President's Message — July/August 2026
Megan Demshki
A Heart Filled With Gratitude
by: Megan G. Demshki
As I write my final column for the Riverside Lawyer magazine as president of the Board of Directors, I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The RCBA is the organization that it is today because of the people that have preserved and grown the organization since its inception in 1894.
Coming into this year I thought I had a robust understanding of the RCBA and the many people who tirelessly serve this organization. What I have learned is that there are so many more people than I previously appreciated who give their time, talent, and treasure to keep the RCBA advancing year after year. Thank you for making the RCBA an organization I am so proud to be a member of.
It is the steadfast commitment of our community that sets it apart from many other professional organizations. RCBA is the perfect combination of individuals who have dedicated decades to this organization, while still welcoming new engagement and new ideas with open arms. I always encourage young attorneys to get involved with the RCBA because whether it's through the Barristers, the New Attorney Academy, or an RCBA committee, the RCBA welcomes and promotes the development of the next generation.
This year we focused on a return to in-person participation and opportunities for our members to meaningfully connect to deepen community building and networking. Our members responded positively with fantastic attendance and engagement throughout the year. I want to thank the section chairs and committee chairs for meeting the moment and providing thoughtful opportunities for both in-person and remote engagement opportunities.
The RCB Foundation charities brought purposeful opportunities for our members to give back to the community at large. Thank you, Alexandra Fong, Jacqueline Carey-Wilson, and Brian Pearcy.
The Barristers ROCKED it this year! So many awesome events for our young and new attorneys to enjoy. It was wonderful to see so many new faces. I look forward to seeing how this group will continue to grow the RCBA. Congratulations, Sharon Ramirez, on a wonderful year as president and we look forward to Nolan Kistler's presidency in the year ahead.
Thank you to Jacqueline Carey-Wilson and the Publications Committee for keeping our members informed with the Riverside Lawyer magazine. Thank you to everyone who authored an article this year. I have seen firsthand how much heart and time you all put in—it does not go unnoticed.
Thank you to the RCBA Board—Mark Easter, Elisabeth Lord, Goushia Farook, Lauren Vogt, Chris Jensen, Chris Johnson, Erica Alfaro, Alex Barraza, Summer DeVore, and Sharon Ramirez—you brought unwavering commitment to betterment of the RCBA to every board meeting. You showed up throughout the year with excitement and dedication. Thank you for your amazing support.
Thank you to Charlene Nelson and our RCBA staff. They work tirelessly day in and day out to serve this organization, bring our vision to life and serve the greater community at large. Our amazing staff is the backbone of this organization, and I could not be more thankful for all their hard work.
Thank you to every individual who served as an education speaker, helped at an event, mentored a younger attorney, attended an event, shopped for an Elves gift, read a book to student, shook a hand, or shared a smile with a fellow member. We are a stronger organization because of our engaged membership, and we value every one of you.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as president of the RCBA this year. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve this organization in this capacity. I look forward to using this opportunity not as the conclusion of my involvement, but as a jumping off point for my continued dedication to this community.
I look forward to supporting Elisabeth Lord of Lord & Brooker, APC, as she begins her journey as RCBA president in September. Elisabeth is a thoughtful and intentional leader that will bring great strength to this organization.
Please mark your calendar to join us at this year's Installation Dinner on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Mission Inn.
Megan G. Demshki is the president of the RCBA and a partner at Aitken Aitken Cohn.