WHY I SERVE:

Reflections from the San Diego County Bar Foundation Board

At the San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF), our mission is to create access to justice by funding non-profit organizations providing crucial legal services to underserved populations. Made up of dedicated lawyers, our Foundation prides itself on being a good steward of funds. This is achieved through the diligent work of our board members, who meticulously vet the non-profits applying for grant funds. To share the personal motivations behind our service and to inspire other lawyers to get involved, we present “Why I Serve,” a collection of reflections from our board members.

A Shared Mission of Service

The commitment to helping underserved communities is a common thread that binds our board members. Deborah Dixon, of the Dixon Firm, eloquently expresses this sentiment: “I serve because I believe in the mission to help the underserved populations, and I know the Foundation’s impact is far greater than I can make on my own. I have confidence in the Foundation doing the hard work investigating local non-profit organizations and determining how our donations can make the biggest difference.” This confidence in the Foundation’s diligence underscores why many of us dedicate our time and resources to this cause.

Personal Connections to the Cause

For some, the mission of the SDCBF is deeply personal. Elidia Dostal, of Vanst Law, “As a first-generation American who grew up in a low-income home, I benefited directly from programs provided by non-profit organizations. I serve on the SDCBF board to help fund the San Diego non-profits that provide these life-changing legal services at no cost to our community.” This personal experience with the transformative power of non-profit services drives their commitment to ensuring others receive the same opportunities.

Empowering the Underserved

Many of our board members are motivated to support those who often feel overlooked. Kyle Overs, of Hahn Loeser, “I serve on the Foundation to support organizations in our community that provide critical legal services to the underserved populations in San Diego that are often otherwise overlooked and feel like they have no place to turn. The organizations we support give those populations the support and power they need and deserve.” This focus on empowerment and support is a cornerstone of our work at the Foundation.

Expanding Impact Beyond the Individual

For those like Cassandra Thorson, of Thorson Law Group, serving on the Board allows them to extend their reach beyond their individual practice: “For the past 40 years, I have helped my community obtain justice for those wrongfully injured and defrauded. As a sole practitioner, I can only help one client at a time. Serving on the Board allows me, through the grant process, to help provide pro bono legal services to hundreds of individuals who would otherwise go unserved.” This broader impact is a powerful motivator for many of our board members.

A Professional and Ethical Duty

Some see their service as a fundamental responsibility of their profession. Scott Schindler, of JLL, states, “Why I serve? Because it’s our inherent duty as members of the bar to give back to those legal organizations that help those less fortunate.” This sense of duty is a driving force behind the dedication of our board members.

Making a Tangible Difference

The Foundation’s tangible impact on the community is a common theme among our board members. Ruth Spillane, of Fragomen, notes, “I serve on the Board because we make a tangible difference in our community by empowering vulnerable populations through access to justice.” This impact is seen and felt in the lives of those we help every day.

Giving Back to the Community

Finally, for some, it’s about giving back to the community that has supported them. Stephanie Reynolds, of Fisher and Phillips, reflects, “I joined the Foundation Board to give back to the community by helping to raise funds used to support deserving organizations that provide and promote access to justice for those in need.” This desire to give back is at the heart of what we do at the SDCBF.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our board members’ reflections highlight the profound impact the SDCBF has on our community and the deep commitment of those who serve. We invite you to join us in this mission through donations or by serving on the Board. Together, we can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.