PROGRAM SUMMARY 3-18-23
By: Gary R.
Wallace-Program Summary Committee Chair
cdcbaa
Holds Third Meeting and MCLE Program of 2023: " MEET THE BANKRUPTCY COURT CLERK’S
OFFICE AND THE JUDGES’ CLERKS”
On March 18, 2023, the CDCBAA held its third
members meeting and MCLE program of the year.
The meeting and program were conducted as a live webinar via Zoom video. The program topic was: “MEET THE BANKRUPTCY COURT CLERK’S OFFICE
AND THE JUDGES’ CLERKS.” Our superb
panel included Kathy Campbell, Executive Officer/ Clerk of the Court for
the Central District; Jeffrey Cozad, Senior Law Clerk to the Hon. Vincent
Zurzolo; Benjamin Varela, Chief Deputy of Operations; Wendy Jackson, Operations
Supervisor in Riverside, Thais May, Courtroom Deputy to the Hon. Sandra Klein
and John Hermann, Chief Deputy of Administration. Former CDCBAA president and current board
member Hale Andrew Antico moderated. What follows are some of the highlights of
the seminar.
Mr. Cozad’s presentation focused on the
Central Guide, which can be easily accessed from the court’s website under the
Rules & Procedures tab. He engaged
the participants in an interactive session in which participants were asked to
find answers to certain questions to which the Guide has answers. It was an
effective way of getting counsel to become more familiar, and comfortable, with
the Guide.
Ms. May offered basic tips for attorneys
using the CM/ECF, including an explanation of the proper use of some frequently
used e-filing event codes. Ms. May noted that the court’s website provides a
URL link to a Quick Reference Guide that contains these event codes along with
further details to assist filers who may be unsure as to which code is needed. This is in addition to the search bar prompt
function that is also available to filers.
Mr. Hermann’s presentation focused on
remote appearance protocol and etiquette, courtroom technology and live
in-person use of the courtroom’s auxiliary lectern technology. Tips for
successful zoom video hearing experience were provided, including the benefits
of using tiles with profile photos. Mr.
Hermann also discussed the protocol for remote use of live witness testimony
and exhibit presentation. He also presented photos of the many courtroom technology
improvements that are now (or soon will be) in place, including high-definition
courtroom cameras, larger monitors, and newer lecterns, which allow for more
space.
The seminar was interactive: attendees
were permitted to ask questions. As
usual, a lengthy and detailed program outline was provided to all registered
participants.
The next CDCBAA members meeting and Zoom
MCLE program will be held on April 15, 2023.
The topic will be “STUDENT LOANS.“ Our speakers will be Hon. Magdalena Reyes
Bordeaux | Bankruptcy Judge, Central District of California, Riverside
Division; Hon. Martin Barash | Bankruptcy Judge, Central District of
California, San Fernando Valley Division; Augustus T. Curtis, Esq. | Trial
Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch;
and Christine Kingston, Esq. | Surf City Lawyers, APC. We hope you will join us.
Gary R. Wallace
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