About us
Supporting the San Diego Law Library since 1961
The San Diego Law Library Foundation, also known as the Law Library Justice Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) charitable trust that accepts donations on behalf of the San Diego Law Library.
- 1961Founded
- 501(c)(3)Charitable trust
Our history
Six decades of support
The Foundation was created in November 1961 to help raise donations for the then-new Main Library facility. Since then its contributions have paid for books, services and technology at the Law Library.
More than fifty special purpose funds, set up by donors for particular purposes or practice areas, have been fully spent since 1961. Sixteen funds are devoted to the Law Library today, including the Witkin Fund.
Through the Foundation, the Library can receive and sell securities and property, accept unrestricted donations, and hold assets in a wider range of investments than public funds allow.
Leadership
Board of Trustees
Emily E. Howe, Esq.
President
Law Offices of Emily E. Howe
Judge Victor E. Bianchini (Ret.)
Co-Vice President
Signature Resolution
Christopher B. Ghio, Esq.
Secretary
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Sandy S. Isaac, Esq.
Treasurer
Buchalter
Natalie A. Ganz, J.D.
Trustee at large
Library Foundation SD
Leah W. Gonzales, Esq.
Trustee at large
Office of the Public Defender, San Diego County
Brianne D. Murphy, Esq.
Trustee at large, Witkin Dinner Chair
San Diego County Deputy Public Defender
The Board has up to eleven trustees, who serve without compensation.
In memory
Judge David M. Gill
Judge Gill served on the Law Library's Board of Trustees for more than 25 years, retiring in 2024. He guided the Library through major changes in legal information and technology, a building renovation, and periods of financial strain.
In 2017 the Law Library named its online catalog GILL, Gateway Into the Law Library, in his honor. His name and service remain at the heart of its mission.
