Shirley A. Jackson’s research laid the foundation for others to build fiber optic cables (think computer networking and the internet). James E. West’s work built the foil electret microphone, which served as the foundation for microphones we use today. These are just two out of countless tech trailblazers to learn about, and honor, this Black History Month. Without them, the last year would have looked and sounded a lot different. If you’ve been home using your phone, the internet, Zoom, and your microphones to stay connected, you can thank their contributions for that ability.
Keeping our members at the forefront of technology has been a priority of the SDCBA for several years now and we made it official as a strategic plan priority in 2020. We were fortunate to find the woman of our tech dreams in Technology and Practice Management Advisor Adriana Linares, who we lovingly refer to as our “human member benefit.” Her usual hourly rate is higher than our annual membership dues, but as an SDCBA member, you have access to her for free, so take advantage of our contract with her. You can schedule an appointment any time to work with her one-on-one, watch the library of recorded programs she has created and curated, or join her live on #TechTuesdays. This week she’s hosting a Q&A via Zoom and will answer all your burning questions. If you can’t make it tomorrow, you can always email her at mto@sdcba.org or catch her tips on Twitter @sdcountybar.
Later this month, she’ll be hosting the Law+Tech Summit: 5 CLE credits, two days, and 9 expert speakers. This will be our fourth annual Summit and each year is better than the last. At just $50 for members, you can’t afford not to attend!
Adriana has also taken over as co-host with me of the SDCBA podcast “Meet & Confer” this year, and we just finished recording our first 2021 podcast featuring lawyer member and all-around great guy Pratik Shah’s new innovation EsquireTek. You can listen here to learn more!
Technology has saved us during this pandemic. But don’t settle for implementing the bare minimum to survive and call it a day. Harness technology’s power. Streamline your practice. Build more time in your life to focus on things you’re passionate about like the Exchange on Equity Roundtable tonight or building your personal wellness and resilience for competency. Practice smarter, not harder.
Yours,
Renée N.G. Stackhouse
2021 SDCBA President
Reading now: Being Brown: Sonia Sotomayor and the Latino Question by Lazaro Lima
Listening to: Kiss and Say Goodbye by The Manhattans
What are you reading or listening to? Tag us #sdlaw #sdcba