    Bankruptcy Court Calendaring

February 1      Circuit Court Calendaring Tour

February 7 *    U.S. District Court Calendaring

February 14     District Court Calendaring

*Also available as a web cast.

February 22, 2008

Learn How to Represent Clients Before the Liquor Commission

Location: 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 306

Time: Morning Seminar

Also available as a web cast.

April

Part II Landlord-Tenant Manual Update

More information to come. Date, Time & Location TBA.

Save the Date: October 24, 2008 for the 2008 BAR CONVENTION

MAUI

Monday, January 28

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Maui Beach Hotel

KAUAI

Tuesday, January 29

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Kauai Judiciary Center

KONA

Wednesday, January 30

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

75-165 Hualalai Road ,
Ste., 202, Kailua-Kona

HILO

Friday, February 1

Part of an all-day seminar on Law Office Technology.

University of Hawaii ,

Hilo Campus

Imiloa Astronomy Center

OAHU

Monday, January 28

Tuesday, January 29

Wednesday, January 30

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Hawaii State Bar Association

Thursday, January 31

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. &

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

JUDICIAL RETENTION NOTICE:

The Judicial Selection Commission has announced the retention review of The Honorable Hilary Benson Gangnes and The Honorable Christopher P. McKenzie, as judges of the District Court of the First Circuit.   HSBA members are invited to submit confidential comments in writing by January 31, 2008.

The Judicial Selection Commission has also announced the retention review of The Honorable Paul Murakami and The Honorable Clarence Pacarro as judges District Court of the First Circuit, and The Honorable Douglas Ige as a judge of the District Court of the Second Circuit.   HSBA members are invited to submit confidential comments in writing by February 6, 2008.

Please submit comments in writing to:

            Rosemary Fazio, Chair

            Judicial Selection Commission

            State of Hawaii State Bar Association      

            417 South King Street

            Honolulu, Hawaii   96813

JUSTICE BREYER RECEPTION, February 4

 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who will join the William S. Richardson School of Law in February as a Jurist-in-Residence, will address the HSBA membership and the Judiciary on “Judicial Independence” on Monday, February 4, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the Supreme Court Courtroom. Justice Breyer’s presentation will be followed by a reception at 6:00 p.m. in the Rotunda of Ali’iolani Hale. All members of the HSBA are encouraged to greet Justice Breyer and hear his comments on this important issue.

Registration Form (registration is required).    

Katherine G. Leonard

Katherine G. Leonard will be sworn-in on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 as an Associate Justice of the Intermediate Court of Appeals.   Ms. Leonard is a graduate of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and formerly was a partner with the law office of Carlsmith Ball LLP where she concentrated on civil litigation.   The ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. in the Supreme Court Courtroom.

The lucky students at WSRSL benefit in January from exciting presentations/seminars by visiting professors.

It’s not too late to attend the public presentations from January 15 through January 23, 2008----Start the year off with some innovative thought!

Click here for more information.

Or visit their website at www.hawaii.edu/law/index.php

Bar Directories for Sale!

Need Bar Directories for your staff? Extra copies are now for sale!

Cost is $30.00

Order Form

Pick up your copies at the HSBA office

($10.00 for postage & handling if mailed.)

Jill Hasegawa, YLD President

"Ring"   in the New Year with Pro Bono!

The Hawaii State Bar Association's Young Lawyers' Division is looking for volunteers to help staff our Legal Line Hotline.   This is an opportunity to volunteer just an hour or so of your time to help the community.   No prior experience is necessary and all volunteers are welcome.   The Legal Line Hotline runs year-round every Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.   Please contact Tammy Takara at ttakara@hsba.org, if you are interested in helping to make a difference.  

Member Benefits Administrator

The HSBA is looking for a Member Benefits Administrator to seek out, review, manage and market member benefits programs offered by the HSBA, such as the recently added ABA retirement program, the World Class Conferencing audio/video program, rPost, and Casemaker, the HSBA’s online legal research facility.    We’re looking for a self-starter with a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in the legal arena and knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing.   Four-year college degree desired; excellent verbal and written skills; entrepreneurial spirit.    

To apply for this position, send a resume and cover letter to hr@hsba.org or Human Resources, Hawaii State Bar Association, 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 906, Honolulu, HI   96813.

Contract Typist for HSBA Manuals:

The HSBA is in need of a typist for HSBA Manuals who is available to work by contract as needed.   Familiarity with legal terminology is required.   For information or to apply, contact hr@hsba.org or Human Resources, Hawaii State Bar Association, 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 906, Honolulu, HI 96813.

The dates, times, and costs of the HSBA events noted in this newsletter are subject to change. Please re-check the information as the event approaches at www.hsba.org or with the sponsoring organization.

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© 2007 Hawaii State Bar Association

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Tel: (808) 537-1868 | Fax: (808) 521-7936

Email: Info@hsba.org   | http://hsba.org/