PUBLIC SERVICE MATTERS

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Volunteer collaboration in support of non-profit and other organizations that are helping underserved and vulnerable persons live with dignity and fairness is as important as the work we do for clients within the legal system.  Some of Simona's volunteer & pro bono work has included: 

LEGAL PROFESSION

• Golden Gate University School of Law, Dean Trustee (past)

• The Impact Fund, Boar member (past)

• American Association for Justice

+Board of Governors (past)

+Minority Caucus 

+Womens Caucus

+Asbestos Litigation Group (Co-chair); 

+International Relations Committee

+Law Schools Committee

+Public Affairs Committee 

+Diversity Task Force 

+Convention Planning Committee 

+National Finance Council 

+Litigation Group Leaders Council 

+National Bar Association 

+National Lawyers Guild

+Public Justice, member

• National Black Prosecutors Assn
• Consumer Attorneys of California, Board of Governors (past)
• Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyer, Board of Governors (past)
• Alameda County Bench & Bar Committee (past)
• Charles Houston Bar Association
  • Board of Governors (past)
  • Judicial Nominations Comm., chair (past)

KIDS

• Board chair, Oakland, California independent school

WOMEN & GIRLS

• A New Way of Life, Board Member, www.ANWOL.ORG
• Equal Rights Advocates, Board Member (past) & pro-bono counsel.  www.equalrights.org

At Farrise Law Firm Law Firm, we prioritize sharing our knowledge and experience with others who can make a difference for their clients and communities.  Simona Farrise has lectured and taught at various colleges & universities, law schools, Legal seminars & conferences  as well as authored legal pieces including:

STUDENTS

• Stanford University School, Trial Advocacy Program, Palo Alto
• Southern University School of Law, New Orleans Mass Torts intensive
• Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, trial techniques
• Stanford NAACP - 
  • Florida's stand your ground law
• UC Santa Barbara Chicana & Chicano studies, Women Lawyers of Color Working Towards Social Justice

LAWYERS

• American Assn. for Justice -
  • jury selection
  • open & closing arguments
  • cross & direction examination
• National Employment Lawyers Association
  • Hostile witnesses 
• Consumer Attorneys of California, 
  • Expert witnesses 
  • Gender Bias
  • Masters in Trial
• Harris Martin Legal Publications
  • Anatomy of an Asbestos Jury Trial
• National Bar Association
  • expert witnesses 

WRITINGS & PUBLICATIONS

• Forum Magazine, "Trial Practice:  The Ground Game..." 
• Forum Magazine, "Trial As a Foot Race."

Commitment includes service to support the public good and offering our talents, time, and treasures to make the world a better place for all.  We believe in equality for all human beings.  Simona has supported many communities by devoting her time, dollars, and abilities, some of those include

KIDS

• Oakland, California independent school, board chair (past)

WOMEN & GIRLS

• A New Way of Life 
• Equal Rights Advocates 

COMMUNITY

• Kazan, McClain, ... Farrise Foundation, Board member & donor (past)
• Equal Justice Society
• Alameda County Food Bank 
• Mosaic Project outdoor school
• Oakland Youth Chorus
• Living Jazz
• Family Violence Law Center
• Ruby's Place 
• Lend-A-Hand
• Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
• Glide Memorial Church Food program
• Hamilton Family Shelters
• Feeding America
• Second Harvest
• OxFam America
• Park Day School

SUPPORTING THE DREAMS OF OTHERS

"Simona later became an angel investor, supporting the dreams of entrepreneurs in. general, and women and people of color in particular. Simona ran for public office, financing her own campaign and the list goes on as to what this dynamic woman has done and can include in her sphere of influence, in and out of the legal profession." -S.C.