Name and title: Mary Silva, Executive Director for The Lawyer Referral Service/The North County Bar Association
Years in practice: Served the North County Legal Community for the last 32 years.
Why do you serve?
Initially, working in a law office was a good job for a Marine Corps wife with children. Once I started bar association related work, it became a professional calling.
What/Who inspires you to serve?
Helping facilitate members’ efforts to achieve professional fulfillment, particularly by helping to make connections has been extremely fulfilling.
What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve?
Lawyers are good people who deserve respect and assistance in their professional lives.
What is one item on your bucket list?
To visit once again my birthplace Acores, Portugal to relax and enjoy time with my grandkids.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today!”
Favorite place on earth?
Where I was born, Terceira, Acores. It is a very beautiful island.
Favorite place in San Diego?
Oceanside
If you could magically change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Peace!
In what ways does serving the wider community benefit the legal profession?
Our work, particularly in the lawyer referral service area, is intended to help people get assistance through the legal system instead of resorting to self help.
As a recipient of a 2020 Service Award, who would you like to thank?
C. Bradley Patton, Debbie Tomac, K. Martin White, Laurel Cliff (dec.), Rick Layon, and so many others.