Outreach Activities
Statewide Bench/Bar Coalition
In 1993, under the leadership of the California Association of Local Bars (CALB), a statewide Bench/Bar Coalition (BBC), (Membership Application) was established to enhance communication and coordinate activities between the judicial community and the state, local, and specialty bars on issues of common interest, particularly in the legislative arena. In addition to conference calls and in-person meetings, the BBC meets with legislators at the State Capitol during "Day in Sacramento" activities.
Bench-Bar Coalition event information and meeting materials can be accessed by clicking on the desired item(s) posted below:
Day on the Bench
The Day-on-the-Bench is a statewide program co-sponsored by the California Judges Association in which legislators will spend approximately a half day visiting a court in the legislator's district. During the visit, the legislator will observe court proceedings, tour court facilities, meet with a host judge and perhaps the presiding judge and court administrator, and discuss issues of mutual concern about the courts and the judiciary.
The program is designed to give legislators a personal understanding of the volume, complexity, and variety of daily duties and responsibilities of a judge, as well as an understanding of the conditions of the court. This experience is intended to impress upon legislators the significant role played by the courts and the justice system, their impact on the daily lives of Californians, and the need for legislative support.
The Day on the Bench program brings a legislator to a court in his or her district for a half-day visit and tour. Each individually tailored visit is designed to give legislators a personal understanding of the volume, complexity, and variety of daily duties and responsibilities of a judge, as well as the extensive responsibilities of court clerks and administrators.
- Day on the Bench (DOTB) Planning Guide
The planning guide includes an overview of the program, planning materials, and legislative information resources. The following forms are also contained in the guide.- Program Information Request Form
- Visit Status Form
- Host Court Evaluation Form
- Legislator Meeting Summary
- Day on the Bench Brochure
Past Activities
| Date | Event/Location | Agenda, Meeting Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, September 6, 2024 | BBC Fall Membership Meeting 2024 | Materials |
| Monday, June 24, 2024 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Materials |
| Monday, April 29, 2024 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | |
| Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Bench-Bar Coalition Legislative Day in Sacramento | Materials |
| Monday, January 29, 2024 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda & Materials |
| Monday, October 30, 2023 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Friday, September 22, 2023 | BBC Fall Membership Meeting 2023 | Materials |
| Monday, July 31, 2023 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Monday, April 24, 2023 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Monday, March 27, 2023 | Bench-Bar Coalition Day in Sacramento | Participant Materials |
| Monday, January 30, 2023 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Monday, October 24, 2022 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Friday, September 16, 2022 | BBC Fall Membership Virtual Meeting | Materials |
| Monday, July 25, 2022 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda & Materials |
| Monday, April 25, 2022 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Monday April 26, 2021 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Monday, July 26, 2021 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda & Materials |
| Monday, October 25, 2021 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda |
| Monday, January 24, 2022 | BBC Quarterly Membership Virtual Meeting | Agenda & Budget Memo |
For more information regarding the Bench-Bar Coalition, please contact the Judicial Council of California, Governmental Affairs at 916-323-3121.
Judicial Fellowship Program
The Judicial Council's Governmental Affairs office co-directs the Judicial Fellowship Program which is a partnership between the Judicial Council and the Center for California Studies Capital Fellows Program.
Liaison Program
Related to its advocacy function, the liaison program is the Office of Governmental Affairs' ongoing effort to maintain contact and work cooperatively with groups involved in the judicial system, including the California Judges Association (CJA), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA), the State Bar, plaintiffs' and defense bars, and others. Where our positions on issues concur, we form alliances to enhance our advocacy efforts. When our positions on particular issues differ, we negotiate to reach agreement whenever possible. Working with other groups toward achieving common goals has been a longstanding historical component of OGA's work.