From the Tortured Solo Department: Tips for Success in Your Law Practice

For most of my 40 years as a lawyer, I have worked in solo or small firm settings. I have run my own civil litigation and trial practice with various configurations of staff, contract attorneys, and associate attorneys. Today, my busy trial practice consists of me, an associate attorney, and a paralegal/office manager. And I love it.  Read More

Attorney Wellness as an Antidote to Incivility in the Legal Profession

On May 8, 2024, in honor of Well-Being Week in Law, the California Lawyers Association and California Judges Association jointly hosted a Webinar entitled, Health and Wellness in California Law: The Effect of Civility in the Practice and from the Bench. The program was moderated by Betty Williams, President of the California Lawyers Association, and Hon. Kevin S. Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Superior Court, and it focused on the connection between civility and attorney well-being.  Read More

NLD Member Spotlight: Audrey Surridge

The San Diego County Bar Association recently awarded Audrey Surridge with its Service by a New Lawyer Award at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Celebration of Community Service on May 14, 2024.  Sworn into the California Bar in 2017, Audrey is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law and is an attorney at Fisher Phillips LLP.  Audrey represents companies in a variety of employment disputes, conducts workplace investigations, and counsels her clients in developing effective policies and practices. Read More

Tips from the Bar: Carree Nahama, Esq.

Meet Carree Nahama, Esq.

Ever since the 6^th grade, Carree Nahama always wanted to be a lawyer. Ms. Nahama became the first in her family to attend and graduate from law school. While she had an initial interest in corporate law, she ultimately was drawn to civil litigation, specifically personal injury work. After interning at the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit (CEPU) at the San Diego City Attorney’s office during law school, Ms. Nahama realized that “Torts had become [her] world.” Her experience at CEPU reinforced her interest in consumer rights litigation and eventually led her to start her own personal injury firm, Nahama Law. She has enjoyed a successful nine-year practice at Nahama Law, where she focuses one hundred percent (100%) on personal injury work involving car accidents, dog bites, civil rights, premise liability, brain injuries, injuries to children, and trucking accidents. Read More

Community Service Reflection: Annual Free Books for Children Event

As the Community Outreach Co-Chair for the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am thrilled to share with you the heartwarming success of the recent annual Free Books for Children event held at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion on April 27, 2024.  This event, organized in collaboration with Roosevelt Brown — a dedicated advocate for literacy — has been instrumental in our community for the past 40 years. Read More

Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers

As a solo practitioner specializing in family law at Aloha Divorce in California, my journey into the legal profession began with a leap of faith—moving to San Diego, California, from Buffalo, New York. Through this experience, I’ve gleaned invaluable personal and professional insights. Here are some key pieces of advice for law students and new lawyers. Read More

Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

 Greetings NLD Members!  

I hope this message finds you well as we dive into the lively month of April. As we embark on another exciting chapter with the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am delighted to share with you a preview of upcoming events and a glimpse into the spirit driving our division forward.  Read More

Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

Before becoming the formidable plaintiff’s attorney and law firm partner that she is today, Jenn French began her career as a claims examiner at Mercury Insurance. There, Jenn resolved high-value injury cases and frequently interacted with attorneys. It was during this time that she heard parties complaining about the shortcomings in their legal representation and thought, “I could do better than that.” A pivotal moment came when an in-house counsel attorney at Mercury Insurance recognized Jenn’s potential and encouraged her to consider law school.   Read More

Tips from the Bench: Judge Roger Benitez 

Judge Roger Benitez presides over Department 5A of United States Southern District Court in San Diego. Judge Benitez gives back to the San Diego legal community through his service on the board of directors for Thomas Jefferson School of Law. In addition to this, he was a member of De Anza Rescue Unit, an organization devoted to searching for and rescuing people lost or missing. He was also a member of the El Centro Planning Commission and was active in youth soccer and swimming organizations. He also served for nine years on the Judicial Conference Committee on Financial Disclosures, and now serves on the Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation. Judge Benitez serves the San Diego community in more ways than one.   Read More