NLD Member Spotlight: Audrey Surridge

The San Diego County Bar Association recently awarded Audrey Surridge with its Service by a New Lawyer Award at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Celebration of Community Service on May 14, 2024.  Sworn into the California Bar in 2017, Audrey is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law and is an attorney at Fisher Phillips LLP.  Audrey represents companies in a variety of employment disputes, conducts workplace investigations, and counsels her clients in developing effective policies and practices.

Journey to the Law

Audrey grew up in Sacramento and attended college in the Bay Area.  After earning her bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Mary’s College of California, Audrey worked for a period of time in San Francisco and Los Angeles before moving to Seattle to work in marketing at a global consulting firm for several years. 

Although she enjoyed working in marketing, Audrey eventually felt like she needed a change. Now almost seven years into her practice, Audrey sees how becoming an attorney was the correct path for her to take.  

“I didn’t grow up dreaming of being an attorney, but I feel like it’s my dream now,” she said. “I love advising companies, and I see that I can make a positive impact on their businesses through the work I do and my advocacy for them. As an attorney I can use my talents to make a greater impact on the world and I’m grateful this is the path I chose.”

Importantly, Audrey also appreciates that there are many ways she can give back to her community through volunteer service as an attorney.  “Volunteerism is baked into who I am as a person, and I feel strongly that it is our obligation as attorneys to find a way to serve our community.  I’m always going to have areas outside of my job where I can make a difference in my local community,” she said.

Dedication to the Legal Community 

Audrey’s volunteer service and dedication to the legal community began in law school.  At USD, Audrey was a member of the Women’s Law Caucus and was elected its president in her 3L year.  In addition, Audrey completed over 100 hours of pro bono service with organizations such as the San Diego Clean Slate Clinic and the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program’s Domestic Violence Clinic.  

Law school is also where Audrey first joined the Lawyers Club of San Diego.  Founded in 1972, Lawyers Club is the largest specialty bar in San Diego and is committed to advancing the status of women in the law and society.  In her short time as a practicing attorney, Audrey has already held several leadership positions within the organization, including a seat on the Board of Directors, co-chair for the Professional Advancement, Annual Dinner, and Law Student Outreach Committees, vice president, and currently, president.

In particular, Audrey is proud of her work with law students through Lawyers Club. “We foster the pipeline of law students and young attorneys and welcome them as they enter the legal field,” she said. “We ensure mentorship through events such as our annual Speed Mentoring event.”

Audrey is also part of the SDCBA and San Diego’s Federal Bar Association.  For several years she also volunteered at the San Diego Women and Families Resource Fair. Audrey notes that her work with Lawyers Club leading to her presidency has left an undeniable mark on her life. “I wouldn’t be where I am in practice without Lawyers Club and the San Diego legal community.  It has been such an incredibly rewarding journey,” Audrey said. “I want young lawyers to know that you can do anything you set your mind to in your first seven years of practice, and you’re never too new or too young to take on leadership positions and serve the community.”

Advice for Law Students and New Lawyers

Audrey recommends that law students and new lawyers recognize the importance of networking in a small legal community like San Diego.  “Networking has made all the difference in my career,” she said. “It’s important to start forging these connections in law school, so I encourage both law students and new lawyers to join organizations like Lawyers Club in order to start building a network. These connections will be your future colleagues.”

Perhaps most salient, Audrey stresses the importance of finding something that speaks to your heart and then getting involved. “There is a lot more to being an attorney than just the daily grind,” she said. “I think once you find a cause you believe in, it’s easy to find the time in your schedule to contribute.  And your investment in the greater good will, in turn, inspire others. Service creates a ripple effect.”

Indeed, Audrey’s service to the community in her early years of practice is an inspiration to law students and young attorneys alike, and it is no wonder that she received the Service by a New Lawyer Award.

“It is very humbling to receive this award from the SDCBA,” Audrey said.  “Service is at the heart of the legal profession, and I will continue to pay it forward.”