San Mateo County Bar Association and Lawyer Referral Service

San Mateo County Bar Association and Lawyer Referral Service The San Mateo County Bar Association promotes the honor and dignity of the legal profession, educate

The San Mateo County Bar Association promotes the honor and dignity of the legal profession, educates its members and encourages collegiality.

๐Ÿ’› Weโ€™re halfway through the year, and we're so glad you're part of this community. Being an SMCBA member means more than...
06/10/2026

๐Ÿ’› Weโ€™re halfway through the year, and we're so glad you're part of this community.

Being an SMCBA member means more than a directory listing. It's referral connections, MCLE programming, events like Judges' Night, scholarships that lift up the next generation, and a network of colleagues who genuinely have your back.

Whether you've been with us for years or just joined, thank you. The best of the year is still ahead. ๐Ÿ™Œ

What's been your favorite part of SMCBA membership so far this year? ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐ŸŽ“ Calling all future attorneys! The Nancy de Ita Scholarship is open. If you're an incoming or current law student, or a...
06/04/2026

๐ŸŽ“ Calling all future attorneys! The Nancy de Ita Scholarship is open.

If you're an incoming or current law student, or a recent grad who hasn't yet passed the bar, this one's for you. Offered by SMCBA's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, it's about more than funding - it's about recognizing your potential and your commitment to a more inclusive legal profession.

๐Ÿ“… Apply by July 3, 2026.
Learn more & apply: https://vist.ly/56kv3

Support the scholarship: https://vist.ly/56kv5

Know a student who should see this? Tag them or share! ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿค– AI can make your firm faster and sharperโ€ฆor land you in front of a judge explaining a citation that never existed. It'...
06/02/2026

๐Ÿค– AI can make your firm faster and sharperโ€ฆor land you in front of a judge explaining a citation that never existed.

It's happening: firms across the country are getting sanctioned for filings built on AI-invented case law, and California is tightening its rules on AI in practice. But the answer isn't to avoid AI. It's to use it wisely.

Our June tech feature breaks down where AI genuinely helps small and solo firms, the confidentiality traps hiding in free tools, and the one habit that keeps you safe: verify before you file.

How is your firm using AI right now - cautiously, all-in, or not at all? ๐Ÿ‘‡

Meet Bianca Valencia Barraza, SMCBA's Lawyer Referral Service Coordinator, and the person making sure San Mateo County r...
05/27/2026

Meet Bianca Valencia Barraza, SMCBA's Lawyer Referral Service Coordinator, and the person making sure San Mateo County residents can find the legal help they need. ๐Ÿค

Bianca's been part of the SMCBA family since 2018, when she started as an intern. She's grown into her current role as LRS Coordinator, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the referral program, works with panel attorneys, and connects clients with legal services that might otherwise feel out of reach.

She holds a Master's in Public Policy from UC Riverside and undergraduate degrees in Criminology and Chicano/Latino Studies from Sonoma State. Her background shows - her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to access to justice and community service.

If you're a panel attorney or a community member who's worked with the LRS program, there's a good chance Bianca's the one who helped make it happen. ๐Ÿ’›

โฐ Reminder: SMCBA board nominations are still open!If you've been thinking about stepping up and getting more involved i...
05/26/2026

โฐ Reminder: SMCBA board nominations are still open!

If you've been thinking about stepping up and getting more involved in shaping the Association, this is your sign. Open positions include Secretary and additional board seats, and the application window runs through June 30.
Board service is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the legal community you're already part of.

Questions? Reach out to Alma at [email protected] - she's happy to walk you through what's involved.

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.To...
05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

To all who have served, and to the families who carry that sacrifice with them: thank you.

SMCBA's offices will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of the holiday. We'll see you back on Tuesday.

When was the last time you actually stepped outside in the middle of your workday? ๐ŸŒฟNot to get to your car. Not between ...
05/21/2026

When was the last time you actually stepped outside in the middle of your workday? ๐ŸŒฟ

Not to get to your car. Not between meetings. Just... outside.

This month's wellness article is a gentle nudge to reclaim what used to be called a break - and why twenty minutes outdoors might do more for your afternoon than another cup of coffee.

Read it in your May Here-Say and let us know: do you have a go-to outdoor ritual that helps you reset during a busy week?

Meet Alma Robles, the Executive Director of SMCBA, and the person you have probably already met or emailed at some point...
05/20/2026

Meet Alma Robles, the Executive Director of SMCBA, and the person you have probably already met or emailed at some point. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Alma first joined SMCBA back in 2007, went on to serve at the Bar Association of San Francisco and the State Bar of California, and returned to SMCBA in 2017 as the Assistant Executive Director. In January, stepped up to take on the Executive Director role, overseeing operations, supporting the Board and committees, and keeping everything running behind the scenes.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Alma holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Cal State Chico, and is currently finishing her MBA from the same school. (Yes, while running the Association. Yes, we're impressed too.)

If you've ever had a question, a great experience at an SMCBA event, or just felt like the Association was in good hands - that's Alma. ๐Ÿ™Œ

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Coming up May 26: a timely conversation you won't want to miss.SMCBA's Committee on Professional Equality is hosting ...
05/19/2026

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Coming up May 26: a timely conversation you won't want to miss.

SMCBA's Committee on Professional Equality is hosting a program on AI and implicit bias in the courthouse - an important look at how emerging technology intersects with fairness, equity, and the future of legal practice.

Find the details in the first comment below!

We're proud to support our partners at Legal Aid as they host their annual luncheon on May 28! ๐ŸคThis is a meaningful eve...
05/15/2026

We're proud to support our partners at Legal Aid as they host their annual luncheon on May 28! ๐Ÿค

This is a meaningful event that speaks to something central to why many of us chose law - access to justice matters, and this luncheon helps make it possible.

Grab your seat and come out to show your support!

Address

333 Bradford Street , Ste. 150
Redwood City, CA
94063

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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