Message from NLD Leadership

Friends, Colleagues, and Veterans,

This Veterans Day, I carved out some time to revisit the history of what was originally Armistice Day and to look through old artifacts from family members who served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force. A day of remembrance does not feel complete without reflecting on those we love who answered the call to serve.

While going through my grandfather’s records, I found his U.S. Navy Reserve Certificate of Honorable Discharge for his service through World War II and the Korean War. Growing up, I used to assume every service member was in combat, and I didn’t appreciate how many served behind the scenes — feeding, housing, transporting, and supplying the troops. My grandfather was an engineer with no plans for military life, but like many young Americans after Pearl Harbor, he stepped forward and served where he was most needed: the Civil Engineer Corps. He helped build military housing, administrative offices, and the infrastructure that made global operations possible in the Pacific Theater.

There are times I feel a pang of disappointment that I never served in the armed forces, but then I remember that our profession gives us its own way to serve. One of my most meaningful roles was right after law school, working at Nevada Legal Services. I provided legal help — and often social-service-style support — to the indigent, elderly, and veterans across Northern Nevada. Some of those simple acts changed lives, and their gratitude has stayed with me. Service is not limited to nonprofits or legal aid. We can all give back in ways large and small, inside and outside the practice of law.

If you are looking for legal ways to give back in San Diego County, you may want to consider volunteering with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (“SDVLP”) and the Legal Aid Society of San Diego and its specific Veterans Legal Clinic. If you don’t have the time to give back, you should consider joining the New Lawyer Division’s “Naughty and Nice” Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at The Church at the Lost Abbey, 1313 J St., San Diego, CA 92101, on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. We are partnering with PATH and collecting new or gently used sweaters and blankets for those experiencing homelessness.

If you can’t attend but still want to help, you can donate directly to PATH here: https://epath.org/regions/greater-san-diego/

The heart of my message is this: as the holiday season arrives, take a moment to appreciate the ways you serve others, look for opportunities to continue giving back, and thank a veteran for their service. Every act of service — legal or otherwise — strengthens our community.

Cheers to you and your loved ones this holiday season, and thank you to all who serve, in every capacity.

Sincerely,
Robert

​​​​Robert K. Shawhan