Message from the NLD Chair – January 2025

Happy New Year, New Lawyer Division! Let’s Make 2025 Unforgettable!

Welcome back from the holidays! Hopefully, you’re feeling refreshed and ready to take on the new year. Still battling with an inbox that seems to have doubled overnight? Don’t sweat it — nothing a quadruple shot of espresso (or your favorite endorphin boost) can’t fix!

I’m Claudia Salinas, your 2025 Chair for the New Lawyer Division (NLD), and I couldn’t be more excited about the year ahead. We’ve got big plans, fresh ideas, and a powerhouse team ready to make this our best year yet.

A Little About Me

By day, I’m a staff attorney at The Innocence Center, working to free innocent individuals and advocate for reform in the criminal legal system. Outside of work, you’ll find me balancing the grind with daily workouts and weekly poker nights — because self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential.

This year, as your Chair, I’m laser-focused on bringing balance and self-care to the forefront for all of our members. Let’s ditch the outdated mindset of working until burnout and embrace a culture where thriving professionally and personally isn’t just possible — it’s the standard. We plan to lead initiatives that are designed to help our members thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring we can continue serving our clients and communities with the dedication they deserve.

Meet Your 2025 NLD Dream Team

I’m thrilled to introduce this year’s incredible Executive Committee — a group of leaders who will blow you away with their talent, passion, and accomplishments. You’d never guess they’re all within their first seven years of practice because they already bring so much to the table. 

• Vice Chair Lillian (“Lilly”) Glenister: An associate in the Business Trial Practice Group at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s downtown San Diego office, Lilly’s involvement in San Diego’s legal scene and wealth of experience make her an invaluable leader.
• Member-at-Large Varun Sabharwal: A dedicated associate at Gordon Rees and former public defender, Varun’s passion for justice and leadership is unmatched.
• Member-at-Large Ryan Stygar: From firefighter to employment attorney to TikTok sensation (@AttorneyRyan), Ryan brings resilience and creativity to educating his massive audience on labor law and workers’ rights.
• Member-at-Large Stephanie S. Germani: A dedicated landlord-tenant attorney in Vista, Stephanie combines her legal acumen with a passion for mentorship, coaching San Marcos High School’s Mock Trial Team.
• Member-at-Large Robert Shawhan: Practicing at Klinedinst, PC, Robert’s focus on general and professional liability is complemented by his global perspective, having traveled to 35 countries.

I’m equally as excited and thankful that Catharine “Kate” McGlynn and Shubhra Sharma are generously staying on the NLD Executive Committee to continue spearheading key initiatives in their roles in the Legal Education and Community Service Subdivisions. 

This super team is ready to hit the ground running, starting with a strategic retreat to brainstorm and set our goals.

Save the Date: Bags N Brunch – February 8, 2025

We’re kicking off the year with a powerful event! Join us for our 2nd Annual Bags N Brunch to help distribute hygiene supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. Partnering with the San Diego Urban League Young Professionals, we’ll package and distribute items, followed by a casual social brunch. It’s the perfect way to give back and connect.

Want to support this effort? Donate supplies via our Amazon Wish List or volunteer on event day.

Reflecting and Building on Success

Looking back on 2024, we crushed it — community service projects, CLEs, wellness events, and more. This year, we’re taking it to the next level with even more opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact.

Your Ideas, Your Voice

Have a bold idea for an event? A topic for our “For the Record” publication? A fresh take on building community? Let’s hear it! Reach out anytime at claudia@theinnocencecenter.org or 559-284-7861.

Here’s to a year of balance, connection, and impact! 

Very Respectfully,
Claudia Salinas
Chair, New Lawyer Division
San Diego County Bar Association