This past week, Lent began. When I was a child, somebody shared with me their perception that it was basically a second opportunity at a New Year’s resolution, except that it covered only 40 days, rather than 365. As my friend noted, giving up things that are generally not good for you may be more an act of self-care than a manifestation of religious devotion.
As a Catholic, I placed more meaning on the season than my friend did. But the point was not lost on me. So, although I continued to give up a vice or two, I also made a point of taking on something that affirmatively improved the world around me, even if it was just in a small way.
Of course, there is no need to await such a trigger. Yes, I realize that I just noted this last week, but I will repeat that I firmly believe that one of the hallmarks of our profession is that lawyers do good. Many people demonstrate that on a regular basis, most certainly with the pro bono services they offer (and this may be more vital than ever with what is happening in Europe currently, with opportunities to assist with asylum applications). But there are also so many opportunities to do good in addition to offering our expertise as lawyers. A couple that I remember doing include serving lunch at the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center and working with Consumer Attorneys of San Diego on a Habitat for Humanity home. Of course, those are only a couple of examples of a wide host of ways to get involved in our community beyond simply serving the clients who pay us.
I encourage everybody to be involved, both in the legal community and our community at large. For some great opportunities, visit our SDCBA Pro Bono and SDCBA Community Involvement webpages. You don’t need a special reason to do it. Lawyers are people of action. And we do good.
Yours,
David Majchrzak
2022 SDCBA President