I wish to acknowledge the other nominees and thank the Chapters for their excellent submissions:

 

Mark Connely (California Coast)

Deborah Chang (Los Angeles)

Juan Delgado (Orange County)

Dominique Pollara (Sacramento Valley)

Patricia Law (San Bernardino/Riverside)

Brett Schreiber (San Diego)

Rene Turner Sample (San Joaquin Valley)

 

Congratulations to Joseph McMonigle. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Joseph McMonigle has earned a reputation as one of California’s most respected and accomplished trial lawyers. Known for his exceptional advocacy, unwavering integrity, and deep commitment to the legal profession, Joe embodies the very best of ABOTA’s mission—preserving and promoting the right to trial by jury while elevating standards of civility and professionalism in the courtroom.

 

Throughout his career, Joe has built a highly specialized and demanding practice representing lawyers, law firms, and judges in complex professional liability matters, partnership disputes, attorney fee cases, and State Bar proceedings. His work requires not only legal expertise across multiple disciplines, but also the rare ability to earn the trust of clients whose professional reputations and careers are on the line. Time and again, he has delivered results in high-stakes cases where both legal strategy and credibility are paramount.

 

His excellence as a trial lawyer has been widely recognized by his peers. Joe is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been a member of ABOTA since 2000 and has demonstrated consistent leadership at both the local and state levels.

 

A past President of the San Francisco ABOTA Chapter and Immediate Past President of CAL-ABOTA, Joe has dedicated significant time to advancing the organization’s mission. He has served on executive committees, co-chaired educational programming, and contributed to initiatives that promote trial advocacy, mentorship, and civility within the profession. His service extends beyond ABOTA, including appointments to the State Bar Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct, the Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission, and the Judicial Council Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions.

 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe is deeply committed to service and community impact. For over 25 years, he has supported youth development and mental health initiatives through his work with Seven Tepees, and he has quietly dedicated his time and resources to pro bono efforts that have changed lives—most notably helping an individual navigate complex immigration proceedings and ultimately achieve U.S. citizenship.

 

Colleagues describe Joe as a lawyer’s lawyer—someone who brings not only technical excellence but also judgment, professionalism, and humanity to every case. His ability to advocate fiercely while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and civility has earned him the respect of judges, peers, and clients alike.

 

As the recipient of the 2026 CAL-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, Joseph McMonigle represents the very best of the trial bar. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to justice, service to the profession, and mentorship of future generations of trial lawyers.

 

In addition to his professional achievements, Joe values time with his family and continues to give back to the legal community and beyond—quietly and consistently exemplifying the principles of service, integrity, and excellence.

 

CAL-ABOTA will celebrate Joe as the 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year during the upcoming Annual Conference, with a special dinner in his honor; we encourage all members to attend and recognize this well-deserved honor.

 

Congratulations, Joe!

 

Robert Morgenstern

President | CAL-ABOTA