Celebrating 2025 SDCBA Service Awards Honorees

SAN DIEGO (June 6, 2025) – California Western School of Law (CWSL) proudly congratulates 2025 San Diego County Bar Association Service Award winners: the La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund, winner of the Community Service Award, and Mark Simpliciano ’19, recipient of the Service by a New Lawyer Award.

The La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund was honored for its outstanding charitable, cultural, humanitarian, and educational contributions to the community. Through scholarships and mentorship, La Raza helps build critical pathways for Latino law students and young professionals.
Many of La Raza’s past and current leaders, including current president Marco Garcia ’14 are proud CWSL alumni. The Association’s work continues to create meaningful networking and career-building opportunities for CWSL students and alumni. 

Mark Simpliciano ’19 is an associate attorney at Garcia Hong Law, APC, where he specializes in employment, business, and personal injury litigation. He was recognized by the SDCBA for his significant contributions to the legal profession and broader community during his first seven years of practice.

A former President of Pride Law at CWSL, Mark now serves as Co-President of the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Asso ciation (THLA), contributing to THLA’s scholarship program and organizing student outreach  and mentorship. Mark is also a Director for the Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego and helped organize a major fundraising dinner in 2023 supporting diverse law students. Outside the legal field, Mark leads a fundraising team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night” walk. Previously honored with CWSL’s Rising Star Award in 2024, Mark continues to set an inspiring example of service and leadership.

Congratulations to the La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund and Mark Simpliciano on this well-deserved recognition!

About California Western School of Law   
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.