Outstanding Attorney Award

Patricia Hollenbeck

Duane Morris LLP

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. John A. Houston

United States District Court, Southern District of California

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

La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund

San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association

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

Heily Hernandez

Office of the City Attorney, City of San Diego

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

Jodi Cleesattle

California Department of Justice

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

David Brennan 

University of San Diego, School of Law

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 to the Legal Community Award

Robert Fellmeth

University of San Diego, School of Law

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

Mark Simpliciano

Garcia Hong Law APC

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

San Diego Superior Court's Veterans Treatment Court Mentors: Patrick C. Russell and Susan D. Inot

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.