April 2025

Here-Say

April 2025

Membership News | Articles | Important Announcements | Featured Events |

A Note from the Associate Executive Director

The 2025 SMCBA Directory is now available, offering members a comprehensive resource for referrals, networking, and sponsor connections. We're also excited to introduces our Members of the Quarter, each of whom exemplify the dedication and talent driving our legal community forward.

Membership News

Member Benefit of the Month: ColorPrint

Offering SMCBA members a 15% discount on their full range of printing and mailing services, ColorPrint combines more than 25 years of expertise with a focus on local community support. Their team prides itself on personalized care and quality craftsmanship, ensuring each project is delivered on time and exceeds expectations.

Help Support Access to Legal Guidance – Donate Today!

We are excited to announce that on April 1, 2025, we began our Community Services Campaign, to give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community. As you may know our LRS Program provides an indispensable service to the public. Providing clients with the invaluable opportunity to consult with a qualified attorney, ensuring they receive professional guidance and the potential for effective legal representation.

Articles

From Evidence to Resolution: How Private Investigators Influence Civil Cases (Part 3)

Private investigators can significantly enhance civil cases by uncovering key evidence, exploring behavioral patterns, and revealing systemic negligence—ultimately helping attorneys present a deeper, more compelling narrative. This article, third in our current series, explains how investigators add emotional resonance to legal arguments, ensuring clients’ experiences are validated and justice is both served and felt.

Building Strong Client Happiness Systems for Your Law Firm

Law firms can stand out by creating strong Client Happiness systems that include simple, repeatable steps reinforced by a strong CRM for organization and consistency. By turning complaints into opportunities and equipping staff with the right tools, firms can foster deeper client relationships, build loyalty, and maintain a smoother workflow.

Practicing Gratitude as an Attorney: Embracing Lessons, Fresh Perspectives, and a Supportive Team

Attorneys often learn and grow the most when they embrace tough lessons as opportunities for improvement, new viewpoints, and stronger team collaboration. By practicing gratitude for failures, diverse perspectives, and a supportive network, law firm owners can stay resilient, adaptable, and motivated in a complex legal landscape.

Important Announcements

State Bar Announcements: Key Updates and Deadlines

The State Bar has several important updates and upcoming deadlines you don't want to miss, including CTAPP compliance deadline, update on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certification, and much more.

Celebrating Mock Trial Success: Hillsdale Takes Varsity Title, Menlo Claims JV Win

This year’s Mock Trial competition showcased remarkable skill and teamwork, with Hillsdale High School’s varsity team ultimately clinching the county title and representing San Mateo at the upcoming state championships. Beyond the courtroom, student artists and journalists also shone, underlining the creativity and dedication that made the event a success for everyone involved.

Announcing the 2025 Nancy de Ita Scholarship

Discover how the 2025 Nancy de Ita Scholarship furthers the SMCBA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by empowering incoming and current law students. Learn who qualifies, how to apply, and why this effort is crucial for building a more inclusive legal community.

San Mateo County Superior Court Policy on the Use of Generative AI for Court Filings and Documents

The San Mateo County Superior Court has adopted a new policy on using generative AI in court filings, highlighting potential pitfalls such as inaccurate legal citations and confidentiality risks. Discover how these guidelines affect your practice and learn about the steps needed to avoid sanctions or ethical violations.

Public Notice: U.S. Magistrate Judge Reappointment

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Illman’s term will expire on November 5, 2025, and a panel is being formed to consider his reappointment for an additional eight-year term. The District Court invites written comments from the public and the bar by March 31, 2025, to help assess Judge Illman’s performance and suitability for reappointment.

Unlock The Ideal Office Space For Your Legal Practice!

Looking for a prime office space in Downtown Redwood City? 333 Bradford Street—located in the same building as the San Mateo County Bar Association—offers a newly renovated, ±2,525 SF suite with high-speed fiber internet, free conference room access, and included parking, just two blocks from Caltrain—perfect for law firms and legal professionals seeking a prestigious, well-connected workspace.

San Mateo County Seeks Applicants for the 2025–2026 Civil Grand Jury

The San Mateo County Superior Court is calling for applications to join the 2025–2026 Civil Grand Jury, a group responsible for investigating and improving local government operations. Eligible U.S. citizens who reside in the county and are at least 18 years old can apply by March 31, 2025, for a chance to help shape transparency and accountability in their community.

Featured Events

Announcing Law Day 2025: “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One”

Law Day 2025 will be held on April 25 at Cañada College, where we’ll celebrate local high school mock trial teams, host a “Stages of the Profession” speaker panel, and honor the national Law Day theme “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”