San Diego County Bar Association

05/30/2026

Since 2009, the SDCBA has hosted a pro bono Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) program to assist active-duty military servicemembers in obtaining stays in pending litigation while they are deployed. The program enables attorney volunteers to represent servicemembers in civil, family, and unlawful detainer cases.

To learn more about the Pro Bono Servicemembers Civil Relief Act visit here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=pro-bono

For more information and to send in your application, please email Michelle Chavez at [email protected].

05/29/2026

Are you interested in shaping the future of the San Diego County Bar Association? Curious about what it takes to run for the SDCBA Board of Directors—now or in the future? Join us on Monday, June 15 from 5 - 6 p.m. at the San Diego County Bar Association for an informal and informative webinar designed to help you explore this exciting leadership opportunity, answer your questions and receive candid guidance directly from those who've served.

Hear directly from past SDCBA Board members as they share insights on:

Eligibility and Qualifications – Understand who can run and what’s required

The Nomination and Election Process – Key dates, steps, and how to get on the ballot

What It’s Like to Serve – A look at responsibilities, time commitments, and how the Board operates

What You Gain from Board Service – Leadership development, professional growth, expanded networks, and meaningful impact on the legal community

Tips for a Strong Candidacy – Advice on positioning yourself and running an effective campaign

Register here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=348115&evSubAction=listMonth&calmonth=202606

05/28/2026

Join us on Thursday, June 25 from 12 - 1 p.m. for CLE: Wealth Management, Tax, and Estate Planning for Legal Professionals.

This program will examine current strategies and developments in tax and estate planning law. It will focus on issues relevant to attorneys and legal professionals advising clients on wealth transfer, tax planning, and estate administration. Participants will gain practical insight into how these legal principles are applied in practice.

CLE credit: 1.0 GENERAL

Register here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=348253&evSubAction=listAll

05/28/2026

Did you know SDCBA members can enjoy a free 1-year subscription for San Diego Business Journal?

As a valued member you are at the heart of everything we do. This May, we’re excited to offer you a special gift of knowledge: a free one-year subscription to the San Diego Business Journal! Stay informed on the latest business, legal, and community news impacting our region. It’s our way of saying thank you for being such an essential part of our legal community.

For more information on the San Diego Business Journal benefit, visit here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=Benefits

05/27/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. to welcome and celebrate the new admittees to the State Bar of California at their swearing-in ceremony! The New Attorney Swearing-in ceremony will be held at Carter Keep U.S. Courthouse.

Register here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=317487&evSubAction=listAll

05/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Service Awards Luncheon at the San Diego Air & Space Museum as we celebrated the individuals whose service and dedication continue to strengthen the San Diego legal community and the public we serve.
Congratulations again to this year’s honorees:

Outstanding Attorney Award — Alvin Gomez

Outstanding Jurist Award — Laura J. Birkmeyer

Community Service Award — Katherine Lee Carey

Service to Diversity Award — Mikhak Ghorban

Service by a Public Attorney Award — Vivian Sapthavee

Service to the Legal Community Award — Merrianne Dean

Service by a New Lawyer Award — Stephanie Germani
Thank you as well to our sponsors,
Producing: Judiciate West
Title: Hodson P.I. Private Investigations

05/26/2026

Are you a new attorney eager to gain confidence and practical insight into civil court practice? Join us on June 8 from 12 - 1 p.m. for this engaging and informative CLE session featuring Hon. Judy S. Bae to share valuable courtroom strategies, tips, and real-world advice to help you succeed.

This one-hour program, held offsite at the Hall of Justice Courthouse, will cover key aspects of civil court practice, including common pitfalls to avoid, courtroom do’s and don’ts, and the most frequent mistakes made by new attorneys. Whether you're preparing for your first appearance or looking to sharpen your approach, this session offers the insider perspective you need to build a strong foundation for courtroom success.

CLE credit: 1.0 GENERAL

Register here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=347227&evSubAction=listMonth&calmonth=202606

05/25/2026

The SDCBA is closed today in observance of Memorial Day. We will return to regular hours on Tuesday, May 26!

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

The SDCBA Listserves give you an instant conenction to thousands of attorneys in the SDCBA community, in sections covering all kinds of practice areas. Share knowledge, advice and mutual support; get your questions answered, and just say hello!

For more information on the Listserves benefit, visit here: https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=Benefits