For more than 30 years, the SDCBA has recognized exceptional members of our community at our Annual Luncheon and Celebration of Community Service. This year's luncheon will take place on May 1, which is the celebration of Law Day nationwide. From service to the profession to advancing access to justice and promoting diversity, the honorees work tirelessly to improve our legal system and serve our community at large.
Nominations for the 2020 Service Awards are now open. I encourage you to nominate friends, colleagues, or organizations that inspire you with their service. You can learn more about the awards and submit nominations here. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 6 at 9 a.m.
In other community news, this marks the final week of the 13th Annual San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition. This year's competition includes students from 33 high schools throughout San Diego County, making it the largest competition yet. These mock trials could not take place without the volunteer commitments of attorney coaches and scorers, whose time and effort help students gain an understanding and respect for our legal system. Thank you to those who have already dedicated their time to making the competition a success. If you would still like to volunteer as a scorer, it is not too late. Additional scorers are needed for the last day — February 22, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Sign up here »
Johanna Schiavoni
2020 SDCBA President
Board Update
This update is designed to provide members with a summary of the monthly Board of Directors meeting. If you have any questions about the Board Update or wish to learn more about Board service, please contact President Johanna Schiavoni at johanna@schiavoni-law.com.
The Board approved changes to the New Lawyer Division policy, as proposed by the New Lawyer Division, to define new lawyer as someone who has been in practice for seven (7) years or less, including law students. Previously, a new lawyer was defined as someone who had been in practice for five (5) years or less.
The Board approved members for the Legal Ethics Committee and the Lawyer Referral and Information Services Committee. Additional committee appointments are forthcoming.
Jeansy Dollete and Nic Hagan joined the SDCBA staff in the Programs and Events Department. At this time, there are no vacancies on the SDCBA staff.
Events this week
CLE events are highlighted in red.
Wed, February
19
12 - 1 p.m.
CLE event
29th Annual Bankruptcy Year in Review
Dennis Wickham will lead us on a merry chase through the fascinating (and not so fascinating) world of 2019 cases that may impact your bankruptcy practice, as well as consumer and business cases in the coming year, including decisions from the Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Bankruptcy Court, and State Court.
Wed, February
19
5 - 8 p.m.
Legal Community
13th Annual San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition
This year’s competition will be the largest to date! 33 high schools from throughout San Diego County will compete. Click here for more information.
Thu, February
20
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Co-sponsored event / Criminal Law
Criminal Defense Training - Office of the Public Defender
Join us for a monthly broadcast of the criminal defense training programs hosted by the San Diego Office of the Public Defender. All active SDCBA members are welcome to attend at no charge.
Thu, February
20
6 - 10 p.m.
Co-sponsored event / Blacks in Technology
Where Business, Law & Tech Intersect
Join entrepreneurs, attorneys, and tech professionals to hear from expert panelists as they discuss new innovation, standards, policies, and forecasts with legal insight.
Sat, February
22
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Legal Community
13th Annual San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition
This year’s competition will be the largest to date! 33 high schools from throughout San Diego County will compete. Click here for more info. Also, volunteer scorers are still needed for this session. Sign up to volunteer here.
Next week
Tue, February
25
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Co-sponsored event / CLE event
California Judges Association Ethics & Wellness Training
Join the California Judges Association and the San Diego County Bar Association for a unique training addressing issues involving implicit bias, diversity, and substance abuse.
Tue, February
25
5:30 - 8 p.m.
New Lawyer Division
Monthly Meet-Up: Taco Tuesday
Join the New Lawyer Division for a $5
all-you-can-eat taco bar at American Junkie.
Wed, February
26
12 - 1 p.m.
Section Meeting
Appellate Practice Section Meeting
Join the section to discuss matters relating to law practice in state and federal appellate courts.
Wed, February
26
5:30 - 7 p.m.
CLE event
CUBA 2020: Open or Closed?
Join us for a review of current U.S. administration laws and regulations governing U.S.-Cuba relations.
Fri, February
28
1 - 2 p.m.
NEW FREE MEMBER BENEFIT
Fitness Fridays!
Introducing FREE group exercise classes at Fit Athletic Club in Little Italy. Our first class will be Chiseled, a well-rounded sculpting workout.
Leadership Opportunities
The American Bar Association is seeking applicants for Presidential appointments to more than 600 positions on ABA Standing Committees, Special Committees, Commissions, and other Association entities and initiatives. The application deadline is February 21. For more info, click here »
If you have ever been interested in serving the San Diego Superior Court as a Temporary Judge/Settlement Attorney, you can learn more about that process here. One aspect of training required is to attend the Superior Court’s Bench Conduct and Demeanor Training. The next training session is being offered at the North County Courthouse on Friday, April 3, 2020 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. For more information, click here »(see the bottom right corner of the webpage for details).
Of Note
The San Diego County Registrar of Voters is looking for people interested in becoming poll workers to serve at its 1,548 polling places for the upcoming Presidential Primary Election, to be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020. See the application here »
San Diego Superior Court Increases Court Reporter Services in Family Court Proceedings. See news release »
The U.S. Attorney's Office is hiring an Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Division). See job announcement »
Legal Community Calendar
Lawyers Club's Spring Read-In | The 19th Amendment & the Women's Suffrage Movement, Feb. 28.
President's Message
