Lifelong Californian Don Mulford has spent his career trying to help other people. He studied civil law before getting a master’s degree in divinity, which led him to become a chaplain for a period of time in addition to being a civil attorney. His resume doesn’t end there: Don has also worked in hospice care and has seen people through their most difficult times. Hear how he maintains a sense of calm during the storm, and how his penchant for aiding others manifested in his career as a civil attorney.

Contact Information:

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org

Geoffrey Carr is a criminal defense attorney who graduated from UC Law San Francisco. One of his first mentors was attorney Gordon Rockhill who taught him that it’s not enough to leave trials with a hung jury: you have to win. Geoffrey has turned that philosophy into a very successful law career, and now shares his advice with his many mentees.

In this episode, Geoffrey talks to host Deborah Kemper about the theatrical nature of trials, and why you should treat every private defender client like they retained you. Plus, he offers some great advice for those looking to go to attend law school.

San Mateo Bar Referral Number: ‭(650) 369-4149‬

Contact Information:

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org

Leticia Toledo is a lifelong Californian who still feels like a young attorney, despite practicing law for over three decades. Leticia’s specialties include probate, estate planning, trust administration, and conservatorship law. She is also a member of The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County and San Mateo County Women Lawyers Educational Foundation.

In this interview with host Deborah Kemper, Leticia breaks down how to deal with the stress of practicing law, and talks about the importance of finding great mentors. Listen in for advice on everything from self-care tactics to how to dress in the courtroom.

San Mateo Bar Referral Number: ‭(650) 369-4149‬

Contact Information:

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org

Drew Henwood didn’t always want to be in bankruptcy law. His career actually started in journalism, before his foray into criminal law. Eventually, he found what he loved in consumer and bankruptcy law in the Bay Area by way of Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

Host Deborah Kemper and Drew talk about bankruptcy triggers, what life looks like after filing, and how to confidently go in the direction of your dreams.

San Mateo Bar Referral Number: ‭(650) 369-4149‬

Contact Information:

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org

Nancy de Ita was born in the Bay Area, but traveled to many places in her life, each inspiring her to pursue something new. Nancy went to college in Mexico, earning a B.A. in Spanish Literature. It was also in Mexico she met her husband. Once the two of them returned to the Bay Area to start a family, Nancy attended law school, working in personal injury law, family law, and workers’ compensation law before she ultimately opened up her own firm.

Nancy was mentored by previous Boomer Bar guest, Marie Weiner. Like Marie, Nancy served as the president of the San Mateo Bar Association and has also worked on the Diversity Committee with host Deborah Kemper.

Listen to the episode to hear Nancy’s advice for young lawyers, and where she considers the best destination she’s ever traveled to.

Contact Information:

Nancy de Ita

nancydeita60@gmail.com

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org

Watching Shogun on Hulu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dgun_(2024_miniseries)

Born and raised in San Mateo, Robert Vale’s career began at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the industrial lending division. He then followed in his father’s footsteps and attended law school, where he had the time of his life. However, he quickly realized he wasn’t cut out for being a litigator like his dad. Instead, Bob pursued estate planning and trust administration where he found he thrived.

Listen as Bob talks about how he believes volunteering to be crucial to his values, and tells host Deborah Kemper how he serves his community. Bob also talks about what is on the horizon for his firm, McDowall Cotter. Plus, you’ll hear him tell a story he has always wanted to tell about the late Judge Smith.

Contact Information:

Deborah Kemper, MBA:
deborahk@smcba.org

Born in Milwaukee, self-proclaimed “Bar Groupie” Judge Marie Weiner made her way to the Bay Area in her teenage years and eventually went to school at UC Hastings. In this episode, we talk about her impressive journey presiding over high profile California cases, being a partner at Cotchett, Pitre, Simon & McCarthy, serving on the Conference of Delegates Group for San Mateo County, and being elected as the president of the San Mateo Bar in 2000.

We discuss Marie’s passion for molding the law, a change in her workflow that she calls the “silver lining of the pandemic,” and how no matter how much she loved what she did, she prioritized having a work life balance. You can also hear about Marie’s rich personal life, filled with family, singing, and Star Trek.

Contact Information:

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org

**Warning this show has references to rape and murder**

In this episode, Steve discusses why he became a criminal defense attorney, and how it’s shaped his view of humanity. Join us in talking about how he made his way from Long Island to the Bay Area, served as a trial lawyer for 30 years, and coached young attorneys on how to save money and plan for their future. Steve continues to give back when he's approaching retirement age!

Contact Information:

Steven Schaiman, Criminal Defense Attorney.

schaiman@aol.com

Deborah Kemper, MBA:

deborahk@smcba.org