Follow Your Heart: Nancy de Ita’s Journey to a Fulfilling Law Career

Steven A. Chase has practiced criminal law for more than 50 years. He believes the San Mateo Bar Association has been invaluable to him because of the connections it’s brought him. He also believes his career has helped him connect better with others. During his time as a lawyer, he has learned so much about why people act the way they do. Listen to Steven reveal his insights on humanity. Plus, don’t miss his must-reads for law students.  Contact Information: [email protected] Deborah Kemper, MBA:   [email protected] 

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:   [email protected] 

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:   [email protected] 

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:   [email protected] 

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:   [email protected] 

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 [email protected] Deborah Kemper, MBA:   [email protected]  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:  [email protected]

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:   [email protected] 

**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. [email protected]  Deborah Kemper, MBA:   [email protected] 

In this episode of the Boomer Bar podcast, host Deborah Kemper sits down with Patricia Roma, an attorney with a dynamic and inspiring legal career. Born in Philadelphia and educated at the University of Wisconsin, Patricia's path led her to California, where she faced and overcame the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male profession during the 1970s. Patricia shares her experiences from hitchhiking to law school at Golden Gate University, to becoming the only woman in her class to graduate in the day school program. Her story continues with her diverse practice in criminal law, family law, conservatorships, and wills and trusts. Patricia also delves into her involvement in community activities, her passion for music, and her commitment to lifelong learning. Listeners will gain an understanding of Patricia's resilience in overcoming industry challenges, her dedication to her profession, and her contributions to the San Mateo County Bar Association. This episode is a narrative of a lawyer's experience, marked by determination and impactful contributions in law and community service. Contact Information:  Patricia Roma [email protected] https://www.patromalaw.com/ Books:  The Myth of Normal, Gabor Mate, MD  Ohlone-Way-Indian-Life-Francisco-Monterey by Malcolm Margolin Deborah Kemper, MBA:  [email protected]  San Mateo County Bar Association