California Bar Journal
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 2000
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OPINION

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A continual effort to meet the needs of members
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I appreciate the time and effort Professor Barnett took to analyze the election process of the State Bar Board of Governors. Although I am not aware of any complaints in the past, it became apparent to me when I took over as executive director in May that the set election schedule needs to be re-examined in order to provide for the timely dissemination of information to our members.

However, I am disturbed by Professor Barnett’s implication that the low turnout of candidates and eligible voters is part of a bar conspiracy. One needs only to look at our nation’s overall lack of participation in the election process to determine that the bar’s turnout rate is simply an unfortunate reflection of the values of our modern society.

I also would like to point out that board candidates are given ample opportunity to present their platforms and criticisms during interviews with the staff of the Califor-nia Bar Journal. Several bar “critics” such as Peter Keane (currently dean of the Golden Gate University School of Law) have campaigned for and won seats on the Board of Governors, and their criticisms have been fully covered by the Bar Journal.

With nearly 136,000 active members of the State Bar — a larger constituency than many cities in California — running an election presents an ongoing challenge. However, staff members continually strive to find new and innovative methods of meeting the needs of our members. Among other things, for example, this past year bar staff has been exploring the option of internet voting as a convenience to members and a cost-saving measure for the State Bar.

As always, I welcome constructive criticism and solutions to problems that arise in the course of serving my colleagues in the legal profession.

Judy Johnson
Executive Director, State Bar of California