Outreach Activities

Staff at the Office of Governmental Affairs promote effective communications within the judicial branch and with the legislative and executive branches of state government by coordinating and staffing outreach activities with groups such as the Bench-Bar Coalition (BBC), the California Judges Association, California Lawyers Association and the California Courts Association-Legislative Committee. 

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: 

Past Activities

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 executive officer, to 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.

• Day on the Bench 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

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 the office of Governmental Affairs work.