Hear From the
YLD President

Aloha,

As we enter the season of giving and the final stretch of the calendar year, my deepest gratitude goes to the Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors, Hawaii State Bar Association, and everyone who’s supported our programs throughout the year.

Serving on this board is entirely voluntary, yet our directors show up week after week with the same dedication that they bring to their own practices. On top of billable hours, court appearances, and personal commitments, the board carved out time to organize the HSBA YLD Mock Trial Competition, Law Week, and weekly Legal Lines.

Members of the HSBA staff, particularly Brian Simon, Desmond de Vera, and Sara Taira, have been invaluable supporters for YLD’s initiatives, updating the website with the latest information, and ensuring seamless administrative and logistical operations behind the scenes. In addition, the judiciary, vendors, and sponsors have been instrumental in enabling each of our programs to remain accessible, impactful, and well-resourced for our members and the community.

As we navigate the busy weeks ahead together, please take a brief pause to show gratitude to the ones who got you here and continue to support you. Wishing you and your loved ones a restful, restorative, and peaceful holiday season.

As mentioned in previous messages, the 2027 HSBA YLD Mock Trial Competition is in full swing! If you’d like to get involved, our Committee is actively seeking attorneys and judges to serve as presiding judges, as well as general volunteers. Please reach out to us at yldmocktrial@gmail.com.

Mahalo,
Lauren Watanabe