President’s Welcome Message

Kelly Reis

As we look forward to an exciting new year for the San Diego Chapter of the FBA, I want to take a moment to pause and look back.

The San Diego Chapter was established 64 years ago and has grown to be one of the most active and supportive legal associations in our community. The FBA connects you to a network of talented and passionate lawyers and judges—people you will learn from and collaborate with. They may even become lifelong friends. Our members come from all corners of federal practice: from firms large and small, from corporations and federal agencies, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the office of the Federal Defenders, from our local law schools, and and from the judiciary.

I am honored to serve as president of an association with such a rich legacy. The members of the San Diego Chapter take its mission statement to heart:

To serve the interests of the federal legal community and strengthen the quality of the federal legal profession by promoting professionalism, inclusiveness, and civility; by providing educational, social, and leadership opportunities, and by encouraging meaningful engagement between the federal practitioner, the judiciary, and the public they serve.

Our members exemplify the qualities of professionalism, inclusiveness, and civility. In the past few years, we have seen numerous members win national awards. We have spent time getting to know each other and the bench. We also came together as a community to renew our commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.

Now to look forward.

We have exciting things planned for 2026. Our signature events are returning: Join us for our Judicial Reception and Chapter Awards Ceremony on May 19, and the 22nd annual Judith N. Keep Civil Practice Seminar on September 17. There will be opportunities to meet new members of the federal bench, as well as times to celebrate those who are retiring after years of distinguished service. You can expect interesting educational programs and opportunities to socialize with federal practitioners and judges.

Please consider becoming more involved with FBA this year. We are always looking to welcome new committee members to help our Board of Directors plan events, draft member spotlights, and recruit new members. None of our programming or success would be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteer Board and committee members. Email president@fbasd.org to get involved today.

Thank you all for supporting FBA, whether by participating on a committee, or by attending a happy hour. I’m confident that 2026 will be a landmark year for our chapter.

About the Author

Kelly Reis is the 2026 President of the San Diego FBA and an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California. She previously worked in the USAO’s criminal division and was a law clerk for the Honorable Janis L. Sammartino. Kelly graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law.