Together for Justice Annual Dinner

Veterans Celebrated at CCLS’ “Together for Justice” Dinner

By:  Shawn Joost, Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships, Central California Legal Services

The Central Valley is home to many veterans, and our communities are proud to honor and support them in gratitude for their service to our country.  Central California Legal Services (CCLS) honored our veteran community and those who serve its legal needs at its Annual “Together for Justice” Dinner on October 9 at the stunning Toca Madera Winery.

Nearly three hundred attendees from our local legal, business, and public service communities came together to honor local legal luminaries, the Hon. Hilary Chittick (ret.) and the Hon. Robert Oliver (ret.). 

Leigh Burnside, Fennemore Director and member of the Dinner Committee, shared her feeling that “[t]he work undertaken by CCLS is critical to enabling the most vulnerable members of our community to feel like they, too, can participate in our justice system in a full and meaningful way.  I appreciated the opportunity to help with this year’s Together for Justice dinner and to join others in celebrating this year’s worthy honorees, retired Judges Hilary Chittick and Robert Oliver.”

Judge Chittick was recognized with the Trailblazer Award for her successful efforts to establish the first Veterans’ Treatment Court in Fresno County, providing an opportunity for veterans to enroll in a treatment program as an alternative sentence when they are struggling with conditions arising from their service, such as PTSD or addiction.  Judge Chittick’s tireless work on behalf of veterans was saluted by the Hon. Amy Guerra, Fresno County Superior Court Judge who currently presides over the Veterans’ Treatment Court, and Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, who regularly staffs the court herself. 

Judge Oliver, a proud veteran, received the Community Legacy Award for his decades of service to the profession, locally and state-wide, and for his decades of support, pro bono service, and board service to CCLS.  Judge Oliver’s accomplishments were introduced by Chris Schneider, former CCLS Executive Director, and Victoria Bernhardt, prominent Fresno attorney and dedicated CCLS volunteer.

Michelle Kezirian, CCLS Executive Director was “particularly grateful to our honorees, whose remarks exemplified how CCLS, our community partners, and pro bono attorneys work “together for justice” by providing legal services for veterans and the broader underserved community.”

CCLS’ Staff Recognition Award was presented by Board Chair Samya Burney to the CCLS Veterans’ Legal Services Project (VLSP) team.  Launched one year ago, the VLSP has forged relationships with veterans’ service providers and organizations, including the VA Veterans Justice Program, community college student veterans’ offices, and Veterans’ Service Offices.  Through CCLS staff and the VLSP pro bono panel, nearly 150 veterans were provided with individual legal representation and nearly 3000 were provided with information about their legal rights and legal services available to them.

Brent Woodward, attorney at Sagaser Watkins & Wieland and Dinner Committee member reflected on the array of attendees at the event, noting that “Most of us in the legal community are aware of the important services CCLS provides for veterans, seniors, domestic violence survivors and others and so I particularly enjoyed seeing many guests from outside the legal community learn about CCLS and gain this appreciation as well!”

CCLS deeply appreciates the generous support of its sponsors.

Seated on the lawn overlooking the gorgeous vineyards, guests enjoyed a selection of Toca Madera wines, tantalizing charcuterie appetizers from The Grazing Table, and a delicious meal catered by Pardini’s.   The sophisticated sounds of the Joe Lenigan Band provided the perfect background for the scene. 

We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s event!