COMMITTEES
COMMUNICATIONS/NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee develops, maintains and updates SBWL’s website at www.sbwl.org and publishes SBWL’s informative quarterly newsletter. There’s room on the committee for writers, editors, photographers, graphic artists and novice website programmers — anyone with traditional journalistic flair or e-commentators. Its goal is to add personal and entertaining touches to the newsletter. The committee also is SBWL’s contact with the local media, by keeping it informed about SBWL activities.
2011 Chair: Susie Davison
Committee Members: Pauline Ung, Emily Allen, Marianne Stein
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: New committee members always welcome. We need articles and announcements for the quarterly SBWL Newsletter. E-mail the SBWL Communications Chair with questions and submissions.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Community Relations Committee is SBWL’s liaison with the many community organizations with which SBWL networks, including Girls, Inc., Legal Aid, Shelter Services for Women, Women Against Gun Violence, and the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee. This committee works to strengthen ties in the community and to create further networking opportunities.
2011 Chair: Jennifer Yates
Committee Members: Jessica Johnson, Michael Colton, Pauline Maxwell
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: New committee members are always welcome. Please contact Committee Chair for more information.
JUDICIAL
The Judicial Committee monitors all developments relating to Santa Barbara’s judiciary. It also meets with and evaluates potential judicial candidates, both for election and appointment. The committee is responsible for implementing some of SBWL’s most important goals this year-, which are increasing the number of women in Municipal and Superior Court Positions, and educating qualified women for upcoming openings in those posts. The Judicial Committee was proud to sponsor the numerous Judicial Candidate Forums.
2011 Co-Chairs: Michael Colton & Jessica Johnson
Committee Members: Angela Roach, Brandi Redman, Alison Holman
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: Attorneys interested in being evaluated are encouraged to contact the Committee Chair.
LEGAL EDUCATION / PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
Responsible for organizing MCLE events, including but not limited to a half-day MCLE seminar. Previous topics have ranged from domestic violence to “verbal judo” in negotiations to using persuasive trial techniques to influence jurors. The Legal Education Committee is responsible for developing MCLE themes, arranging for speakers, and organizing and publicizing the event.
2011 Co-Chairs: Pauline Ung and Gabriela Ferreira
Committee Members: Pauline Maxwell, Jennifer Yates, Jessica Johnson, Susie Davidson
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: Help is welcome for our upcoming event. Contact Committee Chair.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
The Committee administers and oversees SBWL’s Mentoring Circles Program. Additionally, the committee solicits, evaluates and presents nominations for the annual Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award and collaborates with the Programs Committee to make arrangements for the Annual Dinner. Members of this committee also play an instrumental role with the Glass Ceiling Task Force. Past Professional Advancement Committee’s past accomplishments include sponsoring and developing a survey on attorney compensation and benefits covering Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
2011 Co-Chairs: Danielle De Smeth and Emily Allen
Committee Members: Alison Holman, Gabriela Ferriera, Jessica Johnson
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: New committee members are always welcome to assist in committee activities. Contact Committee Chair.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Membership Committee recruits and welcomes new members to SBWL and works to encourage continuing membership. The committee will continue to make special efforts to get new members involved in SBWL activities. Additionally, this committee handles the assembly and publishing of the Membership Directory.
2011 Chair: Alison Holman
Committee Member: Marianne Stein
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: Renew now for continuing Membership Benefits. Contact Committee Chair for more information, or simply download the Membership Application from the SBWL website.
REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM COMMITTEE
As a pro-choice organization, SBWL closely monitors and responds to legal, political, and legislative developments affecting reproductive rights on a local, state, and national level. This committee networks with local choice groups, such as Planned Parenthood and the Pro-Choice Coalition, and contacts SBWL members whenever there is a pending vote or other current event in which our members’ voices can make a difference.
2011 Chair: Emily Allen
Committee Members: Gabriela Ferriera & Pauline Maxwell
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: New committee members are always welcome. Contact Committee Chair.
HISTORIAN COMMITTEE
The SBWL Historian collects, receives, organizes n the Historian’s Official book and maintains all SBWL memorabilia, including newsletters, photos, seminar announcements, Board records, and special awards. The Historian is also responsible for taking or obtaining photographs from SBWL events and ensuring they are placed on the SBWL website photograph directory. The Historian also organizes other related special projects, as needed.
2011 Chair: Michael Colton
Committee Members: Susie Davison & Danielle De Smeth
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: Seeking SBWL memorabilia including photos and scrap book materials. Make your SBWL memories part of the Historian’s Official Book by contacting the Committee Chair.
PRO BONO COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Pro Bono Committee is to provide pro bono services to the community. The Pro Bono Committee is responsible for organizing and coordinating the yearly Food from the Bar Drive each July. This committee also assists in soliciting donations for organizations such as Legal Aid and the SBWL Foundation. Other appropriate projects are being considered each year.
2011 Chair: Marianne Stein
Committee Members: Michael Colton, Emily Allen, Jessica Johnson, Brandi Redman
MEMBER INPUT REQUESTED: We urge members to donate their time to the Legal Resource Center. For other opportunities, please contact Committee Chair.