Valley Bar Assn. to Honor Local Judge

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Farrell, who has worked to make the legal system more efficient and accessible, will be honored Thursday night by the San Fernando Valley Bar Assn.

Since becoming Van Nuys supervising judge in January 1999, Farrell has worked for jury reform and earthquake repair of courthouses. He also has worked on streamlining the process of scheduling court dates, said Liz Post, executive director of the Valley Bar Assn.

Farrell, 61, is helping to set up two self-help centers to provide guidance to people without attorneys. One center will open next month at Monroe High School and the other is expected to begin operation this summer at the Van Nuys Courthouse.

“He’s a people’s judge,” Post said. “We really appreciate what he’s done for the legal community as well as the community at large.”

Thursday’s event will also recognize Superior Court Judge Leland B. Harris, 53, for his work with the Calabasas Teen Court Program, and recently retired Superior Court Judge Bruce Sottile, 67, for his 17 years on the bench.

A 5:30 p.m. reception will be precede the awards dinner at the Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills. Tickets are $50 each. For more information, call (818) 227-0496.