2021 is here in all its glory, bringing with it at least a symbolic fresh start for all of us. A fresh start doesn’t have to mean a complete reboot, though. My good friend Jessica Jagir recently shared an article on LinkedIn called “Let’s cut ourselves some slack, shall we?” and it resonated with me when I read it this morning. The premise was that in 2021 we should focus on what 2020 made abundantly clear was important (and too often ignored in the past): health, happiness, family, and friends. Like the author, I noticed that people I know were taking the time this New Year’s Day to share what they learned last year, what they were grateful for, and what they were carrying with them into 2021. I feel closer to them for having been given this glimpse into their lives, their struggles, and their transformation in their hero’s journey.
But how do we busy lawyers cut ourselves some slack? How do we build our firms, protect our employees, manage our caseloads, meet all our deadlines, and still focus on health, happiness, family, and friends?
I firmly believe the answer is knowing that you have resources and support available to you and taking the steps to access and implement them. I would encourage you, then, to not just be a member of the SDCBA, but to utilize your membership. Take what you need to succeed.
- Build up your business. Apply to LRIS and start getting potential clients sent your way.
- Learn something new about technology from Adriana Linares.
- Join a section. There are 27 of them to choose from, including our new Privacy and Cybersecurity section that will debut later this month.
- Meet a new colleague or reconnect with a friend. Mediator Larry Huerta will lead a Coffee & Conversation Roundtable this week on what works in employment mediation and I hope you’ll attend. He’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, he’s fun to talk to, and I know he’ll have some great tips for you.
- Start thinking about how you will make space to better our community this year. Join me and Board member Roxy Carter for a roundtable discussionon how we can eradicate racism from our profession. We want to hear from you.
- Start thinking about how you will make space for you. Our Wellness Committee has you covered.
There are so many other resources available. If you have trouble finding what you need, email me. I’ll see what I can do to point you in the right direction. Let’s connect.
Yours,
Renée N.G. Stackhouse
2021 SDCBA President
Reading now: Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership
Listening to: Purple Rain by Prince
What you are you reading or listening to?