"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

January 17, 2006 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin. In keeping with Benjamin Franklin's desire for learning and for living, I am glad to report that the Sacramento Chapter of the Federal Bar Association continues to offer its members quality programming that fosters a better understanding of our profession, as well as opportunities to meet and learn from those with whom we practice law.

In 2005, we were pleased to have the Honorable Dan Lundgren, U.S. Congressman and former Attorney General of California as our keynote speaker for our annual dinner. Congressman Lundgren spoke on the challenges facing our country in light of the War on Terrorism and the reasons that led him to run for Congress. We also sponsored quality educational programs for our members. District Judge Morrison England, together with the information technology staff of the District Court, presented an informative program on the use of technology in the courtroom that was well received by our members. Our Chapter also was honored to have Professor Alan Brownstein and Professor Clark Kelso present their ever-popular annual Supreme Court Year in Review program. Our Chapter also had a number of events specifically recognizing several important changes at our federal courthouse in Sacramento. In 2005, our Chapter helped sponsor the renaming and rededication ceremony for the Robert T. Masui United States Courthouse, which renamed our new courthouse in honor of our late and beloved Congressman Robert T. Matsui. We also helped sponsor the retirement ceremony and party for the Honorable Jane McKeag of the United States Bankruptcy Court. Finally, we sponsored an open house and dedication for the new chambers of United States Circuit Judge Consuelo M. Callahan in the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse. At this event, we were honored to have Chief Judge Mary Schroeder of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, as well as the Honorable Janice Rogers Brown and several of Judge Callahan's fellow Circuit Judges in attendance.

District Judge William B. Shubb led a very enjoyable and informative Sidebar event at Raley Field where our members, together with Judge Shubb, received a tour of the baseball park's facilities and were able to socialize in a great setting. Finally, our Chapter increased its outreach to newly admitted members of the bar. Our Program Committee Members were in attendance at the swearing-in ceremonies at the U.C. Davis School of Law and McGeorge School of Law to inform the new lawyers from our local law schools about the benefits of membership in the Federal Bar Association.

For 2006, our Chapter will continue the high level of quality programming that marked 2005. On March 3, 2006, our Chapter sponsored Nina Totenberg's address on "The Supreme Court and Its Impact on You" at the U.C. Davis Mondavi Center. This sponsorship was made possible by generous donations from DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, Downey Brand, McDonough Holland & Allen, Olson Hagel & Fishburn, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Segal & Kirby, and Stevens & O'Connell. Additionally, the Chapter once again will present the annual Supreme Court Year in Review, and is a planning a program to train members of the bar to represent indigent litigants in section 1983 cases, as well as a primer on bankruptcy for the non-bankruptcy practitioner. In addition to the above events, the Chapter will continue to hold its "Sidebar" events, which bring members of the bench and bar together and are limited to FBA members.

None of these events would be possible without the tireless efforts of our past President, Kristine Burks, the members of our Executive Committee, and many volunteers. It is because of the great cooperation between our members and the federal bench that the Sacramento Chapter of the Federal Bar Association has enjoyed so much success in the past. I look forward to continuing that success in 2006.

May / June 2006