Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

 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. 

First and foremost, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shubhra Sharma, and it has been my privilege to call San Diego home for the past four years. I started my legal career in Mumbai, India, followed by an exciting few years working as a corporate attorney in New York City before eventually settling in the beautiful city of San Diego. As a corporate attorney with a passion for community service, I find immense fulfillment in leveraging my legal expertise to give back to the community that has warmly embraced me. I joined NLD as a Member at Large this year to forge meaningful connections, make a tangible impact, and create positive change in our community. I am delighted to present a lineup of upcoming events that we have planned for the below dates: 

1. April 27, 2024 – As we move forward into April, NLD is gearing up to celebrate International Children’s Book Day in our own special way! Join us in making a difference in the lives of young readers by volunteering at the Free Books for Children event at Spreckels Organ Pavilion Balboa Park. NLD is thrilled to invite you to become a part of this meaningful initiative organized by Roosevelt Brown, a dedicated advocate for literacy and community service for many decades. Roosevelt Brown has been handing out books in San Diego to children for the last 40 years. This year, hundreds of children of all age groups will participate in the Free Books for Children event. While we would love to have you join us as a volunteer at the event, if you’re unable to attend the event, we also welcome donations through our Amazon registry link (Order from Amazon) for chips and Rice Krispies Treats for the children to enjoy at the event. 

2. August 1, 2024 – Please join us for NLD’s Annual Signature Summer Social. Stay tuned for more details. 

These events are more than mere gatherings; they are opportunities to make meaningful contributions to our community. Whether you’re seeking to expand your professional network, deepen your legal knowledge, or simply give back, there’s a place for you within the NLD.  

In addition to the International Children’s Book Day, April also marks World Autism Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promote understanding and acceptance for those living with autism. At NLD, we recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities are valued and supported. We stand in solidarity with the autism community, advocating for increased awareness, access to resources, and opportunities for individuals with autism to thrive. Let us use this day as a reminder to celebrate neurodiversity and work towards building a more inclusive society where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s spread awareness, promote acceptance, and advocate for the rights of individuals with autism. 

In conclusion, I invite each of you to join NLD and participate in the events we have planned for you. If you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on NLD’s executive committee. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to tailor our events to meet the evolving needs of our members. Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling month ahead!