Message from the Social Events Chair

September brings back-to-school excitement to many San Diegans, including law students at our three local law schools. For practicing attorneys, fall may be a return to work after weeks of vacation, or just a return to full calendars and caseloads. The SDCBA and the New Lawyer Division provide a variety of opportunities for lawyers to take a break from their busy schedules – or dive deeper into learning – with social events, CLE, and volunteer opportunities.

All SDCBA members who are law students or new lawyer within the first seven years of practice are eligible to join the New Lawyer Division, where we provide educational, volunteer, networking, and social events. Law students and first-year attorneys get a free SDCBA membership. If you are not an SDCBA member, sign up today!

Earlier this month, NLD members took an evening away from their studies or work to join new and experienced lawyers in an informal mentorship event. On September 8, 2022, NLD members informally met with more experienced attorneys to discuss career choices and success in the first years of practice, and to make informal contacts in various areas of practice. The atmosphere was warm and enjoyable, with an approximate two-to-one ratio of mentees to mentors. Thanks to NLD member-at-large Stephanie S. Germani, Esq., L.L.M. for providing free copies of her book Counsel for Future Counselors: A Short Guide to Success in Law School and on the California Bar Exam at the Mentorship Mixer.

In October, the NLD is partnering with University of San Diego’s Transgender Name & Gender-Marker Change Clinic to provide legal assistance to transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking name and gender-marker changes. Volunteer attorneys are needed to help USD law students assist clients with completing applications and navigating the San Diego court system. For more information, please contact NLD Community Service Chair, Elijah T. Gaglio at ETGgalio@gmail.com.

If you practice or are interested in practicing criminal law, be sure to join us for a virtual Pathways to Criminal Law panel on September 26, 2022 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Criminal defense attorney Benjamin Cheeks, who will moderate the panel, is featured in this month’s Tips from the Bar column. Our NLD Member Spotlight features Veneeta Jaswal, a healthcare defense attorney and first-generation Indian-American. You can also read the highlights of the SDCBA’s Bench-Bar Media Event in an event recap by Sara Gold.

Hope to see you at a future event!

Hannah Theophil