Central District of California - 2012 Pro Se Annual Report

Fundraising by Pro Bono Organizations for Non-Court Services

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Run For Justice

Run for Justice

On Saturday, March 17, nine U.S. Bankruptcy Court employees braved the cold, wet, and windy conditions to participate in Public Counsel’s Ninth Annual “Run for Justice” event. Run for Justice is part of the LA Big 5K Run/Walk, the official pre-race before the 27th annual LA Marathon. Run for Justice provided hospitality and shelter from the rain at the Third Base Prime Ticket Clubhouse inside Dodger Stadium before, during, and after the run.

Public Counsel started the Run for Justice event in 2004 as a fundraiser for the free services it provides the community. This year’s informal court “team” grew to include chambers and court staff from three different divisions and included: Michael Hill, Emma Gonzalez, Eryk Escobar, and Hilda Montes de Oca from Woodland Hills; Keith Banner, Robin Beacham, Winnie Diep-Shen, and Jennifer Wright from Los Angeles; and Jennifer Paro from Santa Ana. Although within 15 minutes of leaving the start line, the drizzle turned into pouring rain, all made it across the finish line!

Inaugural Leslie Cohen 5K Run/Walk

Leslie Cohen Run

The First Annual “Leslie Cohen Law 5k Run/Walk,” benefitting Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project, was held on April 28, 2012. The event hosted 250 chip-timed runners who enjoyed a DJ and beautiful weather. There was a great turnout from the Court, the U.S. Trustee’s Office, the bankruptcy bar, and the general public. The stunning Santa Monica location and great course made it a popular event where participants were awarded medals and prizes, in addition to Nike tech race shirts.

Earle Hagen Memorial Golf Tournament

The Earle Hagen Memorial Golf & Tennis Tournament was held on October 1, 2012, at the Braemar Country Club in Reseda, California. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum and Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association (CDCBAA), the annual tournament is held in memory of Earle Hagen, a well-respected and beloved bankruptcy attorney in the Central District for over 40 years. In 2012, the golf tournament and silent auction were expanded to include a tennis tournament. Each year bankruptcy judges and staff participate, along with attorneys, trustees, and other members of the legal community. All proceeds from the tournament support pro bono programs.

Earle Hagen

Los Angeles Holiday Party

On December 6, 2012, an Annual Holiday Program was hosted in the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building by the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum, Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association, Los Angeles Federal Bar Association, Financial Lawyers Conference, Los Angeles County Bar Association Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section, Beverly Hills Bar Association Bankruptcy Section, and the Southern California Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association. Bankruptcy judges and professionals attended the holiday party, with proceeds from the event benefiting participating pro bono organizations in the Los Angeles area.

Santa Ana Holiday Party

On December 13, 2012, the Orange County Bankruptcy Forum and the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section of the Orange County Bar Association hosted its Annual Holiday Program and Presentation of the Peter M. Elliott Award at the Derby Grill in Mission Viejo. The event benefitted the ASYMCA Camp Pendleton and the Public Law Center’s Bankruptcy Clinics. A hula-hoop contest and an Irish jig contest were among the festivities in which judges and attorneys took part.

Holiday Party