The San Joaquin County Bar Association (SJCBA) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Exceptional Organization of the Year Award by the California Lawyers Association (CLA). The award was presented during the annual California Lawyers Association (CLA) and California Judges Association (CJA) Presidents Gala in San Diego on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

The Exceptional Organization of the Year Award is presented to an organization that exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a collaborative spirit that mirrors CLA’s mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the California legal profession, as well as a commitment to seeking a fair administration of justice and rule of law.

“The San Joaquin County Bar Association is a shining example of a bar association serving California’s rural communities with education, resources, moral and mental support for attorneys and the legal community,” explained CLA in an award letter.  “SJCBA has supported law students with scholarships, while being active in supporting and promoting other bar association events highlighting the collaborative approach to bar association relationships.”

Susan Bartman, Executive Director of the San Joaquin County Bar Association said, "We are proud of SJCBA's dedication to excellence, ethics, and the betterment of the legal profession.  This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, supporting our local legal community, and serving as a beacon of legal excellence in our region."

Susan Bartman, Sean Geddes, Rebecca Diel and Janette Rossell, members of the Board of Governors, attended the prestigious Presidents Gala to accept the award on behalf of the organization.  Hundreds of legal professionals and law students from across California attended the event to celebrate excellence in the legal field.

SJCBA expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the California Lawyers Association for this distinguished recognition. This award reaffirms the organization's commitment to its mission and will inspire its members to continue their efforts in advancing the legal profession and serving the San Joaquin County community.