
New Media Rights is honored and grateful to be named the 2026 San Diego County Bar Association Distinguished Organization of the year. The award is given to a group or organization that has made significant, favorable impact on some facet of the legal system, the legal community or profession, or civics education.
In response to the award announcement, New Media Rights’ Executive Director Art Neill said “While our legal services, education, and policy work have an impact across California and the United States, this award means so much because our primary focus has always been providing services here in our home community of San Diego. We are grateful that the impactful work of hundreds of law students and their supervising attorneys on thousands of legal matters over the years is being recognized by our local bar.“
New Media Rights has been a clinical program of California Western School of Law since 2012. Clinic students get important early experience under the supervision of attorneys, while providing critical services to clients who often can’t afford an attorney but need specialized IP, arts, and technology law services.
Assistant Director Erika Lee said “We’re honored to be recognized by the San Diego County Bar Association and we’re very thankful to all of our law students who have dedicated their time and passion to serving our clients over the years. We couldn’t do the work without them. We need lawyers working in the public interest now more than ever, and we’re proud to play a part in teaching our students about the value of public service and serving our community.”
New Media Rights will be honored at the upcoming SDCBA Celebration of Community Service with all of the 2026 SDCBA award winners on May 14.
