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Welcome to the San Diego Chapter

Pathway to the Bench: How to Become a U.S. Magistrate Judge

Watch San Diego FBA’s full panel on how to become a U.S. Magistrate Judge. U.S. District and Magistrate judges and Chair of the Merit Selection Panel shared insights on the application, the interview process, and more.

Judge Cheeks Delights with Candid, Practical Insights on Life and Career

Read how U.S. District Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks delighted attendees with candid personal and professional insights in a Courtroom Conversation masterfully moderated by Erika Oliver and Valerie Phan.

The New Landscape: 2025 Sentencing Guidelines Amendments and Advocacy Strategies

Highlights from our presentation on the 2025 Sentencing Guidelines Amendments, featuring U.S. District Judge Ruth B. Montenegro, AUSA Amy Brammell, and FD Jessie Agatstein.

Upcoming Events

Tue, Oct 21
Oktoberfest Mixer
RSVP
Oct 21, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for complimentary food and drink at Judicate West in downtown San Diego
Thu, Oct 30
2025 Supreme Court Case Review Featuring Dean Erwin Chemerinsky
RSVP
Oct 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Wed, Nov 05
Tour of Historic Courthouse & Courtroom Conversation with U.S. Bankruptcy Chief Judge Latham and Judge Marum
RSVP
Nov 05, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Tour the Jacob Weinberger U.S. Courthouse built in 1913, enjoy lunch with fellow federal practitioners, and hear from Chief Judge Latham and Judge Marum about their paths to the bench, best practices in their courtrooms, and recent bankruptcy trends.

Chapter News

Celebrating Excellence: Three Outstanding Recipients of the Younger Federal Lawyer Award

Read about our three San Diego FBA Board Members who have earned the prestigious Younger Federal Lawyer Award: Jessie Agatstein, Evangeline Dech, and Rachel Eaton.

Member Spotlight: Kristin Mihelic

Learn how Kristin Mihelic and attorneys like her at the Office of the U.S. Trustee ensure confidence in the bankruptcy system.

Member Spotlight: Grace S. Jun

Grace S. Jun’s journey from a rural Korean American farm girl to one of San Diego’s most respected civil rights attorneys is a testament to the transformative power of advocacy.

Member Spotlight: Deborah Dixon

Meet firm founder and community leader Deborah Dixon, who shares her path to law, tips for young litigators, and insights into mass torts and class actions.