At the San Diego County Bar Association’s judicial reception last week, I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with a lot of my favorite colleagues in our legal community, as well as to meet some new faces. Some who particularly impressed me were several first-year law students. They not only attended the event, but also significantly engaged with other guests. When I was a law student, that gregarious approach with members of the bar was not in my nature. Maybe, back then, I felt it was too hard to find common ground, or maybe I just did not then realize the importance of it. But the concept of this being a profession that is most effectively practiced by those with strong, established relationships is one that has been reinforced seemingly every day of my career. Read More