Share

Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Share this on Linked In Share this by Email
MCLE Self-Assessment Test
 
 

New State Bar president pushes for legal services, court funding

By Laura Ernde
Staff Writer

 
  • David Pasternak takes the oath of office from Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye as his wife Cynthia stands by his side. <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    David Pasternak takes the oath of office from Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye as his wife Cynthia stands by his side. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • State Bar President David Pasternak gets a hug from Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye after taking the oath of office. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • Outgoing State Bar President Craig Holden presents an award to Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Terry Wiley on behalf of the National Bar Association.  <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    Outgoing State Bar President Craig Holden presents an award to Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Terry Wiley on behalf of the National Bar Association. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • Judicial Council Administrative Director Martin N. Hoshino gets a moment of recognition.  <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    Judicial Council Administrative Director Martin N. Hoshino gets a moment of recognition. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • <strong>Top:</strong> John K. Van de Kamp, Andrew J. Guilford, Patrick M. Kelly.   <strong>Bottom:</strong> Holly J. Fujie, David L. Pasternak, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Craig Holden and Marc D. Adelman. <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    Top: John K. Van de Kamp, Andrew J. Guilford, Patrick M. Kelly. Bottom: Holly J. Fujie, David L. Pasternak, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Craig Holden and Marc D. Adelman. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, left, receives the Witkin medal from State Bar President David Pasternak.    <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, left, receives the Witkin medal from State Bar President David Pasternak. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy speaks to the crowd at the State Bar Annual Meeting. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • New President David Pasternak battles cancer as he takes on the leadership of the State Bar in 2015-16.  <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    New President David Pasternak battles cancer as he takes on the leadership of the State Bar in 2015-16. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • State Bar trustees take their oaths of office.  From left: Brandon N. Stallings, Michael G. Colantuono, Todd F. Stevens, Jason Lee, Vice President James P. Fox and Treasurer Danette E. Meyers.   <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    State Bar trustees take their oaths of office. From left: Brandon N. Stallings, Michael G. Colantuono, Todd F. Stevens, Jason Lee, Vice President James P. Fox and Treasurer Danette E. Meyers. Photo by S. Todd Rogers
  • Former President Craig Holden, right, enjoys a light moment before handing over the State Bar presidency to David Pasternak.    <em>Photo by S. Todd Rogers</em>
    Former President Craig Holden, right, enjoys a light moment before handing over the State Bar presidency to David Pasternak. Photo by S. Todd Rogers

David J. Pasternak of Los Angeles took the helm of the State Bar board last month, pledging to advocate for increased funding for the judiciary and increased access to legal services.

Pasternak pointed out that funding for legal services has not significantly increased in 16 years in California. California’s attorneys voluntarily give more money to fund legal services than the state contributes.

“We think of ourselves as a progressive state, but we are anything but when it comes to legal services funding,” said Pasternak, 64, of Pasternak & Pasternak in Los Angeles.

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye introduced the incoming president – who previously served as president of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and Bet Tzedek Legal Services – as having “one foot in private practice and one in legal services.

“You really know what that means based on your many years of service as a lawyer and a professional,” she said.

Pasternak surprised his wife, Cindy, by having Cantil-Sakauye invite her to the stage to stand by his side as the chief administered the oath of office.

He acknowledged Cindy’s support, calling her “my partner in every sense of the word,” and introduced their son Kevin, who is in his third year at Loyola School of Law.

Then Pasternak did what is believed to be a first at a State Bar induction ceremony. He asked his oncologist to stand and be recognized: Sumanta K. Pal, co-director of the Kidney Cancer Program at City of Hope.

Pasternak has made no secret that he has been undergoing treatment since last year for kidney cancer that spread to his lungs. Pasternak said he pursued the one-year term as president of the largest State Bar in the country with his doctor’s blessing.

Pasternak also used the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony to announce that Chief Trial Counsel Jayne Kim would seek a second four-year term. By statute, Kim, 46, must be approved by the Board of Trustees and the state Senate.

Pasternak acknowledged a California State Auditor’s report last year that made recommendations for improving the discipline system as well as the bar’s reporting of the system’s backlog.

“There will be no misunderstandings of our reporting in the future,” he said.

Pasternak also pledged to continue the board’s focus on its key regulatory activities – the admission and discipline of attorneys.

“Every member of the board understands our sole mission is public protection,” he said.