This orientation is your opportunity to discover all the member benefits available to you. Learn how to maximize the value of your Bar membership and explore ways to actively participate in our sections, committees, divisions, and panels. Learn about events that will connect you with Board Members, Judges, and Community Leaders, and discover all the ways you can use the new Bar Center.

To celebrate Law Day and its long standing principles, the San Diego County Bar Association and Federal Bar Association invite California attorneys to attend a Oath Renewing Ceremony led by Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The special ceremony will be held at the courtyard of Carter Keep U.S. Courthouse on 333 W Broadway on May 1 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

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.
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Have you noticed how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession? It feels like we’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie where algorithms are crunching numbers, drafting documents, and even attempting to argue cases. As attorneys, we’re left wondering: is AI a helpful tool or a looming threat to our jobs? Recent events in New York have brought this question to the forefront, offering both cautionary tales and opportunities for reflection.
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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.
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Never has a mantra resonated with such clarity for someone, as much as it did for George A. Rios III, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and speak with George about the law, his professional career, and how a self-care hobby became the genesis for a foundation that encourages all legal professionals to—run for something.
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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.
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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.
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Editors-in-Chief: 
Lillian Glenister and Stephanie S. Germani

Contributing Writers: 
 Stephanie S. Germani, Esq., Michael L. Crowley, Varun Sabharwal, Esq. Shubhra Sharma, Esq., Robert K. Shawhan