Happy July SDCBA New Lawyer Division Members!

It is only July, yet summer already feels packed with activity – because it has been. From FIFA World Cup watch parties and Fourth of July celebrations to the many galas and networking events across San Diego’s legal community, the season has been off to a tremendous start. Hopefully, you’ve still managed to find a little time to work between all of the fun and activities.  If you were not able to attend recent events hosted by the Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego (PALSD), Lawyers Club, the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association, don’t worry – there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall.

One event I especially want to highlight is the SDCBA’s Justice 250 celebration, which kicked off the Fourth of July weekend aboard the historic USS Midway. The event was emceed by the Honorable Joan Weber and featured an outstanding lineup of speakers, including California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge M. Margaret McKeown, and our very own SDCBA President, Timothy Williams.

Each speaker offered thoughtful perspectives on the judiciary, the importance of preserving public confidence in our legal system, and the enduring principles upon which our country was founded. The discussions surrounding the U.S. Constitution and its lasting impact were both timely and inspiring. As someone who had never stepped aboard an aircraft carrier before, I also have to admit that exploring a floating fortress was an unforgettable experience. Of course, the panoramic views of San Diego Harbor and the downtown skyline certainly didn’t hurt.

If you were not able to attend Justice 250, I hope you were still able to enjoy the Fourth of July – whether that meant watching the Big Bay Boom, spending the day at the beach or a pool, firing up the barbecue, or simply enjoying time with family and friends.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention how much fun this summer has been thanks to the FIFA World Cup. Outside of the Olympics, few sporting events bring the world together quite like the World Cup. It was especially exciting to watch the United States, Mexico, and Canada all qualify for the tournament, with Mexico and the United States advancing to the Round of 16. While it would have been great to see both teams make even deeper runs, both teams played with tremendous heart and determination and gave fans plenty to cheer about. 

Fortunately, the New Lawyer Division has been just as busy.

Our biggest social event of the year – the Summer Social – is coming up next week on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel. This year’s theme is Rock ‘n’ Roll, with a special nod to 80’s hair metal, but feel free to come dressed as your favorite rocker from any era. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and everyone is welcome. Bring your friends, family, colleagues, or significant other, and come spend the evening networking, relaxing, and rocking out with us.

Looking a little further down the summer calendar, we’ll be heading to Petco Park on August 25^th to watch the Padres take on the Pirates. Tickets are just $31 per person, and we have only 35 tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to reserve your spot early.

Then, on September 15, 2026, the New Lawyer Division will co-sponsor an Alternative Dispute Resolution CLE featuring local JAMS mediator Bill VanDeWeghe. This promises to be an outstanding program for attorneys interested in learning more about mediation from one of San Diego’s most experienced neutrals.

That’s all from the board for now. We hope to see many of you at one of our upcoming events – or around the local legal community this summer.

Until then, enjoy the sunshine, stay cool, and keep smiling. 

Cheers,

Robert K. Shawhan