Message from the Board

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes so many opportunities to step out of our offices, recharge, and reconnect with each other. Our New Lawyer Division has been buzzing with activity, and I could not be more excited about everything we have been building together.

Our recent Beach & Bonfire Networking Meetup at La Jolla Shores, hosted in collaboration with the SDCBA Wellness Committee, was a wonderful example of one of the core reasons the New Lawyer Division exists: to bring us together for camaraderie and connection in a relaxed setting. Watching new and familiar faces gather under a painted sunset—sharing stories, laughing around the fire, and sparking friendships—made me so proud of this community. There is something special about stepping away from the daily grind, roasting marshmallows by the water, and remembering that joy and connection are essential parts of thriving in this profession.

If you missed the bonfire, don’t worry—there’s more ahead. This Friday, August 22, I’ll be at the Bar Center from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM hosting Coffee With Claudia. Drop by for a cup of coffee, a casual check-in, and candid conversations about the realities of legal practice as a new lawyer. It’s an open-door chance to ask questions, seek advice, or simply catch your breath with colleagues who understand. No RSVP necessary—just come as you are.

Beyond social connection, we’ve also been leaning into professional growth. This past month, I had the joy of hosting a Leadership Speaker Series event titled Amplifying Your Voice: Producing an Effective Legal Podcast. Our panelists, Laurence Colletti and Michael Semanchik, made the world of podcasting feel approachable and exciting, walking us through styles, equipment, and practical tips for getting started. What stood out most was the energy in the room—everyone left with not only concrete takeaways but also a sense of possibility for how creative tools like podcasting can help us advocate, educate, and amplify our voices as lawyers. Just like the bonfire and our coffee meetups, it was a reminder that learning and connecting go hand in hand, and that the NLD is all about creating spaces where both can thrive.

This month’s For The Record features articles that speak directly to our shared experiences:

• Judge Danna W. Nicholas offers guidance from the bench on the fundamentals: grounding arguments in facts, communicating with clarity, and honoring patience and dignity in all interactions. Her reminder that every courtroom appearance shapes public trust in our justice system is a call for all of us to bring our best, every time.
• Janet Sobel introduces the new Senior Advisors Section, a wellspring of wisdom and support for any SDCBA member who needs it. Remember, you’re never alone in this profession; reaching out just might change the course of your practice.
• Matt Valenti’s story reminds us that courage is at the heart of advocacy. Matt’s journey from appellate work, through ADA civil rights advocacy, to launching his own disability rights practice, demonstrates how following your convictions, and finding purpose in helping others, can fuel both career growth and personal satisfaction. His advice: there are many paths to fulfillment in law, and it’s worth having the courage to choose the one that’s right for you.
• In “Ask the Mentor,” Lesa Christenson tackles one of the toughest topics: work-life balance in Big Law. Her honest perspective may prompt you to reconsider your own boundaries, priorities, and definitions of success. A vital conversation at every stage, but especially as you’re starting out.
• And our “Legal Life” feature dives into the foundations of professional credibility—essential reading as you build your reputation.

August also calls us to reflect. On August 26, Women’s Equality Day reminds us of the ongoing push for gender equity in law, while August 28 brings us back to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech—a timeless charge for all of us to advance justice and equality inside and outside the courtroom. For new lawyers, these dates are a reminder that our individual actions—acts of inclusion, respect, and advocacy—strengthen not only our profession but our broader society.

As we lean into the fall, let’s carry forward the laughter from the bonfire, the conversations we’ll share over coffee, and the inspiration we found learning together at the podcasting event. Add to that the wisdom of our Senior Advisors, guidance from the bench, and the example of those who paved the way before us, and it’s clear: we are at our best when we show up for each other. I look forward to seeing many of you this Friday at Coffee With Claudia and encourage you to keep leaning into the opportunities, resources, and community the NLD offers every month—you never know which moment will spark your next connection or idea.

With warm regards,
Claudia Salinas