A distinguished panel explored why lawyers who thoughtfully use AI will outperform both AI alone and lawyers who ignore it. From synthesizing information and analyzing deposition transcripts to avoiding hallucinations and protecting client data, this San Diego FBA panel shared practical guidance every litigator should know.

Read how District Judge Linda Lopez opened her chambers to entertain attendees with candid personal and professional insights.

From circus gymnast in Kazakhstan to partner at Clarkson Law Firm, Yana Hart's path has been anything but ordinary. Her journey spans immigration, learning English, graduating as valedictorian, and becoming a leader in consumer protection and AI litigation. Read how resilience, determination, and a commitment to helping others shaped her remarkable journey.

Read about San Diego FBA's 2026 Chapter Award winners: Erin Dimbleby, the CJA Panel, and the Hon. Michael S. Berg.

Highlights from our presentation on Rule 702 Reloaded: Expert Testimony After the 2023 Amendments, featuring U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson, AUSA Patrick Swan, and FD Leila Morgan.

Read how Ninth Circuit Judge John Owens entertained attendees with candid personal and professional insights in a Courtroom Conversation masterfully moderated by his former clerk Natasha Phillips.

Learn about Lisa Griffith's work in San Diego as she expanded her practice from patent prosecution to general civil litigation.

A Courtroom Conversation series with United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California, Chief Judge Christopher B. Latham and Judge J. Barrett Marum.

Judge Burkhardt takes leadership of Southern District of California Magistrate Judges as caseloads surge and new technology reshapes court operations.

Judge Burns shares why candor is the lawyer’s most powerful tool—how credibility, concessions, and AI pitfalls shape trust in the courtroom.

In her welcome message, San Diego FBA President Kelly Reis reflects on the values that unite us and shares exciting plans for 2026.

Read how U.S. Presiding Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford offered insights in a Courtroom Conversation moderated by Ian Pike before Judge Crawford's retirement this spring.

San Diego FBA 2025 President Kim Gregg reflects on a year of continued growth in programming and community for the Chapter.

Learn about Sylvia Aceves's path to the law and her work in the Office of County Counsel in San Diego.

Over 100 people tuned in on October 30, 2025 to hear Dean Chemerinsky recount the momentous 2024–2025 Supreme Court term over Zoom.

From pretzels and charcuterie to great company, our Oktoberfest mixer was an evening of connection and celebration!

Read about the updates shared during the State of the District and the Hon. Bartick Award recipients, Elizabeth M. Barros and Jeremy Warren.

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.

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.

Read about the insights shared by the local bench during the Annual Keep Federal Civil Practice Seminar