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.
By Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
In a society where diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are increasingly prominent, one form of discrimination remains largely overlooked: ageism. The recent webinar “Dialogue on Diversity: The Overlooked Diversity—Age,” hosted by the San Diego County Bar Association, shed light on this critical issue within the legal profession. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by senior lawyers, the value they bring to the table, and the importance of integrating age into DEI frameworks.
Happy February New Lawyer Division Members! My name is Lilly Glenister and I am humbled to be serving this year as the Vice Chair of the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division.
Lawyers new to the practice of law often are approached by potential clients, including friends and family members, about forming a business entity for more than one client or to represent two individuals in the same automobile accident. The reason usually given is that the clients want to save money by having one lawyer. Sometimes the referral comes from a close friend or family member, where the friend or family member knows and trusts the lawyer.
From Certain to Uncertain Career Path
Life is not so much about the pre-planned destination but is about the journey that leads us to where we were meant to be all along. The Honorable Judy S. Bae’s legal career path to becoming a lawyer and a judge is a testament to this maxim. Judge Bae grew up in Redlands, California and was raised by two physicians who worked at local teaching hospitals. As a young Asian American student, talented in the sciences, and with educated and supportive parents, it was almost pre-destined that Judge Bae would follow in her parent’s footsteps and become a physician.
