Franklin Roosevelt was the first President to use the phrase “first 100 days” in a radio address in 1933. Since then, the first 100 days of a presidential term have taken on symbolic significance and the period is considered a benchmark to measure the early success of a president. Soon, President Biden will mark his first 100 days of accomplishments. Now, I’m no POTUS (…yet…I’m keeping future options open!), but I do want to take the time to mark just some of the accomplishments of the San Diego County Bar Association in the first 100 days of 2021 because of the efforts of our incredible members, volunteers, servant leaders, board members, and staff.
More than 180 members have been appointed and approved to serve on the SDCBA’s 27 Committees.
The SDCBA’s Diversity Pledge was re-written and re-launched, with the goal to increase the number of underrepresented attorneys in management and leadership within legal organizations in San Diego County. The Diversity Pledge is available to legal organizations with six or more attorneys. As of today, 23 organizations have signed on. (Have you? Click here to join the Pledge.)
More than 200 members responded to a survey sent to gather feedback on what members need from the SDCBA in 2021.
We opened the Find A Supervisor/Be a Supervisor webpage (designed to connect Provisional Licensure Program supervisees with supervisors). More than 30 supervisees have posted detailed requests for supervisors. Become a supervisor here.
290 members have taken advantage of our NEW CLE Annual Pass and now enjoy access to unlimited live and on-demand CLE.
The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion has grown and is incredibly active, including subcommittees on Anti-Racism, Different Abilities, Dialogue on Diversity, and the new Outreach Taskforce. You can learn more about its work this Thursday at the Spring Mixer.
San Diego Lawyer magazine has two issues finalized; one released and one about to hit your mailboxes soon!
We hosted the first ever (and hopefully, last!) virtual Judicial Reception with historical turn-out. Thank you to Presiding Judge Alksne, Administrative Presiding Justice McConnell, and Chief Judge Sabraw for their remarks.
LRIS referred out 8,352 cases to attorneys on the LRIS panels. Want to get referrals? More information here.
The Legal Ethics Committee issued its first statement of 2021 on networking.
Believe it or not, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There was even more work that went on behind the scenes with policies, governance, program planning, strategic planning, fee arbitration, marketing, and more. I am grateful each day to work with wonderful people who give time and effort to support the SDCBA so that we can connect and support the success and fulfillment of our members.
These accomplishments mean so much as we as a community have come together to make it all happen during a global pandemic. A special shout-out to the working parents who did all this while e-schooling your children! You are incredible.
Thank you for an amazing first 100 days, SDCBA colleagues and friends. We’re just getting started.
Yours, Renée N.G. Stackhouse 2021 SDCBA President
Reading now: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study by Fred D. Gray Listening to: I Can Feel It by DMX (R.I.P.) What are you reading or listening to? Tag us #sdlaw #sdcba
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 »
Technology and Practice Management Advisor Adriana Linares continues to provide FREE tech support to those with questions on Office 365, Zoom, moving to the cloud, and remote tools and services, among many other topics. You can schedule one-on-one time with her here.
For questions, concerns, or just to say hello, feel free to contact Jill at jepstein@sdcba.org.
Exchange on Equity Roundtable:
San Diego Superior Court’s ABLE Committee — A Collective Look Within
Join us to learn about the San Diego Superior Court’s new Anti-Bias & Legal Equality Committee (ABLE). Committee members Hon. Roderick W. Shelton of the San Diego Superior Court, and Euketa Oliver, Deputy Public Defender, will discuss how and why ABLE was created, its mission and goals, and the Committee’s efforts to collaborate with justice partners to promote and support equal access to courts through education and an informal, accessible, and fair reporting process.
Tue, April
13
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
FREE Webinar
APAs vs. Hate Conference:
The Model Minority Myth
Join the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association for the continued APAs vs. Hate Conference. This learned discussion will focus on the history, law, and social circumstances that gave rise to the prevailing myth about Asian Americans that has had toxic consequences for race relations in the U.S.
Wed, April
14
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar / 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.
Wed, April
14
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
The Business of Law: Tips for Opening and Operating Your Own Law Practice (co-sponsored by the SDCBA)
Join the FBA, San Diego Chapter and the San Diego County Bar Association for a "Business of Law" webinar featuring distinguished San Diego attorneys who will provide insight and tips on how to open and operate your own legal practice.
Wed, April
14
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
CLE Webinar
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Stages and Strategies for Smaller Transactions
Join the Business and Corporate Law Section to learn how and when to negotiate key terms, how to manage and defend due diligence, and how to approach drafting and revising purchase agreements. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the deal process, the main issues facing buyers and sellers, and common strategies for getting deals done.
Thu, April
15
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
FREE Webinar
APAs vs. Hate Conference:
Back to School:
Preparing our Children & Educators
Join the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association for the continued APAs vs. Hate Conference. This panel will include a lawyer, educator, and child developmental specialist who will discuss how and what parents should be addressing with their children and schools to prepare for and address anti-Asian hate incidents.
Thu, April
15
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Signature Event
Mixing it Up: Annual Spring Celebration of Diversity
Join the Committee for Diversity & Inclusion as we bring together our local diversity bars and law-related organizations to celebrate the rich diversity of our legal community. This year’s virtual event will highlight our NEW diversity, equity, and inclusion accomplishments, including the new Diversity Pledge, Dialogue on Diversity Series, Exchange on Equity Roundtables, Anti-Racism Resources, and our virtual Diversity Fellowship Program.
Next Week
Mon, April
19
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Roundtable: Exploring Careers In Juvenile Law
Join the Juvenile Law Section to learn about common motivations for juvenile law attorneys and to distinguish between jobs in the public and private sectors. This event is geared toward current law school students, recent graduates, and new lawyers, but all are welcome to attend!
Tue, April
20
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 pandemic. You are welcome to submit questions to the court leadership. Questions must be submitted by April 14 at 12:00 p.m.
Wed, April
21
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
FREE Webinar
APAs vs. Hate Conference:
Know Your Rights
Join the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association for the continued APAs vs. Hate Conference. With hate crimes against Asian Americans on the rise, this a crucial time to stay informed and help fight hate.
Fri, April
23
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
FREE Webinar
Coffee & Conversation Roundtable: Your Practice is Online, Where is Your Marketing?
Join the Alternative Resolution Dispute Section for an interactive hour of tips and techniques to optimize your marketing in this new virtual world. Natalie Armstrong-Motin, owner of "Marketing Resolution," will discuss next steps, best platforms, engagement, best tech, and more.
Fri, April
23
12:00 - 4:30 p.m.
CLE Event
Fundamentals of Family Law:
Practical Tips for Practicing in
San Diego
(co-sponsored by the SDCBA)
Join the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program for basic practice in handling a family law dissolution case, including ethics and family law, preparation of pleadings, and discussion of special topics of interest to family law practitioners such as custody and child support issues. This event offers 1.0 hour of ethics and 3.25 hours of general CLE credit.
Fri, April
23
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
FREE Webinar
Alameda County Bar Association
Anti-API Violence and Heightened Xenophobia and Racism
Join us to examine the recent wave of violence and attacks on the API community. Attendees will hear from a member of our legal community whose family member experienced a recent attack as well as from a Professor of Asian American Studies at SF State University on the rise of anti-API violence and discrimination in connection with COVID-19. We will also hear from the Executive Director of the first organization in the country to represent and promote the legal and civil rights of API communities and the recent legislative efforts to combat the heightened xenophobia and racism.
Exclusive member discounts from our trusted partners
Risk Management Tip from Ahern:
Preventing Distracted Driving
Every distracted driver represents a potential risk for his or her employer, as businesses can be held legally accountable if an employee causes an accident. Click here to read about good driving behaviors to help you and your employees adopt good driving habits.
Premium discounts on Workers’ Compensation and General Liability/Property policies from The Hartford and AHERN Insurance Brokerage are available for SDCBA members. Apply today.
While we adapt to virtual settings, remaining professional and presenting yourself well is still the key to being the best advocate for your client and being taken seriously. Read »
Tech Tips and Tidbits
By Bill Kammer
Get an inside look at eDiscovery, chat apps, cybersecurity insurance, and more in the latest edition of Tech Tips and Tidbits. Read »
View recordings of recent popular SDCBA programs and events
40 Practice Management Tips to Increase Productivity, Decrease Stress, and Serve Your Clients Better (1.0 General Participatory Credit) The practice of law is more challenging today than it’s ever been. Deadlines, staffing issues, demanding clients, phone calls, emails, texts, AND trying to do it all in a safe, responsible, remote work environment. Taking this time to learn about simple changes you can make to your daily routine will help you increase your productivity, decrease your stress, work with your colleagues better, and deliver superlative service to your clients! In this fun and fast-paced session, attorney coach and author of 50 Lessons for Lawyers Nora Riva Bergman will help you shed your unproductive ways and make 2021 your best year yet. 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™.
Nominations for the California Lawyers Association President and Vice President
The California Lawyers Association will hold an election of new officers at its June 10-11 meeting. Candidates or individuals nominating candidates for CLA president or vice president are asked to fill out the nominations form and submit it to appointments@calawyers.org by May 14.
Retirement Wishes for Lawyers Club of San Diego's Elaine Lawrence Lawyers Club of San Diego is planning Elaine Lawrence's retirement event and gathering retirement wishes for her. If you would like to submit a retirement wish to Elaine, click here by April 15, 2021. Lawyers Club of San Diego appreciates your time and help in making this a special event for Elaine.
University of California Preferred Provider Construction Program — Requests for Proposals The University of California wishes to establish a panel of qualified law firms to assist with construction matters as described further in the Request for Proposals (RFP). If your firm is interested in participating in the panel, please respond to the RFP no later than close of business on April 30, 2021.
The ABA Standing Committee on Professional Regulation Seeks Input on Comment Draft
The ABA Standing Committee on Professional Regulation welcomes early input from a wide range of stakeholders on the linked Comment Draft. The Comment Draft is in the form of a possible Resolution and Report urging amendment of the ABA Model Rule for Registration of In-House Counsel. Comments are due by April 20, 2021. After considering and incorporating the comments, the Committee plans to file a Resolution on this subject for consideration by the ABA House of Delegates at the 2021 Annual Meeting.
The SDCBA’s Job Board has lots of great opportunities, including:
Family Law Senior Staff Attorney
Estate Planning Paralegal
Labor & Employment Attorney
Members can log in to access our full job board here.
