President

It is an honor to be President of the Barristers Board for the 2024-2025 term.

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I first learned about Barristers many years ago while working as a file clerk at a law firm. Barristers played in a summer softball league with several local law firms. Since then, I knew that if I went to law school, Barristers was something I wanted to be a part of. Fast forward 15 years, I have turned this goal into a reality. I served on the Barristers Board as a Member-at-Large for the 2022-2023 term and as President-Elect for the 2023-2024 term.

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If it wasn’t for Barristers, I would have never met so many talented and supportive new attorneys that I am happy to now call my friends. Barristers has given me so much and I look forward to giving back to Barristers and paying it forward in the 2024-2025 term.

Treasurer

Friends and Esteemed Colleagues:

It is my privilege to accept a nomination to serve as Treasurer for a third term on the RCBA Barristers’ Board!

I have proudly served our local legal community as a Barrister since 2019. Like many others, I discovered Barristers through the New Attorney Academy. After leaving my 10+ year career in corporate accounting and finance to pursue law, I was nervous yet excited to fellowship with attorneys of varying backgrounds and experience levels to network, learn, and grow. After five years, I have been afforded countless opportunities, had some great times, and made life-long friends and connections. Barristers has a well-deserved reputation for inspiring a sense of belonging, kinship, and support among young attorneys. I hope to carry on that tradition!

Member at Large

My name is Henry Andriano. I am a municipal attorney at Best Best and Krieger in Riverside, CA. As a lifelong Inland Empire resident, I have observed this legal community develop both as a citizen and as a practitioner. While working as a clerk for San Bernardino Superior Courts, I witnessed difficulties members of the public face while navigating our legal system. Through pro bono work with ICLS and IELLA, I have also observed the sense of hope and clarity that speaking with an attorney can provide to those in need. Barristers engages young members of our professional community and encourages them to give back. I am honored to submit my nomination to the Barristers Board with the hope I may further its many noble endeavors.

Member at Large

Dear Barristers,

I am honored to have been nominated for the Member-at-Large position on the Barristers Board. The camaraderie, professional growth, and shared commitment to excellence within the Barristers have solidified my roots in the Riverside legal community, and I cannot imagine practicing anywhere else.

As an active member who has benefited greatly from the support and resources provided by the Barristers, I am passionate about giving back and contributing to the continued success and growth of our organization and the legal community at large.

I humbly ask for your support and vote, and look forward to building upon the strong foundation toward an even brighter future.

Thank you.

Derek M. Diemer

Member at Large

I am a born and raised Riverside local who is always looking to better my home community. I have owned and operated several local businesses and am the sole proprietor of the Law Office of Michael S. Johnson. If elected, my focus will be two-fold:

1) Foster and support pre-existing community outreach programs, such as the RCBA Elves Program, along with searching for other methods to better the community; and

2) Explore further avenues to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun while improving the lives and professions of my fellow young attorneys.

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Barristers gave me camaraderie with like-minded and similarly situated individuals in a chaotic profession. I will further develop this organization so that other young attorneys enjoy the same benefits it has offered to me.

Member at Large

My name is Ellen Peng and I am a second year attorney. I have been active in the Riverside legal community since my first year in law school. When I became the president of The Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, I made it my goal to build a relationship between the law students and the attorneys of the inland empire. Through this connection, I was able to meet many great attorneys who not only gave me advice for law school, but actively helped me explore and learn the intricacies of the legal field. Some attorneys helped look at my essays before I turned it in; Judge Lucky even sat with me for 2 hours explaining the basics of evidence; and other attorneys included me in their interests beyond work. Because of my first hand experience with this legal community, I know how important it is to stay involved and help other young attorneys navigate our stressful careers. I wouldn’t be the attorney I am today without the support and guidance of so many attorneys here. If elected to be part of the board, I hope to continue to reach out to the local law schools and encourage students to stay involved, ask questions, and have fun with us!

Member at Large

I joined Riverside County Bar Association looking for community, and now I hope to give back. As a young attorney, I appreciated the guidance and advice of attorneys around me and felt their support led to my own improvement both as an attorney and as a person. My goal is to continue to grow the Barristers community and to encourage others to make use of it. Riverside has some of the best attorneys in California and this network is ever more important to our work, to improving client outcomes, and to leading fulfilling personal lives. I would like to focus on events and membership, helping Barristers continue its impressive legacy and learning under the leadership of some truly excellent attorneys.

Past President

Hello Fellow Barristers! 

It's been my true privilege—and a lot of fun— to have served five years on the Barristers board, currently as President.

I was first introduced to Barristers while participating in RCBA’s New Attorney Academy.  I have found in Barristers a warm welcome and engaging membership.  I have always tried to pay that welcome forward, whether to our member attorneys, other legal professionals, or law students.

In the coming term, I look forward to supporting Summer and her presidency.  I can’t wait to see the strides our incoming board makes under her direction.

I have no doubt 2024–2025 will be a fantastic year!

President-Elect

I am honored to have been nominated for the 2024-2025 RCBA Barristers President-Elect position. Similar to many of us, I was first connected to the Barristers through the New Attorney Academy, which allowed me to see and feel first-hand the collegial and supportive atmosphere that makes Barristers so unique. Since 2022, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Barristers board alongside so many wonderful board members who share the same passion for building and serving our Riverside and Inland Empire community. If elected to the President-Elect position, I will work to fulfill my responsibilities and duties to help RCBA Barristers continue its mission and the undeniable impact it has in our community. Above all, I hope to be able to contribute to the mission and vision of RCBA Barristers.

Secretary

Dear Barristers,

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My name is Nolan Kistler, and I am extremely honored and grateful to have been nominated to serve on the Barrister’s Board as its Secretary.

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I am extremely motivated and excited for this next Barrister’s Board term. I had the privilege of serving the Board this past year and am grateful to have been involved in assisting with a couple events, including the La Verne Law Joint Association Panel, RCLL National Law Day Panel, and Grapeline private wine tour and celebration.

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My involvement in these events has confirmed that the Barristers organization truly has such a positive impact on the community of Riverside, our legal community, and the lives of Barrister members.

Assuming that I am fortunate enough to be elected as the Board’s Secretary, I will dedicate my efforts to ensure that Barrister events continue to benefit our community.

Thank you for your consideration,

Nolan B. Kistler

Member at Large

Hello Barristers,

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My name is Donna Brandt and I am grateful for the nomination and opportunity to run for the Member-at-Large position on the Barristers Board.  I have been an attorney working in downtown Riverside for the past 8 years and I would love the opportunity to give back to my community by becoming more involved in Barristers.  I have enjoyed attending multiple events hosted by Barristers over the past year, including the Judicial Reception and the monthly Happy Hours, and I have seen how much of an impact Barristers has on the new attorney community in Riverside.  I have seen in my professional experience how important it is to be a part of a welcoming and supportive environment to foster in young attorneys the desire to live and work in Riverside, and I truly believe that Barristers accomplishes this goal.  I would be honored to contribute to this goal by serving as a Member-at-Large.

Member at Large

I am honored to be nominated for a Member position. Born and raised in Riverside County, joining the board of Barristers would be an opportunity for me to contribute and give back to the community that has shaped me. This local chapter is something special and has immense potential. I see the impact it can have not only on the lawyers within our network but also on the community at large. My goal is to help our Barristers grow, thrive, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and the community we serve.

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Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you all and to contribute to the continued success and impact of Barristers.

Member at Large

Hi, my name is Clint Jones, and I am a second-year attorney. Not only am I an active member of the Riverside Bar Association but I am a new graduate of the RCBA New Attorney’s Academy. I have a genuine passion to serve my community including those less fortunate, as well as my colleagues. I am currently serving on the Barristers Marketing committee. I am asking for your vote for the position of board Member at Large, so that I can continue my commitment to serve my community and my colleagues. I look forward to helping make the 2024-2025 year the best yet!

Member at Large

I am honored to be running for a Member-at-Large position within the RCBA Barristers. As an associate attorney at Reid & Hellyer, member of the Barristers, and recent graduate of RCBA’s New Attorney Academy, I am excited to be running for this position. I enjoy everything that Barristers has to offer, the camaraderie among new attorneys, and a profound commitment to the legal profession. As a practicing attorney in Riverside County, I have witnessed the unique challenges and opportunities facing young new lawyers in our community, and am therefore committed to initiatives that foster mentorship, collaboration, and professional development within our vibrant legal community. I humbly seek your support in this endeavor, as together, we can strive to shape the future of the Barristers.

Member at Large

I am an active member of RCBA Barristers and currently am serving as a Member-at-Large on the Barristers Board. I appreciate what Barristers offers to young and new lawyers in Riverside and the community which Barristers fosters. As a returning Member-at-Large, I look forward to continuing to grow Barristers and help to increase its involvement and outreach in the legal community. 

Member at Large

I would love to be a Member-at-Large because the RCBA Barristers has been such an integral part of my professional and personal development. Through Barristers I have met some amazing mentors and lifelong friends. After graduating from the New Attorney academy, I joined the Barristers and it was the best decision! The Barristers are great for networking all while having the best time and making an impact on the legal community. I love the support, fun, and welcoming environment at all the Barristers events. I hope to become a Member-at-Large so I can contribute more and make as much of an impact on the community as possible.