Last week we witnessed not only the storming of the U.S. Capitol but a stark reminder that our justice system is imperfect. In June 2020 the D.C. National Guard flanked the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd. In January 2021, rioters had already made it inside the Capitol before the D.C. National Guard was activated. The disparity in response did not go unnoticed. Many colleagues and friends of mine wondered out loud last week how things would have been different had those rioters been Black. This continues the conversation from last year where lawyers I know shared that they were scared for their children’s lives when they are pulled over for a traffic violation or refused to let them wear a hoodie for fear of being shot. This may not be your experience, or mine, but it has been the experience of some of our colleagues.
This is one of the many reasons why the SDCBA created an Anti-Racism sub-committee of the Committee of Diversity and Inclusion last year. Maybe we can’t change the world. But we can work to change our legal community. As we said last year in our statement after the death of George Floyd we can and should do better.
As lawyers who prosecute, lawyers who defend, lawyers who appear in courts, lawyers who advise, lawyers who mentor the next generation, we can contribute to a better justice system starting right here in San Diego. Tonight we will do just that at our Exchange on Equity Roundtable: Leading as a Community. Please join us.
Yours, Renée N.G. Stackhouse
2021 SDCBA President
Reading now: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE Listening to: Where the Streets Have No Name by U2 What are you reading or listening to? Tag us #sdcba
COVID-19 Updates
The SDCBA Bar Center will remain closed until further notice. We are closely monitoring the situation to determine when we can reopen. Meanwhile, all in-person events and meetings during this time – both at the Bar Center and off-site – are being conducted virtually.
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 »
February 8: Save the Date — Exchange on Equity Roundtable,
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
February 18: Save the Date — Dialogue on Diversity Series:
De-weaponizing Political Diversity: Finding Common Ground When Diversity Becomes Division, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
February 23–24: Save the Date — 4th Annual Law + Tech Summit
Sidebar with Executive Director
Jill Epstein
Did you know the SDCBA hosted nearly 200 programs and events in 2020? Visit the Event Video Replays on our homepage or "What Members are Talking About" below to see what you may have missed.
For questions, concerns, or just to say hello, feel free to contact Jill at jepstein@sdcba.org.
Events This Week
CLE events are highlighted in red.
Mon, Jan
11
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Exchange on Equity Roundtable: Leading as a Community
Join us to brainstorm ways we can partner and collaborate to overcome racism as a community. Racism is an ongoing problem for law-related organizations, law firms, the court system, and the community. It is past time to eradicate racism from our profession once and for all.
Wed, Jan
13
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar / Wellness Series
Wellness Wednesday:
Mindful Meditation Series
Come learn and practice a breath-based meditation technique. Each monthly session includes a guided meditation by facilitator Amy Lepine, a practicing attorney and meditation enthusiast.
Thu, Jan
14
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Training
Join the Juvenile Law Section to learn how youth are recruited and commercially sexually exploited in our community. Learn how to spot the warning signs and how to use a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach to better assist, engage, and empower youth. This free training is relevant to anyone working with youth or their families.
Next Week
Tue, Jan
19
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
FREE Webinar / Tech Tuesday Series
Tech Tuesday: Introduction to Clio: Learn How Law Firms Use Clio from Intake to Invoice
Join this 1-hour webinar to learn about Clio, the world’s leading cloud-based legal technology platform that helps firms simplify operations and allows legal professionals like you to work remotely from anywhere. By attending, you’ll see first-hand how Clio works and learn how to manage the entire client lifecycle from intake to invoice with Clio’s integrated suite of products.
Thu, Jan
21
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
New Year Virtual Mixer
Join the Civil Litigation Section to kick off the New Year with friends and colleagues. Topics for discussion will be provided, but participants are encouraged to freely socialize with your colleagues during the happy hour “breakout sessions.”
Member Benefit Highlight
Exclusive member discounts from our trusted partners
You can access your firm from anywhere — at any time — with Clio’s mobile app
Bring your matters, documents, notes, and calendar with you wherever you go, all on your mobile device. And, take 10% off all Clio products with your exclusive SDCBA member discount. Visit hereto learn more.
Ethics in Brief Article
Pro Hac Vice Admission to Represent an Organization May Not Extend to Current and Former Employees
By Carole J. Buckner Read »
Ahern Risk Management Tip
Video Conferencing Risk Management Considerations
The Covid-19 pandemic has altered how we interact with our clients, third parties, and each other. It has required the legal profession to begin working from home virtually overnight. As with any technology, the use of video conferencing technology has its risks, especially for lawyers who have never used it before. Click here to read more about the privacy and security risks associated with video conferencing, as well as how to implement reasonable measures to mitigate those risks.
SDCBA Members can save up to 20% on an exclusive Lawyers Professional Liability program with AXA XL available only through AHERN Insurance Brokerage. Apply today.
Featured Articles
Helpful information from the SDCBA
Judicial Battles Over the Presidential Election:
Do Ethical Constraints Apply?
By Deborah A. Wolfe
In recent weeks, the Attorneys General of several states repaired to the courts to challenge (and defend) the presidential election results. Were there ethical constraints on them? Read »
Rethink Your New Year's Resolutions
By Pauline Villanueva
It’s going to be a new year, which means a new us! We make all sorts of promises to ourselves about the things we’ll do: we’re going to eat healthier, we’re going to work out more, we’re going to spend less time on social media, and so on. In short, we’re going to become better versions of ourselves. Read »
Leadership Opportunities
Lawyers Club of San Diego Seeks Executive Director
Lawyers Club of San Diego is seeking applications for the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a sincere commitment to LC’s mission and core values, and will be committed to fostering our members and donors, as well as honoring our past leaders, and those who opened the doors for the current leaders. Applications are due February 21, 2021. Click here to read the full job description.
ABA President to Make 600 Appointments
ABA President-Elect Reginald M. Turner is seeking recommendations for appointments to ABA standing and special committees, commissions, and other entities. Lawyers who wish to serve must be members of the ABA and have a desire to contribute to its work. The online instructions and application will be available here. Recommendations must be received by February 19, 2021.
University of California UC Legal - Preferred Provider Real Estate Counsel Program Request for Proposals
The University of California Office of the General Counsel and the Offices of the Campus Counsel (collectively “UC Legal”) seek a limited number of preferred outside law firms to assist with recurring (“Core”) real estate transactional matters and counsel for Ground Leasing, Public-Private Partnerships and other complex real estate transactions. Learn more here. Submit proposals here by January 27, 2021.
Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board Opening
San Diego County is taking applications for an opening on the county’s Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board. Volunteers who apply for the position must live in the district. The area includes Point Loma, Coronado, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Bonita, San Ysidro, and unincorporated areas of the South Bay. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2021. See a news story about this opportunity here and complete an application here.
What Members are Talking About...
View recordings of recent highlighted Bar events
Get Unlimited Live and On-Demand CLEs Get unlimited access to all CLEs all year for just $100. Get your annual pass when you join the SDCBA for 2021. Or, if you are already a member, from your Member Profile. You'll find all of our custom-crafted CLEs in the SDCBA CLE Center™ here.
Members can login to access our full job board here. (Requires login.)
Watch Stepping Up to the Bar ... 2020 Style
See a recording of the virtual installation of the 2021 Board of Directors here.
Watch our Annual Appellate Holiday Program
See the conversation between Ninth Circuit Judge M. Margaret McKeown and Chief Judge Sydney Thomas here. (Requires member login to view.)
Of Note
TODAY: San Diegans for Justice Public Forum
San Diegans for Justice (SDJ) will host a public forum today at 5 p.m. to learn about what the community wants to see implemented in the ordinance for the operation of the new Commission on Police Practices (as approved by Measure B). Watch the live stream here or visit the SDJ Facebook page for Zoom information.
2021 Service Awards Nominations - Nominate Those Who Inspire You!
Who has inspired you through selfless service? We want to recognize these exceptional leaders at the SDCBA's (Virtual) Annual Awards Ceremony & Celebration of Community Service. Submit nominations here by 5:00 p.m. on February 11, 2021.
In memoriam: Julia Szafraniec Kaemerle
The SDCBA is saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Julia Szafraniec Kaemerle. Julia will be remembered as a wonderful advocate and a good friend. We will all miss her.
Judge Harry M. Elias Retires After 30 Years Judge Harry M. Elias will officially retire from San Diego Superior Court on January 3, 2021, after celebrating his 30th anniversary on the bench. He was sworn in on December 31, 1990.
New SDCBA Section: Privacy and Cybersecurity
The Board approved the addition of a new SDCBA Section, Privacy and Cybersecurity to increase awareness of cybersecurity and privacy law issues in the San Diego legal community and to provide education and foster a community for lawyers and law students whose practices include or are impacted by cybersecurity or privacy laws and regulations.
Pro Bono Legal Counsel Needed to face Eviction Crisis
Millions of Americans are currently facing an eviction crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legal profession is needed to help limit the number of evictions by providing pro bono legal representation to tenants. Learn more about the need for counsel here. Find an organization to volunteer with here.
Public Comment Sought on Proposed Revised Rules for Accredited Law Schools
The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed revised rules governing the accreditation of California law schools not otherwise approved by the American Bar Association. Please refer to the public comment notice for background information and instructions for how to submit a comment. The deadline is February 15, 2021.
