SDCBA NLD’s February 2026 For The Record: Message from the Vice Chair

Hello SDCBA New Lawyer Division,

I know many of you – but for those I have not yet met – my name is Robert Shawhan, and I am the new Vice Chair of the San Diego County Bar Association New Lawyer Division. I am excited to serve another year on the Board and look forward to supporting you through programming, networking opportunities, and other resources that help foster a tighter-knit legal community. Last year, I was proud to help organize many of our events, including the Gulls Hockey Game Watch, the Summer Soiree, the Beach & Bonfire Networking Meetup, and the 4th Annual Naughty & Nice Sweater Holiday Party, where we collected blankets and clothing for people who are homeless through the local agency PATH.

This year, I look forward to helping bring back these events and more – including expanded CLE programming, additional community service opportunities, and increased engagement with law students and prelaw students throughout the county.

New For The Record Column: “Notes From The Next Generation”

I am excited to work with our returning Executive Committee members and our three (3) newly elected Members-at-Large – Stephanie Hannosh, Zach Brooks, and Riley Minkoff – who are all eager to give back to the local legal community. I know they are going to do a great job.

New Board member Stephanie Hannosh – both a recent mom and the author of two books – will serve as the new co-editor of For The Record. She will be working closely with our returning and very talented editor, Stephanie Germani, and will be introducing a new For The Record column titled “Notes From The Next Generation.” This column highlights the viewpoints and growing passions of students and young attorneys navigating today’s legal world.

High School Mock Trial Competition: Get Involved in the Local Legal Community Any Way You Can

Whether you are a new, prospective, or returning member of the SDCBA New Lawyer Division, I encourage you to get involved with the County Bar Association – or in any way you can within our local legal community. There is so much to learn and so much to teach.

Recently, I had the pleasure of serving, for the second and third time, as an Attorney Scorer for the San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition held at the San Diego Superior Court, Central Courthouse. More than 800 talented high school students participated, and it was truly a sight to behold. I would be doing you a disservice if I did not share how personally rewarding this experience was. Not only was I able to give back to students and future attorneys, but I also learned a great deal from watching them in action and am confident the future is in capable hands.

Save the Date: “Find Your Pot of Gold” Speed-Mentoring Event – March 26, 2026

Lastly, please join us for our “Find Your Pot of Gold” Speed-Mentoring Event, taking place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at SDCBA Headquarters (330 A Street). The event is free for members and $15 for non-members. Whether you’re seeking a mentor or mentee, looking to gain insight from attorneys and students at various stages, or refining your elevator pitch, we’d be delighted to have you attend.  Interested mentors can register here now (https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=320170) and interested mentees can register at this link beginning on February 26.

If you are on the fence about attending or participating in any event, just show up. You’ll be glad you did.

Cheers to a bright and promising 2026,
Robert