Message from the Chair of the New Lawyer Division

By Stephanie Atkinson
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Hello New Lawyer Division,

I hope 2021 is treating you and yours well despite the continuing pandemic and stay at home orders. Whether you are heading to the office, enjoying working from home as the new norm, or (like me) missing the personal interaction and eager to get back to the office, the New Lawyer Division is here for you! If you need someone to talk to, advice, or just some social interaction, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on the Executive Committee. If you are looking for a little social interaction and some fun, please join us for virtual TRIVIA on March 11, 2021!!! Keep an eye out for event information very soon!  

I also want to take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate Black History Month. February became a federally recognized celebration of Black History in 1976 when then-President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Please join me in seizing the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of African Americans and other minorities in our community and beyond not only this month, but every month.

I hope you will check out Sara Gold’s feature of California Western School of Law’s very accomplished Dean and President, Dr. Sean Megan Scott, recognized as one of the few women of color appointed as president and dean of an American law school. And for an interesting and necessary read on some of San Diego’s Black History in the legal community, please check out “Pioneers, Warriors, Advocates: San Diego’s Black Legal Community, 1890-2013” by Robert Fikes, Jr. here.

In this month’s For the Record edition, don’t forget to vote for your favorite “best” and “worst” on-screen lawyers in the LAWscars Poll! Also new to For the Record is our “Tips from the Bar” column in which we feature the accomplishments and diversity of experienced attorneys in our community. If you know someone who has practiced law in San Diego for at least ten years who would be a good candidate for our next “Tips from the Bar,” submit your nominations here.

Thank you for reading. I hope to see you at our next event!

Sincerely,
Stephanie Atkinson