Stacey A. Kartchner

SDCBA Sections or Committees

Legal Ethics Committee
Juvenile Law Section

Other SDCBA projects

I have collaborated with SDCBA in presenting numerous MCLEs, co-sponsoring as President of the Criminal Defense Lawyers Club.

Leadership positions at the SDCBA

As a member of the SDCBA Legal Ethics Committee, I have participated in developing legal opinions directly affecting SDCBA members. As a committee member, I have been actively participating in both committee meetings and the work of the committee – monitoring the SDCBA Ethics Hotline, writing, lecturing, and MCLE presentations for the benefit of SDCBA members and other specialty bar associations. Moreover, I have taken the lead of the drafting team developing an important opinion scheduled for publication this fall.

Leadership roles in other bar associations or other non-legal associations

Criminal Defense Lawyers Club

• President (2020)
• Vice President (2019)
• Treasurer (2018)
• Secretary (2017)

Criminal Defense Bar Association

• President (2013-2014)
• Vice-President (2012-2013)
• Treasurer (2011-2012)
• Secretary (2011-2010)
• Board of Directors (2009-2014)
• Executive Director (2007-2009) 

Criminal Defense Bar Association/Criminal Defense Lawyers Club Newsletter

• Editor (2007-present)
   

Lawyers Club of San Diego

• Co-Chair Community Services Committee (2020)
• Co-Chair Spring Read-In at Central Elementary (2020)
• Lawyers Club of San Diego, Newsletter Editorial Board (2009-2011)

San Diego Criminal Justice Memorial Committee, Member (2019-present)
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Community Outreach Committee Member (2020)
ACCION San Diego, Secretary, Board of Directors (2011-present)
Community Corrections Partnership, Private Bar Liaison (2011-2013)
Foundation For Women, Board of Trustees (2006-2008)  

Awards and honors

Criminal Defense Bar Association Service Award (2020):
Award given for my efforts in working with the San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judges and criminal justice stakeholders during the Covid-19 pandemic to develop procedures to reopen the court, and ensuring equal access to justice and due process. 

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc./Appellate Defenders Special Director’s Award (2017):
Award given at the Annual Defender Dinner for my “extraordinary efforts on behalf of the criminal defense community.” 

Criminal Defense Lawyers Club Service Award (2012): 
Award given for my efforts as the Private Bar Liaison to the Community Corrections Partnership during AB 109. 

Super Lawyers List (2015-2020)
San Diego Daily Transcript’s Top Attorney List in Criminal Law (2013 and 2014)
San Diego Daily Transcript’s Young Attorney Award (2009)
Volunteers in Parole – Mentor (2006-2008)

California Western School of Law Pro Bono Honor’s Award (2002): 
Award given for my work with indigent defendants. 

Description of what inspires you

I am inspired by acts of courage, kindness, and service. People that get back up after being knocked down inspire me because I am a fighter. I am inspired by the lawyers doing pro bono work, and by the women who came before me and paved the way. I stay inspired by my son who always has a positive attitude and is kind to everyone. I am inspired by those who speak up when they see an injustice, and join in the fight against racial injustice. I pledge to support these principles shared by the SDCBA membership.

Description of what you would bring to the SDCBA Board

I strongly believe in diversity and inclusion, and advancing equality and opportunity for everyone.  If elected, I will promote those issues, as well as ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the practice of law, encouraging mentorship and community service, and strengthening relations between the SDCBA and specialty bar associations.  Creating a partnership with the specialty bars will unify the legal profession, promote diversity, and expand membership. 

I am committed to collaborating with individuals, organizations, and firms with diverse opinions to make the most informed decisions possible.  I have a history of working in a collaborative way with prosecutors and other criminal justice stakeholders on tough issues.  I am proud to be endorsed by the District Attorney, Deputy District Attorneys Association, City Attorney, Public Defender Association, and Public Defender.  My work as the private bar liaison to the Community Corrections Partnership and my work with the San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judges and other criminal justice stakeholders on Covid-19 issues make me uniquely qualified to strengthen relations between the bench and bar.  I will bring creative ideas and solutions to support SDCBA members as we look for answers in the face of the pandemic and encounter a new world to practice in.

Other information you would like to share with the SDCBA membership

My deep-seated commitment to service and leadership is exemplified by my volunteer work in both the legal community and the community at-large. I have served as President of two bar organizations, both during times of great turbulence (during AB 109 when the jails and prisons were past capacity and the criminal justice partners had to come up with procedures and sentencing alternatives to decrease the population, and during Covid-19). With the support of colleagues and mentors, I successfully faced those challenges and have been honored to receive recognition for my efforts.

My work on the SDCBA Legal Ethics Committee has taught me the vital role that the SDCBA plays in the lives of its members. I am dedicated, loyal, deeply committed to the legal community, and will serve with integrity. I would be honored to have your vote and to serve as a member of the SDCBA Board of Directors.

Endorsements:

Organizations

Past Presidents

Individuals