Passing the Gavel and Standing for the Rule of Law
The Bar Association of San Francisco proudly hosted its Annual Membership Luncheon and Installation of Officers on Thursday, December 11th. As an organization, we reflected on the accomplishments of 2025, honored outstanding contributions with our Awards of Merit, and set intentions for the year ahead. Yolanda Jackson, BASF and JDC Executive Director and General Counsel shared, “It’s been a year of exploring the strength of our democracy and recognizing that is not something we can take for granted. This year our organization doubled down on exploring the stability and functionality of our three branches of government, the independence of our judiciary, and the rule of law.”
We also had the privilege of hearing Farewell Addresses from 2025 BASF and JDC President Charles Jung and the 2025 Barristers President Joseph Blake Winston IV. Joseph encouraged members, “Please stay involved: to keep joining committees, to keep volunteering as court attorneys, attorneys of the day, as observers, board members, officers, and to keep encouraging your juniors and associates and people you work with to do the same. To keep fighting; both behind closed doors and out in the open.”
A major feat for the Bar Association of San Francisco in 2025 was the National Law Day of Action held on May 1st. The success of this nationally recognized rally, which hosted 1200 attendees just in San Francisco, would not have been possible without the leadership, vision, and audacity of 2025 President, Charles Jung. When recalling that day, Jung shared that “We as lawyers, legal professionals, proved that when the wind blows, our profession does not break [...] You as members, unified behind the idea that our oaths compel us to fight to defend the rule of law.” When history called, Charles answered. Charles Jung then passed the gavel to 2026 BASF and JDC President, Peggy Otum.
In her Inaugural Address, Peggy Otum highlighted the immense amount of work BASF has done in defense of the rule of law. But now, “We cannot afford to be reactive. We cannot simply wait for the next crisis and hope we have the strength to respond. We must build now: the capacity, the financial resources, the coalitions, and the courage to defend the rule of law for the next generation, not the current circumstances. The work ahead of us requires that we collectively focus on strengthening our legal institutions." Otum then introduced her three priorities during her upcoming tenure: defending judicial independence with everything we have, ensuring access to justice for ALL, and building the next generation of legal professionals with diverse backgrounds and life experience.
Charles Jung then welcomed the 2026 Board Members and thanked the outgoing Board Members, Charles then introduced and bestowed upon the 2025 Awards of Merit.
Awards of Merit
Merri Baldwin
Rogers Joseph O’Donnell
Merri Baldwin is a Partner at Rogers Joseph O’Donnell and served as 2017 President of the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) and the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC). She is the co-chair of the firm’s Attorney Liability and Conduct Practice Group where she focuses on business litigation disputes and attorney liability matters.
In 2025, Merri led the fundraising efforts for BASF’s Law Day of Action, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment. She also coordinated collective giving among her fellow former presidents for JDC’s Gala President’s Circle, delivering a significant boost to the organization’s fundraising initiatives.
Merri has generously shared her legal expertise with JDC over the years, including in 2025 when she provided pro bono counsel on potential attorney liability matters, none of which, fortunately, developed into active issues for the organization. Through her generous contributions of time, expertise, and service, Merri exemplifies the very essence of BASF’s Award of Merit.
Congratulations all and thank you for your service to the San Francisco legal community!
Christopher Kearney
Keker, Van Nest & Peters
Chris Kearney is a former Partner and Managing Partner at Keker, Van Nest & Peters, and served as 2013 President of the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) and the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC). For more than four years, Chris has chaired BASF’s Finance Committee, leading its work in monitoring, assessing and approving investment portfolios, annual budgets, and financial reports.
Chris brings keen insight into effective financial oversight and a deep understanding of the complex, interconnected budgets of the two organizations. As the committee’s presenter at board meetings, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring financial stability that is so critical to the ongoing success of BASF and JDC.
Through his generous contributions of time, expertise, and service, Chris exemplifies the very essence of BASF’s Award of Merit.
Jenise Gaskin
BPM
Jenise Gaskin is Of Counsel at BPM, providing businesses and organizations with customized assurance, advisory, tax and wealth management solutions. For 16 years, Jenise has served as an At-Large member of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s (BASF) Audit Committee, bringing extensive expertise in audits and consultation on pension plans, including Defined Benefit, ESOP, profit-sharing and cash balance plans. Her advice and counsel have been invaluable to the committee and BASF. Through her generous contributions of time, expertise, and service, Jenise exemplifies the very essence of BASF’s Award of Merit.
Andrew Caplan
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Andrew Caplan is a Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in the Global Sourcing & Technology Transactions practice group. He provided exceptional pro bono counsel to the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) and the Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco during the complex contract negotiations for their new Association Management System, an essential platform that supports and streamlines operations across both organizations. Andrew’s strategic guidance and legal expertise were instrumental in navigating these negotiations, ensuring that the terms of the agreement would safeguard the organizations’ interests and support their evolving needs. Through his generous contributions of time, expertise, and service, Andrew exemplifies the very essence of BASF’s Award of Merit.
Erin Choo
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Erin Choo is an Associate at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in the Global Sourcing & Technology Transactions practice group. She provided exceptional pro bono counsel to the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) and the Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco during the complex contract negotiations for their new Association Management System, an essential platform that supports and streamlines operations across both organizations. Erin’s strategic guidance and legal expertise were instrumental in navigating these negotiations, ensuring that the terms of the agreement would safeguard the organizations’ interests and support their evolving needs. Through her generous contributions of time, expertise, and service, Erin exemplifies the very essence of BASF’s Award of Merit.
Outstanding Barrister Award
Sarah Hoffman
Venable
Sarah Hoffman has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the Barristers Club through her many roles on the Board of Directors, including Secretary, President-Elect, and President. Over the years, she has contributed her time and expertise to several committees, including the Law Student Committee, the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, and the Social and Networking Committee. She continues to support and advance the organization’s mission through her work on the Equality Committee – Women. Sarah’s long-standing dedication and consistent involvement have made a lasting impact on the Barristers community.
Joseph Lewis
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
Joe Lewis has been a dedicated member of the Barristers Labor & Employment Section since 2023 and most recently served as Section Chair. This year, he led the Section in hosting its first-ever Labor & Employment Symposium, where he also moderated a standout panel on navigating the class action settlement and approval process. Joe has additionally contributed to the Section’s CLE programming by moderating the 2023 panel on Employment Law Issues with Artificial Intelligence. His leadership and commitment have helped strengthen engagement and expand the Section’s educational offerings.
Rebecca Stephens
Farella Braun + Martel
Rebecca Stephens has been an active member of the Barristers Club for more than eight years. She has served on the Barristers Board of Directors, chaired the Barristers Labor & Employment Section, and is an active member of the Litigation Section. She has organized and led CLE programs on advising employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, business development, and navigating the California bar exam. Rebecca also shows up consistently and enthusiastically to section events, socials, and networking programs, and is a generous mentor to newer attorneys. Her presence and leadership make her an invaluable member of the Barristers community.
We look forward to upholding the vision of incoming President, Peggy Otum, and send our sincere thanks to Charles and Joseph for all their service as BASF and JDC and Barristers Club Presidents. We appreciate all our BASF Members, members of the judiciary, past presidents, and Award of Merit Recipients who were present at this luncheon. Thank you all for making 2025 so memorable.
Photos from this year's Annual Membership Luncheon.
