The Supreme Court of California has announced a series of new appointments and one reappointment to the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees and its Committee of Bar Examiners, with all changes set to take effect on September 19.
José Cisneros, who has served as Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco since 2004, will become chair of the Board of Trustees for a one-year term. This marks the first time a non-attorney has been appointed to lead the board. “Cisneros is the first ever non-attorney to be appointed chair of the board. He has served as the Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco since 2004.”
Cisneros will succeed attorney Brandon Stallings, who is stepping down from his position after completing his term next month. Attorney David Jargiello has been named to fill Stallings’ upcoming vacancy.
Dr. Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008, was appointed by the court as vice chair for a one-year term. “The court also appointed public member Dr. Mark Toney to a one-year term as board vice chair. Dr. Toney has served as the executive director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008.”
The Board of Trustees serves as the governing body for the State Bar, responsible for establishing strategic direction and ensuring that organizational objectives are met.
In addition to these appointments, changes were also made within the Committee of Bar Examiners. Alan Yochelson, currently serving as vice chair, will step into a one-year term as chair. Ashley Silva-Guzman was appointed to serve a one-year term as vice chair.
Attorney Bethany Peak was reappointed for another four-year term on the committee, while attorneys Christopher Reed and Michael Lee have been selected to fill four-year terms created by two departing members whose terms end in September.
The Committee of Bar Examiners oversees several key responsibilities including development and administration of the California Bar Exam, review processes related to moral character determinations and admissions for attorneys, accreditation of state law schools, and registration oversight for unaccredited law schools in California.
