“What can you do for the community?”
As the Co-Chair for NLD’s Community Outreach events, I would like to invite you to participate in the 41st Annual Children’s Book Party, taking place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, between 7:00 a.m.and 10:30 a.m., at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. This impactful event, led by Roosevelt Brown, has promoted literacy and community engagement for over four decades. Mr. Brown was recently honored with a medal of recognition for his lifelong dedication to this cause.
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.
The San Diego Law Library, a cornerstone legal resource approaching its 135th anniversary, has appointed its first female director in its long history. Gina Catalano, who brings a unique background as both a practicing attorney and veteran law librarian, stepped into her new role this month with ambitious plans to blend technological innovation with traditional library services while strengthening community partnerships. Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the institution while promising exciting developments for attorneys and self-represented litigants alike.
Howdy NLD Members,
My name is Robert Shawhan, and I’m a proud native of Nevada—born in Las Vegas and raised in the Carson Valley, where I split time between the neon lights of Sin City and the rugged charm of ranches, the snowcapped Sierra Mountains, and the ever blue Lake Tahoe.
As new attorneys, you should set the standard early in your career to practice law in a manner that promotes civility. What does that mean? Be nice, argue your points calmly, and freely provide relevant facts. I would argue (calmly) that this will serve you well in establishing your professional reputation, will lead to success in your practice, and will help you maintain a low stress level. Oh yes, one more thing: civility is the law you must abide by as a licensed attorney.
The use of generative AI has not only introduced efficiencies in the practice of law, but also major risks. Much has been written about these benefits and risks; the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California have provided major guidance to attorneys to avoid those risks; and courts impose sanctions when those risks are realized, yet attorneys continue to use generative AI in preparing briefs with resulting blatantly incorrect statements of the law. This article is intended to provide both a reminder of the ethical risks when generative AI is misused but also the ill- consequences which may befall attorneys who misuse generative AI.
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.
Hello. Greetings. Salutations.
My name is Varun Sabharwal. I’m a former public defender recently turned civil defense attorney, and a Member at Large for the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division. It is very nice to meet your epistolary acquaintance, and report on the upcoming events for our Spring season.
March is National Criminal Justice Month—a time to reflect on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as strategies for prevention and response. But as we recognize this month, let’s also acknowledge a critical piece of the justice system that often goes overlooked: the people fighting to ensure fairness for those who would otherwise stand alone.
