November 1, 2024 - Here-Say

Executive Director’s Corner

Mock Trial Invitation

2025 Mock Trial Competition

This competition is only made possible by the contribution of our beloved legal community. Click below to check out the times and dates that help is needed!

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT! IT Services for SMCBA Members

Exclusive IT Services for SMCBA Members!

As a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association, you’re eligible for an exclusive 15% discount from our local IT services from Quality Computer Consulting (QCC). 

Click here to view the full details and discover how these services can benefit your firm or business!

Download Member Benefit Flyer

Lawyer Referral Program Adds 16 Attorneys!

The SMCBA team is thrilled to share that we’ve added 16 new attorneys to the Lawyer Referral Service from both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties through our Mailing Campaign!

Photos from the 16th Annual Diversity Speaker Series

This year's 16th Annual Diversity Speakers Series  was a success! We had 94 registrants! 

See photos here. 

Congrats Kevin Nowack! PJDC Juvenile Defender Of The Year!

It is with great excitement that we share with you that Friday, September 13^th, Kevin Nowack was awarded the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center (PJDC), Juvenile Defender Of The Year!

PJDC, it is a statewide public interest, nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of legal representation for youth in the justice system

Burn Out is Real: Assistance from Someone Who "Gets it"

Burn out is real. SMCBA is offering you the opportunity to get counseling from someone who "gets it". 

Don Mulford has experience as a counselor, was a director of a mediation service so has extensive conflict resolution experience, and earlier, he practiced law as a licensed attorney in California, for the federal and state governments, and private law firms. Additionally, he worked in politics as a legislative assistant. You can arrange a meeting with Don in person or online. 

See Website | Contact Don

How To Set Up and Operate a Virtual Law Firm

Understanding how to prepare and knowing what you need to become a successful virtual law firm operation can be tricky. Learn what technology you need and what you should bear in mind.

2025 Judicial Assignment Order

The 2025 Judicial Assignments Order has been released for San Mateo County Superior Court.

Judicial Assignment Order is effective January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025

See Order

Invitation to Comment on Proposed Local Court Rules

Invitation to Comment on Proposed Local Court Rules to Become Effective January 1, 2025.

Comments Due to smsccomment@sanmateocourt.org by Monday, November 11, 2024, at 4:30 P.M.

Proposed Local Rules

 SB 940, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom

Arbitration companies and the neutrals who work there will have new ethical requirements to comply with in 2025 after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed plaintiffs-bar-backed legislation on Sunday.

SB 940 will force arbitrators to announce whether their firm over the past two years solicited work from a party, or a lawyer to that party, currently in a consumer case before them. So-called repeat-player provisions will also bar an arbitration firm or neutral from offering future services to a party or lawyer while their case is pending.

See FAQ

BAWLN – Bay Area Women Lawyers’ Network

The Bay Area Women Lawyers’ Retreat is now named BAWLN – Bay Area Women Lawyers’ Network!  It has undergone a name change and a logo change. You are invited to The Annual Retreat! Save the Date: March 7-9th, 2025 at the Silvarado in Napa. Seeking Sponsors! See Details Here