The Federal Bar Association, San Diego Chapter will proudly present the following new awards at its Annual Conference: (1) the Outstanding Trial Attorney of the Year Award; (2) the Distinguished Service Award; and (3) the Rising Attorney Award. We are eager to recognize outstanding FBA members for their excellence and dedication. See the awards tab on our website for more information. Nominations must be received by June 25, 2021. Also, the San Diego Chapter is featured in the March/April 2021 issue of The Federal Lawyer, the FBA's national magazine. The magazine reports the Chapter "rounded the corner on a year that presented not only many challenges but also new opportunities for the chapter to serve its members and community." With videoconference technology, "the chapter's events continued to reach a wide audience and keep the legal community informed, despite the COVID-19 pandemic." We continued that fine tradition last month by hosting the "Virtual Mixer: Reconnecting with Your Legal Community" with introductory remarks by the Hon. Linda Lopez, U.S. Magistrate Judge, and Joseph Leventhal, Managing Partner of Dinsmore and former Chapter President. It was wonderful seeing our federal family connect with one another. Many thanks to our Chapter Sponsor Judicate West for making this innovative event possible through their continued support.
Member Spotlight: Racheal White Hawk: Purpose Through Community After representing tribal clients in Procopio's Native American Law Practice Group, Racheal White Hawk is joining Earthjustice's Tribal Partnerships Program to ensure tribal and Indigenous clients' natural and cultural resources are protected for future generations. FBA Member Alisha Ansari shares that Ms. White Hawk's formative experiences led to her viewing a career in the law as a way to directly improve conditions for tribes and her community. Ms. White Hawk also serves on the FBA's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, where she is working to improve diversity in judicial clerkships. We hope to see you at these virtual FBA, San Diego Chapter events: Virtual Brown Bag with U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson May 13, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. During the Virtual Brown Bag, Judge Robinson will discuss practice pointers for civil and criminal cases, his path to the federal bench, and his chambers rules and procedures. Cost: Free MCLE: 1.0 hour of General MCLE Credit Understanding AAPI Discrimination in Our Past and Present to Reclaim Our Future May 24, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn about the history and rise of Asian American Pacific Islander hate in America and hear lessons learned from the lead trial counsel who fought to overturn the conviction in Korematsu v. United States. Speaker: Dale Minami Minami Tamaki LLP Leader of the legal team that overturned the conviction of Fred Korematsu, whose defiance of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II led to Korematsu v. United States (Additional speakers to be announced) Hosted by: U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California Co-Sponsored by: Federal Bar Association, San Diego Chapter Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego Cost: Free Virtual Brown Bag with U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell D. Dembin June 16, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. During the Virtual Brown Bag, Magistrate Judge Dembin will discuss practice pointers for civil and criminal cases, his path to the federal bench, and his chambers rules and procedures. Cost: Free MCLE: 1.0 hour of General MCLE Credit Save the date for this in-person event: Introduction to Federal Court June 24, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. James M. Carter & Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse Jury Assembly Room This event will feature panel presentations by judges, the Clerk of the Court, educators, and practitioners regarding federal jurisdiction and venue, criminal and civil practice, and community involvement. Additional details and registration to follow. Please note that space is limited and attendees will be required to follow the U.S. District Court's safety precautions. Important awards and initiatives: Peter J. Mazza Outstanding Federal Lawyer Award Peter J. Mazza Memorial Fund The San Diego Chapter Chapter remains deeply saddened by the loss of our former Chapter President and great friend, Peter Mazza. To preserve his memory, the Chapter worked with the FBA to create a new national award, the Peter J. Mazza Outstanding Federal Lawyer Award. This award recognizes exemplary federal lawyers who have dedicated a significant portion of their career to federal service with high standards of professional achievement and outstanding performance. The FBA is now accepting nominations for the award until June 1, 2021. The recipient of the award will receive a cash grant to be donated to a charitable organization that promotes the interest of justice. Please help us establish this grant by making a tax-deductible donation to the Peter J. Mazza Memorial Fund. Our Sponsor:
