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And the 2024 Malek Award goes to…

Malek Award 2024 - Lara DeCaro

Our very own, Lara DeCaro!

The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) has awarded Lara with this year’s Malek Award for Distinguished Service.

For those of you don’t know already, Lara was one of the founding members of the National Cannabis Bar Association (NCBA), predecessor to the INCBA. She also served as a former board member and now serves as the President of the INCBA’s Advisory Board.

The organization had this to say about our superstar:

Lara’s outstanding dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping the INCBA into the organization it is today… [Lara’s] leadership has been pivotal in creating a supportive and dynamic community for cannabis legal professionals. Her commitment to advancing our mission and continuously volunteering her time and resources is truly inspiring. We extend our deepest gratitude to Lara for her exceptional contributions and unwavering support. INCBA would not be where it is today without her vision and dedication. Thank you, Lara, for making INCBA one of the leading bar associations in the world!

Congratulations, Lara – this award is well-deserved.

Spring 2024 Volunteer Day

On March 12, a crew of 9 enthusiastic LPS volunteers headed out to Potrero to distribute food at a pop-up pantry for the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. Our intrepid crew slung corn, pita, grapefruit, carrots, broccoli and even (bravely) eggs into bags for hungry people in our community. Collectively, we gave away 432 bags of food! We look forward to future volunteer events.

LPS Has Joined Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights (LARR)

California Legislative Information

In association with the Bar Association of San Francisco (“BASF”) and San Francisco’s City Attorney, David Chiu,  Leland, Parachini, Steinberg, Matzger & Melnick, LLP (“LPS”) has joined the LEGAL ALLIANCE FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS (“LARR”), a volunteer effort by law firms providing free legal services to those who have or will be affected by the overturning of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

Following Governor Newsom’s signing of AB-1666, LPS participated in the July 15, 2022 LARR SUMMIT to discuss further steps in this fight to protect every individual’s fundamental right to privacy with respect to personal reproductive decisions. If interested in receiving the materials generated for and during this historic Summit, please contact LPS Diversity Committee Co-Chairs Javier Bastidas and Katelyn Wheeler.

In addition, LPS Partner and Diversity Committee member, Lara DeCaro, participated in the First Convening of Lawyers in Defense of Reproductive Rights and Justice that was hosted by the White House and held on Friday July 29, 2022.

Great work by LPS in time for its celebration of “Women’s Rising Month” [August 2022].

Universal Human Rights Month

Universal Human Rights Month

December is Universal Human Rights Month, a time for people in the United States and around the world to join together and stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals.

December 10th is Human Rights Day, marking the date in 1948 that the U.S. adopted the Universal Declaration

Article I of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations  states,

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Sadly, many people around the world have not experienced this truth. They face discrimination and persecution because of race, national origin, sex, gender, religion, age, language, or other status.

This December, we at Leland Parachini would like to honor Universal Human Rights Month and express our support for the ongoing cause of human rights around the world.

LPS Juneteenth Fundraiser for Oakland Black Business Fund

Fundraising for charity and organizations that promote the common good has long been a tradition here at Leland Parachini.

This past summer, as part of our efforts to promote Diversity & Inclusion, Leland Parachini was proud to embark on a fundraiser for Oakland Black Business Fund in honor of the Juneteenth holiday.

Through the efforts and generosity of our staff members and attorneys, LPS raised $8,000.

OBBF supports Black-owned businesses in Oakland who have been affected by the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. LPS is honored to join with OBBF in support of their mission.

From left to right: Sophia Maas, Kevin Pua, and Diversity Committee Co-Chairs Javier Bastidas and Katelyn Wheeler