This week marks some significant change. Again! The state has indicated we are still on track for its grand reopening set for tomorrow. There is a lot of confusion about what that means and when, and if, masks must still be worn. The new rules are meant to align with federal guidance, so masks will sometimes still be required even if you’re vaccinated. Unvaccinated people will be expected to keep wearing masks indoors. The state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Board withdrew its update from last week, readopting the Emergency Temporary Standards and is expected to issue new guidance later this month. Things are a bit uncertain, to say the least.
As lawyers, we don’t tend to like “uncertain.” People hire us to give them answers and guidance, so not having those at the ready can leave us feeling unsettled. In fact, I recently read that neuroscience research shows that uncertainty registers in the brain like an error — it needs to be corrected before we can feel comfortable again! That’s why tomorrow’s State of the Court Address with Presiding Judge Lorna A. Alksne will be so important to help us lessen the uncertainty and figure out how we need to approach filings, proceedings, hearings, or trials as our courts reopen this week too. I would be remiss if I did not say how immensely grateful I am to our San Diego Superior Court for always being so accessible to the Bar and working with us to provide this program to the entire San Diego legal community.
As we step through the coming days and weeks, I’m going to work on practicing patience, with myself, with the world around me, and with others. I found this great article last year which I’d like to share with you — I hope you can take something from it. It’s called How to be Patient with Yourself and Others in a Changing World by Dr. Rochelle Perper. My favorite take-away was to focus on progression, not perfection. If you read it, I’d love to hear about what spoke to you.
And as long as you’re taking the time to give feedback, I wanted to highlight our SDCBA Suggestion Box on our webpage which is so much more that “just” a suggestion box. Not only can you provide feedback and ideas, you can also share your expertise and sign up as a speaker or writer. Make sure to visit sdcba.org and give it a click!
Yours, Renée N.G. Stackhouse 2021 SDCBA President
Reading now: The Goddess Book by Nancy Blair Listening to: What Have You Done for Me Lately by Janet Jackson What are you reading or listening to? Tag us #sdlaw #sdcba
SDCBA Reopening Plan: The SDCBA staff offices will re-open on Tuesday, July 6, with regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. The SDCBA Bar Center will also re-open to members on July 6, but with limitations. We will have an online reservation system to control capacity, with last-minute reservations accepted via phone, if space permits. Masks will be required for any unvaccinated members or staff on SDCBA premises. All indoor meetings and programs will continue in a virtual-only format. We continue to be thankful for your tremendous support and patience as we navigate our way back to healthy days! Stay tuned for more details in coming weeks.
Updates from Courts Across California: To view updates from state and federal trial and appellate courts across the state, click here »
Legal Community Updates and Resources: For related news and helpful articles from the community at large, click here »
These Board Updates are designed to provide members with a summary of the monthly Board of Directors meeting. If you have any questions about the Board Updates or wish to learn more about Board service, please contact President Renée N.G. Stackhouse at renee@stackhouseapc.com.
The President updated the Board on the SDCBA letter sent to the USD President, Provost, and Law School Dean expressing solidarity with the students of USD School of Law who have been negatively impacted by questionable and insensitive statements recently made by a USD School of Law professor. The Board discussed the Law School Dean’s response and acknowledgment of work to be done.
The Board ratified additional appointments to the Leadership Outreach Committee (LOC) and received an update on the LOC’s efforts to identify and encourage eligible Attorney Members who represent a healthy cross-section of the Association’s membership to run for the Board. Any eligible Attorney Member interested in running for the Board must self-nominate by August 2, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Click here for information about running for the SDCBA Board.
The Board approved the creation of a task force on “Rebalancing Resources,” which will make recommendations on appropriate levels of programming and methods for evaluating new projects.
The State Bar has appointed Leah Wilson as its next Executive Director. Leah had previously served in this role from September 2017 – January 2020. Read more here. In other statewide news, CLA CEO/Executive Director Ona Dosunmu will be leaving her role on August 16.
For questions, concerns, or just to say hello, feel free to contact Jill at jepstein@sdcba.org.
Exchange on Equity Roundtable: Ideas on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Practices for Your Organization
Have you wanted to initiate a DEI effort in your organization but weren’t sure exactly what to do or how to go about it? We all know that DEI efforts for organizations are more important now than ever. Join us in a discussion to learn how other organizations are implementing DEI and how we can adopt these practices in our own organizations.
Tue, June
15
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
FREE Webinar / Tech Tuesday
Open Q&A with Adriana
Our Technology and Practice Management Advisor, Adriana Linares, will be hosting an open "Zoom and Learn" session for members. Bring your technology and practice management questions!
Tue, June
15
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Law & Medicine Networking Mixer
Join the Law & Medicine Section to connect with attorney colleagues and healthcare professionals at this virtual happy hour networking event. All community members are welcome!
Featured Event
Tue, June
15
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
State of the Court Address:
San Diego Superior Court
Please join Presiding Judge Lorna A. Alksne of the San Diego Superior Court for an update on our local trial courts and ongoing operations in light of the state's reopening guidelines. A recording of the update will be available for members and community members on the SDCBA website at no charge starting Wednesday, June 16.
Wed, June
16
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
CLE Webinar
Trends Related to Licensing Intellectual Property Out of University and Research Institutions
Join the Intellectual Property Law Section as we learn about the latest licensing trends related to universities and research institutions.
Next Week
Tue, June
22
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
FREE Webinar / Tech Tuesday
Summer School Series — Word Essentials for Legal Professionals
Join Technology and Practice Management Advisor Adriana Linares for this session on how to take advantage of word processors' powerful automation and document development features. Understanding both will help you reduce errors and better serve your clients.
Tue, June
22
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Info Session: How to Run for the SDCBA Board and Why Serve
Join the Leadership Outreach Committee to learn how to run for the Board (the qualifications, process, deadlines, and other insights) and what candidates should expect for their service if elected. Attendees will hear a short presentation from past Board members and will then have the opportunity to submit questions.
Tue, June
22
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Law Students & New Lawyers: Navigating Your Way to Success
Join us for the 2021 DFP Career and Professionalism Panel discussion and gain valuable insight from leaders in our legal community, including tips for success in navigating your career path and building your professional reputation.
Wed, June
23
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Wellness in the Face
of Environmental Crises
Join the Environmental and Land Use Law Section to discuss the book Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in without Going Crazy by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. If you haven’t read the book and won’t have time to do so, join us anyway to discuss the issues, catch-up, and reconnect with colleagues at this informal roundtable.
Wed, June
23
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Appellate Practice Section Meeting
Join the section to discuss matters relating to law practice in state and federal appellate courts.
Thu, June
24
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
CLE Webinar
Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Pro Bono Training
Join us to learn about the SDCBA's Lawyer Referral and Information Service Pro Bono Program that assists active-duty military service members in obtaining stays in their cases while they are serving our country. We welcome all types of lawyers, and no experience is necessary. This program is worth 2.0 General CLE (self-study) to members who join the Pro Bono program and volunteer to take cases.
Fri, June
25
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Law and Medicine Section Meeting
Join the Law & Medicine Section along with Section chair Jim Eischen for an open meeting to preview anticipated programs and events for 2021, as well as submit requests for program ideas and speakers.
Exclusive member discounts from our trusted partners
Risk Management Tip from Ahern:
In a Jam? What to Do When a Legal Malpractice Claim May Be on the Horizon.
It is inevitable that every attorney will make a professional mistake at some point during their career. The important thing to understand is that the actions taken upon discovering the error may determine whether it can be repaired or exacerbated. Click here to read our latest Tip of the Month brought to you by AHERN and Attorney Protective.
An exclusive professional liability insurance program and premium discounts are available for SDCBA members. Apply today.
Ethical Considerations When Using Overdraft Protection with Client Trust Accounts
By Alara T. Chilton
In California, a lawyer is permitted to use overdraft protection with a client trust account. Obtaining and using overdraft protection can be an attractive option because such protection avoids nonpayment from the client trust account to clients, lawyers, and other parties. Read »
New Lawyer Division Member Spotlight: Maresa Martin Talbert
By Johnny Nitti
Talbert has always had a passion for law and policy. From age 8, she knew she wanted to be an attorney. Read »
ABCs of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
(1.0 General Participatory Credit) In this CLE webinar, the Real Property Law Section hosts City of San Diego expert Gary Geiler, Assistant Director of the Department of Development, and attorney Mark Guithues, who provide the perspective of homeowners' associations on accessory dwelling units.Watch the recording here.
Get Unlimited CLE Access
The all-new SDCBA CLE Annual Pass gives you unlimited access to all on-demand and live SDCBA CLEs for just $100. Purchase your pass by visiting your Member Profile. Then, check out all of our custom-crafted CLEs in the SDCBA CLE Center™.
San Diego County Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is accepting applications for members to join its board. The available seats are for a medical professional member, attorney member, and public member. Board members will be appointed by the APCD Governing Board during a public meeting and will serve a term of three years. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. More information can be found here.
California Young Lawyers Association (CYLA) Jack Berman Award. This award from the California Lawyers Association (CLA) recognizes new and young attorneys (8 years of practice or less) for their exemplary service to the public, judiciary, or legal profession. Nominations are due June 25, 2021. Criteria for nominees can be found here. Nominate someone here.
Federal Bar Association, San Diego Chapter: (1) the Outstanding Trial Attorney of the Year Award; (2) the Distinguished Service Award; and (3) the Rising Attorney Award. Nominations must be emailed by June 25, 2021 to president@fbasd.org. Award Criteria can be found here.
California Lawyers Association, Award for Lifetime Contribution to the Field of Environmental Law. Nominations are due June 30.
Jeremy Evans Elected President of the California Lawyers Association
SDCBA member Jeremy Evans was elected President of the California Lawyers Association for 2021-2023. He will be the third President since the organization was founded in 2018, following in the footsteps of SDCBA Past President and inaugural CLA President Heather Rosing (2018-2019). Congratulations, Jeremy!
California Law Revision Commission Seeks Public Comment
The CA Law Revision Commission seeks public comment on the Transfer on Death Registration of Interest in Stock Cooperative. The proposed statute would create a relatively straightforward mechanism to make a nonprobate transfer on death of an interest in a stock cooperative. Comments are due by July 1. Learn more here.
The American College of Trial Lawyers Committee on 21st Century Guidelines
The Advocacy in the 21st Century Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers has created guidelines to address issues of interest to judges and lawyers as we struggle to get the court system back on its feet after a year of the pandemic. Civil law-related topics include civil jury trials, non-jury trials, hearings, appellate arguments, depositions/examinations under oath using remote video, and effective remote proceeding advocacy. The criminal law guidelines identify ongoing constitutional challenges to the criminal justice system because of the pandemic. The papers are available at actl.com/advocacy.
The SDCBA’s Job Board has lots of great opportunities, including:
Estate Planning Attorney
Vice President Assistant General Counsel
The San Diego Superior Court is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Commissioner. The position may be assigned to work at any of the San Diego Superior Court locations: Downtown San Diego; Kearny Mesa; North County (Vista); East County (El Cajon); and South County (Chula Vista).
Members can log in to access our full job board here.
