Message from the Board

It’s October, and in our beautiful city that means the pumpkin spice is flowing and the calaveras are glowing. As we celebrate Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos, it is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the multi-cultural canvas that makes San Diego America’s finest city. 

It’s also an opportunity to take stock of what our SDCBA community has to offer. Because in a year filled with unprecedented legal challenges, our network of San Diego lawyers is stronger than ever.

I’m Ryan Stygar and I joined the New Lawyer Division Board because of you. Our goal is to help you feel supported, to ensure you have the resources you need, not just as a lawyer, but as a person. Because while the public is looking to legal experts for answers now more than ever, your wellness is always the first priority. 

And studies have shown conclusively that staying social, engaging with your network, and participating in your community is one of the best ways to fortify your mental health — as well as your career growth!

So, what has the NLD been up to and what can you get from it?

Last month, our member at large, Catharine McGlynn helped 27 people sharpen their skills while making powerful connections in the Court Practice Series. Events like this make us better lawyers but also help us make new friends, and, in my personal experience, future co-counsels to help with challenging cases.

Speaking of challenging cases, our NLD Chair, Claudia Salinas, put all her cards on the table during the Innocence Center’s Wrongful Conviction Day poker tournament. This was a night full of fun and friendship, and more important, it raised essential funds to support exonerees who served time for crimes they did not commit.

Feeling a little FOMO? Not to worry! There is plenty more ahead.

The NLD and Animal Law Section have teamed up to put on the Annual Halloween Costume Party and pet food drive. Have some fun, make new connections, and help an animal in need have a good bowl of food. It feels good to do good on October 29!

Looking to get more involved in the social and political challenges facing our community? Join us on November 3 for an important dialogue on diversity, race, and immigration policy. 

As a busy lawyer myself, I know it’s hard to get out of the office to network. And networking itself has become something of a chore, hasn’t it? Another “to-do” item on our never-ending list of tasks. But it doesn’t have to be that way! If I can be blunt, “networking” has been over analyzed into something much more intimidating than it needs to be. At the end of the day, “networking” is just about making new connections, even friendships. 

Fortunately, our member at large, Stephanie S. Germani, wrote an AMAZING how-to guide to help you CRUSH at networking. Try some of these tips at the next SDCBA event — you might be surprised what doors open up!

Remember that a great legal community is like a garden. If you want to harvest the good stuff, you’ve got to plant some seeds and water it frequently. The NLD is here to help you get the most of what our community has to offer. Not sure where to start? Shoot any of us an email, we’d love to get to know you better. 

With kindness, 

Ryan & Friends (aka The NLD Board)

Looking forward to wonderful events:
Animal Law Section: Annual Halloween Costume Party & Cat Food Drive 10/29/25

(CLE) Dialogue on Diversity: A Nation for All? Race and Immigration Policy from a Historical Perspective (Education/CLE, Diversity & Inclusion, Bar-Wide Member Event)
Mon 11/3/2025 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM