Day: April 17, 2024

Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers 

Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers

By Cassandra S. Koenig, Esq. 
Aloha Divorce 

As a solo practitioner specializing in family law at Aloha Divorce in California, my journey into the legal profession began with a leap of faith—moving to San Diego, California, from Buffalo, New York. Through this experience, I’ve gleaned invaluable personal and professional insights. Here are some key pieces of advice for law students and new lawyers. Read More

Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

By Shubhra Sharma 
Associate Attorney at Global Legal Law Firm 

 Greetings NLD Members!  

I hope this message finds you well as we dive into the lively month of April. As we embark on another exciting chapter with the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am delighted to share with you a preview of upcoming events and a glimpse into the spirit driving our division forward.  Read More

Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

By Lin Nguyen
California Western School of Law Class of ’25

Before becoming the formidable plaintiff’s attorney and law firm partner that she is today, Jenn French began her career as a claims examiner at Mercury Insurance. There, Jenn resolved high-value injury cases and frequently interacted with attorneys. It was during this time that she heard parties complaining about the shortcomings in their legal representation and thought, “I could do better than that.” A pivotal moment came when an in-house counsel attorney at Mercury Insurance recognized Jenn’s potential and encouraged her to consider law school.   Read More

Tips from the Bench: Judge Roger Benitez 

Tips from the Bench: Judge Roger Benitez 

By Matthew Spolsky
Clark Hill LLP

Judge Roger Benitez presides over Department 5A of United States Southern District Court in San Diego. Judge Benitez gives back to the San Diego legal community through his service on the board of directors for Thomas Jefferson School of Law. In addition to this, he was a member of De Anza Rescue Unit, an organization devoted to searching for and rescuing people lost or missing. He was also a member of the El Centro Planning Commission and was active in youth soccer and swimming organizations. He also served for nine years on the Judicial Conference Committee on Financial Disclosures, and now serves on the Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation. Judge Benitez serves the San Diego community in more ways than one.   Read More

Ethics for New Lawyers: Changes to California’s Civil Discovery Rules Have Ethical Implications 

Ethics for New Lawyers: Changes to California’s Civil Discovery Rules Have Ethical Implications

By Eric Deitz

Since the California Supreme Court approved comprehensive revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct in 2018, the duty of competence has been preeminent among the obligations imposed. Subdivision (b) of Rule 1.1 includes a two-part definition of competence: “For purposes of this rule, “competence” in any legal service shall mean to apply the (i) learning and skill, and (ii) mental, emotional, and physical ability reasonably necessary for the performance of such service.”  Read More