June 16, 2007
The Loo residence, Malibu
by Dien Le, VCAABA past-president and founder
Over 120 judges, attorneys and law students attended to network and learn all the inside tips and steps to becoming a judge. We enjoyed delicious international cuisine in a spectacular setting overlooking the ocean in Malibu. This event could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication by the Hon. Cynthia Loo (organizer). The speakers' panel included: Mia Yamamoto (emcee); Presiding Justice Candace Cooper; Judge Judith Chirlin; Judge Lance Ito; Judge Luis Lavin; Judge Burt Pines; Judge Tammy Ryu; and William Kopeny (Chair of the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation). All the panelists were inspirational and had a lot of good tips to share. The Ventura County contingent was represented by: Dien Le; Leah Gasendo; Chrystina Jenson; Barbara Macri-Ortiz; and Michael Rodriguez. Leah and I had the pleasure of meeting and receiving some great advice from William Kopeny, Judge Ito, Judge Michael Linfield, and Judge Robert Kwan. We helped answer a lot of questions that Judge Ito had about Ventura County. We also learned that Judge Ito is "the mentor" to have (if you're lucky enough) because he will focus all of his efforts on helping one judicial candidate at a time, including personally lobbying on your behalf with the Governor's Office. We enjoyed our lunch at the table with Judge Norman Tarle and Judge Darrell Mavis, who shared their own experiences with getting appointed on the bench and who offered some good advice to us. Despite getting sunburned, this event was well worth it!
VCAABA Treasurer Leah Gasendo, VCAABA past-president and founder Dien Le, with Hon. Cynthia Loo (organizer of the event)
VCAABA past-president and founder Dien Le with Judge Lance Ito
Judge Lance Ito and VCAABA Treasurer Leah Gasendo
Everyone assembled
The setup for the speakers
The panelists
The panelists
The wonderful view from the Loo residence