Bags N’ Brunch 2025: A Community Service Event with Lasting Impact

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (“NLD”) partnered with the San Diego Urban League Young Professionals (“SDULYP) for the second annual Bags N’ Brunch—an inspiring day of community service, connection, and empowerment. This year’s event not only continued a meaningful tradition but also expanded its impact, bringing together volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing hardship. Read More

For the Record Monthly Column Legal Life:
The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney

Welcome to “Legal Life: The Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of the Everyday Attorney,” a new monthly “For The Record” column. This collaborative effort brings together the voices of our New Lawyer Division members to share the real, unfiltered experiences of life in the legal profession. Read More

Message from the NLD Chair – January 2025

Happy New Year, New Lawyer Division! Let’s Make 2025 Unforgettable! Read More

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