Claudia Ignacio, recipient of this year’s SDCBA Service by a New Lawyer Award, is a young trailblazer in the San Diego legal community. As a tax attorney with Hone Maxwell, LLP, her practice includes a wide array of local, state, and international tax consulting matters; defending clients in audits with state and federal tax agencies; and assisting in collection issues.
Deveney Wells-Gibson’s path to opening her own law firm shows how hard work and dedication can open opportunities for entrepreneurship and making dreams come true.
Civil litigator Robert L. Theiring has never been afraid to try something new: “That’s one of the things my father taught me about life. The day you stop learning is the day you die.”
“Working hard, handling difficult cases, and working late hours — sometimes staying up until 3:00 in the morning to make sure a trial is fully prepped — is completely worth it when you know you’re making a difference in someone else’s life,” says Deputy District Attorney Malak Behrouznami.
For Jocelyn Russo, being a family law attorney is more than practicing law: “It’s being there for your clients during their most difficult times in their lives.” Russo is an associate attorney at Antonyan Miranda, a prestigious San Diego family law firm specializing in family law.
Gilberto Vera is this year’s recipient of the Jack Berman Award of Achievement, which the California Young Lawyers Association awards annually to a new lawyer for their distinguished service to the community and the legal profession. Vera, who is a Senior Attorney with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc., has dedicated his career to assisting financially vulnerable populations.
Talbert has always had a passion for law and policy. From age 8, she knew she wanted to be an attorney.
After growing up in a family of musicians, Jordan Sannipoli realized being an attorney was similar to being a performer, so she set her sights on performing on a different stage — the courtroom.
Jake Zindulka is the immediate past chair of the NLD. He has called San Diego home since 2015 and does not see himself returning to the Northeast. Jake is a great example of what one can accomplish if they take the initial step into the unknown of a new adventure.
Hi Everyone,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is a vital part of our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, mental health issues among lawyers are prevalent. That is likely due to the stress and demands of our profession (which is added to anything happening in our personal lives). Many lawyers are deterred from seeking professional help and talking about their struggles with others because of the stigma around mental health.
