Tulare County Bar Association

2026 Tulare County Bar Association Awards – TCBA Announces Annual Award Recipients

TCBar-Admin-1 — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:57:19 +0000

The 2026 Tulare County Bar Association Awards recognize excellence, service, and leadership within the local legal community. TCBA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 annual awards, recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and professional excellence have made a lasting impact on the legal profession and the broader community. These awards reflect TCBA’s longstanding commitment to celebrating those who advance justice, civic education, and the rule of law in Tulare County.

Join TCBA at the Annual Awards and Barristers’ Banquet

The Tulare County Bar Association will honor the 2026 award recipients in connection with its Annual Awards and Barristers’ Banquet on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Visalia Country Club in Visalia. The no‑host reception will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 6:00 p.m. TCBA invites members and guests to attend this formal evening celebrating excellence, service, and leadership within the Tulare County legal community.

Additional details and registration information are available on the TCBA website on the Annual Awards and Barristers’ Banquet event page.

2026 Tulare County Bar Association Award Recipients

Paula Terrill, Liberty Bell Award recipient

Liberty Bell Award – Paula Terrill

Paula Terrill of the Tulare County Office of Education is the recipient of the 2026 Liberty Bell Award. This award recognizes non‑lawyers who have rendered outstanding service in strengthening public understanding of the justice system and the rule of law.

For many years, Ms. Terrill has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to Tulare County’s Mock Trial competitions. Through tireless coordination, mentorship, and a deep commitment to civic education, she has expanded opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with the legal system. Her efforts have inspired countless young people to develop an interest in the law and civic participation, fostering the next generation of informed and engaged community leaders.

Ms. Terrill’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Liberty Bell Award and the Bar Association’s mission to promote public confidence in the justice system. She will be presented with this award at the TCBA Law Day Ceremony at the Visalia courthouse on May 8, 2026.

David Alavezos, TCBA Lawyer of the Year Award recipient

Lawyer of the Year Award – David Alavezos

David Alavezos is the inaugural recipient of the Tulare County Bar Association’s Lawyer of the Year Award. He is being honored for his outstanding work in People v. Erica Sandoval, a case characterized by significant legal complexity and public impact.

Mr. Alavezos’s meticulous preparation, skilled advocacy, and unwavering pursuit of justice resulted in the successful conviction of the defendant. Throughout the case, he demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the ethical practice of law. His work reflects the highest standards of the legal profession and the vital role attorneys play in upholding the justice system.

The Lawyer of the Year Award recognizes exceptional legal performance and service, and Mr. Alavezos’s contributions exemplify the qualities this new award is intended to honor.

Phil Cline, Distinguished Service Award recipient

Distinguished Service Award – Phil Cline

Phil Cline is being presented with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his many years of exemplary service to the legal profession and the Tulare County community.

Mr. Cline served for many years as Tulare County’s District Attorney, where he demonstrated steadfast dedication to justice and public service. Following his tenure as District Attorney, he has continued to contribute to the profession as an instructor at the College of the Sequoias, where he teaches Constitutional Law and helps shape future legal minds.

Throughout his career, Mr. Cline has shown a sustained commitment to both the practice and teaching of law. His legacy reflects a deep respect for the justice system, a passion for education, and a lasting impact on the legal community he has served.

Awards Ceremony and Barristers’ Banquet

The Tulare County Bar Association looks forward to honoring these distinguished individuals at the 2026 Annual Awards and Barristers’ Banquet. This annual event provides an opportunity for members of the bench and bar, along with the broader legal community, to come together in recognition of outstanding professional achievement, service, and leadership.

Additional event details, including registration information, are available on the TCBA website.

MCLE Event: Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession – Prevention, Detection, and Ethical Responsibilities (4/16/2026)

TCBar-Admin-1 — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:46:53 +0000

TCBA April 2026 MCLE Luncheon and Zoom Webinar: Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession

The Tulare County Bar Association will host its April 2026 MCLE luncheon and Zoom webinar, Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession, on April 16, 2026. This program offers one hour of California State Bar MCLE credit in Prevention and Detection Competence and addresses substance abuse, recovery, and ethical responsibility in the legal profession.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Vintage Press Restaurante
- 216 North Willis Street
- Visalia, California
Speaker: Attorney Christopher L. Haberman
Program: Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession

Register for the Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession MCLE program here.

MCLE Credit

This activity has been approved for one (1) hour of Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California in Prevention and Detection Competence.

The program is presented by the Tulare County Bar Association (TCBA). TCBA is certified by the State Bar of California as a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Provider (Provider #1087) and certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations governing MCLE.

Presenter: Christopher L. Haberman

Attorney Christopher L. Haberman, speaker for TCBA’s MCLE program on Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession

Attorney Christopher L. Haberman brings decades of legal experience and lived perspective on recovery within the legal profession. His involvement with addiction recovery began in 1968 when, at age 17, he became a ward of the State of California and entered Synanon, one of the earliest residential drug treatment programs. He remained involved with the program until its closure in the mid‑1980s.

Mr. Haberman began working in the legal field in 1973 as an investigator for Synanon’s in‑house law office. He became a licensed private investigator in 1978 and served for ten years as Chief Investigator, managing and training investigators handling civil, criminal, regulatory, and tax matters.

Although he did not complete high school, Mr. Haberman attended law school and was admitted to practice law in California in 1987. He maintained a litigation and appellate practice in state and federal courts from 1988 to 1998 and was a partner in a law firm in Visalia.

In 1998, he left legal practice to co‑found Marketing Over Time, Inc., a nationwide marketing and communications firm with an emphasis on healthcare. He returned to legal practice in 2016, focusing on appeals, writs, and post‑conviction relief for non‑citizens.

Mr. Haberman is currently the Supervising Attorney for the Women and Family Defense Project at O.L.A. Raza, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing immigration services and education to underserved communities in the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

He has been active in 12‑Step recovery since 1993 and helped organize the Visalia Chapter of The Other Bar, a nonprofit network of recovering lawyers, judges, and paralegals dedicated to assisting legal professionals struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

Registration Information

All attendees must pre‑register and pay in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

TCBA 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

Registration and additional event information are available through the TCBA Events page: https://tcbar.org/events/#!event-list

TCBA Barristers’ Banquet 2026 – Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

TCBar-Admin-1 — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:11:03 +0000

The Tulare County Bar Association is proud to announce its 50th Anniversary Barristers’ Banquet, celebrating 50 Years of Excellence with an evening of elegance, entertainment, and high‑stakes fun.

This milestone annual gala brings together attorneys, judges, and legal professionals from throughout Tulare County for one of TCBA’s most anticipated social and awards events of the year. Guests can look forward to a memorable evening of celebration at one of the county’s premier venues.

DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2026
TIME: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Visalia Country Club

The evening will feature a formal banquet setting, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with colleagues while honoring the people and traditions that have shaped the Tulare County legal community over the past five decades.

2026 Award Recipients

The Tulare County Bar Association is proud to honor the following award recipients in connection with the 2026 Barristers’ Banquet:

Liberty Bell Award: Paula Terrill
Lawyer of the Year Award: David Alavezos
Distinguished Service Award: Phil Cline

Additional information about the 2026 award recipients is available on the TCBA blog.

Ticket Pricing:

Members: $100
Non‑Members: $125
Table Sponsorship: $1,500

Table sponsorships are available and offer an excellent opportunity to support the Association while enjoying reserved seating for your guests. For sponsorship details, please contact TCBA at Info@TCBar.org.

We invite you to join us as we commemorate this significant anniversary and celebrate the strength, professionalism, and camaraderie of our local legal community.

Registration and additional event details are available on the TCBA Annual Awards and Barristers’ Banquet event page

TCBA Member Appreciation Night at the Visalia Rawhide – 2026

David M. Lange — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:24:04 +0000

TCBA Member Appreciation Night returns in 2026 at the Visalia Rawhide with an evening of baseball, food, and community for TCBA members and their families.

The Tulare County Bar Association is pleased to invite our members and their families to TCBA Member Appreciation Night at the Visalia Rawhide on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

This annual event is our way of thanking TCBA members for their continued involvement and support of the local legal community. Join the TCBA Board of Directors for an evening of baseball, food, and fellowship at Valley Strong Ballpark as the Visalia Rawhide take the field.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Game Start: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Valley Strong Ballpark, Visalia

A designated TCBA event area will be reserved exclusively for TCBA members and their guests, providing a relaxed and family‑friendly setting to connect with colleagues and enjoy a summer night at the ballpark.

What’s Included

Registered attendees will enjoy:

Access to the reserved TCBA seating and event area
An all‑you‑can‑eat taco bar, with water and soft drinks included during the designated service period
The option to purchase alcoholic beverages separately at the ballpark

Children age two and under do not require a ticket. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Registration Information

Each TCBA member may reserve a limited number of tickets, including complimentary member tickets and additional guest tickets available for purchase. Registered attendees will check in at the Rawhide entrance on the day of the event and receive wristbands for access to the TCBA area.

Register here:
https://tcbar.org/events/#!event/2026/6/27/2026-tcba-member-appreciation-night-at-visalia-rawhide

We Hope to See You There

Member Appreciation Night is always a highlight of the TCBA calendar, and we look forward to celebrating another great year with you at the ballpark.

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

TCBar-Admin-1 — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:14:01 +0000

This Tulare County MCLE Event, Domestic Violence – A View from the Bench and More, provides attorneys with judicial insight and practical guidance on domestic violence law.

OCTOBER MCLE LUNCHEON/ZOOM WEBINAR

DATE: Thursday, October 16, 2025

TIME: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Vintage Press Restaurante, 216 North Willis Street, Visalia

SPEAKERS:

Honorable Tara James, Tulare County Superior Court Judge
Honorable Jason Taylor, Tulare County Superior Court Judge
Cheri-Lynn Wortham, CCLS Family Law Senior Staff Attorney

PROGRAM: Domestic Violence – A View from the Bench and More

Judge Tara James will be presenting “View from the Family Law Bench”

Judge Jason Taylor will be presenting “What Every Attorney Needs to Know about Domestic Violence Cases”

Cheri-Lynn Wortham will be presenting “Representing Domestic Violence Survivors in Court”

MCLE CREDIT: One (1) Hour – This activity has been approved for 1.0 hour Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California.

PRESENTED BY: Tulare County Bar Association (TCBA). The TCBA is certified by the California State Bar as a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Provider (Provider # 1087). The TCBA certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.

SPEAKER BIOS

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Family Law Bench Updates – September 2025 | Tulare County

TCBar-Admin-1 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:39:27 +0000

Family Law Bench Updates provide information to Tulare County attorneys regarding court procedures and relevant family law matters.

TCBA received the following update from Judge Tara James:

September 2025.2

Tulare County Bench Announcement: Updated Tulare County Judicial Assignments (9/17/2025)

TCBar-Admin-1 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:33:13 +0000

Tulare County Judicial Assignments will be published on TCBA’s web site when they are provided by the court.

TCBA received the following update from the Court:

AMENDED Judge and Cal Assignment Memo eff 10.6.2025

MCLE Event: State of the Courts (9/18/2025)

TCBar-Admin-1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 22:08:15 +0000

SEPTEMBER MCLE LUNCHEON/ZOOM WEBINAR

DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025

TIME: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Vintage Press Restaurante, 216 North Willis Street, Visalia

SPEAKER: Honorable Nathan Ide, Tulare County Superior Court Presiding Judge

PROGRAM: STATE OF THE COURTS – Judge Ide will provide an overall update on the state of the Courts.

MCLE CREDIT: One (1) Hour – This activity has been approved for 1.0 hour Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California.

PRESENTED BY: Tulare County Bar Association (TCBA). The TCBA is certified by the California State Bar as a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Provider (Provider # 1087). The TCBA certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.

SPEAKER BIO

HONORABLE NATHAN IDE

Judge Nathan Ide grew up in Visalia, and then attended the University of California at Berkeley, earning a BA in History. He later graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1996. He began his practice in San Francisco, primarily in Federal Court. Judge Ide practiced law in Visalia from 1998 through 2014. He focused on civil matters, including construction, contracts and real estate litigation. During this period, he served on the Board of the Tulare County Bar Association, including as President for 2008-2009. Judge Ide was appointed to the bench and assumed office on August 1, 2014. He has served in several departments including family law, misdemeanor trials and calendars, South County Civil/Probate and Family Law, the Civil calendar in Visalia, as well as his current Felony Preliminary hearing calendar. Judge Ide served as a Judicial board member for the Tulare County Law Library from 2014 to 2020. He has been on the misdemeanor Appeals Panel from July 2016 to July 2018, and from July 2019 to July 2020. Judge Ide is currently the Presiding Judge for the Tulare County Superior Court.

REGISTRATION

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

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

BY 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MCLE Event: 21 DVPA Trial Tips (8/21/2025)

TCBar-Admin-1 — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:52:43 +0000

AUGUST MCLE LUNCHEON/ZOOM WEBINAR

DATE: Thursday, August 21, 2025

TIME: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Vintage Press Restaurante, 216 North Willis Street, Visalia

SPEAKERS:

Brian N. Chase, CFLS, Chase Family Law in Hanford
David M. Lange, CFLS, Dias Law Firm, Inc., in Hanford

PROGRAM: 21 Domestic Violence Prevention Act Trial Strategies – Domestic violence cases are probably the most frequently heard evidentiary hearings in court. The process is designed to be fast, with a 21-day setting under normal circumstances. Getting ready for a trial with only 21 days of lead time means quick decisions have to be made – both before and during the trial. In this 1-hour presentation, 2 Certified Family Law Specialists will present 21 quick tips in rapid fire to help you analyze your facts, size up your evidence, scrutinize your witnesses, and organize your arguments to win your trial. Whether you represent the petitioner or respondent, these strategies are things you MUST consider and prepare for before going into trial.

MCLE CREDIT: One (1) Hour – This activity has been approved for 1.0 hour Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California.

PRESENTED BY: Tulare County Bar Association (TCBA).The TCBA is certified by the California State Bar as a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Provider (Provider # 1087). The TCBA certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.

SPEAKER BIOS

BRIAN N. CHASE, CFLS, Chase Family Law in Hanford (https://chasefamilylaw.com/)

With over 30 years of legal experience, Brian N. Chase is a dedicated family law attorney committed to guiding clients through some of life’s most challenging transitions. In 1994, he opened his own law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, gaining experience in multiple practice areas before focusing exclusively on family law. In 2010, Brian was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California – Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction that reflects his deep expertise in the field. He was appointed Family Law Commissioner for Kings County in 2019, where he presided over countless family law matters, including hundreds of matters under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. In 2024, Brian returned to private practice, founding Chase Family Law to better serve his community and address critical gaps in legal knowledge that he observed from the bench. He practices throughout the central valley.

DAVID M. LANGE, CFLS, Dias Law Firm, Inc., in Hanford (https://diaslaw.com/)

David M. Lange has 14 years of legal experience, primarily focused on family law. After a career in the US Air Force, he completed law school while working in local government. In 2012 he opened a solo practice in Visalia that focused on family law. In 2016 he joined Tulare County’s Department of Child Support Services where he represented the state’s interest in establishing parentage and child support orders for local families. In 2018 he joined Dias Law Firm in Hanford where his practice is primarily focused on issues under the family code. In 2024, David was certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Family Law Specialist. He practices throughout the central valley.

REGISTRATION

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

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

BY 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Membership Event: TCBA Member Appreciation Night at Visalia Rawhide (8/27/25)

TCBar-Admin-1 — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:12:11 +0000

TCBA MEMBER APPRECIATION NIGHT AT VISALIA RAWHIDE

DATE: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

TIME: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., game begins at 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Visalia Rawhide, 300 North Giddings Street, Visalia

Please join the Tulare County Bar Association Board of Directors for Member Appreciation Night at Visalia Rawhide! The event will take place at the Equity Group Saloon & Harvest Wealth Group Fan Dugout which will be reserved exclusively for Tulare County Bar Association Members and their families. Included with your entrance ticket is an All-You-Can-Eat Taco Bar (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) with water and soft drinks. Adult beverages will be available for separate purchase.

Each TCBA Member may reserve four (4) entrance tickets (two (2) complimentary and two (2) at a cost of $10.00 each). On the day of this event, your name will be on a list at the Rawhide entrance gate and you will receive a wristband giving you access to the event area. There is no charge for children age 2 and under, and they do not need an entrance ticket.

PLEASE RESERVE YOUR ENTRANCE TICKETS BY AUGUST 20, 2025

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ENTRANCE TICKETS

Tulare County Bar Association

2026 Tulare County Bar Association Awards – TCBA Announces Annual Award Recipients

Join TCBA at the Annual Awards and Barristers’ Banquet

2026 Tulare County Bar Association Award Recipients

Liberty Bell Award – Paula Terrill

Lawyer of the Year Award – David Alavezos

Distinguished Service Award – Phil Cline

Awards Ceremony and Barristers’ Banquet

MCLE Event: Substance Abuse and the Legal Profession – Prevention, Detection, and Ethical Responsibilities (4/16/2026)

Presenter: Christopher L. Haberman

Registration Information

TCBA Members

Non‑Members

TCBA Barristers’ Banquet 2026 – Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

2026 Award Recipients

Ticket Pricing:

TCBA Member Appreciation Night at the Visalia Rawhide – 2026

Event Details

What’s Included

Registration Information

We Hope to See You There

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

Family Law Bench Updates – September 2025 | Tulare County

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TCBA received the following update from Judge Tara James:

Tulare County Bench Announcement: Updated Tulare County Judicial Assignments (9/17/2025)

TCBA received the following update from the Court:

MCLE Event: State of the Courts (9/18/2025)

MCLE Event: 21 DVPA Trial Tips (8/21/2025)

Membership Event: TCBA Member Appreciation Night at Visalia Rawhide (8/27/25)