By Kevin B. Hambly
Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP
As many who read these articles know, I have been the Editor-in-Chief for this publication for the past two years. My involvement with the New Lawyer Division (which was the New Lawyer Forum when I started) began because my wife, Stephanie Sandler, encouraged me to join. I was skeptical at first because I was uncertain of the time commitment. At this point, I could not be happier with my decision to get involved in SDCBA leadership.
With this year in particular, things have been hard for a lot of people. Many attorneys have been laid off from their jobs, had their pay reduced, or had other unfortunate circumstances happen in their lives. Many people and their families have gotten sick because of COVID-19, and others have had their lives otherwise turned upside down. With all of the unfortunate events that have happened this year, it becomes easy to get down on yourself and commiserate. I promise you, though, if you keep trying hard and putting your best foot forward every day, good things will eventually happen. A good place to start is to keep up your involvement with the SDCBA and the New Lawyer Division.
This year, my involvement with the New Lawyer Division has taken my legal career into a new and interesting direction. Since being the Editor-in-Chief for For the Record, I have had some wonderful opportunities. I have made new friends with attorney across San Diego, and I have had the honor of interviewing several San Diego Superior Court judges. This has provided me with insight into how some of the judges think and what they expect of attorneys, especially new attorneys, that appear before their court. Also, through some of the friends I made through the SDCBA, I found a job opportunity working in a new and interesting area of law.
At this point, my time as part of the executive committee with the SDCBA is coming to an end. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had, and I would encourage anyone who is on the fence about getting involved in leadership with the SDCBA to take a chance and get involved. Some of the best experiences you will have in your legal career will begin with your involvement in the SDCBA.