Dear Members and Friends of the cdcbaa, 
I am pleased to report that for the second year in a row, our Bankruptcy Court held its annual Pro Bono Reception breakfast for Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley Self-Help Desk division volunteers in conjunction with cdcbaa's June 8th MCLE program. 

The gourmet breakfast buffet was held in the historical Bullocks Wilshire building of Southwestern Law School and was attended by Chief Judge Maureen Tighe and Judges Catherine Bauer, Ernest Robles and Martin Barash along with Executive Officer/Clerk of Court Kathleen Campbell and members of her staff. 

Chief Judge Tighe spoke at the reception, praising the volunteers' efforts and dedication to self-represented debtors and litigants. She then presented the volunteers with beautiful certificates and goody-bags and finally everyone crowded together for a big group photo! 

The Chief Judge further honored our group by giving a presentation on the Court's Strategic Plan. Those in attendance heard fascinating behind-the­scenes information about the Court and learned about important issues which the Court has identified and is working to solve. 

Many of the volunteers who were honored are cdcbaa members and the handful who are not stuck around after the reception and were able to enjoy the "Judges on Trial!" MCLE program with the rest of us. The panel was moderated by Anerio V. Altman and he expertly "turned the tables" on Judges Bauer, Robles and Barash, who had graciously submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the cdcbaa and discussed their approaches to handling trials from the pre-trial proceedings until the appellate review. 

As always, I want to thank our entire board of directors and the other members who volunteer their time, energy and knowledge to the success of our group!  Todd Turoci edited this Newsletter and is always working had on publishing the next issue. If you have an idea for an article or want to brief a case, please contact him.