(third parties’ submission of voted ballots), voter identification laws, voter intimidation, the electoral college, and so many other issues need to be addressed as the process moves forward. The balance of power between our three branches of government is also in a precarious position. Our Constitution envisions a delicate interplay between the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, and with divisive issues such as abortion, gun control, Presidential ballot access and immunity from prosecution, and transgender rights – to name a few – our chosen form of national governance is going through a major stress test. Even so, I don’t believe it’s time to proclaim that “the sky is falling.” The democratic process is a messy one but it has served us well. As Winston Churchill is to have said – Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others. What caused you to become interested in politics and to work in this area of the law? I was born just three weeks before President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and my parents always encouraged me to be involved in my community and to value and participate in our democratic process. They took very seriously President Kennedy’s What are some of the cutting edge issues in the world of politics and elections? Artificial intelligence is certainly top of mind, as AI-generated content is having a huge impact on the electoral process. With “deepfakes” and generative AI, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine what is real. If AI can literally put words in candidates’ mouths and exploit their likenesses in social media and beyond, this presents a real threat to the democratic process. Operating in an arena protected by the First Amendment, a delicate balance must be found to allow for free speech but also provide voters with the ability to separate fact from fiction. The law is generally slow to respond to changes in technology, and so we all need to fasten our seatbelts because it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Election integrity and trust in the democratic system are at a crucial stage right now. While close elections are not new (think Bush v. Gore in 2000), 2020 saw a new level of distrust and frustration that must be addressed. Protecting voters’ rights, increasing transparency in the process, ensuring that technology works for us and not against us, and guarding against foreign intervention in our elections are just a few of the issues that we are facing as the 2024 elections are taking place. Vote-by-mail elections, “ballot harvesting” Inaugural Address in which he said “Ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country.” My mother, who was an artist and photographer, and my father, who was a surgeon, sculptor, and author, imbued in my brother and me a philosophy of “noblesse oblige,” or giving back. As early as I can remember, my parents took me to the polls with them to watch them vote and brought me to various political rallies. They took me to City Hall, the State Capitol, and Washington, D.C., and I always remember following politics, being involved in student government, and dealing with public policy issues. After law school, I found a way to combine my love of politics with my interest in the law by developing an expertise in political and election law. And I’ve never regretted it for one moment. What do you like most about your job? I enjoy making a positive difference in my clients’ lives and having an impact on important public policy issues. Whether it’s writing an initiative that becomes law, litigating an important constitutional issue, or helping clients achieve their public policy goals, I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do. No two days are ever the same, and my clients are interesting and involved citizens who want to improve their communities and make the world a better place. My colleagues are great as well. Those who practice in this area of the law (many of whom are members of the “California Political Attorneys Association”) have a thirst for truth, justice, and the American Way (as Superman put it). We can be zealous advocates for our clients and engage in spirited litigation against each other, but when the case is over, we can also unwind and enjoy a beer together. I am thankful to the many attorneys who paved the way and helped create the legal field in which I am blessed to be able to practice. Clients who jump into the process without retaining an experienced lawyer, hiring a knowledgeable treasurer, and finding a good political consultant often live to regret it. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 29
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