Mark Simpliciano Receives SDCBA’s Service by a New Lawyer Award

The San Diego County Bar Association has honored Mark Simpliciano of Garcia Hong Law APC with the 2025 Service by a New Lawyer Award, recognizing his outstanding commitment to service, mentorship, and community engagement within his first seven years of practice. Simpliciano’s journey is a testament to the power of representation, resilience, and giving back — values that have shaped both his life and legal career. Read More

If You Receive Information Which Could Be Opposing Parties’ Attorney-Client Communication, Stop Reading

In 2018, the California Supreme Court approved Rule 4.4 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct providing:  Read More

The Great California Court Website Conundrum

Have you ever tried to navigate the websites of California’s superior courts? It’s like stepping into a funhouse where every turn leads to a different layout, and you’re left wondering if you accidentally entered a parallel universe. One court might let you download case files for free, while another—looking at you, Orange County—charges exorbitant fees per page! I mean, who decided that getting access to public records should feel like trying to buy concert tickets? Read More

Tips From the Bar: Didn’t Pass the February 2025 California Bar Exam? You’re Not Alone – and You’re Not Defeated

Didn’t pass the February 2025 California Bar Examination? Welcome to the club.  Read More

The SDCBA’s Exchange on Equity: Anti-Racist Book Club Inspires Dialogue and Action

On May 5, the San Diego County Bar Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Division hosted its latest Exchange on Equity Roundtable: Anti-Racist Book Club, drawing members from across the legal community for an evening of candid conversation, shared learning, and literary inspiration. Held virtually, the event invited participants to recommend and discuss books, films, and television that have shaped their understanding of racism, justice, and the ongoing struggle for equity. Read More

Message from the Board — May 2025

Hello friends,

As I write my first “Message from the Board” as co-editor-in-chief of For The Record, I’m reflecting on the power of journalism and the importance of making your voice heard. My own journey began in my bedroom with a dot-matrix printer, churning out “The Alternative” when my high school newspaper wouldn’t publish stories that mattered to students. That early experience taught me that when something is important, you sometimes have to create your own platform to share it. That lesson — that words can spark change — has stayed with me, guiding my path from my bedroom newsroom, to editing a newspaper with a 50,000 daily circulation, to opening my own law office where I try to balance the rights of landlords and tenants. Read More