Service is a value deeply held by many in the legal community, and it is particularly vital in times of crisis when our community must come together for the broader good. We encourage our members to lend a hand in ways meaningful to you. We’ve also made it easier for you to identify volunteer service opportunities through the SDCBA. We invite you to visit the newly revamped Community Volunteering and Pro Bono pages on our website. You can find them in the “About SDCBA” dropdown menu under “Community Involvement.”
The SDCBA also annually recognizes distinguished individuals and organizations for their service in our community. I’m thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2020 Service Awards:
- Outstanding Attorney: Sharon Blanchet
- Outstanding Jurist: Hon. Gale Kaneshiro (ret.)
- Community Service: Commissioner Pennie McLaughlin and Rob Shields
- Service to Diversity: Bhashini Weerasinghe
- Service by a Public Attorney: Rosalina Spencer Leon
- Service to the Legal Community: Valerie Garcia Hong
- Service by a New Lawyer: Catherine Asuncion
- Distinguished Citizen or Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Please mark your calendar for September 30 at 12:00 p.m. to join us for our (virtual) Annual Awards Ceremony &Celebration of Community Service as we recognize these remarkable honorees and their service to our community. To learn more about the 2020 Service Award recipients, click here »
Next week, on Monday, July 20 at noon, we are hosting the second program in our 2020 Leadership Speaker Series—Lights, Camera, Action: How to Become a TV Legal Commentator. Find out what a Hollywood producer looks for in a legal commentator and see how a local attorney has gained national acclaim as a TV legal expert. Register here.
And later in the month, on July 27 at noon, please join us for the second Breakouts with the Bench, focused on Criminal Law. We will once again be joined by judges and attorneys for an opportunity to connect and discuss important issues affecting the courts, your practice, and your clients. Register here »
As I mentioned last week, nominations for the SDCBA Board of Directors are now open. This year, there will be four “At-Large” Board positions on the ballot and one regional position (North County Division). Working on the Board is a terrific opportunity to lead and serve the community. If you are interested in running for a 2021 Board of Directors seat, please click here. The deadline for self-nominations is August 3 at 5 p.m.
Last, but certainly not least, next week we launch our very first MEMBO!—Member Benefit Expo & Appreciation Fest. Please join us as we celebrate you—our members—during a week of activities and a virtual expo hall. Drop into your choice of info-packed webinars designed to help your practice, including a keynote by Clio CEO Jack Newton. MEMBO! also will provide special entertainment every evening, including a members-only culinary session with celebrity chef Josh Capon, a private musical performance with Jeff Lewis, a contestant on The Voice; a virtual Trivia game hosted by the New Lawyer Division, and more! MEMBO! is free for SDCBA members. (Note: you need to register for MEMBO!, but not for any specific programs—simply drop into programs and events as they pique your interest.) Register here »
Please feel free to reach out and let us know how we can better serve you. Take good care.
Johanna Schiavoni
2020 SDCBA President