Tips from the Bar: Heather Rosing

Klinedinst CEO and former SDCBA president Heather L. Rosing recently received the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) Fellows Award for her exceptional work within the legal community. During her 26 years of practice, Rosing has not only paved the way for female attorneys in private practice but has also developed a nationwide reputation for her skills and legal experience.

Born and raised in Chicago, Rosing graduated from Northwestern University School of Law, where she served as president of the Student Bar Association.

“I learned to understand and love the law from my father,” said Rosing, who followed in her father’s footsteps. Her father, a family law attorney for 50 years, sparked Rosing’s interest to pursue a career in law.

Ms. Rosing first joined Klinedinst in 1996, shortly after graduating from law school. She vividly recalls packing her bags and relocating to San Diego and never looking back at the cold Chicago winters. Twenty-five years later, at the end of 2020, Rosing became Klinedinst’s first female CEO and president. She also continues to handle complex legal malpractice, fraud, and corporate matters in addition to chairing the firm’s professional liability department.

Her biggest inspiration came from getting involved with the SDCBA. After initially serving as co-chair of the Legal Ethics Committee, she held a seat on the board of directors and was then elected in 2008 as SDCBA president. She also helped found the SDCBA’s Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act Pro Bono Program, which exists to this day and assists active-duty military service members in obtaining stays in pending litigation while they are deployed. She says that her SDCBA involvement helped her build lifelong friendships and mentors who inspired her to give back to the legal community.

After her SDCBA presidency, Rosing went on to serve as the first president of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), which strives to promote professional advancement of attorneys practicing in California. She is currently president of the California Bar Foundation, which she formed following her presidency term with CLA. The CLA is close to Rosing’s heart because of its two core goals: increasing access to the legal system and encouraging diversity and inclusion in the practice of law. Rosing has also previously served on the State Bar of California’s board of trustees as well as the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program’s board of directors.

Rosing received the NCBP Fellows Award at the organization’s Midyear Meeting on February 10. She also recently received the Daniel T. Broderick III Professionalism and Civility Award from the American Board of Trial Advocates and San Diego Defense Lawyers for her civility, dedication, and professionalism.  Her other accolades include Defense Lawyer of the Year, Top 3 San Diego Super Lawyers, Top 25 Women San Diego Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in San Diego, Woman of Influence in Law 2021 and Top Lawyer of the Decade.

“Women can succeed in private practice,” she said, “and I hope to use my position to advance other women in their careers.”

When asked who inspired and influenced her the most, Rosing credited Justice Judith McConnell for inspiring her to be a better attorney, wife, mother, and friend. Rosing continues to promote civility in the practice of law and was recently elected as co-vice chair of the Civility Task Force, a joint effort between the CLA, State Bar of California, and California Judges Association to improve and eliminate bias in the profession.

Practicing throughout California and nationwide, Rosing remarks how special the San Diego legal community is — particularly the civility between attorneys and the desire to help and lend a hand.

Rosing advises new lawyers: “We are in a hard profession; take care of yourself.” She has witnessed firsthand the impacts this profession can have on attorneys, including depression, suicide, and substance use. Alongside prioritizing physical and mental health, she encourages attorneys and students to find their niche in the legal community through organizations and “put your heart and soul into it.”