2026 SDCBA Service Awards
The San Diego County Bar Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Service Awards. These annual awards celebrate the contributions and commitment of distinguished individuals and organizations serving both the San Diego legal community and the public.
See a list of past award winners here »
Award recipients will be recognized at the SDCBA's Annual Awards Ceremony & Celebration of Community Service on May 14 at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
The 2026 Service Award Winners are:
Outstanding Attorney Award
Alvin Gomez
Gomez Law Group
An exemplary attorney who, over the course of their career:
(1) has demonstrated significant legal expertise; (2) served as a model of civility and professionalism in the practice of law; and (3) has made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession, the justice system, or the public. The SDCBA presents this legacy award to recognize prolonged service to the San Diego legal community. Must be an SDCBA Member to be eligible for this Service Award.
Outstanding Jurist Award
Hon. Laura J. Birkmeyer
San Diego Superior Court
An exemplary jurist who, over the course of their career, has provided outstanding service to the bench, the legal profession, the justice system, or the public. Must be an SDCBA Member to be eligible for this Service Award.
Community Service Award
Katherine Lee Carey
Cooley LLC
Outstanding contributions by an attorney, law firm, or organization to the needs of the community (e.g., charitable, cultural, humanitarian, educational), other than directly through the SDCBA.
Service to Diversity Award
Mikhak Ghorban
Ghorban Law, APC
Outstanding service by a member of the legal profession who (1) has taken intentional and identifiable steps to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a legal workplace or the legal profession; (2) has improved access to justice for individuals from demographic groups with historical challenges to access in numerous aspects of the legal profession and community; or (3) has sought to eradicate barriers for historically excluded or disadvantaged legal professionals, including but not limited to legal professionals who are Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color, LGBTQ+, or of different abilities. Must be an SDCBA Member to be eligible for this Service Award.
Service by a Public Attorney Award
Vivian Sapthavee
California Court of Appeal
Outstanding service to the community, the legal profession, the SDCBA, legal education, or mentoring by an attorney who also has demonstrated excellence in the practice of law in the public sector. Must be an SDCBA Member to be eligible for this Service Award.
Service to the Legal Community Award
Merrianne Dean
Bellator Law Group, APC
Outstanding long-term or significant contributions that further the goals of the legal profession and promote ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the practice of law through legal education, civics education, mentoring, or service to the SDCBA or the legal community. Must be an SDCBA Member to be eligible for this Service Award.
Service by a New Lawyer Award
Stephanie Germani
Germani Law
Outstanding service by a New Lawyer who, during their first seven years in practice, has demonstrated a significant commitment to serving the legal profession, the justice system, or the SDCBA through legal education, mentoring, or community service. Must be an SDCBA Member to be eligible for this Service Award.
Distinguished Organization Award
New Media Rights
California Western School of Law
Outstanding contributions over a period of time by a lay person, or a group or organization not comprised primarily of attorneys or judicial officers, which resulted in a significant, favorable impact on some facet of the legal system, the legal community or profession, or civics education.