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Barristers Column — September 2026

By Nolan B. Kistler

Attorney Nolan B. Kistler

Nolan B. Kistler

Thank you to RCBA and the Barristers

Hello RCBA! It is an honor and privilege to serve as President of the Barristers for the 2026-2027 term. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization and community that has given so much to me, both personally and professionally.

My introduction to Barristers actually came before I ever stepped foot in law school. I heard about a Barristers event at Tio's Tacos in downtown Riverside and decided to attend. There, I met Megan Demshki, our RCBA immediate past president and the first Barrister I ever met. Although I was not even a law student, Megan and the other Barristers welcomed me. It was my first glimpse of what makes the Riverside legal community so special.

After graduating from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and passing the Bar Exam in November 2022, I participated in the RCBA New Attorney Academy. I was later welcomed by former Barristers President David Rivera and former Barrister and current RCBA Board Member Alejandro Barraza, who invited me to join them for a happy hour.

That same spirit has followed me throughout my young career. Attorneys throughout Riverside have taken the time to answer my questions, offer advice, make introductions, and encourage me to get involved. That includes Riverside legal legends Robyn Beilin Lewis and Greg Rizio, both of whom have received more texts and questions from me than I could possibly count.

It is people like Megan, David, Alejandro, Robyn, Greg, and so many others who make this community special. They invest in the next generation and make young attorneys feel that they belong. As president, I hope to continue that culture through Barristers. I want the attorney who walks into one of our events knowing nobody, to leave the same event having met five people and, over time, develop the same friendships and mentorships that have been so invaluable to me.

I also must thank my father, Harlan Kistler, who is the best mentor I could ever ask for. Throughout my life, I watched him balance his commitment to the practice of law with an equally strong commitment to his community, including decades of volunteering his time as a high school wrestling coach and mentor. His example taught me that practicing law is about more than winning cases and motions. It is also about the people we help and the impact we leave behind.

Thank you to the RCBA, the Barristers, and everyone who has encouraged me along the way. I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Why Barristers Exists

Barristers exists to promote collegiality, friendship, and professionalism among all members while maintaining the honor, dignity, and professionalism of the legal profession. In short, Barristers is here to help young attorneys grow. We provide opportunities for our members to connect with one another through social events, CLEs, and giving back through community events. The Barristers is a truly special community!

Your 2026-2027 Barristers Board

I am excited to introduce this year's Barristers Board and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside this outstanding group of young attorneys:

President - Nolan B. Kistler
President Elect - Sara E. Truitt
Treasurer - Derek Diemer
Secretary - Elia Vazquez
Immediate Past President - Sharon P. Ramirez
Members at Large - Briana Heiting, Faran Imani, Edgar Lopez, Amanda Perez, and Erika Perez

Thank you to Immediate Past President Sharon P. Ramirez!

I would be remiss if I did not give special recognition to our Immediate Past President Sharon P. Ramirez.

Sharon entered her presidency with ambitious goals for Barristers, and she accomplished what she set out to do. But what impressed me most was not simply the events she organized or the goals she accomplished. Sharon was intentional about making Barristers feel like a family. She made people feel welcome, encouraged new faces to get involved, and created an environment where everyone felt that there was a place for them.

As president-elect, I had the privilege of watching firsthand how much time, energy, and care Sharon put into this organization. She led the way and built an incredible foundation for our incoming board. My goal is not to start over, but to carry forward the momentum she created and continue building upon it.

Sharon, thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and everything you have done for Barristers. I am grateful that you will remain on our board as Immediate Past President, and I know I will continue looking to you for guidance throughout the year.

Join the Barristers Family

We have some exciting plans for the upcoming year, and we hope you will join us! We will continue the traditions that make Barristers special, including our monthly happy hours, community service opportunities, educational CLEs, and signature events. Above all, we want Barristers to remain a place where young attorneys can meet colleagues, develop genuine friendships, and become part of the Riverside legal community.

Whether you just passed the Bar, recently moved to Riverside, have been practicing for several years, or simply have never attended a Barristers event, you are welcome.

If you are considering coming to an event but do not know anyone, come anyway. Someone in this community once took the time to welcome me, and I hope we can do the same for the next generation of Riverside attorneys.

I look forward to a great year together.

Stay Up to Date on Everything Barristers!

For upcoming events and updates:
Website: RCBA Barristers
Facebook: RCBA Barristers
Instagram: @rcbabarristers

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 nolan@hbklaw.net or text or call me at (951) 533-9536.

Nolan B. Kistler is an attorney with the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler in Riverside, California, where he practices personal injury law. A Riverside native, Nolan graduated from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and is actively involved in the Riverside County Bar Association and Barristers.