(Left) Glen Schwartz, recipient of the Spencer Brandeis Award, and Bob Brandt.
(Right) Debra Frank, Immediate Past Chair of the LACBA Family Law Section,
turns over the Crystal Gavel and presents an award to
Bob Brandt, the 2011-2012 LACBA Family Law Section Chair.

FMBK's own Bob Brandt, Certified Family Law Specialist* and a Fellow in both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, was installed as 2011-2012 Chair of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Section at its Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at the Century City/Los Angeles InterContinental Hotel. Over the years, Bob has served in many capacities on the Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Section, including Chair Person of the Continuing Legal Education sub-committee. He has been a member of the Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee for over seven years. The LACBA Family Law Section, which has approximately 1300 members, is one of the largest Family Law sections in the United States and consists of many practitioners who set important family law precedents in California as well as the entire nation. As Family Law Section Chair, Bob will promote educating both attorneys and the public, acting as a forum for family law practitioners to help each other resolve problems and practice issues, working with judicial officers and court staff to improve the administration of justice, supporting pro bono legal organizations and more.

In addition to Bob's installation as Chair, Lynette Berg Robe was installed as Chair-Elect, Seth D. Kramer was installed as Vice-Chair, Peter M. Walzer was installed as Secretary and Ronald F. Brot was installed as Treasurer. Glen H. Schwartz, Chair of the Family Law Section from 1994-1995, was presented with the Spencer Brandeis Award, for his outstanding contribution to the practice of Family Law. Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein was one of the evening's sponsors and hosted 4 tables, each with a member of the Los Angeles County Family Law Bench. A delicious dinner of flat iron steak, seared Scottish salmon, or portobello and squash napoleon was served. The evening sold out and was a great success.

* Certified Family Law Specialist
State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

L-R, the panelists are: Chris George, Amy Helein, Doug Hucker and Steve Mindel

In addition to being a Certified Family Law Specialist* and the Managing Partner of Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP, Steve Mindel, has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He is a former Vice President of Sales/General Counsel for Heinz Meyer, a leading European jewelry manufacturer, where he developed the operational program for the company, including the development of its marketing plan and the management of its United States sales organization. Now, Steve represents a broad base of clients involved in all areas of the jewelry industry, including retail, wholesale and manufacturing.

On Friday, October 21, Steve participated on a "Creative Careers" panel at the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) Career day. The panel of successful jewelry professionals discussed how being creative has made a difference in their careers. Some used creativity to design their dream careers, while others have reinvented themselves and upgraded their skills to grow within a company or explore new opportunities. Many have also gone on to start their own jewelry businesses.

* Certified Family Law Specialist
State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

The Los Angeles Chapter of TEAM was founded nearly four years ago. Howard is the estate and family lawyer of the chapter and just celebrated his third year of membership. The chapter meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday morning (except legal holidays) at French Quarter Restaurant, 7985 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. Visitors are welcome, and TEAM L.A. is actively seeking a CPA to fill an available slot.

** Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization