Governor vetoes the State Bar fee bill
Reacting to Gov. Schwarzenegger’s veto of the State Bar dues bill last month, bar President Howard Miller said the governor’s concerns are “legitimate” and may force the bar to make some necessary changes. “Events such as the governor’s veto message can challenge the State Bar to renew itself as an institution and its service to the public and the legal profession,” Miller said.

More lawyers in trouble for
foreclosure activities
The State Bar’s loan modification task force obtained the resignations of three more California attorneys as a result of misconduct related to their loan modification activities.

Right to counsel in civil cases gets a boost from the governor
Governor Schwarzenegger has signed into law the nation’s first “Civil Gideon” statute, which provides a lawyer to people who cannot afford one in civil cases related to critical basic human needs.

Chief justice: Initiative process has led to dysfunctional state
In unusually blunt remarks, Chief Justice Ronald George warned last month that the widely used initiative process that allows California voters to easily amend the Constitution has resulted in a dysfunctional state government.

Foundation awards 51 scholarships
Fifty-one law students received public service or diversity scholarships totaling $250,000 from the California Bar Foundation last month.

Davis, English reappointed to board of governors
Gov. Schwarzenegger named two public members to the State Bar Board of Governors last month. George Davis, a Los Angeles media entrepreneur, was reappointed to a second three-year term, and public policy expert Jeannine English returns to the board after an earlier term expired last summer.

Helping disabled garners award for new lawyer
Disabled people in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have a powerful advocate in Heather McGunigle, recipient of the 2009 Jack Berman Award of Achievement for Distinguished Service to the Profession and the Public.

Volunteer for a State Bar committee, make a difference
If you are looking for a chance to make a difference, the State Bar currently is seeking applicants for approximately 200 positions on more than three dozen committees, commissions and boards.