A Renaissance man takes on the bar presidency
On the walls of Jeff Bleich’s office hangs an impressive display of accomplishments — diplomas from elite schools, autographed photos of Supreme Court justices and other prominent figures, a sizeable collection of awards and honors, including a proclamation from the city of San Francisco declaring “Jeff Bleich Day 2003.”

The best in pro bono are honored
A large law firm stopped a city from destroying the personal belongings of the homeless. A solo practitioner prevented foreclosure in a two-year predatory lending case. A government lawyer helped a woman get out of an abusive marriage.

These are just a few of the attorneys and law firms honored with the 2007 State Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award.

New way to practice wins support
San Benito Superior Court Commissioner Jean Flanagan has a solution for people who don’t want or cannot afford full representation by an attorney but who would like some professional legal help. One answer, she says, is limited scope representation.

Appellate judge honored for access efforts
As an idealistic student in the 1960s, Kathleen O’Leary knew she wanted a law degree but imagined putting it to use in the State Depart-ment or “somehow making the world a better place through diplomacy.” That idea, along with thoughts of becoming a nurse in Vietnam, fell by the wayside when O’Leary externed for the Los Angeles City Attorney and “fell in love with the courtroom.”

Rubin reappointed a public member of State Bar board
Richard Rubin, a lobbyist and community activist from northern California, was reappointed a public member of the State Bar Board of Governors by the state Senate Rules Committee. He is one of six public members.

2007-08 Exhibitor Directory
The businesses and services listed here support the State Bar through various means, most notably as exhibitors at the State Bar's Annual Meeting. Visit them online or via phone to serve your individual needs.