Member Spotlight

Trial Judges Who Ruled on Same-Sex Marriages

POSTED ON June 28, 2014 In Member Spotlight

In an article published May 27, 2014 in the Washington Post, “From a diverse group of judges, a unanimous opinion on same-sex marriage,” reporter Robert Barnes examined the judges who, as of that date, had ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right....

Elaine D. Kaplan Confirmed to Serve on Federal Court of Claims

POSTED ON September 20, 2013 In Member Spotlight

 September 17th, the United States Senate confirmed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Elaine D. Kaplan, Esquire,  General Counsel and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to serve on the Federal Court of Claims.  According to the Washington Blade, Kaplan “will become the second...

McShane and Quiñones Join Federal Bench

POSTED ON June 18, 2013 In Member Spotlight

June 13th, the United States Senate confirmed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro  to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  On the date of confirmation, The Washington Blade reported “A Puerto Rico native, Quiñones breaks...

Writing Competition Deadline is May 17th

POSTED ON May 3, 2013 In Member Spotlight

As we count down to the 20th Anniversary of our first Annual General Membership Meeting, the Association , in partnership with the National LGBT Bar Associates (celebrating Lavender Law's 25th Anniversary),  is sponsoring the second year of our Writing Competition.  Here are the requirements: TOPIC: Diversity...

Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland Takes Oath

POSTED ON March 4, 2013 In Member Spotlight

Following a long and difficult path to confirmation, the Honorable Tracy Thorne-Begland took the oath of office on March 1st. His appointment to a six-year term on the Richmond General District Court was confirmed January 14th by the Virginia House of Delegates and a day later...

Feinman to Become New York’s First Openly Gay Male Appellate Judge

POSTED ON October 6, 2012 In Member Spotlight

With well-understood excitement, Judge Paul Feinman, our immediate past President, shared with the Board of Directors news of his October 1st appointment by Governor Andrew Cuomo to become a member of the New York Appellate Division, First Department.  In Judge Feinman’s words: This is the first time...

Judge J. Gary Cohen Receives 2012 Hero Award

POSTED ON August 16, 2012 In Member Spotlight

Congratulations to Judge J. Gary Cohen (British Columbia), our former President. The Canadian Bar Association has announced, "The Hon. Judge J. Gary Cohen of Surrey, B.C., is the winner of the Canadian Bar Association’s (CBA) 2012 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference (SOGIC) Hero Award. Judge Cohen...

Pamela Ki Mai Chen Nominated for U.S. District Court

POSTED ON August 4, 2012 In Member Spotlight

August 2, 2012 - President Barack Obama has nominated Assistant United States Attorney Pamela Ki Mai Chen to serve as an Associate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.  According to the Washington Blade, "In addition to being one...

Remembering Retired Judge G. Keith Wisot

POSTED ON July 28, 2012 In Member Spotlight

Retired Los Angeles Superior Court Judge G. Keith Wisot, was a founding member of the Association and our first Treasurer. His July 21, 2012 death of a heart ailment, his impact and accomplishments are discussed in an article by Karen Ocamb published July 24, 2012. ...