An important priority of the American Judicature Society is to ensure that the next generation of judicial leaders value their responsibility for perpetuating a fair judicial system and are well prepared to address any related institutional challenges into the future.
Each summer for almost the past 30 years, AJS has set aside a day dedicated to supporting young, aspiring lawyers. The annual Sidebar Program is open to summer associates from law firms, judicial and government agency law clerks and other new lawyers for a day of education and networking with each other and veteran professionals.
“Our Sidebar Program typically features a moderated panel discussion of issues often faced in the early years of practice,” said Colin Miwa, senior counsel with Cades Schutte and an AJS board member, who serves as co-chair of the Sidebar Program along with the Hon. Paula A. Nakayama, Associate Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. “We cover hypothetical issues such as the ethical and practical considerations when new attorneys are asked by their supervising partner to pursue claims apparently lacking evidentiary support and how new attorneys might handle disruptive or harassing opposing counsel during a witness deposition.”
There was record attendance at this year’s Sidebar Program. Nearly 60 young lawyers attended the 27th annual Sidebar Program at the Hawaii Supreme Court on July 14. This year’s panel discussion, moderated by AJS board member Calvert Chipchase, included: the Hon. Keith K. Hiraoka, Associate Judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals; State of Hawaii First Circuit Court Judges Jeannette H. Castagnetti, Lisa W. Cataldo, and Gary W. B. Chang; and Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii Wes Reber Porter.
As in previous years, the panel discussion was followed by small group discussions and a reception with the panelists. All of those who registered for the program received a complimentary one-year membership in AJS, a $50 value.
Mahalo to the AJS Sidebar Committee members for putting on an excellent program. In addition to Colin Miwa and the Hon. Paula A. Nakayama, the other committee members are the Hon. Jeannette H. Castagnetti, Hon. Gary W. B. Chang, Hon. Dean E. Ochiai, Calvert Chipchase, and Carrie Okinaga.