AIDS Legal Referral Panel
+EKER 4EAM &IGHTS $ISCRIMINATION
When Luis Alfaro first contacted ALRP, Ultimately, the attorneys filed an action he was hoping to put a difficult em- in federal court. Less than six months ployment issue behind him so he could later, they settled the case. move along with his education. He did everything he could on his own, and According to Mr. Alfaro, as they reached an impasse. Thankfully, three worked together, his Keker & Van Nest attorneys at Keker & Van Nest, one of attorneys demonstrated their genuine 0ANEL !TTORNEY 3POTLIGHT the law firms participating in ALRP’s concern for his well-being by call- Pro Bono Connections Initiative, were ing him regularly just to check in. In *!3/. 7/,&/2$ willing to take his case and provide getting to know Mr. Alfaro better, the */%, ,)"%23/. him with the assistance he needed. attorneys identified a separate issue When an ALRP client was affecting Mr. Alfaro’s family that they denied a reasonable ac- Attorneys Alyse Bertenthal, Audrey thought could be resolved, and pro- commodation and faced Walton-Hadlock, and Pro Bono Coor- vided a successful referral for him. Mr. the prospect that he dinator, Daniel Purcell, accepted the Alfaro adds, “Alyse, Audrey and Dan might lose his job, ALRP employment discrimination and wage were so good to me. I felt guilty at first Panel Attorneys Jason claim case against Mr. Alfaro’s former Wolford and Joel Liberson employer and immediately commu- stepped up to the plate to nicated with Mr. Alfaro. In fact, their help. Ready to litigate to first phone call to him was to a loca- the zealous max, Jason tion in Germany, where Mr. Alfaro was and Joel worked over 500 visiting friends. Mr. Alfaro recalls that hours on the case before it he felt immediately comforted during settled with a very signifi- this first call with the attorneys. “They A crucial member of the Keker van Nest Team, spent one and a half hours with me on Dan Purcell, initially accepted Mr. Alfaro’s case cant award for the client. from ALRP. It was not an easy fight as the phone, listening to my issues, and Continued on pg.6 they took on a large com- asking detailed questions. There were pany, but through it all three attorneys on the line, and none !,20kS 0RO "ONO #ONNECTIONS Joel was inspired by the of them was in a hurry to get off the )NITIATIVE (IGHLIGHTS client’s principles and his phone. I immediately had a good im- courage in attempting to pression as to their support and com- • Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP (through right a wrong. The settle- passion.” Cristin Zeisler) fought successfully to ment not only brought a reinstate a client’s disability benefits. great result for their cli- Upon his return to the U.S., Ms. Ber- • Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP ent, but also secured a tenthal, Ms. Walton-Hadlock and Mr. (through Tera Heintz) is currently large and generous tithe Purcell met with Mr. Alfaro several working on behalf of three clients to ALRP! times, learned the facts, and figured seeking legal permanent residence. out the legal issues. Mr. Alfaro says he • Reed Smith LLP (through Jim It was while working at knew he was in good hands because Wood) worked over 1,900 hours on a Gordon & Rees that Ja- his attorneys made it clear that they confidentiality matter on behalf of an son and Joel were first ex- would help him pursue his rights. ALRP client. posed to pro bono work
Continued on pg.7 Volume XII Number 1 Spring 2009 AIDS Legal Referral Panel
!,20 -ISSION
To help people with HIV/ AIDS maintain or improve &ROM THE HEART their health by resolving ALRP Executive Director Bill Hirsh their legal issues.
!,20 o ! 0ARTNERSHIP 9OU #AN 4RUST "OARD OF $IRECTORS
Gregory Curatolo In 2008, your volunteer hours and fi- the use of these funds to cover rev- Co-Chair nancial contributions enabled ALRP enue shortfalls ALRP may experience Martha J. Simon, Esq. to continue to be there for those who during the next five years. Addition- Co-Chair needed us. We saw a 10% increase ally, we have taken steps to reduce in the number of legal matters we our costs where possible, including Matthew S. Gray, Esq. Treasurer handled for our clients – 2,191. We trimming down our employee benefits leveraged an amazing $6.9 million in expenses, installing a more efficient Enrique A. Monagas, Esq. donated legal services – resulting in digital phone system, and securing Secretary ninety-seven cents of every donated administrative support through one of dollar going directly to ALRP’s pro- Goodwill’s job training programs. David P. Barton, Esq. grams. We surpassed our You’re the Cathy Blackstone, Esq. Heart of It 25th Anniversary Campaign Because of your partnership and gen- Vincent Cheng, Esq. goal of raising $250,000 to support erosity, and our prudent fiscal man- ALRP’s programs. And, we complet- agement, ALRP is secure and in a Mark A. Delgado, Esq. ed a new Strategic Plan to guide our strong position going into 2009. We Kevin A. Hall, Esq. work over the next five years. have ended each of the last seven Frank M. La Fleur, Esq. years in the black. And every dollar ALRP has always been a remarkably you contribute to ALRP is leveraged Larry A. Katzin, Esq. efficient and cost effective operation. more than six times by our donated Laura J. Maechtlen, Esq. Mindful of the challenging economic legal services! Kerne H. O. Matsubara, Esq. climate we face, ALRP has undertaken a number of initiatives to position itself We know that tough times will be even Brian D. McDonald, Esq. to maintain its services in the com- tougher on our clients. I always say Robert Millar, Esq. ing years. Chief amongst them is the that those least able to deal with the Jeffrey Norberg, Esq. establishment of a Board Designated system are the ones that are forced Noel Rodriguez, Esq. Fund, the equivalent of a rainy day to deal with it the most. When they fund. The ALRP Board is committed to lose their job, their healthcare, and/or Seth P. Sternglanz, Esq. ensuring that ALRP is able to continue their housing, they can easily be over- David J. Tsai, Esq. to serve our clients and has authorized whelmed as they try to navigate their
Sean D. Unger, Esq. Continued on pg.7 Kathryn R. Watson, Esq. Jeffrey A. Wilcox, Esq. !,20 3TAFF
Jackie Abellada, Esq. Megan D. Corcoran, Esq. Ana Montano, Esq. Staff Attorney Insurance Attorney Immigration Attorney
Eric Bull Bill Hirsh, Esq. Jaime Rush, Esq. Office Manager Executive Director Housing Attorney
Diana Camacho Sara Malan, Esq. Volunteer Coordinator Housing Attorney
Maisha S. Cole, Esq. Jim McBride Outreach Attorney Development Director
2 6OLUNTEERS #ORNER
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !,20kS 2ECENT %VENTS
We invite all long-stand- MACY*S PASSPORT CASTRO STREET FAIR ing and new volunteers to come join the fun at the these upcoming events: In Septem- On October 5th, over 30 ALRP volun- ber, ALRP teers donated over 100 hours to join VOLUNTEER was a proud the ALRP team in collecting donations APPRECIATION PARTY benefactor at the gate of the Castro Street Fair. April 16 of the 2009 The proceeds benefited ALRP and ALRP ADVOCATES CLUB Macy*s other AIDS service and Castro com- Thank You PARTY Passport munity based organizations. ALRP is May 20
Bill Hirsh with Macy*s West Chairman Fashion grateful to be a part of the event and and CEO Jeffrey Gennette. and Com- thanks its dedicated volunteers! AIDS WALK: LEGAL EAGLES TEAM passion event, which merged fashion Megan July 19 and shopping events in order to fund- Corcoran, Jaime raise for AIDS service organizations. Rush, CASTRO STREET FAIR and Macy*s Passport presented ALRP Diana October 4th with over $25,000 as a result of pro- Camacho selling ceeds earned from three fashion show tickets ALRP ANNUAL with RECEPTION & AUCTION events and a one-day shopping event volunteer October 14 known as Macy*s Passport In-Store. David Barenchi. ALRP staff and volunteers were vital in To sign-up or for questions helping ALRP to achieve our benefi- please contact Diana Ca- ciary obligations at all the events. From The Heart 25th ANNUAL macho, at [email protected] RECEPTION & AUCTION or (415)701-1200 ext. 303. REAL BAD XX With over 300 guests in attendance, "OARD .OTES ALRP celebrated its 25th Anniversary ALRP is pleased to wel- on November 13th at the Palace Hotel. come Robert Millar, Esq., The night’s event included a silent and of Davis Wright Termaine, live auction, keynote speaker Associ- LLP to ALRP’s Board of Di- ate Justice Carlos R. Moreno, Esq., rectors! and the presentation of ALRP’s 2008 awards. Honorees included Frederick Other Board changes in- ALRP representative, Eric Bull, is presented with a check C. Hertz, Esq., Stephen A. Sommers from Real Bad XX Event Chair, Leif Wauters. clude, Enrique A. Mona- Esq., and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw gas, Esq., as the new On September 28th, Real Bad XX, Pittman LLP. The event was the most Board Secretary, and Mat- the Folsom Street Fair After-Party successful ALRP fundraiser to date, thew S. Gray, Esq., as the presented by Grassroots Gay Rights raising over $158,00, thanks to the new Board Treasurer. West, raised record proceeds of over generosity of our supporters. $160,000 for San Francisco organiza- ALRP would also like to tions. ALRP’s dedicated volunteers thank departing Board were up till dawn assisting with the members James Camp- preparation and organization of this bell, Melissa Chan, Esq., successful nine-hour leather celebra- BJ Chisholm, Esq., and tion. As proud benefactors of Real Shawn D. Parrish, Esq., Bad XX, ALRP was presented with for their service and efforts over $22,000 in order to provide legal Board Co-Chairs Marti Simon, Esq., and Greg Cura- tolo and ALRP Director, Bill Hirsh, with Attorney of the to protect the legal rights services to those living with HIV/AIDS! Year Honoree, Steven Sommers, Esq. of people with HIV/AIDS.
3
3HOP FOR !,20 '2%!4 7!93 4/ 3500/24 SHOP FOR YOUR MOMS, !,20 4()3 302).' DADS & GRAD!
Looking for a great gift At ALRP, our goal is to make it easy for Designate ALRP through United Way to give your Mom, Dad you to support our programs. We offer or Workplace Donor Initiatives or Grad this spring? a wide variety of donation options for • United Way now uses addresses your convenience: for designations, instead of codes. Purchase The Bracelet Please designate ALRP by includ- from the Until There’s A DONATE to ALRP’s Enduring Heart ing our address: 1663 Mission, Cure Foundation. Individual Donor Campaign Suite 500, San Francisco. Help ALRP commemorate 26 years • If you are a federal or state em- of service to our clients by supporting ployee, you can designate ALRP our 2009 Enduring Heart campaign. through the Combined Federal Send a contribution directly to us at Campaign and the California State ALRP, 1663 Mission Street, Suite 500, Employee’s Charitable Campaign. San Francisco, CA 94103. Or contact Look for ALRP in your campaign us for a reply envelope to be mailed to directory. you. Or make a donation ONLINE – Visit www.until.org to or- just click “Donate Now” on the home SHOP for ALRP this Easter, Mother’s der, or to see more bracelet page at www.alrp.org. Day, Father’s Day, and Graduation styles. Help ALRP be there Season! for our clients, until there’s • Shop online at www.IGive.com/ a cure… ALRP - visit all your favorite stores like eBay, Barnes & Noble, Lands Get your Firm/Company to Match End, OfficeMax, PriceLine.com, Your Gift ProFlowers, Sharper Image, and One of the most effective ways to Target – and up to 27% of your make a donation is through your firm purchases goes directly to ALRP. SHOP ONLINE at or company. Let us help you in deter- • Or visit www.until.org and shop for www.IGive.com/ALRP mining whether some of the following beautiful bracelets, key chains and options might be available lapel pins from Until There’s A Cure Simply sign up at www. through your firm or company: Foundation – proceeds benefit IGive.com/ALRP.Then • Charitable giving programs AIDS agencies, ALRP included! shop at your favorite online • Matching gift programs, which can • Or stop by UNDER ONE ROOF, at store and the donation to double your gift or more its NEW LOCATION at 518A Cas- ALRP is automatic. • Pro-bono services, including ac- tro Street (between 18th & 19th) in cess to or underwriting of a Lexis/ San Francisco – a unique gift store Up to 27% of your pur- Nexis subscription where all sales benefit local AIDS chases are donated to organizations. ALRP. Donate Your Car • Feeling handy? COLE HARDWARE With the ALRP Car Donation Program, has three locations in San Francis- Shop at over 680 brand you can get a big tax break, FREE IRS co – 956 Cole Street (at Parnassus), name stores, including and DMV paperwork, and FREE pick- 3312 Mission Street (at 29th Street) Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, up (in most cases). To donate your car, and 70 Fourth Street (at Market) eBay, GAP, HSN, Lands truck, boat or RV, call our car auction – and will credit your purchase to End, Nordstrom, Over- partner, Bizzarro Auctions, at (866) ALRP’s charitable account. stock.com, QVC, Target, 273-5898, or contact ALRP. • You can also donate thrift items to and many more. COMMUNITY THRIFT, at 623 Va- Include ALRP in Your Planned Giving lencia (at 17th Street) in San Fran- and Estate Planning cisco, and designate ALRP as the Join the ALRP Angels Legacy Society benefiting charity of proceeds from by naming ALRP in your will or trust. the sale of your donation while get- ting a year-end tax deduction. For more info visit www. IGive.com/ALRP today.
4 -ORE 3HOPPING
"% ! l4%.m AND */). 4(% 0!249 FIND GREAT GIFTS UNDER ONE ROOF
ALRP has launched the 2009 Enduring Heart Individual Donor Campaign, an initiative aimed at securing donations to help keep our free legal services available this year.
Campaign donors who donate $250 or more before April 30th are invited to join us for “TEN”, our invitation-only Advocates Club Thank You Party being held from 6-8pm on Shop at UNDER ONE May 20th at RF-80: ROOF at 518A Castro be- tween 18th & 19th. The • Mix it up with TEN Special Guests including Dennis Herrera and Donna Sachet store is open from 10am- • Enjoy Fine Wines and our special Advocates’ Cosmo Vodka Drink 9pm daily. • Feast on TEN delicious Catered Foods and Desserts • Have a chance to Win one of TEN Bottles of Champagne Or visit www.underoneroof. • Take home an Advocates Club Gift Bag featuring TEN gift items org. Help raise funds for AIDS agencies, including Donations can be made at www.alrp.org or at the door. See you at “TEN!” ALRP.
Shop for a cause! Special Thanks to our “TEN” Advocates Club Thank You Party Sponsors:
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
Do your Spring Cleaning and help ALRP.
Recycle your clothing and household items at !,20 !$$3 %,%#42/.)# COMMUNITY THRIFT. $)3#/6%29 6%.$/2 4/ ,3$0
ALRP is proud to announce our new partnership with Advanced Discovery Services (ADS) as the second legal services provider in the ALRP Legal Services
Donation Program (LSDP). ADS joins U.S. Legal Support, Inc., who has already Simply drop off your items donated almost $10,000 through the LSDP. at 623 Valencia Street at 17th and list ALRP Code ADS provides a full range of electronic discovery solutions and is donating 3% 230. of all LSDP revenue generated from participating law firms and Panel Attorneys. U.S. Legal Support donates $10.00 for each deposition and $2.00 per location for Donate any day from record retrievals. Both ADS and U.S. Legal Support offer special LSDP program 10am-5pm. pricing and excellent customer service. Visit www.community- To participate or to schedule a FREE LSDP lunch-n-learn presentation in your thriftsf.org for listing of ac- ceptable items. office, contact ALRP development director Jim McBride at [email protected].
5
3AYING 4HANK 9OU
Continued from pg. 1 l3HINING !CTS OF #OMPASSIONm *USTICE #ARLOS 2 -ORENOkS +EYNOTE 2EMARKS FROM to receive so much help. !,20kS &ROM THE (EART TH !NNUAL 2ECEPTION !UCTION But I learned that it’s bet- ter to accept the help and ALRP was 1177, 1215] : ‘AIDS is unique in the appreciate them for what privileged opprobrium with which those infected they did.” to have with HIV are viewed, in part because California one of the populations most at risk has Mr. Alfaro is thrilled with Supreme been traditionally stigmatized on the the result and relieved to Court As- basis of sexual orientation.’ have put this behind him. sociate He says, “The experience Justice “It is true that some measures taken has allowed me to move Carlos R. in those early days — like equipping on. I really think my health Moreno San Francisco police officers with has improved since I start- speak at its special masks and gloves when they ed working with my attor- 25th An- were dealing with ‘a suspected AIDS neys because my stress niversary Reception. Following is an patient’ — reflected the uncertainty has been reduced so sig- excerpt from his inspiring remarks. about how the virus was transmitted. nificantly. I am so grateful But there were other actions that were for their time and generos- “For a quarter-century, this public in- clearly motivated as much by animus ity to me.” terest law office has ably represented against the victims of AIDS as by any people living with AIDS and HIV in- health concern. The attorneys feel the same fection. As you know, the face of the about Mr. Alfaro. They re- epidemic and the needs of ALRP’s cli- “Some of the events of 1983 illustrate port that they had a great ents have changed dramatically since my point. For example, in 1983 the experience. They found an 1983, when ALRP began its work. To- New York Health Commissioner re- opportunity to learn about day, new and effective drug regimens ported that landlords were evicting a new and interesting area mean that people with AIDS and HIV people with AIDS, and funeral direc- of the law, and to work with infection are living longer and their le- tors were refusing to embalm the bod- a client who was gener- gal needs are more complex than the ies of those who had died from the ous and cooperative at all simple estate planning, which was the disease. 1983 was also the year that stages of the case. They reason ALRP was originally formed. Jerry Falwell called AIDS “the judg- add that it was reward- Back then, HIV infection was widely ment of God,” and the media routinely ing to recognize that their viewed as a death sentence and those characterized the disease as the “gay work made a signficant dif- who were infected were all too often plague.” It was the year when the first ference in Mr. Alfaro’s life. viewed as modern-day lepers. It is case of AIDS dumping was reported, Since finishing up their worth revisiting those dark ages to un- after Florida officials gave an indigent work together, Mr. Alfaro derscore the courage of ALRP’s staff man with AIDS a one-way ticket to San reports that he has been and volunteer lawyers in taking on Francisco, where he died. In short, looking for a way to show these clients. 1983 was a year of panic and hyste- his gratitude to the attor- ria that threatened to leave many AIDS neys at Keker & Van Nest “In 1983, the causes and course of victims homeless, jobless and without and ALRP. “Alyse, Audrey AIDS were still largely unknown, but medical care. 1983 was also the year and Dan have my sincere what was known was that HIV infec- when nearly half of those diagnosed appreciation, as does the tion had struck hardest among gay with AIDS died. staff at ALRP. The frus- men. Despite the political strides that trations I was feeling are the gay and lesbian community had “It was against this backdrop of igno- gone, and I can finally fo- made in the preceding 10 years, the rance and fear that ALRP came into cus on my life, my health, emergence of AIDS among gay men being. As I mentioned, ALRP was my studies—all the things would demonstrate that prejudice to- originally formed as a resource for that really matter.” ward them was alive and well. As I those dying of AIDS to receive emer- wrote in my 2006 dissent in John B. gency wills and powers of attorney. v. Superior Court [(2006) 38 Cal.4th Behind that simple fact lies a tragic
Continued on next page
6
&ROM THE (EART
Continued from pg. 2 Panel Attorney Spotlight: Jason Wolford & Joel Liberson- Continued from pg.1
way to rebuild their lives. and realized the great passion they son holds a Master’s Degree in Envi- had for their pro bono clients. Since ronmental Law and has worked ex- This is why they need an leaving Gordon & Rees, these two tensively in civil litigation on behalf of have joined forces and started their corporations and businesses. advocate on their side. own firm, Liberson & Wolford, LLP. Now is not the time to re- They are incredibly enthusiastic about Their success in representing their cli- duce services; in fact, our using their considerable legal talents ents derives from the approach they services are needed more to represent the underserved in our take in working to understand the than ever. And with your community. unique needs of each client, with care continued support, ALRP and with patience. Though sometimes will be there to help our They found their way to ALRP through their clients’ lives are turbulent, Jason clients when they are des- volunteer work with the Volunteer Le- and Joel try to help them focus on re- perately reaching out for gal Services Program of the Bar Asso- moving barriers and finding a positive our help. There are any ciation of San Francisco. Since joining solution. number of things you can the Panel in 2006, the dynamic duo do to help, and I trust that has been very active, handling doz- ALRP also sees them as an invaluable ens of cases in a variety of legal areas resource for their infectious enthusi- you will. Because com- including: landlord/tenant, insurance, asm and their dedication to clients, munity support for ALRP torts, employment, and employee which is an inspiration to all of us in – your support – has been benefits. the HIV/AIDS legal community. Our extraordinary both in its sincerest thanks to Jason Wolford and depth, and in its duration. Both Jason and Joel come to ALRP Joel Liberson for their tireless work And because you, and our with a cumulative arsenal of experi- on behalf of ALRP’s clients living with clients, put your trust in ence. Joel is a CPA and former stock HIV/AIDS! us. broker/financial consultant while Ja-
“Shining Acts of Compassion...” - Continued from previous page
reality. Many of the first victims of face of HIV that estate planning, “Over the past 25 years, so many AIDS were young men in their 20s which once made up almost all of people afflicted with HIV and AIDS and 30s, decades away from giving ALRP’s work, now makes up only 10 have fallen beside the road, aban- any thought to estate planning, who percent. Today, 25 years after ALRP doned by their friends, family and were suddenly faced with their mor- was formed, the focus of its staff and society. The sometimes shameful tality, and all the issues associated volunteer attorneys is helping people treatment of people with HIV infec- with death. But it was not the dying who are living with AIDS, not dying tion is one of the darker episodes alone who needed ALRP’s help. Be- of it. ALRP’s volunteer lawyers pro- of recent American history. But this cause no state in the United States, vide access to the court for ordinary darkness has also been illuminated including California, gave any legal people and demonstrate that equal by the shining acts of compassion recognition to same-sex unions, protection of the law is not just a slo- of those who have looked upon the there was no provision for the victims’ gan but a reality. ALRP also provides sufferings of people with AIDS and life partners to make decisions about members of the bar with an oppor- HIV and have seen, not strangers, medical care or to protect the surviv- tunity to provide public service and but neighbors in need of help. Since ing partner’s interest in his partner’s this, in turn, contributes to a more 1983, rendering that help has been estate. It was in response to these positive view of the legal profession the work of ALRP’s staff, volunteers urgent needs that ALRP came into by the general public. Of course, for and donors and I am proud to be being and its first volunteer lawyers those volunteer lawyers there are here and to share in this celebration went to the hospitals and sickrooms the tremendous personal rewards of of that work.” of the city to help their clients. making a positive difference in the lives of their clients. For a complete version of the Key- “It is a testament to the changing note remarks, visit www.alrp.org.
7
AIDS Legal Referral Panel
Panel Notes Volume XII, No. 1 Spring 2009
Published by the AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Editor Diana Camacho
Printing of this issue of Panel Notes is made possible through the generosity of
Helping Asbestos Victims since 1974
5PCOMING !,20 %VENTS
ALRP VOLUNTEER REAF Help Is On The Way APPRECIATION PARTY 15th ANNIVERSARY GALA Thursday, APRIL 16 Sunday, AUGUST 2 Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Herbst Theatre, SF Celebrate ALRP’s volunteers! Save the date!
“TEN” - The ALRP ADVOCATES CASTRO STREET FAIR CLUB Thank You PARTY Sunday, OCTOBER 4 Wednesday, MAY 20 Castro at Market RF-80 (80 Missouri at 16th) Come help us collect donations. You don’t want to miss this one... ALRP From the Heart 26th 2009 AIDSWalk ANNUAL RECEPTION & AUCTION Sunday, JULY 19 Thursday, OCTOBER 14 Golden Gate Park War Memorial Building/Green Room Join the ALRP Legal Eagles Team! Be there to commemorate ALRP’s 26th!
1663 Mission St. Ste 500 San Francisco, CA 94103 VOICE: 415.701.1100 FAX: 415.701.1400 [email protected] www.alrp.org