NLD Event Recap: Annual Meeting

On August 31, 2023, the New Lawyer Division (NLD) hosted its first Annual Meeting to talk with members about how NLD can best meet the needs of new lawyers and law students.

At the meeting, NLD Chair, Stephanie Pengilley discussed NLD’s overall structure, which consists of five subdivisions: (1) Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities; (2) For the Record; (3) Social Events; (4) CLE; and (5) Marketing.

The Community Service/Volunteer subdivision creates ways for NLD members to get involved in helping those most in need in and around the City of San Diego. For example, this year NLD hosted a drive to provide those experiencing homelessness with essential items such as toothbrushes, soap, and water.

The For the Record subdivision publishes articles every month as part of an e-newsletter. For the Record features articles related to legal issues, practice areas, the legal profession, legal ethics, as well as articles highlighting tips from local attorneys and judges. To check out the archive of past For the Record articles click here. For the Record is always looking for new authors; those interested in learning more should contact For the Record’s Co-Editors-in-Chief, Linda Nelte and Matthew Spolsky.

The Social Events subdivision is in charge of creating networking events like the recent Mentorship Mixer event held on September 6, 2023. The CLE subdivision is in charge of hosting CLE events in various practice areas from civil law to juvenile proceedings. Finally, the Marketing subdivision is in charge of NLD’s social media accounts and is primarily responsible for promoting all of NLD’s events and opportunities.   

We also discussed three ways to get involved in NLD. First, NLD members can apply to become a subdivision member. NLD accepts subdivision member applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Subdivision members are responsible for helping the Executive Committee create and host NLD events. Those interested can apply here. Second, NLD members can nominate themselves to become a member of the Executive Committee, which is a two-year commitment where you will lead one of the subdivisions mentioned above. Finally, the easiest way to get involved is to attend NLD events!

Lesa Christenson, a family law specialist who has been practicing since 1985, also attended NLD’s Annual Meeting and provided some insight to new lawyers. During her legal career, Christenson has taught new attorneys practical skills to excel at their jobs. She mentioned that the top complaint amongst law firms about new lawyers is they do not fully understand billing and collecting fees from clients; she advised new lawyers should learn more about how a law firm functions as a business. She also explained it is important for new lawyers to avoid burnout and to remember how long it takes to get efficient in a particular field. Committing to a healthy lifestyle with consistent stress relievers will create strong habits for new lawyers that will last long into their practice. She concluded by stating that networking is really important because the people you meet could be future judges, opposing counsel, and sources of help.