Becoming a Personal Injury Firm Founder – The Joy of the Journey
By Adam Hepburn, Hepburn, Hernandez, and Jung Trial Attorneys
When I graduated law school in 2013, I already knew that one day I wanted to open my own law firm. However, I first wanted to learn how to practice law in the courtroom and become a trial attorney, mostly because everything else was too boring for me. I enjoyed the adrenaline of trial work and the chaotic environment that litigation brings with it; researching and writing, although very important, was not what I wanted to do all day. I therefore started my career at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office because I knew I would get my own caseload right from the get-go and be able to try cases. Read More
New Lawyer Division Member Spotlight: Aaron Sibley
By Sara Gold Eastman IP
It is often said that learning the law is kind of like learning a new language. This was no problem for civil litigator Aaron Sibley, who by 15 years old had already learned several computer programming languages and started his own website development company. Through his business, called Imminent Design, Sibley offered website creation services. In addition to designing websites, Sibley as a young entrepreneur also had to handle all of the managerial aspects of his business from accounting and staffing to banking, taxes, and licensures. Read More
By Daniela Lagunas San Diego City Attorney’s Office
After 34 years of serving as a justice for the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One, Justice Patricia Benke retired July 31. Rather than referring to her next move as “retirement,” Justice Benke describes her next step as “resetting.” Justice Benke plans to participate in the Temporary Assigned Judges Program (TAJP) of the Judicial Council of California following her reset from the bench. She explains the program is designed to assign retired judges or justices to assist with the calendar congestions in the courts.Read More
August Message From the Chair of the New Lawyer Division
Stephanie Atkinson NLD President
Greetings NLD!
I cannot wait to see you all tonight at the SDCBA/NLD Summer Social: Here Comes the Sun at Waterfront Park! This will be our first in-person event in 17 months, with heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a live DJ, a photo booth, a glitter glam face & hair artist, step and repeat, cash bar, and more! We really hope to see you there! You can still register here.Read More
After 17 months of being shut down due to the pandemic, we are hosting our first in-person (though outside!) event; the SDCBA and NLD Summer Social! It will feature a DJ, giveaways, and ice cream, along with the opportunity to network in person with about 200 (and counting) of your colleagues. Feedback from our members on the event runs the gamut. Some members are excited to reunite in person. Some are excited, but also nervous with the rising reported COVID-19 cases. Others are not ready to join in the in-person festivities. I feel all these things.Read More
This week is the State Bar of California Bar Exam (July 27-28). Do you remember when you took it? Everyone has their stories, some of which have elevated to urban legend status! Have you heard about the tractor-trailer of spilled Cream of Mushroom soup that shut down the freeway the morning of the Bar Exam?? (Did that really happen? Anyone??)Read More
There are currently 12 openings in the San Diego Superior Court. If you are an attorney with at least ten years in practice and have been considering taking the next step in your career, this is a great time to submit a Judicial Appointment application. I’ll note that the application is substantial and takes time to complete. Get started now if you want to be considered!Read More
