Barristers Column — May 2026
By Sharon Ramirez
Sharon Ramirez
As spring settles in and the days begin to stretch a little longer, this season brings with it a renewed sense of energy, and that has certainly been true for RCBA Barristers. Even as we move past the midpoint of our term, our momentum hasn't slowed. If anything, it's a reminder that there is still so much more we have to offer our members in the months ahead!
As we look ahead, one of the highlights of this season is our 7th Annual Judicial Reception on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Grier Pavilion. I recently learned that this event was first started by former Barristers board member and now RCBA board member, Erica Alfaro, and it's meaningful to see how that vision has carried forward, creating a space where we come together to recognize and honor excellence within the Riverside legal community. This year, we are proud to recognize Judge Sophia Choi as Judicial Officer of the Year and Steven Harmon of the Riverside Public Defender's Office as Attorney of the Year. We're excited to continue building on this event with new additions this year, including live jazz music, exciting raffle prizes, and the return of our magician, alongside an evening centered on connection and celebration. We are grateful to our sponsors and to everyone who continues to support and contribute to this tradition.
There may still be time to RSVP if you haven't already—please check the link below to confirm availability. RSVPs officially close on May 8, 2026, and we hope to see you there: https://rcbabarristersjudicialreception2026.eventbrite.com
2026–2027 Barristers Board Elections – Thursday, June 25, 2026
The strength of the Barristers section is built on three essential pillars: (1) the engagement and participation of our members; (2) the continued support of our legal community and sponsors; and (3) the leadership, time, and commitment of our Board. If you are interested in serving on the 2026-2027 Barristers Board, or if you know someone who would be a great addition to the Board, please contact us at barristers@riversidecountybar.com. Nominations are due on or before Friday, May 15, 2026. Elections will be held on June 25, 2026, with a mixer at 5pm, and the elections starting at 5:30 p.m., in the Presidential Lounge located at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside.
Please note that in order to be nominated for next term's Board, you must: 1) be a Barristers member (i.e., an RCBA member in good standing who has been in practice fewer than seven years and/or is younger than thirty-seven years of age); and 2) have attended at least three Barristers events in the 2025–2026 term. If you have not attended 3 Barristers events this term, don't worry, there's still time! Barristers has several events planned between now and elections—see some of our upcoming events below. Notably, attending elections on June 25, counts towards the three-event requirement. If you have any questions about nominations or elections, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Past Events Recap
Barristers Happy Hour – April 17, 2026
Our April Happy Hour took place at Route 30 in downtown Riverside. It was one of those evenings where time seemed to stretch in the best way. Conversations flowed easily, people stayed long after they planned to, and it was especially encouraging to see new faces joining us for the first time. Events like these remind us that building relationships within the legal community doesn't always have to be formal, it can be as simple as sharing a table and getting to know one another. A special thank you to our sponsor, Integrated Medical Centers, for making the evening possible and for taking the time to share more about the services they provide to our community.
Joint Hike with HBAIE – April 25, 2026
We also had the opportunity to partner with the Hispanic Bar Association of the Inland Empire (HBAIE) for a joint hike up Mount Rubidoux, followed by brunch at Tio's Tacos. With beautiful weather and a strong turnout, it was the kind of day that reminded us how valuable it is to step outside of the office and connect in a different setting. We're grateful for opportunities like this to collaborate with fellow organizations and continue building a more connected legal community in the Inland Empire.
Group Golf Lessons – April – May 2026
Over the course of April and May, a dedicated group of Barristers participated in our five-week golf lesson series at Van Buren Golf Center. Under the guidance of instructor Mike Hancock, participants not only learned the fundamentals of the game but also gained confidence in a skill that often extends beyond the course and into professional settings. A sincere thank you to Proceed for sponsoring the golf lessons and supporting opportunities that invest in the personal and professional development of our members.
Upcoming Events. You're Invited!
- 7th Annual Judicial Reception – Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5-7:30pm – Tickets on sale now! RSVP by May 8, purchase here: https://rcbabarristersjudicialreception2026.eventbrite.com
- Barristers Happy Hour and New Attorney Academy Graduation Celebration – Friday, May 15, 2026, starting at 2:30pm, Lake Alice, appetizers sponsored by Maasumi Headache & Spine Care
- Barristers Happy Hour and 2026-2027 Board Elections – Thursday, June 25, 2026, Mixer at 5pm, Elections at 5:30pm, Presidential Lounge at the Mission Inn, appetizers sponsored by Herrera Law
We are always happy to hear suggestions and ideas for events you are interested in seeing from Barristers. Please feel free to reach out! My contact information is below.
Barristers Board Spotlight: Kevin Collins, 2025-2026 Treasurer
Next up is Kevin!
Kevin manages and operates The Law Office of Kevin E. Collins, Jr., PC, with a background in plaintiff and defense-side employment litigation, as well as personal injury. This is his fourth year serving as Treasurer and sixth year on the Barristers Board. Before becoming an attorney, he spent over a decade working in corporate accounting and finance, experience that continues to inform his legal practice and, perhaps unsurprisingly, his role as Treasurer. He values the friendships, opportunities, and support fostered by Barristers, all of which were instrumental early in his career, and aims to pay that forward. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, attending film festivals, and reading, with a particular fondness for authors like Heller and Vonnegut, whose trademark satire seems less and less absurd the older he gets.
If you're interested in learning more about Barristers or you would like to attend one of our events, I am more than happy to connect with you and introduce you to our amazing members. Feel free to email me at sramirez@ramirezlaw.com.
Sharon P. Ramirez is an attorney with Kenny Ramirez Law Firm located in San Bernardino, where she practices catastrophic personal injury. Sharon can be reached at sramirez@ramirezlaw.com.