The San Diego Federal Bar Association held its New Members Mentorship Mixer in the Carter-Keep U.S. Courthouse on February 12, 2025. The mixer was specifically for attorneys admitted within the last five years and law students to provide them with the opportunity to meet a contingent of our federal bench and seasoned practitioners in an intimate setting.
The evening kicked off with introductory remarks from District Judge Ruth Montenegro and Magistrate Judge Michelle Pettit, each speaking about the importance of mentorship. Judge Montenegro shared how her mentors helped her navigate judicial applications and processes, and emphasized that mentors are key to helping you get where you want to go and introducing you to people you need to know. Judge Pettit offered practical advice on how to meet potential mentors, and through her personal story, inspired attendees to step outside of their comfort zones and make a concerted effort to meet new people, learn their stories, and discover connections. She also championed "finding your team"—people who can help you grow in various areas of life.
Appellate Federal Defender and VP of Membership, Jessie Agatstein, also gave helpful pointers on finding mentors and encouraged attendees to seek out not only mentors who are ten to twenty years out, but also those who are two to three years out—the takeaway being that the former would give you insight on what hiring officials are looking for and the latter on what it is like to be a new attorney.
The special event drew about 50 attendees—all making meaningful efforts to connect while enjoying a delectable cheese and charcuterie spread and a variety of beverages. The San Diego FBA thanks the following individuals for participating in the program and helping to make it a success!
District Judge Ruth Montenegro
Magistrate Judge Michelle Pettit
Magistrate Judge Michael Berg
Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard
Michelle Betancourt | Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.
James Chavez | Law Office of James M. Chavez
Kevin A. Gregg | Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt
Samantha Hardy | Sheppard Mullin
Last but not least, a special thank you to our Board Members who spearheaded this event, Melissa Holmes and Jessie Agatstein, and those who took part in the event: Kim Gregg, Blake Eaton, Dakota Hickingbottom, Kelly Reis, and Blake Currey. We could not have asked for more for our first in-person event of the year!