Meeting/Event Information

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed for HOA Board Members and Community Managers! This special session gives you the opportunity to bring your questions directly to some of the valley’s top HOA attorneys.

Whether you’re seeking guidance on governing documents, board procedures, or the latest legislative changes, this open Q&A format allows you to get practical, real-world answers tailored to your community’s needs.

Come ready to learn, share, and connect with industry members in a collaborative environment focused on education and empowerment. Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity, confidence, and expert insight from the professionals who know HOA law best! Managers are welcome to attend and if not, please forward to your board members. Admission is FREE!!! 

JULIE R. BALBINI, Esq., Shareholder & Managing Attorney of the Coachella Valley Office of Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC, has been a member of the California State Bar since 2000. Julie graduated cum laude from Pomona College in Claremont, California, with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre and received numerous academic honors. She obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the UCLA School of Law. Prior to joining Fiore Racobs & Powers, Julie practiced business and real estate litigation, and her clients included real estate developers, banks, large and small businesses, residential and commercial property owners, and country clubs.

Julie is a Past President of the Desert Bar Association, having previously served many years as an Officer and Trustee. She currently is on the board and is the Immediate Past President for CAI-CV, having served as President for 2023-2024. She also currently serves as the Board Liaison to CAI-CV’s Social Media Committee and Web/Tech Committee, for which she is also a member. Julie was honored by CAI-CV with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award, the 2023 Volunteer Business Partner of the Year Award, the 2023 Educational Program of the Year Award, and the 2024 Educational Program of the Year Award. She previously served as Vice President of the Desert Theatre League and on the board of the local branch of the American Red Cross. In 2010, Julie was the Grand Prize winner of the McCallum Theatre's Open Call Talent Competition, and she continues to perform at select musical and charity events in the Coachella Valley. 

JOHN R. MACDOWELL, Esq. has been a member of the California State Bar since 1983. He is a shareholder of Fiore Racobs & Powers in the Firm's Orange County and San Diego County offices and is managing shareholder in San Diego County. Mr. MacDowell pursued his undergraduate studies at Pomona College, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. He obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1983. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Community Associations Institute (CAI) and California Association of Community Managers (CACM). Mr. MacDowell served on the City of Santa Ana Planning Commission from 1996 to 1998.

Mr. MacDowell successfully briefed and argued the case of Brown v. Professional Community Management, Inc.(2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 532, which held that the Davis-Stirling Act does not limit the fees that a management company may charge for services. He also co-authored a "Friend of the Court" brief on behalf of community associations in the landmark Supreme Court case of Lamden v. La Jolla Shores Clubdominium Association (1999) 21 Cal.4th 249.

Mr. MacDowell is a member of the prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers of CAI (CCAL). He is active in the San Diego Chapter of CAI, currently holding the position as Co-Chair of the Programs Committee. Mr. MacDowell has served as Chair of the CAI California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC), and a delegate to the Committee from the Orange County Chapter of CAI. He has been recognized for his numerous contributions to CAI’s Orange County Chapter, receiving the prestigious May Russell Hall of Fame Award in 2010 and the Ellen Ellish Award in 2009. He has served as President of the Orange County Chapter in 2008. Mr. MacDowell is a frequent presenter at educational programs and seminars at the CAI Legal Forum-California Communities, CAI San Diego and Orange County Chapter education programs and the CACM Law Seminar. He has written numerous articles on community association law and contributes frequently to the CACM Law Journal and CAI publications.