More Info on CA Issues--3/9/08

Some tidbits of information regarding the CA issue to keep you all informed. In regards to the HSLDA petition going around sign it if it makes you feel better, you might get added to their mailing list if you are not already. The most that can happen with it is that it shows public opinion in regards to this case. Because at this point they have to go the legal routes through the process of getting this opinion depublished. Here is some information on the legal teams that have given their services towards this issue. Another comment I heard from this case is that lawyers have now seen the unpublished opinion which has more details and that had the family cooperated with certain issues it would never have gotten this far and the homeschooling issue would never have been brought up. But now it is out there and it is up to the legal entities now to go the route of getting this thing depublished!--Tabbi



I am thrilled to announce that we have been offered help by two of
the best law firms in the state (and country). The firms will be
helping us on a pro bono basis. That means they will donate (very
expensive) attorney time to help us figure out the best strategies for
dealing with the court issues, and they will help us prepare and file
the letters and briefs that we need.

Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, which is headquartered in Palo
Alto, will be representing HSC. They had helped HSC back in some of
the dark days of Delaine Eastin's time, and their thorough research
helped us feel more comfortable that the advice we were giving the
world about private homeschooling was correct. In the spirit of full
disclosure, you should know that I worked there for many years, but
they made the decision to go forward because they think the case
presents interesting legal issues and they'd like to be on our side.

They will be working very closely with another firm, Baker & McKenzie,
which has 150 offices around the world and, conveniently, one across
the street from WSGR in Palo Alto. Jerry Salcido, who has been a
member of the HSC legal team for several years, is an attorney at that
office, and his firm has graciously agreed to donate their services as
well. Because we couldn't have two firms working for HSC, Baker and
CHN have agreed that CHN will be their named client.

We believe that HSC and CHN's interests in this case are very similar.
We have similar membership profiles, we want the same results, we
both think that help from professionals in dealing with the Supreme
Court will be invaluable. The firms will consult with each other to
make sure they are not duplicating efforts, but that they also aren't
leaving any important arguments out. They will also try to coordinate
their efforts with the other groups with which HSC and CHN have been
working, HSLDA, CHEA and Family Protection Ministries.

I am very excited by this development. I know we're all a smart bunch
of people, and maybe we could put these papers together ourselves, but
experience here can make the difference. These firms have the
experience. I hope you'll continue to support what we are doing.

Debbie Schwarzer
Co-chair HSC legal team