Even though the day to day detail of our varied practices may tend to make us doubt the veracity of this statement, the administration of justice is a large part of all that we, as lawyers, do. However, there are several areas where the SCBA and its members are working with our courts on improvements to justice that should be of direct benefit to litigants.

ADR

Sacramento County Superior Court Presiding Judge Richard K. Park has asked the SCBA to participate in discussions regarding Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR"). Our ADR section, chaired by William Owen, working with our court liaison committee, chaired by Emily Vasquez, is preparing a proposal to present to the Court after Bar Council review and approval. I applaud their enthusiasm and look forward to seeing the proposal.

Chief United States Magistrate Judge Gregory G. Hollows has asked that SCBA members serve on the panel of neutrals for the U.S. District Court Eastern District Voluntary Dispute Resolution Program. In this program, in operation since 1989, litigants may choose to participate in the ADR process, referral to which will be contingent upon the consent of all parties. Frequently, this process leads to settlement outside the formal court proceedings.

The Court is seeking additional lawyers to serve as neutrals. However, only lawyers with 10 years overall legal experience, or with five years overall legal experience and specialized knowledge in a particular area may serve as neutrals. Judge Hollows requests that those selected to serve participate in training opportunities which Congress has mandated the court to make available. There will be an in-person training on May 19, 2001 at the U.S. Court House for which MCLE credit will be given. Although this session will be videotaped and made available for viewing at a later date, it is recommended that candidates attend the live session, especially if they have not served as neutrals before. In his letter of invitation, Judge Hollows stated that he extended the invitation for your participation "[b]ased upon the experience and reputation of [SCBA] members in the community." Please contact Joyce Del Pero, Clerk's Office, U.S. District Court, 501 I Street, Suite 4-200, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 930-4042.

Judicial Council

The California Judicial Council has created a Task Force on Unrepresented Litigants, to which I was able to nominate two representatives. Arnulfo Hernandez and Doreathea Johnson responded to the "call." As I write this column, they are in San Francisco attending the first meetings of this task force.

SCBA's work with the Local Court Facility Planning Council continues as I replace Bruce Cline in the activities of the council which held its first meeting of 2001 on April 20. This council includes representatives from the Court, the public and the SCBA.

I also had the privilege of attending a Regional Task Force Conference on domestic violence and was pleased to see Deputy District Attorney Al Locher taking an active role in the prevention, as well as the prosecution, of domestic violence crimes. Those of you who attended the local conference on cross-cultural domestic violence issues in March know how important it is that we address these issues constantly.

Sacramento Law Foundation

Just as activities I've described often go unpublicized, the relationship between educating the public about the law and learning what non lawyers think about the system of justice and the administration of justice is not always clear to all of us. As we celebrate Law Day, I want to thank the Sacramento Law Foundation ("SLF") for providing cash awards, medals and certificates to the high school students who participated in the essay and poster contests responding to the Law Day theme, "Protecting the Best Interests of Our Children". SLF depends upon our donations and its limited fund-raising opportunities for the funds it generously dispenses. Please help SLF continue its work by purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win an "Instant Wine Cellar", a collection of fine wines donated by SCBA members and their law firms. Contact Emory L. King at (916) 443-4880 for tickets and information.