The theme of this issue, success stories, was inspired by the large number of significant appointments that our legal community has seen in recent months. Since the spring, we've seen a new Legislative Counsel appointed, the confirmation of a new federal judge, and the appointment of several Superior Court judges. In addition, Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker, featured in our cover story, officially took over on July 1 as the dean of the McGeorge School of Law.

The eight men and women profiled in this issue come to their new positions from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of professional experiences. What they have in common is that all of them have attained the kind of positions of prominence that would be considered a major milestone in any lawyer's career. In addition to wishing them luck in their endeavors, I would like to thank each of them for agreeing to be profiled in the magazine.

I would also like to thank our stellar group of contributors. This magazine would never get published without the volunteer efforts of many people. This month's contributors include John Bachman, Shirley David, Stacy Boulware Eurie, Toso Himel, Charity Kenyon, Jack Laufenberg, Amy Radbill, Mark Shusted, Rick Sueyoshi and Peg Toledo. In addition, Niesha Fort and Vince Miles of the SCBA staff took photographs of the Barristers Club's summer associate reception and the alternative dispute resolution program involving lawyers and judges from Ghana. Thank you, one and all.

Sadly, I must take this opportunity to say goodbye to Niesha Fort. For the past several years, Niesha has functioned as the administrative backbone of this magazine, keeping track of the courthouse steps and the display and classified advertising. Alas, Niesha is departing for rainy Seattle. We will miss you, Niesha. At least for now, inquiries regarding advertising and the courthouse steps should be directed to SCBA Executive Director Carol Prosser at the bar office. Contact information is located in the box next to the table of contents.

I should also explain why this issue is designated as the September/October issue when the previous issue was referred to as the August issue. The U.S. Postal Service has informed us that, as a bimonthly magazine, our cover must indicate that each issue covers a two-month period. I am not sure why the postal authorities care so much. It seems like they should be protecting us against more serious threats to the common good than supposedly mislabeled periodicals. Nonetheless, we have acquiesced and dubbed this issue September/October even though we always intended for it to be published in October.