Message from the Chair of the NLD

Dear Members,

I am fortunate to have served as Chair of the New Lawyer Division’s Executive Committee. Thank you for the opportunity and your support this past year.

The next thank you goes to the SDCBA staff. Every day, they work tirelessly to keep this organization running at the highest standard. I encourage all members to introduce themselves to the staff at events (they usually have nametags with their titles!)

A special shoutout to Michelle Chavez-Cruz. Michelle is the SDCBA staff liaison to NLD. She has been a fearless advocate for us and an indispensable part of the team. On top of all that, she is SDCBA’s Director of Public Service Programs, regularly helping San Diegans obtain vital legal assistance. Learn about pro bono opportunities here.

I’d also like to thank my colleagues on the Executive Committee: Stephanie Pengilley (incoming chair), Elijah Gaglio (incoming vice chair), Sara Gold (outgoing For the Record editor), Heather Daiza (continuing member at large), and Hannah Theophil (continuing member at large). I’m proud of our work, including CLEs with federal and state judges, a mentor networking mixer, a toy drive for the children’s waiting room at the superior court, and a panel discussion on internships for local law students.

It was another competitive election year at the SDCBA. Congratulations to the incoming members at large: Claudia Salinas, Linda Nelte, Dani Glazer, and Matthew Spolsky.

I’ll end with this: I encourage everyone to get involved in SDCBA leadership, whether with NLD, the 27 practice area sections, or committees. For me, it was intimidating at first. I knew almost no one when I started on the NLD Executive Committee. That’s all changed now. The San Diego legal community is welcoming and supportive. If you have questions about leadership opportunities, please reach out to me. I look forward to seeing you at the next SDCBA program.

Best regards,

Jake