CLE Info
Wednesday, September 2, 2009:
11:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Welcoming Reception: Honorable Martin Chávez, Mayor of Albuquerque
Thursday, September 3, 2009:
7:30 am - 8:00 am Networking Breakfast
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration
8:00 am - 10:00 am Opening Remarks & Plenary Panel: Ramona E. Romero, HNBA National
President and Charles Garcia, HNBA Convention Chair
8:30 am – 10:00 am Plenary Session:
There has to be a Safe Place: A Dialogue on the State of the Judiciary. Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter noted in a recent speech that a fair and independent judiciary is important because "there has to be a safe place." The judiciary is the last recourse for all those mistreated by their government, including Hispanics and other minority communities who depend on it to ensure that they are afforded all of the rights and privileges given to the People by the U.S. Constitution. The independence and effectiveness of our Third Branch are threatened by a number of challenges, including public under-appreciation of its role, attacks conveyed as claims of judicial "activism," limited diversity, the increasingly political nature of the selection and confirmation process at the federal level, the increasingly poor tenor of state judicial election races, and threats to lifetime service by federal judges such as inadequate pay. The panelists will discuss these issues and what all lawyers can do to help address them.
- Jimmie V. Reyna, Partner, Williams Mullem LLP, Washington, DC (Moderator)
- Hon. Edward L. Chávez, Chief Justice, New Mexico Supreme Court
- Dr. Sylvia Lazos, Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law
- Bert Brandenburg, Executive Director, Justice at Stake, Washington, DC
- Mark Hugo Lopez, Associate Director, Pew Hispanic Center, Washington, DC
- Hon. Robert C. Brack, Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
10:00 am – 10:15 am Break
10:15 am – 11:15 am CLE Programs
Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track
Vanishing Judgment: Obstacles to the Judicial Exercise of Discretion. Under our constitutional framework, the judiciary plays a critical role in the resolution of conflicts and the administration of justice. The exercise of discretion by judges in order to achieve justice has historically been a hallmark of American jurisprudence. Over time, however, the use of discretion by judges in reaching decisions in cases has diminished. The speaker will examine this phenomenon, identify potential obstacles to the use of judicial discretion, and discuss their impact.
Presenter: Hon. Nancy Gertner, Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Litigation Track
Going, Going, Gone: Ethical Challenges for Lawyers Who Leave and Those Who Are Left Behind.
The number of lawyers changing firms on any one day sometimes seems to rival the arrivals and departures at a busy airport. Firms at both ends of this process need to strike a delicate balance between the rights and expectations of clients and the rights and ethical duties of individual lawyers and firms. Similarly, as lawyers move between firms and in-house positions, questions arise concerning conflicts of interest, confidentiality and competition. The panelists will share their knowledge and experience about the available options and the consequences for all those concerned. (Ethics)
- Allison Rhodes, Attorney, Hinshaw & Culberson, LLP, Portland, OR (Moderator)
- Javier Zamora, Assistant General Counsel, NIKE, Inc., Beaverton, OR
- David Rios, Counsel, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond,WA
- Mauricio Leon de la Barra, Attorney, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Los Angeles, CA
- Liz Lopez, Attorney, Washington, DC
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Building the Pipeline: Advocating for the Educational Rights of Underserved Children.
Lawyers who have spent their careers fighting for the rights of students by representing families, educational institutions and policymakers offer their perspectives on education law. They will focus on those laws, including the Economic Stimulus Package and No Child Left Behind that can be used to maximize opportunities for students of color in all school settings. The legal issues and challenges relating to shortcomings in state implementation of those laws will also be addressed.
- Mary T. Hernández, Partner, Garcia, Calderón & Ruíz, LLP, San Francisco, CA (Moderator)
- Deborah Escobedo, Staff Attorney, Youth Law Center, San Francisco, CA
- Lawrence R. Baca, Retired Deputy Director, Office of Tribal Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, San Diego, CA
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
Profiting from Innovation: What Every Lawyer Should Know About Intellectual Property. IP concepts impact legal rights of clients in a variety of settings, from authors and musicians, to individual inventors, to the research and development investment of companies and universities. By explaining basic concepts relating to copyright, patent, trademark and trade secret laws, this panel will equip non-IP practitioners with basic knowledge needed to spot issues and protect their clients in negotiating IP in technology transfer, government contracting, and commercial licensing transactions.
- David J. Salazar, Esq., Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM (Moderator)
- Gloria Fuentes, Counsel and Director of Patents, Schering-Plough Corp., Kenilworth, NJ
- Horacio Gutiérrez, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (Chief IP Counsel), Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA
11:15 am – 11:30 am Break
11:30am - 12:30pm CLE Programs
Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track
Court Specialization: Fad or Effective Strategy? Grappling with exploding dockets in every area and seemingly intractable societal problems, state and federal courts struggle for ways to increase efficiency and address both issues. This has resulted in the increased use of specialized courts in a broader range of areas, including business and complex litigation, mental health, specialized family courts and drugs offenses. The panelists will explore the drivers for these courts, the mechanics of their creation and operation, their effectiveness and related issues.
- Hon. Catherine Torres-Stahl, Judge, 144th District Court, San Antonio, TX (Moderator)
- Hon. Marco A. Hernandez, Judge, Circuit Court of the State of Oregon (Washington County), Hillsboro, OR
- Hon. Albert Diaz, Judge, North Carolina Superior Court (Special Court for Complex Business Cases), Charlotte, NC
- Hon. Maria Socorro Leos, Associate Judge, Child Support Title IV-D in Hidalgo County, Edinburg, TX
Litigation Track
Inside the Minds of the Juror: Revealing the Secrets of Voir Dire and other Mysteries. Experienced trial counsel and jury consultants share their experience and wisdom on picking juries. The panel will debate their methods, strategies and value of jury research, addressing both trial lawyers’ practical experience and the findings from applied psychological research on how jurors evaluate information and make decisions. Panelists will offer tips on persuasive case presentation, jury selection, and the early use of jury research in order to refine and enhance case strategies.
- Arturo J. Gonzalez, Chair, Trial Practice Group, Morrison & Foerster, LLP, San Francisco, CA (Moderator)
- Michael Perez, Founding Partner, Perez & Wilson, LLP, San Diego, CA
- Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
- Alison Wong, Jury Consultant, DecisionQuest, Houston, TX
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Immigrant Rights: Department of Homeland Security Initiatives, Case Law Updates, and Policy Reforms. Immigration enforcement and its impact on families are key issues for the Latino community. The presenters will address practice advisories, current government enforcement initiatives, important recent federal court cases, the view from the Federal District Court bench and other hot topics.
- Eneida Roman, Principal Attorney, Roman Law Offices, Boston, MA (Moderator)
- Hon. Martha Vázquez, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
- Zuraya Tapia-Alfaro, Attorney and Advocacy Director, NDN, Washington, DC
- Esther Olavarria, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
Business Opportunities in Indian Country. This panel will discuss legal issues involved in doing business with and representing tribal entities in commercial transactions and related disputes. These issues include tribal sovereignty, gaming compacts, and the states' role in business development on tribal lands.
- Sam Winder, Founding Partner, The Law Office Sam Winder, Albuquerque, NM (Moderator)
- Heather Dawn Thompson, Partner, Sonnenschein LLP, and President, National Native American Bar Association, Washington, DC
- Heidi McNeil Staudemeier, Partner, Snell & Wilmer LLP, Phoenix, AZ
- Kevin Washburn, Dean, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Commission on the Status of Latinas in the Legal Profession First Annual Awards Luncheon
Speaker: The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr. Attorney General, United States of America
Honorees: The Honorable Sonia M. Sotomayor, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
Award from the Commission on the Status of Latinas in the Legal Profession (Invited)Latina Lawyer of the Year Award: Christina Hernandez–Malaby
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CLE Programs
Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track
U.S. Supreme Court Roundup. As the legal community anticipates the beginning of a new Supreme Court term and the presence of a new Justice on the first Monday in October 2009, leading members of the high court's bar examine both the key decisions of the 2008-2009 term and the controversial cases on the docket that may result in substantial changes in the law.
- Philippa Scarlett, Attorney, Kirkland & Ellis, Washington, DC and former law clerk to the Honorable Stephen Breyer, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court (Moderator)
- Jeffrey A. Lamken, Partner and Chair, Supreme Court and Appellate Practice, Baker Botts, LLP, Washington, DC
- Gilbert Paul Carrasco, Professor of Law, Willamette University College of Law, Salem, OR
Litigation Track
Challenges Facing In-house Counsel and What Outside Counsel Can Do to Help And Prosper. Survival in today's economy requires outside counsel to "hear" their clients’ persistent calls for innovation, creativity, efficiency and cost reasonableness. Both large and small companies share the same basic legal need--lawyers who understand their business and develop and implement legal strategies based upon the best business case. Senior corporate counsel will discuss best practices in client services, use of legal technology, billing arrangements, and similar issues.
- Claudine Martinez, General Counsel, MCT Industries, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (Moderator)
- Hinton Lucas, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, DuPont, Wilmington, DE
- Patrick Ortiz, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, PNM Resources, Albuquerque, NM
- Clarissa Cerda, General Counsel, LifeLock, Tempe, AZ (Invited)
- Carlos Ortiz, Vice President & General Counsel, Goya Foods, Secaucus, NJ (Invited)
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Combating Domestic Violence: A Fresh Approach. Domestic violence affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Women are disproportionately affected, representing 85% of domestic violence victims in criminal cases. Children who witness violence or are abused themselves are far more likely to abuse their own partners and children later in life. This panel will provide models on how prosecutorial leadership in combination with coordinated community initiatives can improve domestic violence prosecutions and better protect the most vulnerable members of society.
- Lemuel Martinez, District Attorney, 13th Judicial District, NM (Moderator)
- Carmen K. Aguilar, Supervising Attorney, Domestic Violence Division of Cook County State Attorney's Office, Chicago, IL
- Jennifer S. Greene, Advocacy Liason, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez for Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes, Chicago, IL
- Hon. Stan Whitaker, Judge, 2nd Judicial District Court, Albuquerque, NM
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
Complex Employment Litigation Update. Panelists will focus on the latest trends and litigation strategies in class, collective action, and complex litigation from wage and hour to discrimination cases. The panel will feature a discussion on recent court decision affecting how these matters are handled by both the plaintiff and defense bars, including a recent case law update which will be beneficial to practitioners in their day-to-day practice.
- David R. Jimenez, Partner, Jackson Lewis LLP, Hartford, CT (Moderator)
- Fred Alvarez, Partner and Chair, Employment Litigation Practice Group, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, San Francisco, CA
- Trina L. Fairley, Partner, Crowell & Moring, LLP, Washington, DC
- Christopher Garcia, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP, Chicago, IL
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Break
3:45 pm - 5:15 pm CLE Programs
Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track
Empathy Personified: The Importance of Cultural Competence in the Courtroom. After President Obama listed "empathy" as a criterion for the selection of a Supreme Court nominee in May 2009, much discussion arose about its significance and its role in judging. Participants will explore how the diversity, cultural competence and awareness of judges, lawyers and other participants in the legal process impacts the fair administration of justice and public perceptions of the judicial system. The panelists will share real world examples of how judges' cultural competence or lack thereof affects judicial proceedings and the impact on the participants, and discuss findings from studies conducted in various states.
- Ivette Alvarez, Counsel, Einhorn, Harris, Ascher, Barbarito & Frost P.C., Denville, NJ (Moderator)
- Hon. Raoul G. Cantero, III, Partner, White & Case, Miami, FL and Justice (Ret.), Florida Supreme Court
- Hon. Laura A. Cordero, Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC
- Hon. Arturo J. Jaramillo, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Department of General Services, Santa Fe, NM
Litigation Track
Corporate Internal Investigations: New Challenges in an Increasingly Complex Business Environment. Given the recent turmoil in the financial markets and scandals involving companies in that sector, public concerns about corporate accountability have escalated to Enron levels. The prompt investigation of allegations of fraud or other improprieties is essential to business risk management since such allegations often result in civil and/or criminal litigation. This panel will discuss the legal framework governing corporate internal investigations and associated ethical issues.
- Mauro M. Wolfe, Partner, Dickstein Shapiro LLP, New York, NY (Moderator)
- Maria Gonzalez Calvet, Senior Attorney, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP, Philadelphia, PA
- Alicia Olivera Valle, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida, Miami, FL
- Jaime Guerrero, Senior Counsel, Foley & Lardner, Los Angeles, CA
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Reconciling the Rule of Law, Individual Liberties and the War on Terror. The panelists will examine the tension between the need to protect the citizenry from terrorism and our commitment to the rule of law and legal values such as due process and civil rights. The discussion will focus on the legal issues relating to the preservation of individual liberties, surveillance practices, military commissions, interrogation techniques, habeas corpus, and the concerns for “enemy combatants” under the U.S. criminal justice system.
- LTC Carrie Frances Ricci, U.S. Army Judge Advocate Corps, Assistant, Army General Counsel, Arlington, VA (Moderator)
- Col. Manuel Supervielle, Counsel and Director, Navigant Consulting, Miami, FL
- Professor Kristine Huskey, Clinical Professor and Director, National Security & Human Rights Clinic, University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Austin, TX
- Hon. Ricardo M. Urbina, Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, Washington, DC
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
The Land of Green Opportunity: Legal Issues in Sustainability and the Development of the Green Economy. Expert panelists from government, industry and law firms will discuss the legal issues arising from the movement towards a green economy, including the development and funding of renewable energy infrastructure; federal and state mandates for use of renewable energy such as wind and solar; and public policy initiatives addressing green house gasses.
- Carolyn Aiman, Counsel, Shell Oil Company, Houston, TX (Moderator)
- Sergio Garcia, Partner, ReedSmith LLP, San Francisco, CA
- Doris Rodriguez, Partner, Andrews Kurth, LLP, Houston, TX
6:30 pm – Midnight
Celebrating Hispanic Culture: A Night at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
(Reception,dinner, dancing & flamenco)
Presentation of Latino Lawyer of the Year, Ohtli and Corporate Partner of the Year Awards
Honorees: Latino Attorney of the Year: Arturo Gonzalez, San Francisco, CA
Corporate Partner of the Year: DuPont
Ohtli Award: TBA
Friday, September 4, 2009:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration
8:00 am - 8:30 am Networking Breakfast
8:30 am - 10:00 am Plenary Session
A More or Less Perfect Union?: Perspectives from Business, Education, Government, Law and the Civil Rights Community. The administration of President Barack H. Obama has promised to deliver change in the way our government conducts its business and interacts with the citizenry. Prominent speakers from the government, business, education, law and civil rights communities will provide their perspectives on how planned and actual policy changes are likely to impact the American people and the economy.
- Robert Raben, Esq., President & Founder, The Raben Group, Washington, DC
- Lily Eskelsen, Vice President, National Education Association, Washington, DC
- Hon. Tom Udall, U.S. Senator, New Mexico
- Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, Washington, DC (Invited)
- Thomas A. Saenz, President & General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Los Angeles, CA (Invited)
- Jesus Chavarria, Ph.D, Publisher, Hispanic Business Magazine, Santa Barbara, CA (Invited)
- Moises V. Vela, Jr., Director of Administration for Vice President Joseph Biden, Washington, DC (Invited)
10:00 am – 10:15 am Break
10:15 am - 11:15 am CLE Programs
Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track
Non-English Speaking Jurors and How They Add to the Jury Process. Increasingly, jurors with limited English proficiency are part of the judicial process and their participation in cases creates administrative challenges for courts and impacts the dynamics and deliberations of juries. This panel will examine the challenges jurors with limited English proficiency present and the strategies and methods that can be used to address them.
- Hon. Edward Chavez, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of New Mexico, Santa Fe, NM (Moderator)
- Hon. David Medina, Justice, Supreme Court of Texas, Austin, TX
- Hon. Suzanne R. Bolanos, Judge, Superior Court of California, San Francisco, CA
Litigation Track
How to Represent Your Client Most Effectively at Mediation. This panel will summarize recent findings of empirical research done on improving the quality of commercial mediation and present ideas on how to most effectively represent your client at mediation. With an emphasis on commercial and employment matters, panelists will also discuss tips to keep in mind and mistakes to avoid in mediation. They will also discuss the cases that are suitable for mediation and mediator selection as well as the efficient and cost effective for your clients.
- Lawrence Huerta, Esq., Mediator & Arbitrator, San Diego, CA (Moderator)
- Eridania Perez, Partner, Dewey & LeBouf, New York, NY
- Kathleen A. Bryan, President & CEO, International Center for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR), New York, NY
- Joaquin Hernandez, Attorney, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, Portland, OR
- Michael Hernandez, Attorney, Franczek Radelet, Chicago, IL
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Politics of Hate: Local and Federal Strategies to Prosecute Hate Crimes. According to the 2007 FBI report on hate crimes, there has been a 40% surge in anti-Latino violence since 2003. With the recent murders and other crimes motivated by national origin prejudice across the country, the panelists will discuss the state and federal legal frameworks that apply to these crimes. Further, they will delve into legislation such as the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, currently pending in the 111th Congress, which would provide wider prosecutorial discretion for the Department of Justice to intervene when state law enforcement officials ignore violent crimes motivated by prejudice.
- Cristóbal Joshua Alex, Attorney and Program Officer, Democracy and Power Fund, Open Society Institute, and Co-Chair, HNBA Section on Civil Rights, New York, NY (Moderator)
- Nancy Ramirez, Regional Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Co-Chair, HNBA Section on Civil Rights, Los Angeles, CA
- Mark J. Kappelhoff, Chief, Criminal Section Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC
- Angela “Spence” Pacheco, District Attorney, Santa Fe, NM
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and Your Future: How New Technologies can Help (or Hinder) Your Practice and Future. The panelists will discuss the increased reliance on technology to deliver legal services, perform investigative research, and to develop law practices and related ethical and practical issues.
- Krista Krahn, Attorney, Morrison & Foerster, LLP, Los Angeles, CA (Moderator)
- Ronalyn Sisson, Attorney, Oxford Legal Associates, Philadelphia, PA
- Ed Torpoco, Senior Litigation Counsel, E-Bay, San José, CA
- Carole Levitt, Attorney and Principal, Internet for Lawyers, Rio Rancho, NM
11:15 am – 11:30 am Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm CLE Programs
Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track
Top Judicial Ethics Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. This presentation will explore ethical mistakes judges often make and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Specific examples of notable judicial ethical lapses will be used to both illustrate the potential problems and to outline strategies for judges to avoid ethical improprieties and sanctions. (Ethics)
Presenter: Cynthia Gray, Director, Center for Judicial Ethics, American Judicature Society, Chicago, IL
Litigation Track
The “Right” Way to Settle: Ethical and Disclosure Considerations in the Settlement Context.
Panelists will discuss the ethical and disclosure issues that arise in representing clients in the settlement process. Among the topics of discussion will be affirmative misrepresentations and misrepresentations by omission during settlement discussions; the duty to inform clients; the permissibility of restrictions on opposing counsel's right to practice; and when are companies required to accrue and disclose contingent liabilities. (Ethics)
- Ariel Stern, Partner, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Las Vegas, NV (Moderator)
- Joseph C. Matta, Partner, Schirrmeister Diaz-Arrastia Brem LLP, Houston, TX
- Hon. Esther Salas, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
- Christian A. Garza, Corporate Counsel, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Houston, TX
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Latino Access to Democracy: Pitfalls and Promises. This panel explores continuing and new obstacles that limit electoral access and participation for Latinos. Additionally, the panel will survey various solutions and reform proposals and efforts on the national, state, and local level and how they might impact Latino electoral opportunities and political participation.
- Leslie Padilla, Attorney, Modrall Sperling, LLP, Albuquerque, NM (Moderator)
- Joaquin Avila, Professor, Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA
- Nicholás Espíritu, Attorney and Senior Critical Race Studies Research Fellow, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Julie Fernandes, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
What Every Lawyer Should Know About Financial Statements. This session is designed to provide attorneys with the broad understanding of financial statements required to represent clients in commercial transactions and litigation.
- Armando Castro, Partner, Reed Smith LLP, Palo Alto, CA (Moderator)
- Mark Hayden, Partner, Forensics & Disputes Practice, Deloitte, Los Angeles, CA
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Judicial Awards Luncheon
Speaker: The Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina, Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Honorees: Latina Judge of the Year: The Honorable Eva M. Guzman
Latino Judge of the Year: The Honorable Steven Gonzalez
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm CLE Programs
Litigation Track
E-Discovery: Trends and Developments Two Years After the New Rules. Prior to the amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedures in December, 2006, many believed that a new era in litigation would dawn in response to the predominance of technology in our society. Has it happened as the experts predicted? What have been the significant rulings regarding these new rules and how, if at all, have they affected discovery practice? Did the rules go too far or do they leave room for interpretation? Have the state courts taken the mantle from their federal brothers and begun to address e-Discovery issues? What steps have state legislatures taken to address technology advances? As a practitioner, what can you do to be proactive and be more than just competent when representing a client in this arena?
- Vince Catanzaro, Discovery Counsel & Litigation Support Manager, DuPont, Wilmington, DE (Moderator)
- Maria Arbona, Attorney, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
The Status of Latinas in the Legal Profession: Navigating Conflicting Worlds. The Commission will present the findings of its national study on the status of Hispanic women lawyers in the profession. The study is based on research conducted through eleven focus groups held in major cities throughout the country and on a national survey.
- Dolores Atencio, Partner, Garcia Calderon Ruiz, LLP, Denver, CO (Moderator)
- Jill L. Cruz, Founder and Senior Professional in Human Resources, JLC Consulting, LLC, Cincinnati, OH
- Melinda Molina, Research Professor and Fellow in the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights and Economic Development at St. John’s University School of Law, New York, NY
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
The New State of Work: Labor Management Relations in the Obama Era. This panel will provide legal background and current information concerning the Employee Fair Choice Act and policy and enforcement priorities at both the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor.
- Marianela Peralta, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson LLP, Washington, DC (Moderator)
- Shane Youtz, Managing Partner, Youtz & Valdez PC, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM
- Victor Narro, Project Director, UCLA Center for Labor Research and Education, Los Angeles, CA
- Gregory Alvarez, Partner, Jackson Lewis, LLP, Morristown, NJ
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
Corporate Transactions in a Tough Economy. Experienced transactional lawyers discuss the cutting-edge issues emerging in commercial transactions as a result of the current economic downturn, including the increased importance of indemnity provisions, representations and warranties and financing clauses.
- Mara Garcia Kaplan, Attorney, Faegre & Benson LLP, Minneapolis, MN (Moderator)
- James Maiwurn, Global Managing Partner, Squire Sanders & Dempsey, LLP, Washington, DC
- Eduardo S. Espinosa, Partner, K&L Gates, Dallas, TX
- Eddie W. Rodriguez, Partner, Mintz Levin PC, San Diego, CA
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track: Judicial Summit Closing and Judicial Division Business Meeting – For Judges Only
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Break
3:45 pm - 5:15 pm CLE Programs
Litigation Track
The Secrets of Effective Oral Advocacy: Courtroom Strategies and Techniques. This panel will offer real word advice on effective techniques and strategies for the courtroom. Hear from seasoned judges and trial lawyers about how to best present your client, your case and yourself. Panelists will share their expertise and opinions on effective and not so effective methods for advocacy and presentation of evidence. Among other issues, the panelists will be asked to address how technology can be used (or can backfire) in presentations to juries and judges.
- Christina Guerola Sarchio, Partner, Patton Boggs, LLP, Washington, DC (Moderator)
- Hon. Christine Arguello, Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, Denver, CO
- Hon. Yvonne Campos, Judge, California Superior Court, San Diego, CA
- Benny Agosto, Partner, Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrells & Friend, Houston, TX
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Prosecutorial Paradox: Defending and Upholding the Constitution and the Rule of Law in a Political World. Prosecutors’ daily work should be guided only by sound judgment, a commitment to equal justice, and strict adherence to the applicable laws and ethical rules. At times, however, local and federal prosecutors have found themselves in situations where political meddling has threatened the integrity of the criminal justice system. The now infamous firings or forced resignations of eight United States Attorneys during the Bush Administration exposed some of the challenges faced by those sworn to defend the constitution in the face of partisan loyalties and pressures. This panel will explore an area of enforcement rarely discussed by prosecutors, but real nonetheless.
- David Iglesias, Former U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico, and Prosecutor Office of Military Commissions, Washington, DC
- Richard Ceballos, Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County, CA
Corporate, Transactional & Regulatory Track
Around The World In 60 Minutes: International Law Developments That Every Lawyer Must Know. As world economies become increasingly integrated, words such “globalization” and “e-commerce” have lost their original importance and meaning. Legal practices have not been immune to client’s expanding global interests. This panel of legal experts examines recent legal developments that every attorney should know in order to serve client’s interests. Topics examined include U.S. trade policy under President Obama’s administration, international arbitration, international contract law, international trade, enforcing judgments abroad, and various international family law issues. The panelists will also address how to spot international issues in your client matters and provide special insight on how to expand an international practice.
- Jimmie V. Reyna, Partner, Williams Mullem LLP, Washington, DC (Moderator)
- Gaela Gehring Flores, Partner, Arnold & Porter, LLP, Washington, DC
- Frank Orellana, Counsel, Chevron Upstream & Gas, San Francisco, CA
- Robert Downing, Associate General Counsel, Duke Energy International LLC, Houston, TX
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Judicial Summit/Bench & Bar Track: Judicial Networking Reception – For Judges Only
7:00 pm - 2:00 am A Night in Sandía Pueblo: Relax and Network at the Sandia Resort and Casino
Reception, Dinner Buffet, Entertainment and Presentation of Affiliate of the Year, Regional President of the Year, and Presidential Advocacy Awards (7:00 to 9:00 pm), followed by unstructured time at the resort and casino. Last bus will depart at 2 am to return to the Hotel Albuquerque.
Honorees: Regional President of the Year and Law Day Award: Gabriel Sandoval, Region XVIII Southern California
Affiliate Organization of the Year Award: Los Abogados Bar Association of Arizona
Saturday, September 5, 2009:
8:30 am - 9:15 am Networking Breakfast
9:15 am - 10:15 am CLE Programs
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Hernandez v. Texas: "A Class Apart," Part I. Screening of documentary chronicling the little-known story of Hernandez v. Texas, 347 U.S. 475 (1954), which successfully challenged Jim Crow-style discrimination against Mexican-Americans in the U.S. Supreme Court. The screening will be followed by a legal discussion of attendant civil rights issues and the case law generated by Hernandez.
- Donato Tapia, Attorney, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, San Francisco, CA (Moderator)
- Lupe S. Salinas, Professor, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
- John Huerta, General Counsel (Ret.), Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
- Carlos Sandoval, Attorney and Producer, A Class Apart, New York, NY
- Ignacio M. Garcia, Professor, Western American History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
- Hon. Francisca Cota, Judge, Phoenix Municipal Court, Phoenix, AZ
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Hispanic Diversity Realized?: Understanding the Numbers, Putting the Walk with the Talk. Despite decades of task force studies, reports, and summits, the bar has not found an approach to change the lack of diversity among bar members in a meaningful way. The American Bar Association (ABA) reports that the time when the bar might approach diversity on a par with the population is “unforeseeable.” Approaches to date have not fully acknowledged how daunting the numbers are, not fully acknowledged the significance of the deficits in the education pipeline leading to law school, and not responded in any coordinated, focused, or sustained way. Panelists in this session will discuss the reality of the numbers for Hispanic students and the essential elements of successful pipeline intervention.
- Margaret Montoya, Professor of Law, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM (Moderator)
- Sarah E. Redfield, Professor of Law, Pierce Law School, Concord, NH
- Valerie Romero-Leggott, MD, Associate Professor & VP of Diversity, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
9:15 am – 10:45 am CLE Program
HNBA Young Lawyers’ Division
What I Wish I Had Known Then: Effective Professional and Business Development Strategies for Young Lawyers. A panel of seasoned and successful in-house and outside counsel outline specific strategies younger lawyers can use to help ensure that they can (1) get appropriate training and mentoring in their early years so as to develop expertise and top notch professional skills; (2) thrive in any work environment; (3) develop the type of strong network and relationships that yield a rock solid client base.
- Angel Gomez, Attorney and Principal, AG Gomez Consulting, LLC, Chicago, IL (Moderator)
- Mary T. Torres, Partner, Beall & Bihler Law Firm, Albuquerque, NM
- Ramona E. Romero, Corporate Counsel, DuPont, Wilmington, DE
10:15 am – 10:25 am Break
10:25 am - 11:25 am CLE Programs
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Hernandez v. Texas: "A Class Apart" Part II. Screening of documentary chronicling the little-known story of Hernandez v. Texas, 347 U.S. 475 (1954), which successfully challenged Jim Crow-style discrimination against Mexican-Americans in the U.S. Supreme Court. The screening will be followed by a legal discussion of attendant civil rights issues and the case law generated by Hernandez. (Same panelists as under Hernandez v. Texas Part I).
Solo, Small & Medium Firm
Uncommon Strategies for Everyday Practice. Most businesses fail in the first five years. In a world of change and uncertainty, the business future of solo and small firm practitioners will be increasingly defined through a strategic lens. Those who effectively execute their chosen strategy will have the chance to thrive even in economically challenging times, while those who rely upon their past success will have an escalating opportunity to fail. Uncommon Strategies for Everyday Practice will provide tips to help solo and small firm practitioners face some of the management challenges of their practices.
- Kenneth Trujillo, Founding Partner, Trujillo, Rodriguez & Richards, LLP, Philadelphia, PA (Moderator)
- Rob Koonce, Director of the Center for Legal Education for the State Bar of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
11:00 am – 12:30 pm CLE Program
HNBA Young Lawyers’ Division
Legal Writing and Oral Argument: Beyond the Basics. This program will first identify the primary challenges faced by the less experienced legal writer. What works and what doesn’t in written briefs. The program will then focus on the do’s and don’ts of oral argument and will offer specific strategies for preparing and giving oral presentations, including suggestions for organizing the presentation.
- Hon. Robert Robles, New Mexico Court of Appeals, Santa Fe, NM
- Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Professor of Law, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
11:25 am – 11:35 am Break
11:35am - 12:35 pm CLE Programs
Public Interest/Public Policy Track
Recent Developments in Farmworker Law. As one of the lowest paid and marginalized populations in the U.S., working in one of the most dangerous occupations, migrant and seasonal farm workers face many obstacles in obtaining due compensation and safe working conditions. This workshop will provide a broad overview of some of the cutting edge legal and policy issues of farm worker law and advocacy. Panelists include experts who have spent decades working to improve working and living conditions for farm workers. They will discuss current hot topics including guest worker and immigration policy, discrimination and civil rights, and access to legal services, among others.
- Virginia Ruiz, Attorney, Farmworker Justice, Washington, DC (Moderator)
- Jose Padilla, Counsel and Executive Director, California Rural Legal Assistance, CA
- Rodolfo "Rudy" Sanchez, Attorney, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Weslaco, TX
Solo, Small & Medium Firm
Law Office Technology: Issues and Resources for Solo, Small and Medium Firms. The presenters will discuss improving the efficiency and effectiveness of your law practice with the use of law office technology. What hardware, networks, software and file systems are available to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your practice? What tools are available for today's mobile attorney to help you stay in contact with your office and clients? How can you improve your effectiveness when you are on the move with smart phones, laptops and secure off-site storage? Are you overlooking tools already on your computer that are free or low-cost? Learn how to find free and low cost applications, products and services for your legal practice to help you work more efficiently.
- Bill Ferreira, Counsel and Founding Member, Ferreira & Herbert Law Group, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
12:35 pm - 2:00 pm HNBA Young Lawyers Division Luncheon: Presentation of Awards to the Law Student Organization of the Year
Honoree: Law Student Organization of the Year: Mexican American Law Student Association, UNM
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Non-CLE YLD Career Development Programs
Presidential Appointments: A Tutorial
- Alejandra Castillo, Chair, HNBA Executive Endorsements Committee, Washington, DC (Moderator)
- Moises “Moe” Vela, Jr., Director of Administration for Vice President Biden, Washington, DC
- Michael Camuñez, Special Assistant to the President, Office of Presidential Personnel, Washington, DC
So You Want to Become a Judge? Alternative Paths to the Bench
- Hon. Laura Cordero, Judge, Superior Court, District of Columbia, Washington, DC
- Geno Zamora, former Counsel to Governor Richardson, Albuquerque, NM
- Hon. Frank Cristuado, Chief ALJ, Social Security Administration, Washington, DC
What Can You Do With a Law Degree? Careers for Lawyers That Are Inside, Outside and Around the Law
- Susan Santana, Asst. VP of External Affairs, AT&T, Washington, DC
- M. Lucero Ortiz, Director of Programs & Policy, HNBA, Washington, DC
- Angel Gomez, Attorney and Principal, AG Gomez Consulting, LLC, Chicago, IL
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm HNBA Substantive Law Section and Committee Meetings
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm HNBA Substantive Law Section and Committee Meetings
6:30 pm - 2:00 am Closing Gala Dinner and Dance: Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award and President’s Advocacy Award (Black Tie encouraged)
Honorees: Lifetime Achievement Award: Cesar Perales, President & General Counsel, Latino Justice PRLDEF
President’s Advocacy Award: Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Sunday, September 6, 2009:
9:00 am – 2:00 pm HNBA Board Meeting
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Golf Tournament and Spa Visits – Not Covered by Convention Registration Fee -- Pre-Registration and Pre-Payment Required
