The Bar Association of San Francisco presents
Considering the Bench?
A Conversation with the Governor’s Judicial Appointments Secretary
| Date |
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 |
| Registration |
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
| In-Person Program |
5:00 – 6:15 p.m.
Light Reception to Immediately Follow.
|
| Location |
BASF Offices
50 Fremont Street, Suite 1700
San Francisco, CA |
The Bar Association of San Francisco is featuring Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Cespedes and Deputy Secretary Adam Hofmann. This program will explore the vital role of judicial service and to discuss the judicial-appointments process in California, from application to vetting and appointments. Learn about the vital role of judicial service and the ongoing efforts to broaden the pool of highly qualified candidates for the bench. Understanding that expanding outreach to a wide and diverse community of attorneys is a key step in ensuring that the judiciary reflects the depth of talent, experience, and perspectives within the legal profession.
Panelists
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Secretary Luis Céspedes
Judicial Appointments Secretary
in the Office of the Governor |
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Deputy Secretary Adam Hofmann
Judicial Appointments Secretary
in the Office of the Governor |
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Honorable Dawn Payne
Superior Court of
San Francisco County |
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Honorable Julia V. Cervantes
Superior Court of
San Francisco County |
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Release March 2, 2026: 2026
Judicial Demographics Report: California Bench Continues to Grow More
Diverse
Past 2020 Article: Judge Kahn Discusses His Journey to the Bench, Common Mistakes Litigators Make, and How to Avoid Burnout
Thank you to our Sponsors
(as of 3/23/26)
Hosting Sponsor
The Bar Association of San Francisco
Supporting Sponsors
San Francisco Superior Court Judicial Mentorship Program
Alameda County Bar Association
Bay Area Lawyer Chapter for the American Constitution Society
Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF)
Black Women Lawyers of Northern California
California Lawyers Association
Charles Houston Bar Association
East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association
Filipino Bar Association of Northern California
Marin County Bar Association
Minority Bar Coalition of the SF Bay Area
Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers
San Francisco County La Raza Lawyers
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email events@sfbar.org
Event Code: G261607
For a printable flyer, click here.
REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration required no later than 4/14/26 to be able to enter the building.
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Program Access
This is an in-Person program only. Virtual access will not be available. Program recordings are not guaranteed and/or included with this registration, nor immediately accessible to registrants. Approved recordings of live programs are converted to On-Demand CLE Courses and available for separate purchase through a third-party library 30 business days after the live recording.
Attending Programs
This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the BASF/JDC’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a BASF/STAFF person or the photographer.
Substitution, Cancellation, and Refund Requests
For CLE events of 1.5 hours or less, Lunch & Learn programs, Happy Hours, Receptions, and Mixers, a refund is available if you submit your cancellation request at least 48 hours prior to the event. A $10 handling fee will be deducted from your refund. Please complete the Event Cancellation Form.
If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute. Please complete the Event Cancellation Form.
MCLE Notice
This program is NOT offering any CLE Credits.
Accessibility
People with disabilities and/or special requests should contact BASF regarding reasonable accommodations.