San Mateo County Bar Association and Lawyer Referral Service

05/27/2026

Meet Bianca Valencia Barraza, SMCBA's Lawyer Referral Service Coordinator, and the person making sure San Mateo County residents can find the legal help they need. 🤝

Bianca's been part of the SMCBA family since 2018, when she started as an intern. She's grown into her current role as LRS Coordinator, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the referral program, works with panel attorneys, and connects clients with legal services that might otherwise feel out of reach.

She holds a Master's in Public Policy from UC Riverside and undergraduate degrees in Criminology and Chicano/Latino Studies from Sonoma State. Her background shows - her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to access to justice and community service.

If you're a panel attorney or a community member who's worked with the LRS program, there's a good chance Bianca's the one who helped make it happen. 💛

05/26/2026

⏰ Reminder: SMCBA board nominations are still open!

If you've been thinking about stepping up and getting more involved in shaping the Association, this is your sign. Open positions include Secretary and additional board seats, and the application window runs through June 30.
Board service is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the legal community you're already part of.

Questions? Reach out to Alma at [email protected] - she's happy to walk you through what's involved.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

To all who have served, and to the families who carry that sacrifice with them: thank you.

SMCBA's offices will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of the holiday. We'll see you back on Tuesday.

05/21/2026

When was the last time you actually stepped outside in the middle of your workday? 🌿

Not to get to your car. Not between meetings. Just... outside.

This month's wellness article is a gentle nudge to reclaim what used to be called a break - and why twenty minutes outdoors might do more for your afternoon than another cup of coffee.

Read it in your May Here-Say and let us know: do you have a go-to outdoor ritual that helps you reset during a busy week?

05/20/2026

Meet Alma Robles, the Executive Director of SMCBA, and the person you have probably already met or emailed at some point. 😊

Alma first joined SMCBA back in 2007, went on to serve at the Bar Association of San Francisco and the State Bar of California, and returned to SMCBA in 2017 as the Assistant Executive Director. In January, stepped up to take on the Executive Director role, overseeing operations, supporting the Board and committees, and keeping everything running behind the scenes.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Alma holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Cal State Chico, and is currently finishing her MBA from the same school. (Yes, while running the Association. Yes, we're impressed too.)

If you've ever had a question, a great experience at an SMCBA event, or just felt like the Association was in good hands - that's Alma. 🙌

05/19/2026

🗓️ Coming up May 26: a timely conversation you won't want to miss.

SMCBA's Committee on Professional Equality is hosting a program on AI and implicit bias in the courthouse - an important look at how emerging technology intersects with fairness, equity, and the future of legal practice.

Find the details in the first comment below!

05/15/2026

We're proud to support our partners at Legal Aid as they host their annual luncheon on May 28! 🤝

This is a meaningful event that speaks to something central to why many of us chose law - access to justice matters, and this luncheon helps make it possible.

Grab your seat and come out to show your support!

05/14/2026

Interested in shaping the future of SMCBA? 🙋 We're opening board nominations for the coming term, and we'd love to hear from attorneys who are ready to step up.

Open positions include Secretary and additional seats on the board. Applications are open through June 30.
Apply here: https://vist.ly/54856

Not sure if it's the right fit? Reach out to the SMCBA office - we’re happy to answer your questions.

SMCBA is now accepting board of directors' nominations. The SMCBA Nominating Committee is recommending three new Board of Directors and one Secretary to serve terms beginning January 2026. We want YOU to apply! Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 5 PM

05/13/2026

What if you could reclaim a few hours every week without changing everything about how your firm runs? 📋

The May Here-Say business article focuses on three areas where small process improvements can make a big difference: scheduling, client intake, and billing. No full-scale overhaul required.

It's practical, it's specific, and it's aimed at attorneys who are busy enough without adding more complexity to their week.

Check it out in your May newsletter. Where does your firm lose the most time to process friction?

05/07/2026

🎉 The Women Lawyers Section Judges' Luncheon is coming up on May 14 - it's a great chance to connect, celebrate, and spend an afternoon with some of the remarkable women shaping our legal community.

Register today and plan to be there! 👇

05/06/2026

📣 Attention law students and recent grads: applications are open for the 2026 Nancy de Ita Scholarship!

Offered by SMCBA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, this scholarship supports incoming and currently enrolled law students, as well as recent graduates who haven't yet passed the bar.
To apply, submit a completed application and a 1,000-word (max) essay on the topic: "How Diversity Strengthens Our Profession."

📅 Deadline: July 3, 2026

Questions? Contact DEI Committee Chair Tami Fisher at [email protected].
https://vist.ly/539be

Know a student who should apply? Please share this post - every share helps us reach the next great candidate.