In May 2008 MAMAS celebrated its first year anniversary by hosting the 2nd Annual Children's Tea. Once again, the Westgate Hotel was filled to capacity with Lawyer moms and their children sharing a morning of English tea and socializing with their peers.
The Hon. Joseph P. Brannigan, of the San Diego Superior Court lead the Champagne Toast.
Three great speakers honored us as they participated and shared with us their experiences in life balance (Biographies current at time of Tea).
Judge Browder Willis:
Judge Willis was appointed to the Superior Court in 2001 and currently is assigned in Juvenile Court. Prior to his appointment to the bar, Judge Willis spent 11 years in the Office of the District Attorney. He received his J.D. from Western State University; now Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He is married to Debra Zanders-Willis, COO of the YWCA, and is the proud father of a 12 year old daughter and an 11 year old son.
Judge Patricia Garcia:
Patricia ("Patti") Garcia has served as a judicial officer since February 18, 2000, first as a Superior Court Commissioner hearing family support matters, and then as a judge sitting in a general family law department. Judge Garcia was appointed to the bench on July 23, 2003.
In private practice she was head of the Family Law Department at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, and a family law associate at Mitchell, Keeney, Barry & Pike. She also served as a Superior Court Judge Pro Tem from 1997, and as a San Diego County Fee Arbitrator from 1994, until 2000. She is actively involved in civic and academic activities. Mother of a 16 year old son, she enjoys traveling, tennis and spending time with family and friends.
Judge Lorna A. Alksne
Judge Alksne has served as a judicial officer since 2001, first as a Superior Court Commissioner, and then as a Superior Court Judge. Judge Alksne was appointed to the bench in 2005 and is currently the supervising judge in the family law department.
Before her appointments, Judge Alksne was Civil Counsel to District Attorney, Paul Pfingst, Pro Tem Referee in Juvenile Court, and in private practice from 1993 to 2000. She has served as Faculty Member of California "Judge's Winter 2004 Family Law Program", "March 2004 Judge's Family Law Institute", "Judge's Winter 2005 Family Law Program", "April 2006 Family Law Institute" and "Judge's Winter 2007 Family Law Program" and is a member of the California Judge's Association Family Law Legislation Committee. She is mother to seven children.
Thank you to our 2008 Sponsors!
Partners:
Sponsors:
Friends:
- Mary Downing (Pool Safety Mom);
- Wertz McDade Wallace Moot & Brower;
- Fairway Mortgage & Realty
- Marianne Trost of www.TheWomenLawyersCoach.com;
- Knox Attorney Services;
- Corporation Service Company;
- USD Women's Law Caucus;
- Julie's Party People;
- Bre' Cameron Photography of www.BreCameron.com;
