Samantha Begovich

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

Years admitted to practice in California: 24 Years
Years practicing in San Diego: 23 years
Years as a member of the SDCBA: 9 years (2007-2011, 2014-Present)
Areas of practice: Appellate, Criminal, Litigation/Trial Practice, Criminal and Civil

SDCBA Sections or Committees

Appellate Practice Section

Other SDCBA projects

None

Leadership positions at the SDCBA

Chairwoman, Trustee, and Board Member at many other organizations, but not the SDCBA, as discussed below.

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

Current Leadership Role:
Chairwoman, San Diego County Employees’ Retirement Association

Prior Leadership Roles:
Chair, Stanford Law Society of San Diego
Founding Member & Barrister, Hon. J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court
Barrister, Hon. William B. Enright Inn of Court
Executive Board Member, Access Youth Academy
Vice-Chair, The San Diego Foundation Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement
Member, The San Diego Foundation Scholarship Committee
Appointee, Stanford University Board of Governors
Chair, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Nierman Preschool Parent Outreach
Board Member, Kim Center for Social Balance
Sustaining Member and Member, Leadership Development Committee - Lawyers’ Club

Awards and honors

San Diego County Taxpayer Watchdog Nominee, SDCERA (Trustee) - 2017
Women Who Mean Business, San Diego Business Journal List - 2016
Metro Mover, San Diego Metropolitan Magazine - 2014
40 Stars in 40 Years, UCSD Political Science Department’s 40th Year Anniversary - 2014

Description of what inspires you

Attorneys dedicated to improving outcomes for their clients and society inspire me.

Description of what you would bring to the SDCBA Board

I will be an advocate for the lawyers of San Diego and accessible to each of you.

I will bring a strong work ethic and will listen to members’ needs. I will work collaboratively to create free services and events that will enrich members’ lives and law practice. I will help the SDCBA and its Board continue its commitment to excellence by encouraging training for all practice areas and on these topics:

• tech and the practice of law
• access to justice
• attorney wellness
• attorneys as community leaders
• lawyer recruitment and retention
• career planning

Other information you would like to share with the SDCBA membership

Allowing non-lawyers to provide legal services and own law firms are proposals gaining traction in California. Proposals to change the landscape of legal services in California are recognized as a threat by many members for a number of reasons. The SDCBA should gauge members’ interest in educating the public about these proposals.

The National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being states there are an alarming number of wellness issues facing lawyers. I will work to ensure that the SDCBA continues to be a valuable resource to help lawyers thrive by promoting consistent, high-quality and free MCLE/social events.

Endorsements by individuals or groups