Outreach Resources

Legislative Liaison Project (LLP)

The Legislative Liaison Project enhances communications between BBC members, legislators, key legislative staff, and selected members of the executive branch. BBC liaisons make designated contacts on at least a quarterly basis to share information and serve as a resource on BBC priorities and matters of mutual concern to the judicial branch and justice system partners.

• Best Practices for Planning Local Legislative Outreach Activities
  Tips and techniques for successfully engaging legislators and staff in the district.

• LLP Overview and Liaison Responsibilities
  Overview of the program, liaison responsibilities, and suggested contact opportunities.

• LLP Sign-up Form
  Indicate your interest in serving as a liaison to a member of the legislative or executive branches by completing and returning this form.

• LLP Contact Reporting Form
  Use this form to summarize and report legislative and executive branch contacts.

Day on the Bench Program

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
     
• Sample Day on the Bench Invitation Letter
   
• Day on the Bench Brochure

Resources for Judicial Advocacy

Ethical Principles for Judicial Advocacy
Memo prepared by the Office of General Counsel which sets forth principles that pertain to judicial officers who participate in legislative activities.
 

Resources for Justice Partners' Advocacy

Legal Services Organizations and Self-Help Resources
Access self-help and legal services resources available to the public to assist them in navigating the judicial system.

• California Courts' Online Self-Help Center
• Find legal aid referrals & self-help resources at LawHelpCalifornia.org

Statewide, County, and Local Bar Associations
California has more than 250 local, specialty, minority, and women voluntary bar associations. The State Bar of California's Office of Bar Relations Outreach works to create and preserve a dynamic partnership with these local bars and other state and national bars. Access the directory of local bar associations on the State Bar of California's website.

State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Services Program
Access the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Services Directory at the above link or call 1-866-442-2529 (toll free in California) or 415-538-2250 (from outside California)

State Bar of California: Registering a Complaint
All lawyers who practice in California must live up to ethical standards imposed by the California Supreme Court and the state legislature. As an arm of the California Supreme Court, the State Bar investigates and prosecutes complaints against lawyers. Contact the State Bar at the above link or call 1-800-843-9053 (toll free in California) or 213-765-1200 (from outside California).

Sample Outreach Documents

Examples of letters sent to legislators and articles on judicial branch budget.

Sample Letter on Legislation

Sample Bar Association Communications