The Barristers Section is an organization within the San Mateo County Bar Association (“SMCBA”) consisting of attorneys committed to professional growth, community service, and serving as an advocate for its members. The Barristers Section holds its General Meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at noon.
The Barristers Section’s Mission
The Barristers Section provides a support network for new attorneys and performs philanthropic services for the community. Membership in the Barristers Section is open to SMCBA members 36 years old and younger OR who have been in practice for less than ten years. All new SMCBA members meeting this criteria are automatically enrolled as a Barristers Section member.
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected many individuals and communities, including those the Barristers Section provides specific support and outreach services to – new attorneys and low-income communities. In a time when many of us are working from home and are only able to attend virtual events online, it is now more important than ever for the Barristers Section to offer mentorship and programming so our members can meet and connect with colleagues during these uncertain times.
The Barristers Section Annual Events and Programs
Meet and Greet Event: Each year, the Barristers Section hosts the Meet and Greet Event, which orients new attorneys in San Mateo County to the courthouse and introduces Barristers Section members to our esteemed judiciary, court personnel, and community legal organizations.
Brown Bags with Judicial Officers: Our bench officers graciously volunteer their time to host brown bag lunches throughout the year to help Barristers Section members learn about practice area specific pointers and how to advocate for their clients more effectively.
Education: The Barristers Section is committed to providing continuing education on topics specifically aimed at new attorneys. This year, we are excited to offer a financial education series about financial planning, managing student loan debt, and best practices for business owners.
Philanthropy: The Barristers Section volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank, delivers holiday meals to local family shelters, and makes cash donations.
Attorney Shadow Program: The Barristers Section connects its members to more experienced attorneys to observe their court appearances to better understand court proceedings, court rules, courtroom etiquette and feel more comfortable in this new environment.
Within the Barristers Section ranks are future judges, law firm partners and founders, civil rights leaders, public servants, and others. These are the folks you will find at our events, which are often low or no cost.
If you would like to learn more about the Barristers Section, please contact Barristers Section Chair Mallory Barr at MBarr@goodwinlaw.com.
Chair: Mallory Barr, Goodwin Procter, LLP
Co-Chair: Anderson Lam, Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP
Treasurer: Natasha Tran, Hoge Fenton
Board: Angelica Ayar (immediate past president), Christin Dale, Stephanie Huang, Adam Juratovac, Yau Lee, Ethan McCallum, David Nazzaro, Helen Wang
Learn more about the benefits of being a member of the SMCBA Barristers Section: