Fresno Attorneys receive 2010 Super Lawyer and Rising Star Honors

Lang, Richert & Patch is proud to recognize its 2010 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Every year, the San Francisco publication, Law and Politics puts together a listing of outstanding lawyers in more than seventy practice areas. These attorneys are recognized for their uncompromising work and professional achievement. Only upon being nominated by their peers and evaluated by an independent source in a multi-phase process, do attorneys qualify for Super Lawyer honors. Top up-and-coming attorneys in the state who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less, and who are peer nominated and reviewed may qualify for Rising Star honors. Only 5 percent of lawyers in each state make the published list of Super Lawyers while no more than 2.5 percent are named as Rising Stars.

It is no surprise that in 2010, Lang, Richert & Patch was once again named “The Firm of Distinction.” With five attorneys earning the title of Super Lawyer and four more earning the title of Rising Star, nearly all of this firm’s practice areas are staffed by attorneys who have been rated by their peers as some of the best in the state.

Lang, Richert & Patch congratulates the following Super Lawyers: personal injury and wrongful death specialist Robert L. Patch II; construction and complex litigation attorney Val W. Saldana; bankruptcy and insolvency advocate Rene Lastreto II; employment and labor law attorney Charles T. Taylor; and construction law specialist Mark L. Creede.

Among Lang, Richert & Patch’s up-and-coming attorneys are Rising Stars: Matthew W. Quall, construction litigation attorney; Craig B. Fry, corporate and business transactions and bankruptcy specialist; Scott J. Ivy, business litigation, attorney; and Ana de Alba, business litigation attorney.

These 9 Super Lawyer and Rising Star honorees come from diverse practice areas and represent nearly half of all attorneys practicing with Lang, Richert, & Patch. Lang, Richert & Patch is proud to have among the largest contingent of Super Lawyer and Rising Star honorees in the Central Valley.

Peer Education provided by René Lastreto II

Lang, Richert & Patch shareholder and creditor’s rights attorney Rene Lastreto II has been and will be a faculty member in four separate lawyer education conferences this spring, summer and fall. On May 17, Mr. Lastreto was a faculty member for the National Business Institute’s “Negotiating Real Estate Loans and Workout Options” session at the Piccadilly Hotel in Fresno.

Mr. Lastreto was also a faculty member along with two other practitioners and two prominent Bankruptcy Judges at the California Bankruptcy Forum in Monterey from May 21 through May 23. Mr. Lastreto spoke on evidence issues confronting bankruptcy practitioners in Adversary Proceedings and Contested Matters for the panel discussion entitled “What Do You Mean I Can’t Get That in Evidence!”

On June 25, 2010 Mr. Lastreto will be a faculty member for the Central California Bankruptcy Association Fundamentals of Bankruptcy Law Seminar. Mr. Lastreto will be presenting the attendees with analysis of the Bankruptcy Discharge and Dischargeability of Debts.

On September 24, 2010 at the Radisson Hotel in Fresno Mr. Lastreto along with the Chief Judge of the Central District of California (effective January 1, 2011), Peter Carroll, will be presenting a panel discussion on Exemption Issues in Bankruptcy at the Central California Bankruptcy Association Annual Conference.

Lang, Richert & Patch has a long history of its attorneys participating in peer education further establishing its respected reputation for expertise in the legal community.

Ana de Alba Joins Newly Formed State Bar Committee

Ana de Alba has joined the newly formed State Bar of California Pro Bono Coordinating Committee (“PBCC”). PBCC is a joint project of the California Commission on Access to Justice and the State Bar Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services. PBCC’s mission is to encourage, facilitate, and coordinate pro bono efforts throughout the state by: developing and maintaining communications between PBCC and other pro bono related entities; providing a forum for identifying gaps in, and barriers to, pro bono participation; creating informational, advisory, and/or working groups on pro bono issues and projects as necessary; and coordinating and advising on the State Bar’s pro bono efforts.

Erica C. Gonzalez Elected To Fresno County Young Lawyers Board of Directors

Erica C. Gonzalez was elected to the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association (FCYLA) Board of Directors for the 2010/2011 term. FCYLA is composed of those members of the Fresno County Bar Association who have been members of the State Bar of California for five years or less or are 36 years of age or younger. FCYLA is formally affiliated with the Fresno County Bar Association, but has its own independently elected Board of Directors.

FCYLA organizes events throughout the year to provide opportunities for new lawyers to interact in order to continue the tradition of a close-knit association between local practitioners. To achieve this, FCYLA begins by providing organizational support for the swearing in ceremonies for new lawyers. The effort continues with several social gatherings during the year, which allow lawyers to interact in informal settings. FCYLA also sponsors the George A. Hopper Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, which awards a scholarship to a local law student and brings a prominent member of the judiciary to address the local bar. In addition, FCYLA sponsors the Blaine E. Pettitt Memorial Mentor Award, recognizing the contributions of a local attorney toward the development of new lawyers.

FCYLA gives back to the community by providing lawyer volunteers to help coach high school students in a mock trial competition sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the California Young Lawyers Association and also provides, on a continuing basis, Career Day speakers and classroom lawyer advisors to local elementary and high schools.

National Pro Bono Week Celebration Reception Hosted by Lang, Richert & Patch

Earlier this year, the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California adopted a resolution recognizing the week of October 25 through October 31, 2009, as the first annual National Pro Bono Week Celebration. Lang, Richert & Patch was pleased to host Voluntary Legal Services Program’s and Fresno County Bar Association Pro Bono Section’s reception celebrating National Celebrate Pro Bono Week on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Ana de Alba of Lang, Richert & Patch, worked closely with Voluntary Legal Services Program and Fresno County Bar Association Pro Bono Section to put this event together.  The reception was well attended by private and public sector attorneys, judges, and community leaders and recognized local attorneys for their ongoing pro bono contributions.  It also served to encourage others to engage in pro bono work and provide financial support to make a difference in the lives of the poor and disenfranchised.

Fresno Attorneys receive Super Lawyer and Rising Star Honors

Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are honorary titles bestowed upon a select group of the most distinguished attorneys by the San Francisco publication, Law and Politics. Lang, Richert & Patch proudly recognizes its 2009 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Attorneys earn this distinction after being evaluated in a multi-phase process that involves peer nomination and third-party research, which rigorously evaluates the nominees. Renowned authorities esteem this complex process of selecting top lawyers and deem it legitimate. As a result of its selection criteria and in-depth research process, Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are among the most noteworthy, if not best, client representatives in the state and leaders in the legal community.

The Super Lawyers process is complex and recognized as a bona fide system of identifying the top lawyers in respective practice areas. The publication ensures quality selection by employing 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, including verdicts, settlements, transactions, representative clients, experience, honors, awards, etcetera..Once the final selections are made, only 5 percent of lawyers in each state make the published list of Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5 percent are named as Rising Stars.

Lang, Richert & Patch continues to maintain its reputation as “The Firm of Distinction”, with five attorneys earning the title of Super Lawyer and two others being named as Rising Stars. The Super Lawyers hailing from Lang, Richert & Patch include; personal injury and wrongful death specialist Robert L. Patch II, construction and complex litigation attorney Val W. Saldana, bankruptcy and insolvency advocate Rene Lastreto II, employment and labor law attorney Charles T. Taylor, and construction law specialist Mark L. Creede. LR&P further recognizes Rising Stars, Matthew W. Quall, construction litigation attorney, and Craig B. Fry, corporate and business transactions and bankruptcy specialist.

The selection of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars from Lang, Richert & Patch represents the broad and diverse set of skills and backgrounds the firm brings to litigation matters. The seven Super Lawyer and Rising Star honorees represent two thirds of the lawyers currently practicing with Lang, Richert, & Patch and is by far the largest contingent in the Central Valley. Attorney Val Saldana commented that the title is, “as much an honor for the entire firm, as it is for the individuals involved”. Saldana further noted, “we have always taken a collaborative team approach to our complex litigation matters.” The multiple Super Lawyer and Rising Star distinctions demonstrate Lang, Richert & Patch’s ability to provide aggressive and effective results to a wide range of client demands.

Lang, Richert & Patch has strived for more than 40 years to provide its clients with premier legal services through establishing an open and collaborative environment while maintaining a result driven mentality. The experience and expertise of the firm has earned the respect of both the local and legal communities. The firm also received the prestigious, Martindale-Hubbell AV-rating, which is the highest peer rating for ethics and ability. Looking ahead, Val Saldana notes that, “we have worked hard to achieve preeminent status in the business litigation and bankruptcy departments. And we intend to keep on building.”

René Lastreto on “Cross-Border Collections” Panel

On October 1-4, 2009 Mr. René Lastreto will be participating as a faculty member in the 36th Annual Association of Business Trial Lawyers Seminar at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The topic for this years’ seminar is “Lost in Translation: Cross-Border Litigation Tactics and Strategies.” Mr. Lastreto will be on a panel discussing the topic “Cross-Border Collections: You Won. . . Now What?” The topics that he and the panel will be presenting include how to collect/enforce foreign judgments and enforcing judgments internationally. In addition, Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code will be discussed.

Ana de Alba Appointed To State Bar Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services.

The Board of Governors appointed Ana de Alba to the California State Bar Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services (“SCDLS”). The term of her appointment is effective at the close of the 2009 State Bar Annual Meeting and expires at the close of the 2012 State Bar Annual Meeting.

The SCDLS is a 20-member advisory committee whose goal is to identify, develop, and support improvement in the delivery of legal services, both civil and criminal, to low and moderate-income Californians. It also serves as a resource to the Board of Governors on legal services issues and on relevant legislation; develops and presents educational programs and materials to improve the delivery of legal services; maintains liaison relationships with other State Bar entities; and works to encourage pro bono participation in California.

Victoria Salisch Receives CalChamber Small Business Advocate of the Year Award

The California Chamber of Commerce honored five small business executives yesterday with its “2009 Small Business Advocate of the Year” award, recognizing recipients for their advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses.

The CalChamber presented the awards at a luncheon before more than 400 attendees at the CalChamber Business Summit in Sacramento.

2009 Small Business Advocate of the Year Award recipients are:
• Victoria Salisch, Partner, Lang, Richert & Patch, Attorneys at Law, Fresno
• Lou Monville, Vice President, O’Reilly Public Relations, Riverside
• Dave Penry, Owner, Pacific Landscapes, Santa Rosa
• Cynthia Schneider, Senior Vice President, American Security Bank, Corona
• Mark Waronek, Owner, Waronek and Associates, Torrance

Honorees are nominated by local chambers and selected by a task force comprised of members of the CalChamber Small Business Committee and the Local Chamber Advisory Council. The criteria used in the selection process include taking leadership roles in or working on federal, state or local ballot measures, testifying before the state Legislature and representing a local chamber of commerce before local government.

Victoria Salisch, Partner, Lang, Richert & Patch, Attorneys at Law, Fresno

Al Smith, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, nominated Victoria Salisch, saying, “Victoria has proven to be a valuable asset for the Chamber and a strong representative for the business community. She has always taken an active role in leading on issues that are important to the business community, our region and the state.”
Salisch has served on the chamber’s board of directors, the government affairs council, the government outreach committee and the downtown revitalization committee. In 2008, Salisch served as chair of the chamber’s political action committee. She helped the PAC make endorsements in several key races: mayor, city council, school board and state Assembly. Salisch also has taken a lead role in the chamber’s effort to convince the city and county to consolidate public safety services. Since 2005, Salisch has served on committees that have examined how the city and county can keep public safety costs under control merging some functions. She serves on the Joint Powers Authority — a governance model selected by city and county officials to help move the consolidation forward. She also has spent time in Sacramento helping the Greater Fresno Chamber take an active role in legislation by testifying before policy committees, writing letters to the editor and sending letters to legislators.

Lou Monville, Vice President, O’Reilly Public Relations, Riverside

Cindy Roth, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, nominated Monville, saying, “Individuals such as Lou Monville do not simply serve on committees or task forces when an issue arises, nor is his commitment to serving businesses and his community simply an admirable demonstration of volunteerism. It is truly his passion. Our chamber has turned to Mr. Monville time and again for his unyielding leadership and support of initiatives and legislation that keeps jobs in our region.”

Monville has become the chamber’s leading advocate for business-friendly legislation and initiatives as chairman of the governmental affairs council. In that position, he became the leading force in modernizing how the chamber gets involved in the political process and initiated the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Political Action Committee (GRCCPAC). As chairman of the GRCCPAC, he and the committee endorsed pro-job candidates, helping an entire delegation win the 2008 general election. His advocacy efforts, as well as his dedication to strengthening California’s future workforce have led him to become the first Inland Empire resident to be appointed to a position on the California State University Board of Trustees. Monville also serves on the boards of several business and community associations, including the President’s Advancement Council at California State University, San Bernardino, and the California Inland Empire Council Boy Scouts of America. As a past chairman of the Greater Riverside Chambers, and present vice president of O’Reilly Public Relations, Monville provides public affairs council to businesses and public agencies and is continuously at the pulse of uses that affect the local economy.

Dave Penry, Owner, Pacific Landscapes, Santa Rosa

Dave Penry was nominated by Christopher Lynch, executive vice president of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. In a letter, Mari Featherstone, 2009 chair of the Santa Rosa Board of Directors, commended Penry for “representing what is best about small business leadership in our area: tireless advocacy for sensible business and demonstration that a company that cares about its employees and the environment can be successful and profitable.”

Penry has been an outstanding active advocate on immigration issues at the federal level, water conservation at the state level and community business issues at the local level. In his nine years as a member of the Santa Rosa Chamber, Penry has been active on the Santa Rosa Chamber Advocacy Council and its Environmental Resources Committee. He gained national attention as one of the TV spokespersons for the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, which lobbied with the U.S. Chamber on immigration reform. Penry worked closely with the George W. Bush administration on those efforts and lobbied members of Congress as well. Penry is also a past president of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), and created the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper training program, which was the second such program to be nationally recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pacifica Landscapes won the 2008 Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance Best Practices award and has been named one of the best places to work in the North Bay for the last three years straight.

Cynthia Schneider, Senior Vice President, American Security Bank, Corona

Cynthia Schneider was nominated by Bobby Spiegel, president and chief executive officer of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. Spiegel said of Schneider, “It is clear that Cynthia’s dedication to effectively representing the interest of Corona businesses at all levels of government has helped bring the return that our Chamber’s members demand on their investment in our chamber. She is a leading example for all business leaders who want to make a lasting impact.”

Schneider, who has been called a “visionary business leader,” serves as the chair of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee (LAC). In 2006, while chair of the board of directors, she convinced the board to make an unprecedented investment in representing the interests of the Corona business community at all levels of government. As a result, Corona has built a results-driven business advocacy effort. Schneider has helped to activate the Corona membership on the top 100 most important state legislative proposals. She has helped to educate her members by e-mailing “Call to Action” campaigns and as a result, been able to secure hundreds of letters from the business community on each issue. She also assembles an annual vote record to help hold Corona’s state representatives accountable to the business community.

Mark Waronek, Owner, Waronek and Associates, Torrance

Toni Buck, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Board chair, and Dan Keeton, Torrance chairman-elect, co-nominated Mark Waronek, calling him “the journeyman advocate. We’re glad to have the likes of Mark Waronek on our team. We know we can count on him to provide insight, advice and hands-on effort in moving forward with our entire advocacy endeavor. He represents the highest qualities of an advocate for the voice of business in California.”

Waronek served as the mayor of Lomita from 2002-06. Since 2003, Waronek has organized the annual Leadership Torrance class introductory trip to Sacramento, which includes arranging key meetings with various legislators. In May 2008, he organized the first-ever delegation of City of Torrance officials and chamber of commerce leaders on an exploratory and lobbying trip to Sacramento. Specifically, the groups met to discuss the potential “transit center in Torrance,” which was an issue in common for both the chamber and the city. For the last two years, Waronek also has served on the Board of Governors of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (TACC-PAC). His political background provided insight into fundraising for the TACC-PAC and has helped the PAC take its efforts to a new level. Over the last five years, Waronek has testified on business issues in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and the South Bay — including efforts to save the Los Angeles Air Force Base during the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) hearing, as well as the 310 area code issue — that directly affect the business community.

“Women Helping Women” Luncheon A Great Success!

By Ana de Alba
Board member, Fresno County Women Lawyers

A call to action heard loud and clear in the legal community was answered last month during the Fresno County Women Lawyers’ “Women Helping Women” luncheon. The luncheon featured speakers Jenny Bates, Director of The Hacienda Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Center for Women and Deborah Torres, Director of Samaritan Women. The speakers shared stories of how their organizations help women who have been incarcerated get back on their feet. Those attending the luncheon were asked to donate career clothing, toiletries, postage stamps, and bus tokens to help these wonderful organizations improve the lives of the women they serve. Generating donations for both organizations, FCWL members took up the call to action and made the luncheon an amazing success.

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