FBA President's Message
By Robin Taylor

As the New Year approaches, I want to extend warm greetings to the members of the Federal Bar Association (“FBA”) and the Sacramento bar. The FBA membership has made this year enjoyable and productive by actively participating in the many FBA sponsored events and programs. The FBA also appreciates the tireless and outstanding service provided by the many volunteers who helped make our programs and events a success.

Judge Schwartz, UC Davis Law School Dean Rex Perschbacher, and Marcia Augsburger.

FBA strives to educate its members on substantive areas of federal practice and to foster close professional relationships among the federal practitioners and bench. The newly elected Executive Board and Committee Members for 2003 are committed to carrying out this mission and serving our membership. The Executive Board is composed of President Robin Taylor of the United States Attorney’s Office, Vice President Tory Griffin of Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer, Secretary Sam McAdams of Seyfarth Shaw, Treasurer Kristine Burks of Mennemeier, Glassman & Stroud, and Program Chair Michael Mills of Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer.

The Executive Committee consists of the members of the Executive Board as well as the following representatives: Bankruptcy Trustee Representative Antonia Darling of the Office of the United States Trustee, Criminal Law Representative Candace Fields of Segal & Kirby, Membership Director Joanna Mendoza of Livingston & Mattesich, and two Program Committee members, Jenna Clark of Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer and Marcia Augsburger of McDonough, Holland & Allen.

December marks the last month of service by our Chapter President Mathew Powell of Wilke Fleury Hoffelt Gould & Birney. Powell’s leadership and professionalism played an integral role in the Chapter’s success in 2002, and he promises to remain actively involved in the FBA next year. Matt leaves big shoes to fill, and I will have to work hard to fill them. As in the past, the officers have included members from private practice and the public sector. While I work for the United State’s Attorney’s Office, the opinions stated in this, and future articles, are my own or that of the Federal Bar Association, and not that of the federal government.

In addition to providing quality programs for the Federal bench and bar, the FBA’s primary goals for 2003 are to increase membership and to better serve and communicate with existing members. Unfortunately, progress often stems from errors. The officers believe that the FBA must do a better job in accurately mailing event notices and keeping in contact with its members. Resolving this problem is one of the Board’s highest priorities for 2003. To achieve this goal, the Board has voted to create the new position of Membership Director, which will be filled by Joanna Mendoza. Mendoza is tasked with working with the officers and FBA national organization to update and streamline our mailing lists and create an e-mail distribution list. We have also designed a web page for the Sacramento Chapter accessible at Please visit the web site to obtain updates on activities and events. Membership applications are available on the web site. We are also grateful to the Sacramento County Bar Association for giving us some space in the Sacramento Lawyer. If you have any immediate concerns with your membership, please contact me directly at 554-2722 or at or call Joanna Mendoza.

The FBA is proud to have sponsored many timely and worthwhile programs. In 2002, we presented programs showcasing local practitioners and scholars who discussed a variety of topics including: the constitutionality of military tribunals and their effect on civil liberties; the federal judicial selection process; recent decisions by the United States Supreme Court; and the use of protective orders in federal court. Attendees at these timely and informative events received continuing legal education credits. We will continue serving the federal bar and legal community by developing and sponsoring high quality educational and social events next year.

The FBA, in concert with the Sacramento County Bar Association, is sponsoring “Protect & Defend - the Constitutional Project.” Protect & Defend is a lawyer-driven civics project which seeks to promote the values of American Government and the Constitution in the public schools. Representatives from each of the Sacramento-area bar association are assisting with the Project. In April 2002, the FBA and Sacramento County Bar Association co-sponsored the Protect & Defend kickoff address by the Hon. Frank C. Damrell Jr., United States District Judge, at the U.S. Courthouse. Nearly 250 practitioners were treated to an inspiring speech and an expansive lunch free of charge.

Recently retired United States Senior District Judge Milton L. Schwartz presents a plaque to Ann Taylor Schwing at the FBA's annuall dinner as FBA President Robin Taylor prepares to present a gift.

Additionally, in October 2002, the FBA sponsored the investiture reception for the Hon. Morrison C. England, Jr., who was recently appointed to the federal bench. The FBA would like to welcome Judge England; we know that we will benefit from his skill, leadership and professionalism. The year concluded with the FBA annual dinner featuring trial lawyer Joseph W. Cotchett. Cotchett’s timely and provocative speech regarding the role of lawyers in today’s corporate America and the new rules governing the application of the attorney-client privilege provided good fodder for post-event discussion. The FBA also recognized and honored two outstanding federal practitioners, Ann Taylor Schwing of McDonough, Holland & Allen and Alan Perkins of Wilke Fleury Hoffelt Gould & Birney, for their years of service to the federal bench and bar.

In 2003, the FBA will continue to present important and interesting programs. We also look forward to welcoming Kim Mueller to the bench as a newly appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge. Mueller served the FBA as Treasurer and Program Co-Chair. Her participation on the board will be sorely missed, but we wish her every success with her new position and know that she will remain a friend of the FBA.

Lastly, because it is difficult to get the pulse of a legal community by just attending formal events, the FBA is planning to sponsor a few informal (and lower cost) events designed to promote collegiality and camaraderie among the federal bar and bench. We are planning to hold several “brown bag” style lunches at the U.S. Courthouse throughout the year. We also plan to hold a few small after work gatherings, dubbed “Sidebars.” We anticipate that this style of event, combined with more traditional educational programs, will give our members a way to participate beyond simply paying their yearly bill. If you have additional thoughts or ideas, please feel free to contact me or the other board members. Happy New Year.