Author: Greg Herring

Erin Schaden Attends the Annual AFCC Conference In DC

Erin Schaden, Herring Law Group’s Executive Director, recently attended the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts’ (AFCCnet.org) Conference in Washington, DC.  HLG is a member of the AFCC, which is the “interdisciplinary, international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict.”  It focuses on “serving the needs of children among those who work in and with family law systems, encouraging education, research and innovation and identifying best practices.”  While the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (aaml.org) and the International Academy of Family Lawyers (iafl.com), in which HLG is deeply involved, focus on all manner of family law concerns, the AFCC narrowly focuses on children, custody and parenting. The Conference’s presenters included many of the nationally-prominent mental health and parenting/custody professionals with whom HLG regularly works. Through Erin, we dove deeper into a variety of developing issues and concepts, particularly centering on family law cases involving personality disorders.  Insights gained include ways to better identify the 5 main types of disorders, indicate options for treatment and manage related case issues.  Certainly “narcissism” seems to HLG to be the “disorder of the moment,” based on increased client awareness the past year or so!  With Erin’s input, we are continuing to develop strategies for identifying and better handling all these situations. At the Conference, Erin’s other areas of focus included:

  • Assessment and intervention in custody resist/refuse cases (commonly involving allegations of “parental alienation”);
  • The use of various family law apps, including toward preserving evidence and de-escalating family conflicts (2 different types of apps!);
  • Co-parenting issues and strategies;
  • Childhood trauma and resiliency in custody cases;
  • The legal limits of testimony by custody evaluators and other mental health experts (something HLG regularly asserts);
  • Substance abuse challenges, and
  • Co-parenting counseling and Parenting Coordination – which to use and when?

It was an informative week in DC, providing us updates regarding how personality disorders, trauma and substance abuse affect and, especially if ignored, tend to direct family law cases.  On the positive side, it also emphasized revised strategies for handling the challenges.  HLG remains a strong supporter of the AFCC.  We thank Erin for her enthusiastic participation!

HLG Congratulates Deanna Cerda

Deanna Cerda was one of Herring Law Group’s initial employees, back when we were still putting up office walls and working from folding tables (our nice modern furniture was originally on back order!). She is now our Legal Administrator, her duties having expanded along with HLG’s presence and standing. Deanna’s latest accomplishment is her selection as the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chair for the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. She joined the ALA in 2017 and has, since then, actively participated in and encouraged a wide variety of its functions. As the local Chair, Deanna will provide a substantial forum for administrators in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to share experiences, ideas and solutions. She aims to broaden the ALA’s presence here in “the 805.” HLG encourages all our team members to stretch toward accomplishing their own professional goals, as well as elevating the overall practice of family law. The ALA has now recognized Deanna’s talent. HLG further applauds her for her smarts, diligence and hard work!  

Amethyst Ball at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Herring Law Group is proud to have recently attended and sponsored the 32nd annual Amethyst Ball at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, benefiting the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA).  CADA was established in 1949 by a small group of Santa Barbara citizens.  It has grown into the County’s largest organization for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.  CADA has served over 14,000 youths and adults over its many years.

The Amethyst Ball is CADA's premier fundraising event. By actively participating, HLG contributed to changing the lives of our neighbors struggling with addiction. We strongly support CADA's mission of building a safer and healthier community.

Pictured from left to right is: Ginger Woolf – Chair of Development Committee – Casa Serena Board. Lisette Fraser – Executive Director – Casa Serena. Erin Schaden – HLG’s Executive Director and Casa Serena Board Member.          

Another Successful Annual Trial Basics Seminar

Our AAML Southern California Chapter presented its fourth annual Trial Basics Seminar in Costa Mesa on April 13, 2018. As before, it was free to all 100 attendees, who came from all corners of Southern California. This year’s TBS was better than ever, and I am honored to remain its Dean. Chris Melcher was clear and direct concerning the introduction of evidence, examination of witnesses, opening statements and etc. Rob Benavente handled multiple topics including order of proof, cross-examination and closing arguments. Jim Schaefer and Justice Sheila Sonenshine (Ret.) (through video clips) discussed “Successfully Guiding Your Expert Witnesses.” Gordon Cruse and I gave a point/counter-point discussion on motions in limine. Gordon also discussed electronic evidence, and I also presented on pre-trial discovery and expert witness concerns. Sandy Mayberry spoke regarding hearsay, objections and protecting the record. Claudia Ribet joined us for the first time, speaking on post-trial motions and appeals. California family law guru, Garrett Dailey, was his usual gracious and insightful self as our moderator. A unique aspect of the TBS is that we provide follow-up hands-on sessions. These allow our attendees to practice the trial skills that they learned at the April 13 main session. On April 28, Sandy will lead the San Diego County breakout and Chris will lead the Los Angeles County one. In the four years that our Chapter has presented the TBS, we have educated nearly 400 young (in their practices) family law attorneys throughout Southern California. HLG got the program off the ground, and we remain a strong supporter. We sincerely thank TBS’ 2018 sponsors: Attorney’s Briefcase; Schaefer & Company; E-Legal Services; Cohen, Miskei & Mowrey; Nigro, Karlin, Segal & Feldstein; Seastrom, Seastrom & Tuttle; Gursey Schneider; Hamilton York Estate Buyers; White, Zuckerman, Warsavsky, Luna & Hunt and Whalen Bryan.