MCLE Event: Domestic Violence – A View from the Bench and More (10/16/2025)

HONORABLE TARA JAMES

Judge Tara K. James has served as a Family Law judicial officer since her appointment to the bench in January of 2016. She is currently the Supervising Judge of the Family Law Division, and also serves as the court’s Assistant Presiding Judge. Judge James recently ended her three-year tenure on the Executive Board of the California Judges’ Association representing the judges of Fresno, Kings, Kern, and Tulare Counties. She has served on CJA’s Family Law Legislative Committee, Mental Health Legislative Committee, and Mindfulness and Well-Being Committee. She began her legal career in Tulare County as a deputy district attorney and worked as a special prosecutor for child sexual assault, white collar crimes, and career criminals. She then spent 12 years as a solo practitioner with a focus in family law and criminal defense.

HONORABLE JASON TAYLOR

Judge Jason D. Taylor was appointed to the bench on February 14, 2025. Since his appointment, he has been assigned to handle misdemeanor cases, collaborative courts, including Military Diversion, Drug Court, and Porterville Developmental Center cases, as well as Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Dependency, and Family Law. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Taylor worked as a sole practitioner beginning in 2014, focusing on family law and criminal defense. In addition to his private practice, he served as a Contract Attorney for the Tulare County Public Defender Conflict Panel and the Kings County Public Defender’s Office. Judge Taylor started his legal career at the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office.

CHERI-LYNN WORTHAM

Cheri-Lynn Wortham is a Family Law Senior Staff Attorney at Central California Legal Services. She was awarded her Juris Doctor degree from San Joaquin College of Law. She earned both a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fresno State. Cheri-Lynn is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a licensed clinical supervisor, with certifications in victim services and alcohol and drug studies. Prior to joining CCLS’ Family Law team, she practiced law in the area of juvenile dependency.

REGISTRATION

All attendees must pre-register and pay in advance on the

TCBA website (https://tcbar.org/)

BY 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025

MEMBERS

• Attorney (lunch and credit): $50.00

• Paralegal (lunch and credit): $40.00

• Zoom Webinar (with or without credit): $15.00

NON-MEMBERS

• Attorney (lunch and credit): $70.00

• Paralegal (lunch and credit): $60.00

• Zoom Webinar (with or without credit): $30.00