After 17 months of being shut down due to the pandemic, we are hosting our first in-person (though outside!) event; the SDCBA and NLD Summer Social! It will feature a DJ, giveaways, and ice cream, along with the opportunity to network in person with about 200 (and counting) of your colleagues. Feedback from our members on the event runs the gamut. Some members are excited to reunite in person. Some are excited, but also nervous with the rising reported COVID-19 cases. Others are not ready to join in the in-person festivities. I feel all these things.
I’ve had a couple of test runs over the last month with other organizations to prepare for our in-person event. I recently attended Trial Lawyer College’s annual Faculty Training in Colorado for a week at the end of July. I also attended my last Executive Committee meeting for the California Lawyers Association Solo & Small Firm Section in person last week. The first was very scary for me and I didn’t take my mask off but to eat or drink. The latter felt much easier after my experience in Colorado. Both reminded me of what I’ve forgotten over the past year, like checking in 24 hours in advance for a Southwest flight! (C-50 is the worst!) Each day, it feels like we’re balancing a return to human interaction with the need to be careful while doing so.
I wanted to share my experiences with you to let you know you’re not alone if you’re struggling with whether you’re ready to come out this Thursday and join us at the Summer Social. If you’re on the fence about attending, you can still cancel today and get a refund. If you want to wear a mask — and I will be — please do so. You do what is comfortable for you.
The bottom line is that we will be stepping through this all slowly to make sure we’re as safe as possible for our members and our staff. It’s one of the reasons why we have decided to keep all programs in September virtual. We will continue to monitor the reports and the guidance and keep you updated with the latest information as we get it. I hope you and your family stay healthy and safe.
I would be remiss if I did not thank our incredible sponsors for helping us put on a spectacular gathering this week. Special thanks to:
Premier Sponsors
Clio
LawPay
Lexicon
Producing Sponsors
Ahern Insurance Brokerage
CaseyGerry
Klinedinst
SDCBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service
WestPac Wealth Partners
Title Sponsors
Beatrice L. Snider, APC
E9 Digital
Judicate West
Manufacturers Bank
Shustak Reynolds & Partners, P.C.
Sidebar
Torrey Pines Bank
Friend Sponsors
Patterson, Lopez, Banuelos, Khiterman, LLP
Kristin Rizzo – Rizzo Resolution