News Releases

New president, Board members assume office at State Bar Annual Meeting

Contact: Laura Ernde

415-538-2283

barcomm@calbar.ca.gov

ANAHEIM, Oct. 10, 2015 – David J. Pasternak of Los Angeles was sworn in today as president of the State Bar of California for 2015-16 at the bar’s Annual Meeting in Anaheim. Other officers and incoming members of the Board of Trustees also commenced their terms.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath of office.

Pasternak, 64, said he plans to continue the board’s focus on its key regulatory activities – the admission and discipline of attorneys. 

In addition, he promised to advocate for increased funding for the judiciary and increased access to legal services. California funding for legal services has not significantly increased in 16 years. California’s attorneys voluntarily give more money to fund legal services than the state does. 

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

Pasternak, of Pasternak & Pasternak in Los Angeles, was appointed to the Board of Trustees by the California Supreme Court in 2012. He previously served as president of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, president of Bet Tzedek Legal Services and president of the Chancery Club.

Also assuming their offices today are Vice President James P. Fox, 70, former San Mateo County district attorney, and Treasurer Danette E. Meyers, 58, a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles County.

Three new board members marked the start of their three-year terms: Jason P. Lee, 43, of Los Angeles; Brandon N. Stallings, 32, of Bakersfield; and Todd F. Stevens, 53, of San Diego. Trustee Michael G. Colantuono, 43, of Penn Valley, began his second three-year term. The Board of Trustees is the governing and policymaking body of the 254,000-lawyer organization.