Message from the NLD Chair

Happy December Everyone:

As we are wrapping up the end of the year, I would be remiss to not reflect on all that we accomplished this year at the San Diego County Bar Association. From moving into our brand-new building, to multiple community service events where we were able to give back to those most in need, and recently swearing in the newest class of attorneys, the SDCBA continues to make strides to be a home for all legal professionals.  Read More

Navigating Early Legal Careers: Tips for Growth, Fulfillment, and Success

The San Diego County Bar Association’s (“SDCBA”) New Lawyer Division (“NLD”)  in partnership with California Western School of Law’s Career and Professional Development Office (“CPDO”), hosted an illuminating panel discussion on November 18, 2024 titled “The San Diego Legal Market for New Grads.” This hybrid event, held at the new  SDCBA Bar Center and streamed online, offered invaluable advice for law students and recent graduates navigating the transition from law school to legal practice.  Read More

Ethics for New Lawyers: Responsible Use of Generative AI

Most lawyers have likely heard or read about other practitioners whose use of generative AI has resulted in unwanted outcomes. Despite the risks of AI, the technology offers tremendous promise and efficiencies when utilized appropriately.  Read More

Tips from the Bench: Hon. Rebecca F. Zipp

On March 20, 2024, the Honorable Rebecca F. Zipp was sworn in as a judge for the San Diego County Superior Court. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Judge Zipp to the bench on March 12, 2024.  Currently, Judge Zipp presides over civil harassment and gun violence restraining orders in Department 61. Read More

Understanding Licenses: What Are They and How to Enforce Them?

What is a License?  

Intellectual Property (IP) protection is vital for businesses, inventors, and individuals seeking to safeguard their creative works. But what happens when an IP owner wants to expand their market reach but lacks the resources to do so? One effective solution is licensing. Licensing allows the owner of intellectual property to grant others the right to use their IP without transferring ownership.^[1]  This can apply to trademarks, technologies, patents, copyrights, and even real estate.  Read More

Message from Co-Editor in Chief

Hi NLD members!

I am honored to have served as Co-Editor of the New Lawyer Division (“NLD”) Newsletter, For the Record for the past two years. Thank you to all the authors that contributed their time writing articles for, For the Record. We featured many articles about various legal topics, advice for new lawyers, and the new lawyer experience in general. Read More

Ethics for New Lawyers: A New Deal for the Bar Exam

Each year, around 16,000 people take the California Bar Examination. The two-day exam is given in February and July and consists of five essay questions, one performance test, and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), which usually contains 200 multiple-choice questions. Read More

Tips from the Bar: Lieutenant Commander Kristen Capps

Two things Lieutenant Commander Kristen Capps always knew about herself are that she always wanted to go to law school as well as follow in her parents’ footsteps by joining the Navy. As an attorney in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (“JAG Corps”), LCDR Capps has achieved both lifelong goals.   Read More

Prioritizing Your Practice & Parenting

The life of a woman lawyer and mother inevitably involves a familiar struggle—balancing the competing demands of your job with the commitments of raising children and being actively involved and present with your family. While I don’t always get it right (I’m often a few minutes late to the baseball game or track meet or sending emails to clients from the car as we embark on a ski trip), I have come to realize that there are specific, actionable steps that help me compartmentalize both parts of my life in a way that helps me succeed in both areas. Read More

Message from NLD Chair

Happy October everyone! As we are nearing the end of the year, I want to take the time to give a big shout-out to the San Diego County Bar Association’s internal team who has accomplished so much this year including moving to our new home at 330 A Street, hosting the 125th SDCBA Anniversary, and welcoming our new Executive Director Debra Rosen. We would not be able to accomplish everything we do at the Bar if it was not for the internal team. Also, a big thank you to Director Michelle Chavez who has been the New Lawyer Division’s faithful guide and support. Read More