San Diego Lawyer May/June 2022 by San Diego County Bar Association

® MAY/JUN 2022

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SERVICE BY A NEW LAWYER

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN by David Majchrzak

SDCBA MEMBER PROFILE Get to Know SDCBA Member Theresa Culver

LAW SCHOOL COLUMN Rhythm and Advocacy by Yannick Bretschneider

MEET YOUR BAR-ISTA Julie Marquardt Member Services Concierge

ETHICS Side Gig Caution: Lawyers Providing “Nonlegal” Services to Clients by Edward McIntyre

WHAT TO DO WHEN ... You Want to Be Barred in a Different State by Edward McIntyre

TECHNOLOGY Tech Tips and Tidbits by Bill Kammer

WHY I LAWYER by Yahairah Aristy

DISTINCTIONS Community Members Honored and Remembered for Their Achievements

PHOTO GALLERY

BUILDING LAWYERS AS LEADERS The SDCBA Launches Its Inaugural Leadership Academy by Nicole Heeder & Johanna Schiavoni

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: INAUGURAL COHORT 2022

MAKING AN IMPACT by George W. Brewster Jr.

BUSINESS OF LAW And Then Putin Happened: Western Law Firms Sever SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION Russian Ties by Edward McIntyre

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Page

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH Featuring Leonard Trinh by Julie T. Houth

LET’S NOT THINK OF JUNETEENTH AS JUST A BLACK HOLIDAY by Isaac Jackson

YOUR INVITATION TO LEAD by Renée N.G. Stackhouse

IMPACT

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2022 SDCBA SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS Get To Know This Year's Honorees and Read About Their Inspiration for Service

THE SDCBA’S DIFFERENT ABILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE Seeking Justice for People With Disabilities by Peter Lynch

ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY & CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Featuring the 2022 Law Week Poster & Video Contest Winners

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US Why We Need More Lawyers With Disabilities by Savanah Tiffany

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SAN DIEGO LAWYER EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Issue 3, May/June 2022

Co-Editors George W. Brewster Jr.

Gayani R. Weerasinghe

Editorial Committee Issue no. 3. San Diego Lawyer® (ISSN: 1096-1887) is published bimonthly by the San Diego County Bar Association, 401 West A Street, Suite 1100, San Diego, CA 92101. Phone is (619) 231-0781. The price of an annual subscription to members of the San Diego County Bar Association is included in their dues. Annual subscriptions to all others: $50. Single-copy price: $10. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, CA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to San Diego Lawyer, 401 West A Street, Suite 1100, San Diego, CA 92101. Copyright ©2022 by the San Diego County Bar Association. All rights r eserved. Opinions expressed in San Diego Lawyer are those of the authors only and are not opinions of the SDCBA or the San Diego Lawyer Editorial Board. Interested contributors may submit article ideas to the editors at www.sdcba.org/SDLidea. Unsolicited articles will not be printed in San Diego Lawyer. San Diego Lawyer reserves the right to edit all submissions, contributed articles and photographs at its sole discretion.

401 West A Street, Suite 1100, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone (619) 231-0781 • bar@sdcba.org • www.sdcba.org

Stephanie Ahlstrom Eric Alizade Shelley Carder Sara Gold Wendy House Julie Houth

Anne Kammer Edward McIntyre Michael Olinik Stephanie Sandler Wilson Schooley Andrea Warren

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION Board of Directors President David Majchrzak President-Elect A. Melissa Johnson Immediate Past President Renée N.G. Stackhouse Secretary Stacey A. Kartchner Treasurer Michelle A. Gastil

Directors Leslie Abrigo Jodi Cleesattle Brandon Kimura Tatiana Kline Brenda Lopez Angela Medrano Spencer Scott Robert M. Shaughnessy Fanny Yu New Lawyer Division Chair Jake Zindulka

Vice Presidents Warren Den Wilson A. Schooley L. Marcel Stewart Kimberly Swierenga SDCBA Staff — San Diego Lawyer Executive Director Jill Epstein Director of Marketing & Outreach Ron Marcus

Content and Publications Editor Savanah Tiffany Marketing Manager Sasha Feredoni

Senior Designer Attiba Royster

ADVERTISERS INDEX 4xForensic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Buchalter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 ADR Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Alternative Resolution Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 CaseText . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 CaseyGerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 JAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Judicate West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN BY DAVID MAJCHRZAK

used to have mixed feelings about subjectively-

renewing contacts with old friends, there is simply a

given awards. And let’s face it, most fall into that

different dynamic when working alongside another

categorically. I cannot recall the last time that I felt

person. When you regularly spend time in meetings or

a recipient was not deserving. Yet I often found myself

collaborating to run an event, you have an opportunity

thinking of all of the other people who did what the

to demonstrate your skills, rather than just talking about

recognition celebrates. Were they discouraged by the

them. Plus, the exposure permits your personality to

fact that they were not picked as the “most outstanding”

shine through in a more natural and organic way.

in some category? These opportunities also sharpen your skills in whatever A friend reminded me that it was important to celebrate.

area you are volunteering. For example, if you are

And though awards are usually given to an individual,

providing pro bono services in a particular practice area

they are celebrating the ideals that the person’s

that you are less familiar with, it will help you learn it

activities represent. That is why I have come to love

better, whether considering issue-spotting, analysis,

the service awards that the San Diego County Bar

or even terminology. Those, of course, are skills that

Association bestows each year. They celebrate an

translate to any practice, but can grow stale as we

important tenet which I may have mentioned before:

become increasingly familiar with something that

lawyers do good.

begins to feel like second nature. People learn by doing. Broadening your skills to more disciplines makes you

Service to our community may take on many forms.

a better lawyer, and more valuable to your clients and

It is not only about providing legal services to the

your firm.

poor — though that is noble and important for us to do. There are many reasons to pursue opportunities to

Community service also helps you grow soft skills

serve, including the good feelings it provides us in

that law schools don’t teach, but that are imperative

helping, the duties we have, or something else. But what

to professional success. These include accountability,

I think may sometimes get lost is that engaging in such

communication, confidence, decision-making, leadership,

service greatly benefits the lawyers themselves.

and teamwork. Sure, there are books and classes about these things as well. But the only way to really learn

The San Diego County Bar Association’s board of

them is by doing.

volunteer directors has consistently talked about how important it is to have a strong sense of community.

And there are plenty of opportunities to develop these

That concept is one rooted in relationships. Community

through volunteer work, whether heading up an event,

service is a vehicle for introducing lawyers to new

joining a bar committee or a nonprofit board, planning a

people, whether other lawyers or members of the

continuing legal education program, or even organizing a

general community. And the impression that can be

social event for lawyers. Such experiences will teach you

made in such an environment is much different than

how to (and how not to) encourage, lead, and motivate

that in most others. Though networking events can

others who work alongside you. And in so doing, you may

be wonderful vehicles for meeting new people and

also learn that your personal views are not those that you

8 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

should always attribute to an organization when deciding

legal services to the disadvantaged and the

what will be in its best interests.

underrepresented, and then feeling good about doing good. But there are many other reasons why the

That concept is something that we employ when

pursuit of community service really is its own reward.

representing clients, who are the ultimate decision-

Regardless of whether a lawyer engages in community

makers. Though lawyers are looked to for advice,

service that has some connection to the practice of law,

we are not the final authority, and our clients are not

that engagement can lead to the development of new

strictly obligated to follow what we say. Understanding

skills that translate to our profession. So, be seen.

such a role is a skill that takes refining — often

Be heard. Be somebody who comes to mind when

throughout a career — and can be developed through

people need help. The support you provide to the

community service.

community will, in turn, help support you in your career.

When involved in decision-making — something which

Thank you to all who support both our legal community

almost any community service would call for — people

and our general community. I celebrate your efforts,

start to develop the acuity and self-assuredness to

and applaud all that you are able to draw from

gather and consider sufficient information to choose

that experience.

a direction and execute. Such skills will help lawyers develop a stronger sense of confidence, pride, and professionalism. Leadership and community service are aspects of professionalism. Part of this is, in fact, providing

David Majchrzak (dmajchrzak@klinedinstlaw.com) is the Deputy General Counsel and a Shareholder with Klinedinst PC. His practice is devoted to serving lawyers and judges in ethics, discipline, and litigation matters. He is the 2022 SDCBA President.

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LAW SCHOOL COLUMN by Yannick Bretschneider

RHYTHM AND ADVOCACY

resenting oral arguments is like singing the blues. You carry them with you and feel better the more frequently you perform.

Singing the blues is an exercise of cathartically singing away sadness. The act of singing provides an outlet for relief. Oral arguments, similarly, allow you to practice public speaking while providing relief for your client. In my last year at the University of San Diego School of Law, I was able to find comfort and relief in public speaking as I competed in the National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) Moot Court and the Vienna Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (VICAM) Competition. Simultaneously practicing appellate and arbitral arguments can at times feel disorienting. Accidentally addressing the arbitral tribunal as “Your Honor,” remembering record citations, and memorizing transitions was difficult. To combat these challenges, I found myself listening to Miles Davis to calm my nerves before practice. Because I was presenting remotely, I would also put on Led Zeppelin to build anticipation and stay in the moment. Listening to music to prepare for my presentations helped me focus on the differences and similarities of each argument. Appellate and arbitral arguments have similar professional standards. Both require advocates to stop and answer questions in the middle of presenting, develop themes tying issues together, and respond to, or anticipate and refute, opposing arguments. These similarities allowed me to keep my professionalism turned to 11 as I welcomed nuanced hypotheticals and addressed public policy concerns. I enjoyed responding

to questions and using them to pivot back to my argument because they gave me a moment to remember the bigger picture. Where appellate and arbitral arguments differ is in how advocates support their client’s contentions. Appellate arguments require exhaustive legal research and case law to support every call to action. Meanwhile, in arbitration, there is no general principle of stare decisis, and advocates are encouraged, instead, to make logical arguments based on the record. This difference, however, only strengthened my presentations in both contexts. In VICAM, I naturally searched for supplemental case law, while in Moot Court, I crafted logical arguments as a basis for my legal research and record citations. Learning how to formulate and present appellate and arbitral arguments, sometimes within the same day, has made me a better advocate. Before law school, I prided myself on understanding the various viewpoints that come with each issue. In personal statements, I would highlight my ability to switch between my family’s German and American cultures as an asset to understanding and serving others. While writing acoustic songs, I would change perspectives in each verse to tell a story. Now that I view presenting oral arguments like singing the blues, I can better empathize with clients, anticipate the opposing counsel’s rebuttals, and build effective arguments.

Yannick Bretschneider (yannickbretschneider@gmail.com) is a 3L at the University of San Diego School of Law who is passionate about helping people. Outside of law school, he enjoys collecting records, playing soccer and pickleball, and shooting film photography.

We want to hear from you. San Diego Lawyer welcomes articles written by practicing attorneys and industry experts on various law-related topics. Interested contributors can view guidelines and submit their ideas using the form at www.sdcba.org/SDLidea. We also highly encourage the participation of diverse authors, including (but not limited to) people who have less than five years of legal practice, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Please read posted submission criteria carefully. San Diego Lawyer does not accept unsolicited article submissions.

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 11

ETHICS by Edward McIntyre

SIDE GIG CAUTION Lawyers Providing “Nonlegal” Services to Clients

Illustration by George W. Brewster Jr.

Macbeth, Duncan, and Sara were eating lunch. Thaddeus Graham walked up, pulled out a chair, and plunked down at their table. Macbeth winked at Duncan and Sara, then asked, “Care to join us, Ted?” Graham burst out, “Let me tell you about my latest brainstorm. Just brilliant. I —” “It appears you have the floor. So, proceed if you wish.” “I’ve got this client. Wealthy kid. Inherited money. No business sense whatsoever.” “Sounds dangerous.” “Precisely what I told him. Great minds run in the same pack. Anyhow, I’ll be his business consultant. His advisor. It will be a nonlegal business advisory service. Set up a separate LLC. Called it ‘Graham and Associates — Business Consulting Group.’”

“I’m exclusively responsible for deciding what and how and when I provide the business advice. We’ll have a limited confidentiality provision in the agreement. So, his private information’s safe from the public. Also, materials I prepare for him — you know, from my advice and such — they’ll be his. Kind of like a ‘work-for-hire.’ Had to give him something he can hang on to.” “What happens if, in a particular month, you don’t have time to advise him? Or there’s nothing to advise about?” “That’s the brilliant part of this deal. I exclusively determine what I provide. How I provide it. All the details. So —” Duncan interrupted. “You have a deal with a client to give him what you call nonlegal business advice? He pays you $10,000 a month? And you decide what advice to give? Or even if you give it at all — in a particular month?” “Sweet, eh?”

“I didn’t realize you had associates, Ted. I thought you were a sole practitioner.”

Sara spoke. “Have you considered the implications of the Rules of Professional Conduct? Rule 1.8.1, for example? Business transactions with a client?”

“Always have been. But ‘associates’ sounds, you know, more ‘big league.’”

“Didn’t you hear me say it was a ‘nonlegal’ business?”

“I guess, but —” “So let me tell you my brainstorm. He’ll pay me $10,000 a month. That’s it. No other compensation.” Macbeth’s eyebrows went up in unison.

12 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

“I did. But even when a lawyer provides nonlegal services to a client, directly or through a separate business, the lawyer must still comply with the rules.” “Come on. Really?”

“Formal ethics opinions have said that for years. At least since 1995. Discipline cases go back further than that.” “Wow! So, what do I have to do?”

“Whether there’s significant risk that what you do for the client under the agreement is materially limited by your own interests. Or your responsibilities to another client. Or some third party.”

“Start with rule 1.8.1. Doing business with a client. The terms must be fair and reasonable to the client. And fully disclosed. For example, that you get paid even if you give no advice that month. You also must tell him to get the advice of independent counsel. And the time to do it.”

“How? Give me an example.”

“Even for this deal.”

“I don’t think that’ll happen.”

“Especially for this deal. But there’s more.”

“Perhaps not. But rule 1.7 requires full disclosure and the client’s informed written consent to the risk. Also, the ‘and associates’ part might violate rule 7.1. A false or misleading communication about your services.”

“Like what?” “Is $10K a month fair and reasonable? For maybe no work on your part? Or would it be considered unconscionable under rule 1.5? Also, you said a ‘limited confidentiality provision?’” “Yeah. To protect him —” “But rule 1.6 and Business and Professions Code section 6068, subdivision (e)(10) mandate complete confidentiality. With a very narrow exception that doesn’t apply to your arrangement.”

“Sure. Assume you’re very busy with work for other clients. Demanding clients. Too busy to come up with business advice for this client. But you don’t have to worry that month because you’ll still get paid.”

“This is getting ugly. Should’ve eaten lunch by myself.” Macbeth held up his hand. “Perhaps, Ted. But this may be an area where it’s better to ask before plunging ahead.” Macbeth looked to Sara and Duncan. “Looks like we’re finished. Back to the office?” Macbeth pushed out his chair. Sara and Duncan followed. “We wish you well, Ted. Let us know if we can help.”

“OK. I can change that.” “You also said this client is naïve. At least when it comes to business?”

Editor’s Note: State Bar Formal Opinion 1995-141 addresses non-lawyer services for a client. See Beery v. State Bar (1987) 43 Cal.3d 802, 813; Sodikoff V. State Bar (1975) 14 Cal.3d 422, 429.

“Yeah. That’s what gave me the idea in the first place.” “That may suggest your undue influence on your client. Or a conflict of interest under rule 1.7(b).”

Edward McIntyre (edmcintyre@ethicsguru.law) is a professional responsibility lawyer.

“How so?”

GOT A LEGAL ETHICS QUESTION? CALL THE LEGAL ETHICS HOTLINE: (619) 231-0781 x4145 The SDCBA Legal Ethics committee is here to help! SDCBA members can call our Legal Ethics Hotline* for guidance and perspective on a variety of ethical considerations in the practice of law. Your call will be taken by a seasoned attorney with significant experience in legal ethics issues. Simply call the hotline and leave a message with your phone number, your question, and any context you can provide that can help our attorneys research your question before responding. One of our Legal Ethics committee members will call you back to discuss your question with you. *Before calling, please read this disclosure: https://www.sdcba.org/docDownload/47105. SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 13

TECHNOLOGY by Bill Kammer

TECH TIPS AND TIDBITS The Rise of Smishing Most lawyers now appreciate the dangers presented by phishing emails. Many have battled back by installing software defenses and utilizing education to reduce the risks posed by such emails. Those defenses have proven somewhat effective so far. However, people increasingly communicate by text message with clients, friends, and family. Many of those communications are pithy and trigger prompt responses. In a recent survey, 56% of respondents reported receiving a scam message via text during the past year. Unfortunately, one-third of those respondents complied with the request, probably because they failed to recognize the novel attack and habitually dealt promptly with text messages. Sadly, there is a downside risk to employees who make a cybersecurity mistake that compromises their company’s security. Last year, 21% of those employees lost their jobs. For some insights into the psychology of human errors, visit this report at https://www.tessian.com/resources/psychology-ofhuman-error-2022.

New Data Sources/ Collaboration App Data Interesting issues arise from the rapid accumulation of electronically stored information (ESI) resulting from collaboration applications such as Slack or Teams. Further, those issues raise serious questions of proportionality because of the sheer abundance of that data and the numerous potential custodians. Today, Slack has 12 million users and over 150,000 organizations have subscribed to the app. Where should you start to define or negotiate proportional discovery? You might start by identifying or limiting the number of custodians. How do you determine the appropriate custodian for collaborative data shared among an entire project team? And can you really begin to scope discovery if the

14 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

appropriate custodians cannot be clearly identified and the amount of data cannot be accurately determined? These are not the only considerations raised by these developments. Further reading is available on the Hanzo blog at https://www.hanzo.co/blog/ediscovery-howthe-federal-rules-apply-in-the-digital-age.

Business Email Compromise The San Diego office of the FBI receives over 10 reports each week of compromises of local companies’ data, often the result of business email compromise (BEM). Those compromises might result from spear phishing emails, CEO fraud, or bogus invoice schemes: https:// www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-andcrimes/business-email-compromise. The local FBI office is ready to assist any company suffering that type of compromise. Though, for a variety of reasons, companies may be reluctant to report a compromise. Still, the best advice is to either call the FBI office or visit www.ic3.gov and file a report. Doing that may trigger a “financial fraud kill chain” that will substantially increase the chance of getting your money back from the thieves. No one is immune to these attacks. Because larger firms and businesses generally have better cybersecurity defenses, recent scammers have focused their efforts on small and medium businesses. Local federal prosecutors often will not undertake a case involving a loss of less than $400,000, so a prompt report to the FBI may be your best tactic. The FBI’s local contacts are SA Peter Casey (pmcasey@fbi.gov) and SSA Nick Arico (njarico@fbi.gov). The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, www. CISA.gov, and the FBI have posted helpful resources. The FBI’s resources are enumerated on its community outreach page at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/fieldoffices/sandiego/community-outreach.

Questions to Ask Your eDiscovery or Internet Applications Vendor

Understanding TechnologyAssisted Review

Businesses and lawyers are gradually shifting their eDiscovery evolutions and office applications to cloudbased vendors. Most lawyers now appreciate the inherent risks and challenges to the protection of valuable and confidential information stored internally. But as we migrate operations and data storage to the cloud, we can’t escape responsibility for the safe and confidential storage of the transferred files and data. These are some issues to discuss with your cloud vendors:

For some years, vendors have touted the computer assistance available in their eDiscovery applications that might assist in sorting through and whittling down the vast amount of ESI that might otherwise pass through to the review platform. Often powered by a black box of artificial intelligence, technology-assisted review (TAR) software can save substantial time and money in the human review process. Unfortunately, many lawyers have no real concept of how that TAR technology operates. As a result, they cannot employ it in the most effective manner. Kirsten Brandon has authored an excellent blog article entitled “Understanding Review Technology.” You can find it at https://sandlineglobal.com/understandingreview-technology.

1. The status of cybersecurity compliance. 2. Possession of appropriate credentials. 3. Regular performance of penetration tests. 4. Encryption of stored data during transit and at rest. 5. Defined and limited access to the lawyers’ or clients’ data. These are not the only questions requiring answers, and you can find effective checklists on the web, such as https://edrm.net/2022/03/8-questions-to-ask-yourediscovery-vendor.

Bill Kammer (wkammer@swsslaw.com) is a partner with Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP.

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WHY I LAWYER YAHAIRAH ARISTY Deputy Public Defender at the San Diego County Office of the Primary Public Defender.

am a lawyer because I believe everyone deserves their day in court with an advocate that will be unafraid to advocate for justice and push the legal system to be its best version of itself every single day that court is in session. Looking back to the late 1990s when I decided to pursue a career as a lawyer, this principle motivated me. Back then, I was a clinical social worker for an agency that handled the most serious child abuse cases.

I attended court hearings and made recommendations to the court regarding whether family reunification was in the best interest of the children. My recommendations were from a clinical perspective, and it was important to me that I presented a complete picture even if the legal parties had a different approach. While it was not easy to speak up as a social worker, especially to contradict the lawyers, it was then that I knew it was important for the administration of justice to speak up and present a complete picture because without doing so, fairness and justice were not attainable. As I near 17 years as a lawyer, I find this need to advocate with a complete picture remains integral in my lawyering because not doing so will negatively affect the accused. Interestingly, in recent years our

I am also a lawyer because I believe women belong in the justice system as lawyers and judges. I have lost count of the many times white and non-white individuals have asked if I was the paralegal, the clerk, the interpreter, in court for someone? When I respond, “I am the lawyer,” the surprised look, and the mental gymnastics — woman, woman of color, lawyer — are unforgettable. These experiences confirm to me that as a woman lawyer, I am needed in a legal system that remains predominantly male, despite women making up 50.8% of the United States population. Without gender equality in the justice system, society experiences limitations in the administration of justice. Women’s perspectives and experiences add greater dimensions to every situation because of the simple truth that women are different from men. While I did not attend college or graduate school with a plan to become a lawyer, I am grateful that destiny guided me to become a diverse woman lawyer — being a lawyer is a noble profession that requires a high commitment to humanity with intellect, integrity, fairness, compassion, and passion to ensure our justice system has the courage to be its best version of itself in the daily administration of justice. So, let’s raise a glass to Lawyers Club for fighting 50 years for the feminist lawyer!

state legislature has enacted laws to ensure that the justice system considers the complete picture of the accused, acknowledging that an accused is a multidimensional individual with more than what meets the eye on the charging document.

Yahairah Aristy (ayahairah@gmail.com) serves as a Deputy Public Defender at the San Diego County Office of the Primary Public Defender. Yahairah is a dedicated community leader and attorney committed to ensuring that humanity is preserved in the justice system and that diversity, women, and vulnerable populations are valued in society.

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 17

Business of Law by Edward McIntyre

AND THEN PUTIN HAPPENED Western Law Firms Sever Russian Ties

he Soviet Union’s 1991 collapse, with the

London managing partner, Bruce Buck, is chair of

prospect of free-market economies in the

Chelsea Football Club.

former U.S.S.R., drew Western businesses to

new opportunities in Russia. Law firms also rushed in.

Clifford Chance’s Russian clients included Sberbank and VTB Bank, both Russian majority state-owned

Baker McKenzie, the first to open a Moscow office,

institutions. Debevoise & Plimpton has represented

in 1989 — the era of perestroika, before the Soviet

Sberbank, as well as the Russian state itself and

Union’s final demise — has reported 130 lawyers in its

former Ukrainian President, Petro Poroshenko. White

Moscow and St. Petersburg offices. Clifford Chance has

& Case’s clients include Belarus and VTB Bank. Baker

had a Russian presence since 1991. Latham & Watkins

Botts has been involved in some of Russia’s largest

opened in Moscow that same year. Dentons also

energy deals, representing Gazprom and Rosneft.

opened its Moscow office in 1991, with some 140 staff

Dentons also represented Gazprom. And DLA Piper

in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Skadden Arps opened

also represented Rosneft.

its Moscow office in 1992. DLA Piper has had offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg for 17 years; Bryan Cave

Then February 24, 2022, happened. The Russian market

likewise has had a long-established Russian presence

became toxic overnight.

with more than 120 lawyers in its Moscow office. The United States and its Western allies imposed These firms have been central to Russia’s integration

crippling sanctions on Russian entities. Many

into the global economy, brokering massive deals

companies voluntarily severed ties with Russia.

and structuring billions in assets. Skadden Arps, for

Fortune magazine reports that 150 companies quit

example, has had a two-decade relationship with

Russian business completely; 178 temporarily curtailed

the oligarch Roman Abramovich — the firm’s former

operations — keeping return options open — and 74 scaled back some operations or delayed investment.

18 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

Then the Ukrainian Bar Association publicly thanked

Because the Ukraine/Russia situation is so dynamic,

Norton Rose Fulbright and Linklaters for leaving Russia,

the list of law firms — available when this article was

calling on all law firms to do the same. Some more did.

written — that quit or curtailed their Russian presence

Finnish law firm Borenius, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

may be incomplete by its publication date. If a firm is

will shutter their Russian offices entirely.

not mentioned, the omission is unintentional; rather, it underscores the challenges a magazine has reporting

Latham & Watkins’ Chair and Managing Partner, Rich

important but highly fluid events.

Trobman, announced: “The firm will immediately begin an orderly transition, consistent with our ethical duties to our clients, to wind down operations in Moscow. During this process, our focus will be principally on the safety and well-being of our colleagues in Russia.” Others followed. DLA Piper first said it was severing its links with all Russian state entities. Then it announced its plans to quit the country, transferring its Russian business to its local partners to create an independent group without ties to the firm.

No one can foresee the economic impact on firms that leave Russia completely or reduce their presence. The Ukraine/Russia outcome remains too unpredictable — overly so. Nor can anyone determine the consequences for firms that choose to remain — either financial or reputational. But as sanctions and condemnations pile up and the invasion drags on, will there be a cost to doing business in a pariah state? Will return be possible? When the unthinkable becomes real in a millisecond, law firm managements have to remain nimble.

A DLA Piper spokesperson said: “In light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine ... we have concluded that maintaining a presence in Russia is not aligned with our

Edward McIntyre (edmcintyre@ethicsguru.law) is a professional responsibility lawyer.

values and therefore no longer viable. Accordingly ... we are withdrawing from our operations and will no longer have DLA Piper offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Our intention is to transfer the Russian business to our team there.” Dentons initially said it would cut relationships “where appropriate”; the firm is now separating from its Moscow and St. Petersburg offices, retaining a small support staff to facilitate its exit.

A M B E R B E V A C Q U A - LY N O T T J O I N S D A V I D E L K A N I C H A S A M E M B E R O F B U C H A LT E R ’ S PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY GROUP

And Baker McKenzie announced that its “current Russia operations, across both Moscow and St. Petersburg, will become an independent law firm. ... We will not act for any individuals or entities that are controlled by, or directly linked to, the Russian state and/or current regime, anywhere in the world.” Baker McKenzie, Dentons, and DLA Piper are withdrawing

The Professional Responsibility Practice Group focuses on ethics, litigation and regulatory issues that impact lawyers and law firms, in addition to public entities, inhouse departments, as well as judges and law students.

by severing their Russian offices into standalone firms. Transferring their business to a separate entity may help navigate or avoid the complex web of sanctions that have led a broad segment of companies to limit, suspend, or exit Russian operations altogether.

Amber and David can help lawyers and law firms navigate the ethics rules and develop strategies to avoid and manage sticky situations. And they defend lawyers when they need it most.

D AV I D ELKANICH (503) 226-8646 delkanich@buchalter.com

AMBER B E V A C Q U A - LY N O T T (503) 226-8644 alynott@buchalter.com

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 19

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH FEATURING LEONARD TRINH By Julie T. Houth

ach May since 1990, the United States has celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The AAPI community has

come a long way over the past 30+ years, but there are still many challenges that involve this group, including the rise in discrimination against the AAPI community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leonard Trinh’s choice to fight the injustices in the AAPI community through his career in law is one way to break the cycle. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this article highlights former Deputy District Attorney and newly-appointed San Diego Superior Court Judge Leonard Trinh’s background, personal and professional journey, and the legacy he hopes to leave in the San Diego community and beyond.

Growing Up Trinh’s parents came to the U.S. toward the end of the Vietnam War and settled in Longview, Washington, a

His parents encouraged them to be as “American” as possible at school. At home, his parents thought it was important that they still honor their culture, and their home reflected that. There were bonsai trees, stone temples, a koi pond, and paper lanterns all around the house. This made their house stand out in their neighborhood, and there was a neighbor in particular who did not like how they did not conform to the rest of the homes on their street. This neighbor argued with Trinh’s dad on multiple occasions because of the nonconforming look of their family home. Trinh’s family soon discovered that their house had been vandalized while getting the kids ready for school. Trees were uprooted, the fence was kicked in, and the stone temples were knocked over. As a family, they were sure they knew who was responsible. The incident was traumatic to them. His dad became fearful that they would be targeted in the future. His mom retreated to the small Asian community that existed in Longview. This incident gave Trinh a heightened sensitivity to bias and discrimination that he still carries today.

small town of approximately 40,000 people. His parents didn’t speak much English when they started their family.

Professional Journey

They primarily learned English from his older sister, who

When the lead hate crimes prosecutor position within the District Attorney’s office opened up in 2017, Trinh immediately expressed his interest. He was selected by District Attorney Summer Stephan for the role. Because of Trinh’s personal experiences with bias and discrimination, he believes this assignment gave him a

had to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) from kindergarten to second grade. Because both Trinh and his younger brother learned enough English from their sister before they started kindergarten, they did not need to enroll in ESL.

20 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

greater understanding of how hate crime victims feel after being victimized. Fighting hate crimes was one of Stephan’s priorities, and with her support, they started the first-in-the-state online hate crime/hate incident reporting tool. The online tool launched in April 2020 after seeing the rise in anti-AAPI hate crimes at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool allows victims and witnesses to contact the DA’s office directly for updates on their cases, and to report hate crimes/hate incidents that they see. This helps ensure that no hate crime slips through the cracks during the investigation. To date, they have received almost 300 hate crime tips through their reporting tool. Their overall hate crime prosecutions nearly tripled from 2017 to 2018, and they remain aggressive in prosecuting hate crimes today. From 2017 to 2019, there were no antiAAPI hate crimes referred to his office for review. Since the start of the pandemic, Trinh’s team has filed 5 antiAAPI hate crime cases.

Community Outreach In the last year, Trinh has also engaged with local communities on numerous occasions to educate them

on hate crime laws, how to report hate crimes, and how to stay safe. Trinh and his team are committed to training police dispatchers, law enforcement, and community members on hate crimes. They have conducted numerous hate crime forums with the AAPI community since the start of the pandemic, teaching community members the difference between hate crimes and hate incidents and how to report hate crimes, and providing crime victims with resources through their victim advocates. Trinh actively demonstrates his commitment to reducing barriers for victims and to increasing awareness and access for all communities in San Diego County. Trinh’s personal and professional life should inspire us all. His personal experiences fueled his passion to promote justice through a career in law. He is a prime example of what all lawyers should continue to strive to be — advocates and defenders of justice for our communities.

Julie T. Houth (jhouth@rgrdlaw.com) is a staff attorney at Robbins, Geller, Rudman & Dowd LLP and former co-editor of San Diego Lawyer.

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San Diego Lawyer congratulates the 2022 San Diego County Bar Association Service Award recipients. Get to know this year’s honorees and read about their inspiration for service on the following pages.

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 23

Why do you serve? I have always believed that when you give, you get much in return. I feel fortunate to give back to a profession that I love and that has given me so much — the opportunity to use my skills to assist those facing difficult legal problems without the resources to hire lawyers, the opportunity to help law students and young lawyers establish and build successful careers in this highly competitive market, and so much more. What I receive in exchange is immeasurable. Through my volunteer work, I am able to get engaged in different areas of law, meet my obligation as a lawyer to take on pro bono work, to build and maintain professional networks to sustain my practice, and to meet and build friendships with other engaged, curious, and interesting lawyers who are also focused on helping others in our community.

Outstanding Attorney Award

JAMES D. CROSBY Attorney At Law

What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? Say “yes” to professional service, pro bono, and mentoring opportunities. You will do some good, expand your professional networks, be exposed to new and interesting stuff, expand your skill set and, perhaps best of all, meet interesting people and build wonderful friendships. You will get back as much as you give. Say yes!

Why do you serve? As a judge I deal with interesting people and interesting issues every day. The work is challenging, consequential, and rewarding. Whether you’re a litigant, a juror, or an attorney, appearing in federal court ought to serve as a rebuttal to the common — and insidious — perception that our government doesn’t work well. Judges who are fair, efficient, and decisive promote confidence in the rule of law and improve the quality of life in their communities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do that. What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? Providing public legal service helps protect our rights and civil liberties and preserves the values we cherish as Americans. One of the great rewards of public legal service is the opportunity to act on your sense of altruism and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with knowing your efforts have made a measurable difference in the lives of others. Outstanding Jurist Award

HON. LARRY A. BURNS United States District Judge United States District Court for the Southern District of California

24 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

What is your favorite quote? “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and

What is your favorite quote? “Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal.” — John Wooden Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved one, mentor, or colleague? When my father was in his mid-80s, I helped him build a 20-foot wooden boat from plans. It was quite a project and a wonderful experience. My dad was going strong the whole time, and he still is at 91. I asked him how he does it. His advice: “Just keep moving.” The SDCBA Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life? In my work, the law week theme means that while the way we do our work and the law that informs our work changes and evolves, the bedrock principles of due process and fair notice must endure and be protected. In my daily life, simply that, as the Constitution, as amended, dictates, I should treat people equally and fairly and presume their good faith.

determination alone are omnipotent.” — John Calvin Coolidge Jr., 13th President of the United States Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved one, mentor, or colleague? My dad completed only the seventh grade, but he always understood the value and importance of education. His proudest legacy is that all three of his children graduated from college and graduate school. Still, he often reminded me: “Don’t get above your raisin,” which was his way of saying, “Stay humble and never think or act like you’re better than you are.” The SDCBA Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life? Our Constitution embodies a legally binding agreement between our government and the American people of every generation. The genius of the document is its durability; it doesn’t tarnish or become obsolete with the passage of time, nor should its standards and principles be twisted to fit a contemporary agenda. These are holdfast precepts for judges adjudicating constitutional issues.

Why do you serve? I have lived more than half of my life in a developing country (The Philippines) and the remaining period in a developed country (United States), and witnessed the same social, political, and economic inequalities. I serve because I believe a better world is possible. What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? I would advise others to imagine a better world and believe that we all have the responsibility to push humanity toward that direction. Let us teach ourselves and our children to dream of an inclusive and just society; and to imagine how we all can contribute towards that end.

Community Service Award

IAN M. SERUELO

What is your favorite quote? I consider the following statement from Martin Luther King Jr. as an important reminder of our collective and individual responsibility to stand against incidents of injustice: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved one, mentor, or colleague? When I was growing up, each time I hit a dead end or faced any difficulty executing a task, my late grandfather would tell me “medyosi,” which in my native Hiligaynon language roughly means “find a way” or “think of a solution.” I would always use that single-word simple wisdom in dealing with all challenges from simple everyday glitches to life’s complex problems. The SDCBA Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life? The Constitution is a living document that needs to be viewed and understood in light of changes in society. What should be constant is that the interpretation of the Constitution should be in pursuance of the promise of this social contract — that all human beings are created equal, that everyone should be treated fairly, that all communities should be able to access opportunities.

Attorney Law Offices of Ian M. Seruelo

Why do you serve? It’s so true that it’s better to give than receive. I think it’s important to be a part of something bigger than yourself that is personally meaningful. I’m so thankful to have opportunities to make a positive impact in the San Diego community and my own office through my work here at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? There are so many stereotypes about lawyers, and most of them are not very flattering. Serving the wider community allows us to show others — especially marginalized and underrepresented communities — the direct positive impact that we can have to make the world a more equitable place and hopefully inspire more diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond. What is your favorite quote? “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou Service to Diversity Award

KEN SO Chief Deputy City Attorney & Chief Diversity Officer, San Diego City Attorney’s Office

Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved one, mentor, or colleague? I had the privilege of working with my mentor, friend, and former colleague Makini Hammond for many years, serving

the San Diego community through our civil abatement actions. I tend to be a perfectionist and worry about outcomes. She would often ease my anxiety by letting me know that there was only so much I could control, and the rest was in God’s hands. She has shared many words of wisdom with me over the years, but her caring actions and genuine heart spoke even louder than her words. The SDCBA Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life? It definitely feels like we as people have become increasingly divided, which can be disheartening and frustrating. Issues that should not be politicized have become so. To me, this theme means that we should remember that we are all human, and as such, we all make mistakes and will undoubtedly have different opinions. We need to have more civility in our discourse. We need to give each other more grace in our everyday lives and focus more on what we have in common than what divides us. Now more than ever, we need to put diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of what we do to further understanding and bring us all closer together. SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 25

Why do you serve? I faced some challenges growing up and made plenty of bad decisions. Things could have turned out very differently for me but for the patience, kindness, and effort of others that never gave up on me. It took a village to get me to where I am today, and I am forever grateful to the people that showed me they cared. Now I simply try to pay it forward whenever I can. What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? You can look at service as an opportunity to write an entirely new chapter in the book of your life. You get to go out and meet new quality people and work with them to overcome challenges that matter to you. And regardless of the outcome of your efforts, the important thing is that you tried, and nobody can take that away from you.

Service by a Public Attorney Award

DAVID P. FINN

What is your favorite quote? “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” — John Wesley

Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved one, mentor, or colleague? I once had a Zen monk ask me if I was doing good for the right reasons. I’m still not sure if it was meant as a Zen koan, or just practical advice, but it has stayed with me. The SDCBA Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life? My daily work as a federal prosecutor is grounded in the core principles of justice, fairness, and checks and balances that are enshrined in the Constitution. Even as our society works toward a more perfect union, those bedrock democratic values in our founding documents are a valuable resource for guiding us forward.

Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of California

Why do you serve? As the daughter of immigrant parents, I have been blessed by the many riches that this country has provided for my parents, my sisters, and me. I serve to make a difference and to give back to my country and the community that has given me so much. What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi, 1869. Lose yourself in community service and you will reap the benefits exponentially as you truly find the person you are and everything that you can become.

Service to the Legal Community Award

BLANCA QUINTERO Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of California

26 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

What is your favorite quote? “Whatever it is that you choose to do, leave tracks. And that means don’t do it just for yourself, because in the end it’s not going to be fully satisfying. I think you will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived. And there’s no

satisfaction a person can gain from just what people call ‘turning over a buck’ that’s equal to the satisfaction that you get from knowing that you have made another’s life, your community, a little better for your effort.” — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved one, mentor, or colleague? “Dame una palanca y te muevo el mundo.” This is a saying my dad would often tell my sisters and I growing up. Literally, it states: “Give me a lever, and I will move the world.” As a kid, I didn’t know that this was part of a well-known saying by Archimedes that my dad adopted (in an abridged format) to tell us that with an education and hard work, we can do anything — even “move” or change this world! I now espouse this same advice to my kids.

Why do you serve? I serve my community because it is very important to help others. We are not all fortunate enough to have parents or professionals in our lives to guide us. My mother died when I was 17 years old, and I had no immediate family to help me raise my four younger siblings. I was new to this country, and strangers stepped up to help us. Many people took the time to listen, to care, to help, and without them I wouldn’t have become the lawyer I am today. What advice would you give others to inspire them to serve? I had a rough life growing up and asking for help was not in my nature. Luckily, I had people who listened, provided guidance, opened their hearts, and encouraged me to keep going. Service does not require any special, technical skills or money. Many children just want someone to hear them and guide them. All you need is a caring heart to make a difference in someone’s life. Service by a New Lawyer Award

CLAUDIA L. IGNACIO Attorney at Law Hone Maxwell LLP

What is your favorite quote? “SÍ, se puede” by Dolores Huerta and “It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand” by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Do you have any cherished advice that you have received from a loved-one, mentor, or colleague? My mother taught me to be thankful for everything. On good days, appreciate what you have and on bad days, just keep smiling. Turn that frown upside down. The SDCBA Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life? We live in constant change and as a society we need to adapt and adjust to these changes. We cannot rely on what “used” to work for that period of time. We are a society that relies on technology, our climate change is affecting our world and ourselves. Further, the cost of living is high, and we need to think about our future generations. We must face these changes and learn to interpret our Constitution accordingly. We cannot fully rely on the past interpretations of the law. We must move forward.

Responses provided by Robert Muth, Faculty Director, USD Legal Clinics What inspired you to join this program? The USD Legal Clinics program is the perfect blend of legal practice and legal education. We are a teaching clinic and supervise law students as they represent real clients with real cases. As an attorney, having a chance to serve those within our community who are most in need while also mentoring the next generation of lawyers was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Distinguished Organization Award

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SCHOOL OF LAW LEGAL CLINICS

What motivates you, your staff, and your volunteers to continue serving the community in this way? I think our law students are motivated to have an opportunity to put into practice for the first time all of the doctrinal knowledge they have learned in law school and use their training to make a difference in their community. Most of our students chose to attend law school because they wanted to make a positive difference in the world around them and their clinical experience gives them their first chance to do so as student-lawyers. The professors and staff are motivated to both serve our San Diego community and help students recognize the power they will soon have as attorneys to change the world for the better.

What is your vision for the future? We look forward to a future where all San Diegans have an opportunity for their voice to be heard, their rights recognized, and to have equal access to justice. The SDCBA’s Law Week theme this year is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” What does this theme mean to you in your work and in your daily life, and to the work your organization does? The work we do at the USD Legal Clinics helps expand access to justice and ensure that more individuals are able to fully participate in civic life and avail themselves of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. While there is still much work to be done, we feel privileged to have an opportunity to bring justice to a wider circle of San Diegans while shaping the next generation of lawyers who will continue the fight to move the United States “Toward a More Perfect Union.”

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 27

Annual Awards Ceremony & Celebration of Community Service: We had an amazing turnout at our first live awards ceremony since 2019. Congratulations to our incredible Service Award winners!

L to R: Robert Muth, Ken So, Claudia L. Ignacio, Hon. Larry A. Burns, James D. Crosby, Ian M. Seruelo, Blanca Quintero, David P. Finn

A farewell

Presenting the 2022 Law Week Poster and Video Award winners

Special thanks to our table sponsor, the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC)!

Law Week Poster & Video Award winners: Congratulations to this year's winners, and thank you to everyone who participated! We had many clever and creative submissions from local students.

Poster contest Grades 6-8 first place:

Poster contest Grades 9-12 first place:

SAINT JAMES ACADEMY

VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

MADI HOUCK

Poster contest Grades K-5 first place:

SIMONE BRACKEN

SILVER GATE ELEMENTARY

Video contest Grades 6-8 first place:

FAITH BELTRAN

ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL

BRISA ROJAS

Video contest Grades 6-8 first place:

GABRIELLE MAJCHRZAK POWAY HIGH SCHOOL

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 29

IMPACT

THE SDCBA’S DIFFERENT ABILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE Seeking Justice for People with Disabilities By Peter A. Lynch

he Different Abilities Subcommittee, part of the SDCBA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, was originally formed in 2016 under the name the Disability Interest Group (DIG). This subcommittee addresses disability rights issues and provides training on disability etiquette and unconscious bias, among other programs. It has worked over the years with San Diego State University (SDSU), Sempra, NALP, ABOTA, University of San Diego School of Law, Lincoln High School, Mission Bay High School, and other organizations.

Feinstein’s office and requested help. The initial plan was to temporarily modify the existing bathroom stalls; the next step was to get funds budgeted for permanent renovations in fiscal year 2023. Permanent installations will occur in fiscal year 2024. The previous photo shows temporary repairs made to one of the restrooms, which has been enlarged for assistive device use. Coat hangers were also installed in the center of the door to achieve greater accessibility opening and closing the stall door.

Airline Access As the subcommittee was concluding its work on the Schwartz Courthouse, we became aware of air travel assistive devices being severely damaged. We have heard numerous heartbreaking stories of people with disabilities having custom-made wheelchairs and other assistive devices regularly broken during air travel. Thousands of assistive and mobility devices are mishandled each year according to the Air Travel Consumer Report of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, which catalogs this in its monthly publication. The physical and emotional toll on an assistive device user having devices broken or destroyed is beyond cruel and could be avoided easily with proper stowage or other remedial measures.

Federal Courthouse Renovations In 2021, the Schwartz Courthouse did not have accessible bathrooms on the second, third, and fourth floors. Built in 1975, the courthouse was 46 years old when the lack of accessible bathrooms was brought to the subcommittee’s attention. Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, yet these floors of the Schwartz Courthouse remained out of compliance 32 years later. The subcommittee contacted the ever-responsive Clerk, John Morrill, who informed us that the General Services Administration (GSA) manages the courthouse. Conversations with GSA started positively. Once progress slowed, however, we alerted Senator Diane 30 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

The subcommittee realized the need for immediate legislative initiatives and communicated again with Senator Feinstein’s office. The senator’s staff informed us that they, too, were attempting to address damage to assistive devices, and asked for the subcommittee’s help. Subcommittee members swung into action. We conducted historical research on the problem, revealing that, although the Air Carrier Access Act prohibited discrimination in air travel based on disability, it stands far removed from the Americans with Disabilities Act, and does not provide any direction on how to store assistive and mobility devices. We advised the SDCBA Board about the senator’s request and prepared a comprehensive letter with recommendations that the Board approved. We then had it delivered to Senator Feinstein’s Washington, D.C. office (with a copy sent to her San Diego office).

IMPACT The recommendations include directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create regulations mandating that airlines operating in the U.S. provide options (including the opportunity to use certified tiedowns so an assistive device or mobility device can be used as a seat) and ensure the safe transport of assistive devices (including providing protective cases to store devices in the checked baggage compartment). We also recommended that the FAA require airlines to provide mandatory training for all baggage employees about proper procedures for safely handling and loading both power and manual wheelchairs, as well as other mobility devices. The DOT and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, in collaboration with experts in the field of plane accessibility and with disabled citizens who have experienced breakage of such devices, can mandate these requirements. Finally, we recommended that Congress direct the FAA to create an oversight office to audit airlines to determine how successfully they can transport critical assistive and mobility equipment for customers. The oversight office can then recommend practices based on those findings to prevent future damage. These steps will serve as a prophylactic measure, instead of the current process of simply reimbursing a customer for a damaged device.

The subcommittee, which SDCBA Board member Stacey Kartchner currently chairs, is also working with Clerk Morrill’s team to explore whether the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), which oversees the Paid Internship Programs, would provide funding for clients receiving DOR services to have a paid internship program at the Clerk’s office. Currently, the Court is monitoring Cozen O’Connor’s firm-supported disabilityrightsnow.com second candidate placement, Jose Velasco-Ramirez. Photos of Jose and a recent court visit are below. Jose, with an AA degree in accounting, works on damage summaries. Other subcommittee projects include working with the Ninth Circuit to consider adopting the Disability Etiquette, “Interacting with Persons with Disabilities,” pamphlet that we previously created, working collaboratively with the Southern District of California, and which is available on the court’s website at https://www.casd.uscourts.gov/_ assets/pdf/more/Disability-Etiquette.pdf.

Peter A. Lynch (plynch@cozen.com) is a disability rights activist, Founder of disabilityrightsnow.com (a 501(c)(3) seeking to provide donated stipends to assist people with disabilities pursuing careers in the law), Founder of the Different Abilities Subcommittee, and Office Managing Partner of Cozen O’Connor’s San Diego Office.

Clerk of the Court John Morrill and Nicole Lennon-Fisher of the U.S. District Court for Southern District of California and Cozen O'Connor San Diego Office Manager Tracy Sanasac

Jose Velasco-Ramirez and Peter A. Lynch

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 31

IMPACT

NOTHING ABOUT US

WITHOUT US

WHY WE NEED MORE LAWYERS WITH DISABILITIES By Savanah Tiffany

Kendra Muller and Peter A. Lynch at the Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse

n April 1977, disability rights activists across the country mobilized to demand enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 extended nondiscrimination protections to people with disabilities, though necessary regulations had been long delayed. While most protests lasted one or two days, the San Francisco sit-in lasted over three weeks and became one of the longest occupations of a federal building in U.S. history.1 During this time, many protestors went without health care aids, medicine, and other necessary equipment. Regulations were finally signed on April 28, 1977, laying the groundwork for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).1 Said activist Judith Heumann, "We demonstrated to the entire nation that disabled people could take control over our own lives and take leadership in the struggle for equality."2 And yet, today, people with disabilities are frequently overlooked when it comes to conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion.3 The legal profession isn't exempt. “I think people do expect lawyers to be able-bodied,” says law student Kendra Muller. A member of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Different Abilities Subcommittee (DAG), she has worked to analyze and address underrepresentation of people with disabilities in the legal field. Peter Lynch founded the DAG in 2016. As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, Lynch frequently encountered people with disabilities — except, notably, in the legal field. “I had discussions with now-Judge Judy Bay and Judge Loren Freestone and said, ‘Look, we’re missing a whole group of people.’” Not by a small margin, either: people with disabilities make up around 20% of

32 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

California’s population, but according to a 2020 ABA study, the number of lawyers at American law firms with disabilities remains small at only 0.7-1%.4 These percentages are likely low in part due to underreporting. Many people are scared to say they have a disability. If they disclose, do they still have a job? Are they still deemed competent to be a lawyer? "It’s an overall stereotype that disabled people don’t have jobs, they can’t work,” Muller says. “Younger disabled people I’ve met with have kind of taken those stereotypes into themselves and said, oh, I’m not supposed to be a lawyer, or a doctor, or a surgeon.” Some of Muller’s undergraduate professors even discouraged her from pursuing a degree in law. “There are a lot of voices saying ‘no you can’t do that,’ for no real reason. I have different tools I use in my life, the biggest of which people see is the wheelchair, which helps me do different tasks. There’s a multitude of different tools that allow basically anyone to do any job." Plus, she says, people with disabilities are constantly innovating — they have experience advocating for themselves and collaborating to solve for access. The recent Schwartz Courthouse renovations are just one example. Last September, Muller met with Mary Dover and Doug Papineau from the General Services Administration (GSA) at the Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse to help address a 46-year-old issue: the courthouse didn’t have accessible bathroom stalls on the second, third, or fourth floors. Muller says a bathroom might be something we don’t think about often — but when you can’t find one, it’s important: “If I’m a lawyer at that courthouse and there’s a break in court, I’m running all over, using the elevator,

IMPACT trying to find an accessible room. I’m going to be running late, and that’s inconvenient for me and the court.” Building accessibility requirements outlined by the ADA are often helpful, but not exhaustive; yet another reason why representation and legislation must work hand in hand. Because Muller uses a wheelchair herself, she was able to make suggestions and point out accessibility issues that might have otherwise gone overlooked. Temporary fixes like removing extra doors to create space, lowering door handles, and adjusting hinges to make doors lighter will be followed by more permanent adjustments in 2024. The renovations were a major success for the DAG, and Muller hopes this is a step toward making the legal profession more welcoming to people with disabilities. She often thinks of her fellow law students: "I hope they get jobs at the federal courthouse, at the state courthouses. And if they’re not accessible, that’s pretty disappointing." Muller believes increasing access will benefit the entire legal community. "Because disability often intersects with other civil rights groups, acknowledging it can help create holistic solutions that benefit all communities. Whenever someone goes into law that isn’t the cookie-cutter mold for a lawyer, they create a better-functioning legal process, because they’re going to push for changes in the law we haven’t had before.

Lynch agrees that this is a much bigger human interest issue. “If you don’t have people with disabilities on the panel, in the jury box, you’re not going to get a judgment that’s reflective of the entire community.” Often, this feels like an uphill battle. That’s why outreach and visibility are so critical. “We’re at ground zero, so we’ve got to start somewhere,” says Lynch. “If we’ve got to admit one person with disabilities at a time into the practice, that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Savanah Tiffany (stiffany@sdcba.org) is the Content and Publications Editor for the SDCBA.

[1] https://www.salon.com/2022/05/01/jimmy-carters-landmarkmoment-the-birth-of-the-disability-rights-movement

[2] https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/sitting-disability-rightssection-504-protests-1970s

[3] Doris Z. Fleischer & Frieda Zames, “Disability Rights: The Overlooked Civil Rights Issue,” Disability Studies Quarterly 27(1-2) (2005); Blanck, Peter, Fitore Hyseni, and Fatma Altunkol Wise. "Diversity and Inclusion in the American Legal Profession: Discrimination and Bias Reported by Lawyers with Disabilities and Lawyers Who Identify as LGBTQ+." American Journal of Law & Medicine 47, no. 1 (2021): 9-61.

[4] https://www.abalegalprofile.com/demographics

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LET’S NOT THINK OF JUNETEENTH AS JUST A BLACK HOLIDAY By Isaac Jackson

hen was the last time you thought about your freedom? Some are reminded of their freedom when they hear the national anthem played at the start of a ball game. Others are reminded when they choose where to worship, whom to love, or even what to read. Some only think of freedom when the seatbelt light on the plane turns off, and they are now free to move about the cabin. One way or another, we all enjoy certain freedoms in this country. Some of those freedoms were only secured through the countless sacrifices made by our predecessors who refused to accept an unjust status quo. The commemoration of June 19th, often referred to as “Juneteenth,” is a celebration of the legal emancipation of enslaved Black people in this country. There is, however, another aspect of Juneteenth that I believe the legal community should recognize and learn from. On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” You may ask yourself, if slaves were freed on January 1, why do we celebrate June 19? The answer is one example of the atrocious legacy of slavery in this country, a legacy which still has a very real impact today. Although Black slaves were emancipated in January 1863, the news of the emancipation did not reach those who were enslaved in western Confederate-controlled states until more than two years later. In a world with a telegraph, transnational railroad, national mail carriers, and even a short-lived Pony Express that could carry mail across the United States in just 10 days, taking over two years to let someone know they are free at last is a tragedy and a shame. On June 19, 1865, some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day, and the celebration that ensued, came to be known as Juneteenth. In more recent history, on June 18, 2021, President Joe Biden declared June 19th as a National Day of Observance wherein he called upon the people of the United States “to acknowledge and celebrate the end of the Civil War

34 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

and the emancipation of Black Americans, and commit together to eradicate systemic racism that still undermines our founding ideals and collective prosperity.” I imagine many readers of this article may think of Juneteenth as a celebration mainly for Black Americans. I will go one step further and say that many readers likely had not thought about, or even heard of Juneteenth at all before last year. Now that you know the history, I urge you to think about the significance it has for this country. America was built on the backs of slaves. As Americans, it is our duty to recognize and celebrate the victories won against the vile practice of slavery and use that knowledge to keep fighting against the discriminatory impacts of slavery seen today. Moreover, Juneteenth should have a special significance for lawyers. For over two years, 250,000 Black people in Texas were legally free, but did not know it. What good is legal freedom if you don’t know you have it? As lawyers we are in a privileged position to access, understand, and use the laws of the land to benefit our clients. It is our duty to spread that knowledge and access to those who need it. There are people in this country, in San Diego County, who are in difficult situations that could and would be improved if they had access to our legal knowledge and resources. Obviously, there are challenges to making legal services accessible to all those who need them, but this Juneteenth I challenge you to think about what you can do to help someone learn about their rights. What can you do to help someone use the law to receive more fair and equitable treatment in this society? In recognizing Juneteenth, we are reminded that Black Texans remained enslaved for two years longer than was legally allowed. There are people yet “enslaved” today, unwittingly waiting to hear the good news that they can and should be free. My question to you now is: Will you help spread the message?

Isaac Jackson (isaac.jackson@sdcda.org) is Deputy District Attorney with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

YOUR INVITATION TO LEAD By Renée N.G. Stackhouse

“grew up” in the legal profession volunteering for various bar associations in San Diego whose missions spoke most closely to me. When I could, I attended events with sister organizations that I couldn’t afford to join, but I could afford to show up and show my support. It always struck me as a newer lawyer that I wished I would see more leaders in the community at these events who didn’t have to be there, if that makes sense. I wanted to see non-Latinx folks at La Raza events, for instance, not because Latinx engagement wasn’t important, but because spreading the message beyond the Latinx community was. Fast forward a few years and I vividly remember when Richard Huver was President-Elect of the SDCBA and reached out to me about serving on SDCBA committees and how honored I felt to be involved in a meaningful way with “the big Bar.” I hoped that I could do enough work to someday run for the Board of Directors. And so, when I had enough years in practice, I did just that, because I wanted to be that person who would attend a bar organization on behalf of the greater community. I wanted to be able to share with managing partners of law firms and other agencies why diversity, equity, and inclusion were beneficial to them and the betterment of the legal community. Because I knew then, as I know now, that the voice of the SDCBA has power: thousands of members strong, composed of different ideologies and backgrounds, but united in the belief that we, as an organization, can shape our profession. In addition to being able to do all of that, joining the Board gave me so many more opportunities. From learning to properly manage assets so that SDCBA dues remain affordable for all of our members, to providing innovative member benefits like having our own technology consultant (who was an absolute blessing during the pandemic), and beyond: to making statements on actions that impact our community and profession, to expanding our Lawyer Referral & Information Service to Imperial County to help an underrepresented community, to building in wellness as a priority for our members. These are just a few examples of how we, as a Board, constantly challenge ourselves to

effectuate positive change. Each committee meeting and each Board meeting led to new actions and new ways to do better for our members. Our members, who are not just colleagues, but friends. You. I am proud of the good work we have done in the six years I have been on the Board. I know that the good work will continue well after I term off. You have an opportunity to be a part of that good work. I hope you will consider running for the SDCBA Board of Directors. Whether you have volunteered within the SDCBA or done comparable work in the community, we want — and need — people who know and can represent our legal community, who have a deep passion for the work, and a willingness to work diligently and collegially with each other and our incredible professional team. Self-nominations are being accepted now through Aug. 1, 2022. Nominations are to be submitted using an online form through the SDCBA website. For more information and to submit a nomination, you can visit https:// www.sdcba.org/Board_Nominations. Candidate position statements must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2022. The election will take place Oct. 12 through Nov. 11, 2022. If you have questions about running for the Board, you have a number of resources available to you. My email is renee@stackhouseapc.com; please email me anytime! We have an online library of videos recorded in 2019 and 2020 on how to run for the Board, and will host a live (and live-streamed) program on June 16, 2022, during the lunch hour. This is your invitation to run for the SDCBA Board of Directors. Don’t overthink it. Don’t talk yourself out of it. If this calls to you, reach for it. You will bring so much to the Board just by being you. I can’t wait to watch all that you will help accomplish.

Renée N.G. Stackhouse (renee@stackhouseapc. com) is a plaintiff’s personal injury and military defense trial lawyer at Stackhouse, APC.

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 35

BUILDING LAWYERS AS LEADERS: The San Diego County Bar Association Launches Its Inaugural Leadership Academy By Nicole Heeder & Johanna Schiavoni

he Leadership Academy has been years in the

ethical, and service-oriented leaders; (2) To increase the

making. Floating through the hands of various

diversity of leaders in the profession and community; (3) To

committees and the hearts of countless leaders, the

foster relationships among attorneys from a broad segment of

Leadership Academy is the culmination of years of planning,

the SDCBA’s membership; (4) To provide hands-on leadership

a true labor of love.

training opportunities to members; (5) To inspire attorneys to seek leadership positions; and (6) To build a support

The idea gained unanimous support from the Board of

community to assist members in achieving meaningful

Directors in October 2018, as it approved recommendations

leadership opportunities. And the aspiration — for the program

on “Leadership Training and Development” within the SDCBA.

and the participants — is to adhere to the values of curiosity,

That proposal included a two-pronged strategy: first, to

courage, authenticity, and accountability.

roll out a leadership speaker series that would provide leadership-focused programming to a broader audience,

With this foundation laid, two working groups were formed

and second, to develop a leadership academy targeted at

that constructed the Leadership Academy from the ground up

equipping attorneys with skills and relationships to advance

over the course of 2021. The Outreach and Recruitment team

in their leadership within and outside the SDCBA. The Bar

developed admission criteria, prepared the comprehensive

launched two subcommittees to develop these strategic

program application, and crafted a plan for outreach and

initiatives, and the Leadership Academy Subcommittee was

recruitment of a broad group of talented leaders. At the same

charged with creating an innovative academy to fill unmet

time, the Curriculum team developed practical, quality-driven

needs in our legal community.

content that would provide participants with foundational skills to advance their leadership. The curriculum was designed

With this in mind, the subcommittee researched local, state

to serve a small cohort in a series of “on your feet” training

and national organizations to evaluate existing offerings and

sessions focused on learning in a non-judgmental environment.

assess how the SDCBA could provide cutting-edge leadership

The intention is for participants to forge lasting ties over the

training to its members. It soon became clear that none of the

course of the six-month program and continue their leadership

offerings in our community were exclusively training lawyers

journey together both at the SDCBA and beyond.

in leadership, reaffirming the need for our program. To further its commitment, in 2020 the Board adopted a threeyear strategic plan with the leadership academy in mind, designating as one of six strategic goals, to “Build Lawyers as Leaders.” Although a formal launch of the academy was “paused” due to the extraordinary efforts required to respond to the pandemic, the Leadership Academy Subcommittee continued to conceptualize and build the vision of an academy. This involved defining the purpose, goals, and values of the SDCBA’s Leadership Academy. The purpose is “to equip attorney members with essential skills and relationships to be effective leaders within the SDCBA, the legal profession, and the community as a whole.” Its six stated goals are: (1) To train attorneys as effective, 36 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

Marketing for the new Leadership Academy was launched in June 2021 and broad outreach encouraged applications from diverse segments of the legal community. A primary goal of the application and selections process was to recruit a wellbalanced cohort with shared goals of leading the San Diego community. The selections process was also designed to welcome leaders of all levels, sprinkled across practice area, practice type, and years in practice, as well as demographics that represent the diversity of our legal community. After a rigorous and competitive process, the inaugural cohort was selected in November 2021, and the Leadership Academy officially launched in late January 2022. The program brought together an outstanding group of Scholars (our name for the participants), who you will meet on the following pages.

The launch weekend led the Scholars through Self-Leadership

who chaired the Leadership Academy Subcommittee from

with a focus on self-reflection and defining each Scholar’s

2019-2021, and Nicole Heeder, who has served as Chair

individual “core values,” while also training them on the

of the Leadership Academy during its inaugural year. Our

importance of Leading with Empathy and Compassion. Over

gratitude goes to the SDCBA volunteers who served on the

the course of the next several months, the curriculum

Subcommittee, including Leslie Abrigo, Rachel Allums, Hon.

branched into sessions focused on Authentic Communication,

Marissa Bejarano, Kelly Combs, Jenny Doling, David Finn,

Mindset Training and Management, and Leadership Recruiting

Nicholas Fox, Patricia Hollenbeck, Melissa Johnson, Rebecca

and Teamwork Building. Most recently, the Scholars learned

Kanter, Stacy Kartchner, Tatiana Kline, Ivette Kuyateh, Brenda

strategies for addressing Conflict and Challenges.

Lopez, Marta Manus, Lilys McCoy, Michelle Pettit, Teodora Purcell, Cheryl Shitabata, Renee Stackhouse, Philip Stephan,

The final session, Leading with Purpose and Vision, ties all

Garrett Wait, Davin Widgerow, and Fanny Yu.

these components together before concluding in a day-long capstone, and June graduation celebrating the Scholars’

Finally, this effort would not have been possible without

accomplishments. Throughout this curriculum, the Scholars

the perseverance of the SDCBA’s Professional Team who

received hands-on instruction from local industry experts in

have supported the development, marketing, finances,

leadership and professional development, while learning from

programming, and on-site execution of the Leadership

leaders in the legal and broader community.

Academy since its conception.

Toward its goal to “Build Lawyers as Leaders,” the SDCBA

Please enjoy the testimonials from our inaugural 2022

strives to provide both existing and prospective leaders

Leadership Academy Scholars about their Academy journeys

with guidance, mentorship, and resources to ensure their

and reflections on their experiences. We are confident you will

continued engagement and accomplishment. Creating

see these leaders rise in our community in the years to come!

pathways to leadership, and a space for learning and growth where leaders can develop their authentic and courageous selves is vital to the success of our membership. It is our hope that the Leadership Academy plants the seeds allowing future leaders to grow. Tremendous thanks to the dedicated SDCBA volunteer leaders who made this dream a reality, including Anna Romanskaya, who chaired the original Governance and Leadership Committee that conceived the idea, Johanna Schiavoni,

Nicole Heeder (nicole@johnsonheeder.com) is an employment litigator at Johnson Heeder LLP where she represents workers faced with discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in both the public and private sectors. She served on the SDCBA Board of Directors in 2015. Johanna Schiavoni (johanna.schiavoni@calapplaw. com) is an appellate litigator and certified specialist who handles both civil and criminal appeals and writs in state and federal court. She served as the SDCBA’s 2020 President.

2022 SCHOLARS See Scholar bios at www.sdcba.org/2022-LA-Scholars

Alison Adelman

Maria Chavez

Associate Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Partner Jacobs & Schlesinger LLP

Reflections: “I joined the Leadership Academy because I had the motivation to be a leader but wanted the tools and practical skills to become a great one. I was also eager to learn from our community’s proven leaders. And the speakers did not disappoint! I leave every session with meaningful takeaways. I’m also impressed by my fellow scholars, and am excited about the relationships we are building. Anyone who has the desire to lead or to become a more effective leader should apply!”

Reflections: “The Leadership Academy caught my eye because I was becoming a partner at my firm and wanted to make sure I had all of the tools I needed to be an effective leader. I’ve learned that leadership happens in many situations: difficult judgment calls, uplifting others, and recognizing that we don’t always have all of the answers. Considering applying to the Academy? Do it! You’ll learn about yourself, will work with other lawyer leaders, and grow as an attorney and individual!”

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 37

2022 SCHOLARS See Scholar bios at www.sdcba.org/2022-LA-Scholars

Christine Dixon

Jim Eischen

Associate Attorney Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin

Owner/Founder Eischen Law Office/Lofty Learning

Reflections: “The Leadership Academy sessions have helped me look inward to hold myself accountable about the areas in which I could improve. I’ve learned that to be a better communicator and teammate, I need to be true to who I am and not hide behind a facade. Being genuine to myself and others around me makes me a better person and someone people can trust and want to work with.”

Shannon Finley Shareholder Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC Reflections: “I joined the SDCBA Leadership Academy to receive formal leadership training and feel more confident as a leader. I had the opportunity to self-reflect about my values, goals, and areas of potential growth. I have learned about how to use my weaknesses as strengths, and the importance of authenticity. I recommend that you consider applying to the SDCBA Leadership Academy if you are a leader, or you aspire to be a leader.”

Reflections: “I was fortunate to join the SDCBA Leadership Academy to improve my managerial and leadership skills to assist with growing my law practice, online learning startup and national presentations on burnout avoidance and management. Gaining actionable leadership and personal growth guidance has massively enriched my presentation content and management skills. It is never too late to learn!”

Kelly Gemelli Partner Van Dermyden Makus Reflections: “Although I have been actively involved in the San Diego legal community for many years, I decided to join the inaugural SDCBA Leadership Academy to further enhance my leadership skills. The Academy has provided a welcoming, refreshing, and inspiring environment to innovate, collaborate, and recharge. Hearing from other community leaders has helped us in differentiating between being an average leader and an exceptional leader.”

Lila Gitesatani

Danielle Glazer

Lead Attorney, Housing Team Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc.

Legal Counsel Emerson Collective

Reflections: “I joined the leadership academy to develop leadership skills to grow in my current role and pursue roles in the broader community. During the Academy I have had the opportunity to engage in self-reflection and learn from a diverse array of leaders from the community. I believe joining the Leadership Academy can be helpful for attorneys at all stages of their leadership journey, including newer attorneys.”

Reflections: “After moving to San Diego midpandemic, I wanted to get to know the legal community here. The Academy has been a fantastic help — I’ve gotten to know the impressive cohort of scholars through deep, thought-provoking conversations, and I’ve met our many speakers, who are distinguished San Diego lawyers and professionals. This Academy has made great connections for me and given me ideas for how to get more involved in San Diego. I look forward to where this takes me next!”

Lucas Hirsty

Emily Howe

Deputy Public Defender III Office of the Primary Public Defender

Principal | Founding Attorney Law Offices of Emily E. Howe

Reflections: “I applied to the Leadership Academy because I wanted to challenge myself to better my personal development. I also wanted to increase my leadership skills so that I can be a more effective advocate. Since joining, the most important lesson I’ve learned has been that the best leaders are those who lead with their authentic selves! I encourage others to join as the Academy has been helpful by having different leaders come in and mentor us. It’s been a very rewarding experience!”

38 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

Reflections: “With a career dedicated to accessible rights & justice, I joined for a shared baseline-language with motivated leaders in a space where diversity & strengths of life experience are valued. True leaders deeply listen — what’s said, what’s not said, what’s the story being told — and synthesize consonance forward. Leadership identifies the underlying operating systems, values kindness & grace, invests time & thought, and creates authentic space for sustainable solutions. Go for it!”

2022 SCHOLARS See Scholar bios at www.sdcba.org/2022-LA-Scholars

Arezoo Jamshidi Partner Haight Brown & Bonsteel LLP Reflections: “I joined the Leadership Academy because I am always seeking new leadership and mentorship opportunities within my firm, the legal profession, and community as a whole. The most useful skill I have learned is understanding how critical self-reflection is to your development as a leader. The Academy provides the perfect opportunity for like-minded individuals to develop and hone their leadership skills.”

Shandi Korte Deputy Public Defender III Office of the Primary Public Defender Reflections: “I applied to the Academy because being the best attorney and person means striving for growth. To lead effectively and achieve my goals, I must hone existing skills and complement them with new ones. I have learned that being a leader is more than a title; it’s a reflection on your engagement with others, responses to challenges, and how you optimize your results. I recommend the program to anyone interested in learning how to effectively shape your personal leadership style.”

Arcelia Magaña

Tarina Mand

Associate Attorney Jackson Lewis P.C.

Complex Litigation Attorney Dixon Diab & Chambers

Reflections: “I was encouraged by other community leaders to apply for the SDCBA Leadership Academy and I’m glad I did. It’s been an excellent experience focused on growth and leadership development, and has provided a welcoming space to practice vulnerability, develop and enhance leadership styles, and hear how others have put the teachings into action. I encourage anyone who is interested in leadership development, personal growth, and networking to apply!”

Reflections: “I joined the leadership academy to learn from the wisdom of other leaders on how to stay authentic, inspiring, and take an organization to new heights by collaborating and including others. The Academy has taught me to manage my weaknesses and better identify, develop, and maximize my strengths. If you’re thinking about joining the Academy, get ready to forge bonds with other future leaders who’ll be learning and growing with you in the same room.”

Patrick McGill

Joe Peacock

Associate Attorney Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Litigation Associate Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Reflections: “I applied to join the SDCBA Leadership Academy because I wanted to deepen my professional and social roots in San Diego, with an eye toward future leadership roles in our community. Through the Academy, I have met peers who are blossoming leaders and genuinely wonderful people — and learned much about leadership qualities and areas in which I need to grow to reach my full potential. I highly encourage attorneys who want to self-reflect and build leadership to apply!”

Reflections: “I joined the SDCBA Leadership Academy to gain fresh perspectives as to what it means to effectively lead in the office and our San Diego community. The Leadership Academy has provided invaluable insight regarding the many ways leadership can be acted upon and viewed in various contexts. I highly recommend the Leadership Academy to those who are interested in taking inventory of their innate characteristics and leveraging them to become an effective leader.”

Ana Sambold

Anna Jane Zarndt

Mediator — Arbitrator Sambold Law & ADR Services

Special Counsel Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Reflections: “One should never stop improving yourself. That’s my motto and the reason I wanted to join the SDCBA’s Leadership Academy. By learning and developing leadership skills, I can better serve my community. Courage, resilience, and selfawareness are the most important skills I have learned through my leadership journey. Without a doubt, participating in the Leadership Academy has been a rich and rewarding experience, which I highly recommend to everyone.”

Reflections: “I joined the SDCBA Leadership Academy to gain insight into key practice areas in San Diego and to build relationships with other like-minded practitioners. I have enjoyed meeting new people with diverse personal and professional backgrounds. Those looking to develop executive presence and understand their own personal leadership strengths may find this program helpful.”

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 39

MAKING AN IMPACT By George W. Brewster Jr.

ifty years ago this June 14, a small group of women attorneys gathered at the University Club to launch a new legal organization, Lawyers Club of San Diego (LC). Before forming LC, what the founders initially wanted was something, anything, from the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) that would focus on issues important to women attorneys. The SDCBA didn’t budge — not a committee, not a section, nothing.

To fight this downward trend, the Professional Advancement

From that humble beginning — with a handful of women

Force on Gender Equality, and the #MeToo movement

attorneys in 1972 — the now 1,000-plus membership can both boast about its impact and bemoan the work still yet

Committee was established in 2011. The focus was business and profit-oriented — and how women in a firm can help with rainmaking. The fight was brought to a new level in the past 10 years. An Equal Pay Day luncheon was started, the Human Trafficking Task Force was launched, a partnership with the Association of Corporate Counsel formed a Joint Task launched local protest marches. LC also opened a dialogue on sexual harassment in the workplace leading

to be done.

to its #EnoughIsEnough campaign in 2017. The sharing of

So, what has been the impact of LC? Let’s go to the very

LC blog brought forward a new resolve to deal with these

beginning and break this down into parts, using the five

issues and a new initiative in 2019 seeking workplace

standing committees established in the 1972 LC Bylaws as

environments free of sexual harassment and gender

our guide.

discrimination (Workplace Equity & Civility Initiative).

Employment

Judiciary

The drive for professional advancement faced significant

When LC held its first meeting in 1972, there were no women

hurdles in 1972. Barriers to women enrolling in law school

judges in San Diego (Madge Bradley had retired earlier

were coming down but getting employment in a firm —

in the year). The second female judge, Artie Henderson,

let alone obtaining partnership — was still a struggle. The

was appointed in 1973. LC leaders set out to improve

two principal founders of LC (Lynn Schenk and Judith

these numbers and found an ally in Governor Jerry Brown.

McConnell) recount an inability to get work in the private

Between 1976 and 1979, 10 women were appointed to the

sector, with both ending up in public agencies where they

San Diego municipal and superior courts. In May 1980,

met. An early issue was the lack of child care (and funding

the then-SDCBA President (Gary Bailey) gave a speech

for such care), as well as the realities of the glass ceiling

before the Rancho Bernardo Kiwanis Club accusing Brown

and unequal pay. Into the 1980s, the number of jobs for

of diluting the quality of the bench by his appointment of

women lawyers improved, but not necessarily advancement.

women judges. The SDCBA Board later chastised Bailey for

Since the name “Lawyers Club” was purposefully inclusive,

showing poor judgment in publicly criticizing the governor’s

male attorneys were encouraged to join LC and assist in

judicial appointments. From 1980 to 1989, 21 more women

the efforts to improve work options (maternity leave that

were appointed to San Diego state courts, and four women

didn’t impact partnership tracks, child care), as these issues

were appointed to the local appellate and federal courts.

were important to both males and females. (To date, there have been eight male LC Board members and no male

common, disturbing workplace harassment stories in an

From 1990 to 1998, 13 women were appointed to the local

presidents).

state court bench, and five women were appointed to the

In its fourth decade, LC launched a “Balance Campaign,”

to 2009, 27 women were appointed to the local bench and 10

which sought to promote the advancement and retention of

women to the appellate and federal courts. (Note: McConnell

female attorneys in San Diego. While women accounted for

was appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal (DCA) in

21% of the partners in private San Diego County law firms of

2001, having served previously as the first female presiding

15 or more attorneys in 2001, this dropped to 20% by 2010.

judge of the San Diego Superior Court. She would later serve

40 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

appellate and federal courts. To continue the list, from 2000

as the first female presiding justice of the DCA.) From 2010 to

The Fund for Justice is the charitable arm of LC, started

early 2022, 34 women were appointed to the local state court

in 1997 with $12,500 in seed money from 20 charter

bench, and 12 women were appointed to the appellate and

contributors. Since its inception, nearly $486,000 has been

federal courts.

awarded in grants to 46 different nonprofit organizations that fit within LC’s mission. The Fund consistently raises

McConnell and Schenk agree that involvement in LC has

more than $20,000 per year in donations from LC

become a very influential part of any judicial application.

members and supporters. People who have benefited include female youth in juvenile detention, survivors of

Legislative The first legislative target was the Equal Rights Amendment

domestic violence, and many organizations and schools throughout San Diego County.

(ERA), which in 1972 had not yet been ratified by the

One of those schools, Central Elementary, has been the

California legislature. At the second meeting (July 11, 1972),

recipient of ongoing supply donations and the gift of time

the newly elected LC Board established the Equal Rights

and mentorship through a twice-yearly Read-In hosted by

Amendment Committee chaired by Linda Navarro and

LC and a large volunteer force. This program has been

suggested the committee first meet with then-President Pro

ongoing for 25 years, involving an estimated 2,600 legal

Tem of the State Senate Jim Mills, who had been holding

professional volunteer readers (lawyers and judges) and

up the ratification bill in the Senate Rules Committee. A

now generations of elementary kids. (In 2000, LC joined

meeting with Mills resulted in a “Blue Ribbon” committee

with San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association to ensure

to make a recommendation on the ratification of the ERA,

inclusion of bilingual readers.) Said regular reader and

and this select committee of essentially LC members and

Bankruptcy Court Judge Margaret Mann, “That experience

supporters met for 10 minutes before recommending that

has been one of the greatest joys in my legal career. ...

the bill be moved forward. Mills, good to his word, moved

Simply put, the Central Program makes a difference in the

the ratification for a vote, and it passed in late 1972. Fifty

San Diego community.”

years later, however, the ERA has yet to be added to the Constitution. Looking back, Navarro was philosophical, saying that she doesn’t believe the ERA “can do anything

Recruitment

that we haven’t already done.” Schenk believes that this initial

Growth was steady from the beginning. By late 1981 LC had

move by LC to get the ERA ratified by California “helped

150 female and 34 male members; by the end of 1992, the

coalesce us and showed us how there is power in working

membership was up to 800. That tracks with the growth of

together and that we can make change working together.”

women in the profession. As 2021-22 LC President Maggie Schroedter noted, in 1964 men comprised 97% of the legal

Since that time, LC has been active in the State Bar

profession, but by 2003 women attorneys comprised nearly

Conference of Delegates, has participated in amicus briefs,

half. This growth is also exhibited in the success of LC

has hosted prominent state and national figures, and, of

events, such as the Annual Dinners, which began in 1985,

course, Schenk herself became the first woman to hold a

and now regularly sell out with 800 in attendance. Speakers

Congressional seat south of Los Angeles. Presidents of LC

have included Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme

have written op-ed pieces for local media, and have led

Court Sandra Day O’Connor, Professor Anita Hill,

marches seeking equal pay and an end to gender bias;

Hon. Loretta Lynch, Stacey Abrams, and now-Vice President

likewise, its membership has worked in front of and behind

Kamala Harris.

the scenes to draft legislation directed at discriminatory laws, expose implicit and explicit bias in the workplace, and

Has LC made an impact in its first 50 years? Yes, with work

instruct in leadership workshops to encourage member

yet to be done. Let’s see what the next 50 bring.

success in firm and political arenas.

Community Relations LC now has 30 committees, and there is no space left in this

For a more detailed history of LC, see their newly published book 50 Years: United We Rise, and/or see the “United We Rise” exhibit now on display at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.

article to talk about all of the various programs, task forces, careers, and social events. But there are two committees of particular note: The Fund for Justice and the Read-In at Central Elementary School.

George W. Brewster Jr. (sandbrews@aol.com) is a retired attorney after 35 years of practice, including JAG, private practice, and the last 30 with the County of San Diego, Office of County Counsel.

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 41

Local Solutions. Global Reach.

SDCBA MEMBER PROFILE THERESA CULVER

and getting to sit in on the closing call has definitely been my proudest moment in my short career thus far.

Fonss & Estigarribia LLP

Areas of practice: Corporate, Transactional & Securities Law, Government Contracting & Employment Counseling

What initially inspired you to practice law? I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from an early age, although I had no idea what being a lawyer meant. I remember sitting on the floor of a Barnes & Noble reading an LSAT prep book. I loved trying to solve the problems and answer the questions. My mom practically had to drag me away from the test prep aisle (disclaimer: studying for the LSAT was not as fun as I remembered it being in sixth grade). Proudest career moment: I previously worked in-house where I did not gain much drafting experience and recently switched to a transactional law firm. When I started at the firm, they were in the middle of a complex transaction that was weeks away from closing. I was able to dive right in and draft several documents I had no prior experience drafting. Being able to meaningfully contribute to the transaction

What fills your time outside of work? Talking to my mom and family on the phone (they live in Hawaii), spending time with my husband, and hanging out with my friends. When I have any extra free time, I enjoy skiing, eating, and napping. If I weren’t an attorney, I’d be ... A food critic/travel blogger. I would love to be paid to travel the world and eat food. What is your favorite movie, book, or TV show? Why? I love feel-good animated movies — usually anything from Pixar. One of my favorite movies is Up. I’ve never cried so hard in an opening sequence. What one skill has helped you be successful as an attorney, and how could others develop that skill to better their practices? Attention to detail is very important and is something that can always be improved. Revise your work, get feedback from your mentors, take their feedback seriously, and incorporate it in your work. What would you most like to be known for? Being a good daughter, wife, and friend.

JULIE MARQUARDT MEMBER SERVICES CONCIERGE

What are your main responsibilities at the Bar? I am the Member Services Concierge. My duties are to schedule conference rooms and meeting spaces for members to use. I also am here to answer incoming calls and help with any needs that members may have. I assist our accounting department with scanning and filing invoices, as well as logging in our daily deposits. How long have you been working at the Bar? I have been working here for almost four years — I started in August 2018. What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy meeting and interacting with our members. I try to learn our members’ first names to develop a personal rapport with them. I’m looking forward to seeing members

using our lounge area again, now that the risk of COVID-19 has subsided. What is your favorite movie, and why? The Proposal — a great feel-good movie when you need some laughter in your life! What’s your favorite quote? “Life is short, so enjoy it to the fullest!” — John Walters What do you love about San Diego? I am a San Diego native. First off, San Diego has the best weather — better than any other state, in my opinion. I enjoy having the options of the coast as well as the mountains. San Diego also has great wineries in North County, which is a great bonus for a fun day of wine tasting. SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 43

Congratula�ons to our 2022 Inductees

Charles A. Bird

Barbara L. Davis

James “Brad” Lovelace

Thank you

to those who joined us at the Dis�nguished Lawyer Memorial recep�on as we celebrated the lives and careers of the 2022 Inductees. To honor these dis�nguished individuals, please consider a tax-deduc�ble contribu�on to the San Diego County Bar Founda�on, which supports more than 70 law-related organiza�ons in San Diego County. In 2021, SDCBF awarded $393,500 to 26 non-proﬁt organiza�ons, providing access to jus�ce (though legal services and educa�on) to those individuals most impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimina�on throughout San Diego County.

Peter J. Mazza

Justice William Todd

To make a contribu�on on behalf of a past or present honoree or to make a general dona�on to the Bar Founda�on, please visit: sdcbf.org/donatedlm

To see photos from our 2022 recep�on, please visit: sdcbf.org/2022-dlm-photos

619-231-7015 info@sdcbf.org sdcbf.org

THANK YOU TO OUR PATRON & FRIEND MEMBERS The SDCBA gratefully acknowledges the generous commitment of members who support our community at the Patron and Friend membership levels. You can become a Patron or Friend member when you activate or renew your membership online, or by request at any time. For more information about upgrading, please contact mbr@sdcba.org.

Patron and Friend member lists as of May 26, 2022

PATRON MEMBERS Marc D. Adelman Doc Anthony Anderson III Danielle Patricia Barger Hon. Victor E. Bianchini (Ret.) Jedd E. Bogage James A. Bush Adriana Cara Joseph S. Carmellino Andy Cook Steven T. Coopersmith Ezekiel E. Cortez Tricia D'Ambrosio-Woodward Taylor Darcy Warren K. Den John A. Don William O. Dougherty Hon. Bonnie M. Dumanis (Ret.) Alexander Isaac Dychter James J. Eischen Jr. Ben E. Embry Matthew J. Faust Sergio Feria Nicholas J. Fox James P. Frantz Matthew David Freeman Jennifer French Michelle Ann Gastil Olivia J. Gilliam Douglas A. Glass Alvin M. Gomez Van E. Haynie Nicole L. Heeder Stephen M. Hogan Ted Holmquist

A. Melissa Johnson Stacey A. Kartchner Carla B. Keehn Garrison Klueck Lilys D. McCoy Joseph Jay McGuire Mark M. Mercer Peter P. Meringolo Jillian M. Minter Virginia C. Nelson Erin C. O'Kane Ron H. Oberndorfer Anthony J. Passante, Jr. Frank J. Polek Kristin Rizzo Shannon D. Rose Ana M. Sambold Pamela J. Scholefield Seana Kelly Scholtemeyer Wilson A. Schooley Khodadad Darius Sharif D. Elizabeth Silva David G. Sizemore Hon. Stephanie Sontag (Ret.) Renée N.G. Stackhouse Todd F. Stevens Christopher J. Sunnen Genevieve A. Suzuki Cassandra C. Thorson Thomas J. Warwick Lenden F. Webb Bhashini Weerasinghe Andrew H. Wilensky Karen M. ZoBell

FRIEND MEMBERS Rochelle A'Hearn Alison K. Adelman Alicia Aquino Pedro Bernal Bilse Linda Cianciolo David B. Dugan Ronald Leigh Greenwald Rolando Israel Gudiel Sanchez

Mark Kaufman Randall E. Kay Matthew J. Norris Anne Perry Kristi E. Pfister Blanca Quintero Stella Shvil Michael A. Van Horne

WHAT TO DO WHEN …

YOU WANT TO BE BARRED IN ANOTHER STATE By Michael G. Olinik Whether you are asked by a client, tired of pro hac vice applications, planning on moving, or just want to take your talents to South Beach, you may need to seek admission to practice in another jurisdiction. Below are some tips from when I took my talents to San Diego. Check for Reciprocity or Other Rules — Some states offer reciprocity or a simplified process for experienced attorneys. Therefore, start at the beginning by checking the requirements for admissions and double-checking to see if there are any special allowances or reciprocity based on your experience and other bar admissions. Get the Moral Character Application Done — The moral character application process may take longer than even taking the bar exam. My moral character application took eight months to complete even though I had passed the bar months earlier. Get this process started as soon as possible. Make Sure You Have Your MPRE or Multistate Scores Transferred — Some states allow you to transfer prior MPRE and/or multistate scores without having to retake the test. Check these requirements to make sure you are not taking more tests than needed. Remember How to Take the Bar — California, along with New York and Delaware, are known to have the hardest bar exams. If you remember how to take the bar exam, you will likely have success taking it in another state with a more lenient scoring system. Knowing how to take the Bar may be more important than memorizing all the laws in the new jurisdiction. Talk to Someone Who Has Taken that Jurisdiction’s Bar — While practice tests are always a good idea, getting advice from someone who has been through it could be even more valuable. Seek out someone who has taken the Bar and see if they have any inside advice on how to succeed.

Michael G. Olinik (michael@oliniklaw.com) is the owner of The Law Office of Michael G. Olinik. Michael’s practice focuses on real estate matters, employment matters, civil litigation, and appeals.

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 45

Distinctions The following individuals in our community were recently honored for their achievements. If you achieve a professional success, feel welcome to submit it to bar@sdcba.org for inclusion in an upcoming issue of San Diego Lawyer.

SDCBA members Alexander M. Calero and Daniela A. Reali have been appointed to serve as judges in the San Diego County Superior Court. Alexander has served as Senior Counsel at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation since 2005, and Daniela has served as a Deputy Public Defender at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office since 2005.

CONGRATULATIONS! The San Diego County Bar Association celebrates the success of those in San Diego who passed the bar exam in February 2022.

Jennifer Aardema Melissa Acevedo Leticia Adalgisa da Silveira Zecca Kristina Aghazaryan Kelsey Aliabadi Frances Arnold Shalu Atwal Bianca Barcelo Sabrina Basma Siraj Bayaan Nicole Blansett Patrick Boyle Jose Brambila Brooke Brean Meghan Brown Howard Bruno Chandler Caffery Dustin Cantwell Kimberly Cardinal Robert Carl Sarah Carlson Anna Cavalcanti Fadul Preston Chaffee Arthur Chapman Joseph Chu Michael Clowney Eloise Concannon Riley Cutner-Orrantia

Erika De La Torre Michelle Dinh-Tran Tyler Donaghy Cory Dugan Jessica England Brianna Enoch William Felix Ramuel Figueroa Amanda Fleming Rachel Forster Sean Frawley Austin Freeman Christina Garcia Marco Garcia Adam Goin Jamar Green Yasmeen Halim Alyson Hayden Cameron Hays Casey Helton Rachel Hill Zachary Howe Noah Huston Joshua Jacobs Heriberto Jimenez Hinojosa Jami Johnson Victoria Jones Anne Juntunen

Andrea Kamage Benjamin Kaplan Manpreet Kaur Sara Keys Angelica Kraska Shaun Lampel Macsen Latimer Emani Lawrence Amanda Levinson Jessica Lietz Saul Lopez Michelle Mance Grace Mandry Alexander Mann Erin Martinek Jay Mason Stephanie McDermott John Mears Rachel Mitchell Andrea Monroy Christina Morris Leyla Moustapha Haley Murphy Hajra Nashin Yingchun Ni Irving Partida Hector Perla William Phillips

David Phillips Bradley Puffenbarger Stacia Ratliff Danielle Rini Samuel Roth Austin Ruggeberg Elliot Scher Spencer Schneider Ryan Sharifi Jill Shun Kevin Simpson Christopher Sirkis Garrett Snyder Kaylie Springer Tristan Stidham James Stigliano Linette Tobin Ehan Toma Charles Urena Omid Valinasab Werner van der Westhuizen Jessica Villaescusa Juan Villalvazo Brandon Weinreb Jacob West John Wilking Blake Winn Waleed Zahid

If you live in San Diego and passed the bar exam in February 2022 and your name isn’t listed here, please let us know at bar@sdcba.org. SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 47

PHOTO GALLERY 2022 Annual Judicial Reception Thank you to all the judges and SDCBA members who joined us at our 2022 Judicial Reception! We were grateful to be able to welcome and celebrate our newest San Diego judicial officers in-person this year. Thank you to Premier sponsors JAMS and Signature Resolution, and Producing sponsors Antonyan Miranda and CaseyGerry. L to R: Hon. Michael T. Smyth, Hon. Judy Bae, Hon. Jose Scher Castillo, Hon. Garry Haehnle

A very well-attended reception!

L to R: SDCBA President-Elect A. Melissa Johnson, Cheryl Dunn Soto, Brian Weaver, Pamela Scholfield

L to R: Tatiana Kline, Brenda Lopez, SDCBA Immediate Past President Renée N.G. Stackhouse, Stacey A. Kartchner

48 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

Hon. Leonard Trinh

L to R: Hon. Michael Pulos, Hon. Sherry M. Thompson-Taylor

PHOTO GALLERY Welcome to the Legal Community: A Reception for Law Students and Newly-Admitteds We had a great turnout to our annual reception for law students and newly‑admitteds. Thank you to all the table hosts, section and committee chairs, and members who attended!

L to R: Timothy Casey, Valerie Silverman Massey

Event attendees connecting with local legal organizations

L to R: Madison Montague, Maura Healy, Mary Cronkleton, Derik Sturhann, Kendra Muller, Elle Peterson, Arif Salom

L to R: Robert Schapiro, SDCBA President David Majchrzak

L to R: Rebecca Kanter, Kolin Durrant, Domenic Martini

Mixing it Up: Annual Spring Celebration of Diversity This spring, SDCBA members came together for our annual celebration of the diversity of our San Diego legal community. Thank you to all who attended, and to Premier sponsor Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP.

L to R: Lorena Slomanson, Mayra Hernandez, Jasmine Bond, Yanique Reid, Ana Sambold, Ron Marcus, Susanne de la Flor

L to R: Tara Vukovich, Nicole Heeder

SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022 49

THANK YOU 100% CLUB 2022 The San Diego County Bar Association wants to thank all of the San Diego law firms, public agencies, and nonprofit legal organizations that have provided SDCBA membership to 100% of their attorneys in 2022. Your commitment to the San Diego legal community is greatly appreciated. 100% Club member list as of May 26, 2022

Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP Ames Karanjia LLP Antonyan Miranda, LLP Appellate Defenders, Inc. Astuno Sabel Law PC Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Balestreri Potocki & Holmes ALC Beamer, Lauth, Steinley & Bond, LLP Bender Kurlander Hernandez & Campbell, APC Best Best & Krieger LLP Blackmar, Principe & Schmelter APC Blanchard Krasner & French Bobbitt, Pinckard& Fields, APC Bonnie R. Moss & Associates Brierton Jones & Jones, LLP Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Burton Kelley, LLP Butterfield Schechter LLP California Western School of Law Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP Christensen & Spath LLP Cohelan Khoury & Singer Dean Gazzo Roistacher LLP Devaney Pate Morris & Cameron, LLP Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC District Attorney’s Office of San Diego Donald R. Holben & Associates, APC Duckor Metzger & Wynne ALC Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick, LLP Erickson Law Firm APC Farmer Case & Fedor Ferris & Britton, APC Fitzgerald Knaier LLP Fleischer & Ravreby

50 SAN DIEGO LAWYER | May/June 2022

Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP Gomez Trial Attorneys Goodwin Brown Gross & Lovelace LLP GrahamHollis APC Green Bryant & French, LLP Greene & Roberts LLP Grimm, Vranjes Greer Stephan & Bridgman LLP Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP Henderson, Caverly, Pum & Trytten LLP Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC Horton Oberrecht & Kirkpatrick, APC Hughes & Pizzuto, APC Hurwitz Holt, APLC Jackson Lewis PC Johnson Fistel LLP Judkins, Glatt & Rich LLP JWB Family Law Kennedy & Souza, APC Klinedinst PC Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck, LLP Konoske Akiyama | Brust LLP Kriger Law Firm Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc. Lincoln Gustafson & Cercos LLP McCloskey Waring Waisman & Drury LLP McDougal, Love, Eckis, Boehmer, Foley, Lyon & Mitchell Miller, Monson, Peshel, Polacek & Hoshaw Mintz Levin MoginRubin LLP Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP Neil, Dymott, Frank, McCabe & Hudson APLC

Niddrie | Addams | Fuller | Singh LLP Noonan Lance Boyer & Banach LLP Office of the Public Defender Office of the San Diego City Attorney Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Preovolos Lewin, ALC Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP Pyle Sims Duncan & Stevenson APC Rowe | Mullen LLP San Diego County Counsel San Diego Unified Port District Schulz Brick & Rogaski Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans LLP Seltzer|Caplan|McMahon|Vitek ALC Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP Shustak Reynolds & Partners, PC Siegel, Moreno & Stettler, APC Smith, Steiner, Vanderpool, APC Solomon Minton Cardinal Doyle & Smith LLP Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP Stokes Wagner, ALC Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel APLC Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP Tresp, Day & Associates, Inc. Walsh McKean Furcolo LLP Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP Winet Patrick Gayer Creighton & Hanes ALC Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Juskie LLP Wirtz Law APC Witham Mahoney & Abbott, LLP Withers Bergman LLP Wright, L’Estrange & Ergastolo

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