Two things Lieutenant Commander Kristen Capps always knew about herself are that she always wanted to go to law school as well as follow in her parents’ footsteps by joining the Navy. As an attorney in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (“JAG Corps”), LCDR Capps has achieved both lifelong goals.
The life of a woman lawyer and mother inevitably involves a familiar struggle—balancing the competing demands of your job with the commitments of raising children and being actively involved and present with your family. While I don’t always get it right (I’m often a few minutes late to the baseball game or track meet or sending emails to clients from the car as we embark on a ski trip), I have come to realize that there are specific, actionable steps that help me compartmentalize both parts of my life in a way that helps me succeed in both areas.
Happy October everyone! As we are nearing the end of the year, I want to take the time to give a big shout-out to the San Diego County Bar Association’s internal team who has accomplished so much this year including moving to our new home at 330 A Street, hosting the 125th SDCBA Anniversary, and welcoming our new Executive Director Debra Rosen. We would not be able to accomplish everything we do at the Bar if it was not for the internal team. Also, a big thank you to Director Michelle Chavez who has been the New Lawyer Division’s faithful guide and support.
By Alison Schlick
The San Diego County Bar Association’s Animal Law Section and Environmental Law/Land Use Section teamed up with I Love a Clean San Diego to clean De Anza Cove in Mission Bay Park from the “trash fence” to the water, finding and disposing of more than 64 pounds of trash including recycling which was recycled.
By Deborah Wolfe
This relatively new Rule has generated much controversy and colloquy since it was approved by the California Supreme Court, effective August 1, 2023. It [CB1] unquestionably was instituted in the wake of former member of the bar Thomas Girardi’s theft of his clients’ money and the lack of oversight or reporting of the theft by Girardi’s associates in his law practice.
By Mitchell L. Lathrop
Sometimes the relationship between client and counsel becomes so difficult and fraught with misunderstandings that counsel wants to depart from the situation. Sometimes also, the departure may not be as easy as counsel hoped. For example, Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct requires that “subject to rule 1.2.1, a lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation and, as required by rule 1.4, shall reasonably consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued.” At the same time, counsel cannot assist in or advise the violation of a law[1] and must use reasonable diligence in representing the client.[2] So what happens when the attorney-client relationship has deteriorated to the point where the lawyer feels he or she must get out?
By Jen Sterling
As the oftentimes lone vegan in the office, I’ve had many coworkers tell me they’re interested in incorporating more plant-based eating into their lives, but that it’s just too hard and too confusing — they don’t know where to start. Countless times, I’ve heard the “but where will I get my protein?” concern. With this brief overview, I hope to not only provide a simple template for incorporating this nutrient-dense way of eating into your busy life, but also offer inspiration from my own journey.
In the world of women in law, successfully juggling competing priorities is a perpetual topic, akin to the pursuit of happiness. Like happiness, “balance” isn’t an innate state; it’s a destination created through daily deliberate actions that give you the space to do what you want to do while also doing what you need to do.
SDCBA Members,
I am excited to be writing this message as one of the Community Outreach Co-Chairs of the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (“NLD”). If you’re not familiar, the Community Outreach team coordinates pro bono and volunteer events for new lawyers and law students across San Diego County.
I recently had the privilege of attending the San Diego County Bar Association’s (“SDCBA”) 125th Anniversary Party. Founded in 1899, the SDCBA is one the oldest and largest bar associations in the region. In addition, this year marks the opening of SDCBA’s new home of the bar, located a 330 A Street, which was also celebrated at the Bar’s 125th Anniversary.
