Summer Membership Mixer
by Russell L. Hom, ABAS President

ABAS members, law students and judges mingled and enjoyed a sumptuous buffet of Japanese delicacies at the ABAS Summer Membership Mixer held at Tokio Restaurant. A number of law students from U.C. Davis, including some of the participants in the Sacramento County Bar Fellowship program, had an opportunity to meet several judges from the Sacramento County Superior Court. Participating jurists included Judge Michael G. Virga, Judge Judy H. Hersher, Judge Morrison England and Judge Brian Van Camp. Other dignitaries included Chief Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary Shelly Anne Chang, Department of Health Services Chief Counsel Keith Yamanaka and Yolo County Public Defender and "Woodstock" legend Barry Melton.

ABAS quarterly mixers provide an opportunity to meet and network not only with other attorneys but also judges and law students in an informal casual atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to attend the functions, hosted by ABAS.

ABAS founding board member Jerry Chong was honored for his long-standing contributions to the Sacramento community at a gala event held at the Radisson Hotel on August 17, 2001. In addition to providing well-deserved recognition to Jerry for his humanitarian work, the event benefited the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center.

With the start of the new school year, ABAS is renewing its efforts to support our local law students. On September 20, 2001, ABAS hosted the 2nd Annual Unity Bar Diversity Career Forum in conjunction with the other Unity Bar Associations. Law students had an opportunity to meet with a number of Sacramento area employers, both public and private, at the forum. In conjunction with the forum, ABAS will be holding seminars on interview techniques for law students to assist them in the employment process.

The ABAS mentor-mentee program is back in place with the start of the new school year. Law students eager to learn are matched with ABAS members equally eager to impart their knowledge and experience. The ABAS mentor program provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the professional life of a law student.