The Barristers Club was thrilled to present Presiding Judge Samuel K. Feng, San Francisco Superior Court with the 2021 Tara L. Riedley Barristers Choice Award at the 37th Annual Judges Reception on July 29. The Barristers Choice award is presented to a state or federal judge in the Bay Area recognizing their extraordinary efforts to educate and encourage lawyers new to the practice of law and the courtroom. 

He is a shining example of the dedicated public servant committed to equal access and justice for all. His extraordinary efforts to educate and encourage lawyers new to the practice of law and the courtroom are not surprising. Always willing to spend time with young attorneys, he is known for his incredible energy, generosity, and good cheer..." — Judge Garrett Wong

Judge Feng was honored for his tremendous mentorship of Bay Area law students and attorneys. Several of his former and current mentees applauded his generous investment in them. Kiara Canales, current Legal Research Attorney said, “Judge Feng is an incredible mentor. He wants to know how the new generation of lawyers think while also sharing his wealth of knowledge about private practice as well as lessons from his time on the bench. He is exceptionally even-keeled, which serves as a model for all attorneys, seasoned and new… Every young attorney should have a mentor similar to Judge Feng. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have to work with him and learn from him.” 

Judge Garrett Wong, former Presiding Judge of San Francisco Superior Court also praised Feng’s dedication to newer attorneys, “he is a shining example of the dedicated public servant committed to equal access and justice for all. His extraordinary efforts to educate and encourage lawyers new to the practice of law and the courtroom are not surprising. Always willing to spend time with young attorneys, he is known for his incredible energy, generosity, and good cheer. His sage wisdom and enthusiasm for inspiring new lawyers is part of Judge Feng’s devotion to improving the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.” 

In his acceptance speech, Feng impressed upon the audience the need for civility, stressing that newer lawyers make sure they learn “the human touch, to be nice, to be collaborative,” and to advocate with professionalism and respect. “As for mentoring, that should never stop…” said Feng, “in order to prepare the next generation to practice effectively, we have to mentor. We have to teach them litigation skills from the pleading stage, discovery stage.”

^{WATCH: FENG IS HONORED FOR HIS TREMENDOUS MENTORSHIP OF NEWER ATTORNEYS.}

He also encouraged the audience to get involved in the Judicial Mentor Program, a program created by judges in collaboration with Governor Newsom that aims to increase the diversity of the bench. He welcomed newer lawyers who aspire to be a judge to look further into the program. “That’s one way for us to give back to the community,” he said.

I want to thank all of you. You have made me learn how to be a better judge, a better person... My courtroom is always open to all of you." — Judge Samuel Feng

Over the past 37 years, the Judges Reception has provided a unique opportunity for associates, summer associates, and law students to meet judges in an informal setting. Despite the unusual circumstances this year, the Committee decided to proceed with the event in a virtual setting. The reception represents a major source of funding for Barristers Club programs which provide newer attorneys with professional and leadership skills development. 

Despite the reception being virtual, Feng’s warmth was palpable as he thanked his colleagues. “I want to thank all of you. You have made me learn how to be a better judge, a better person.” Feng concluded by impressing upon the audience his accessibility, “my courtroom is always open to all of you.”

Chaired by Cristina Piechocki, Littler Mendelson, along with a committee of attorneys, the event was made possible by the generous support of 47 sponsoring firms, including event host Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein.  

Thank you to more than 100 members of the legal community, including 25 state and federal judges and their clerks who attended and mingled at the virtual tables. We look forward to seeing you all next year! 

 

 

 

Thank you to our generous Host and Benefactor sponsors!