Judges Ready to Wine and Dine Lawmakers

[Cheryl Miller]

Want to hobnob with the chief justice? If you’re a state lawmaker and you’re in Sacramento on Wednesday, you’re in luck.

The State Bar, the Consumer Attorneys of California, the California Defense Counsel and the Open Courts Coalition are scheduled to host a meet-and-greet reception with the judicial branch leader for legislators. No official word on where the schmoozefest will take place, but we’re told that a “soulful Italian” eatery near the Capitol is the place to be.

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye has made no secret of the fact that she wanted a chance to gather casually with lawmakers. She told the California Judges Association convention in October that she had “kind of whispered in the ears of a few attorney organizations that, ‘Gee, wouldn't it be nice if we paid for a reception and invited the Judicial Council and all the judges’” to meet the many new lawmakers who have joined the Assembly and state Senate this year.

“We want to make ourselves known,” she said, suggesting that a good “swag bag” would be a definite draw for attendees.

Sadly, the press has been barred from the social event.

“There’s no agenda and no speeches,” Bar spokeswoman Laura Ernde said in an email. “It’s just an opportunity for the chief and new lawmakers to mingle and get to know each other.”

No word on what kind of swag will be in the bags.