As we look toward the end of this unprecedented year, we would like to recognize the hard work and leadership of our Sections, Committees, and Divisions that host educational and other programming that align with our Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Strategic Plan. This year, we are recognizing five Sections for their dedication and commitment:
- Certificate for Collaboration: Taxation Law Section
- Certificate for Variety of Activity:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
- Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Section
- Certificate for New Lawyer Engagement: Business & Corporate Law Section
- Certificate for Innovation: Environmental / Land Use Law Section
Thank you for your tremendous service as volunteer leaders in the SDCBA. If you’re not already a member of our Sections, it’s easy to join them when you renew your membership.
It’s time to renew! To continue your connections with the SDCBA and access the full benefits of membership, be sure to renewyour membership for 2021 andkeep the 2020 rate! Plus, you can add an unlimited CLE pass—valid from now through the end of 2021—for an additional $100. Or consider upgrading to the Friend or all-inclusive Patron membership levels, for additional benefits and to support the SDCBA’s work. Click here to renew now and enjoy all that your membership has to offer.
Annual Membership Meeting. Join us Thursday, December 3 at 4 p.m. for a look back at 2020 and a look ahead to 2021. We’ll also be happy to answer your questions during this informative discussion. Register here.
A conversation with the Ninth Circuit. This year, the Annual Appellate Holiday Program has gone virtual—and you’re all invited! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Ninth Circuit Judge M. Margaret McKeown in conversation with Chief Judge Sydney Thomas. This special event is Friday, December 4 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
State of the Superior and District Courts.On December 10 at noon, join us for our final State of the Courts Address where you’ll hear an update about the San Diego Superior Court from Presiding Judge Lorna Alksne, and about the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from Chief Judge Larry Burns. I’ll be moderating this discussion, and we welcome your questions for the judges. Find a link to submit questions on the registration page here.
Calling all Solos and Small Firms! Next week, on December 8 and 9 from 1:30-5:00 p.m., we’ll host our 2nd Annual Law Practice Tech Conference for Solo & Small Firms—Truly Madly Solo. A faculty of tech-savvy experts and marketing gurus will discuss the most efficient ways to manage and market your law practice.
Stepping Up to the Bar. To round out the week and say farewell to 2020, we will welcome our 2021 SDCBA leadership at Stepping Up to the Bar … 2020 Style on December 11 at 5:30 p.m. Judge Alksne will join us to administer the Directors’ Oath to the incoming Board and Judge Alvarez will administer the Presidential oath to President-Elect Renée N.G. Stackhouse. We can’t wait to (virtually) see you there.
The Holiday Giving Spirit. As we enter the holiday season, there are ample opportunities to give back. We encourage you to consider donating to the San Diego County Bar Foundation, which is the SDCBA’s charitable arm and strives to provide access to justice by investing in sustainable results and advocacy for people and communities in our region that are impacted by poverty, abuse, and discrimination. And if you’d like to donate tangible items to the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center—where we have previously served lunches through the Bench-Bar Committee—here’s their “Wish List.” You can either drop items off at the Senior Wellness Center (directions included with the Wish List) or order through Amazon Smile and direct items to: Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center, attention: Christina Selder, 1525 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101.
As a final reminder, tomorrow, December 1 at 9 a.m. is the deadline for eligible candidates to apply to fill the SDCBA Board of Directors vacancy for a two-year term running from January 1, 2021—December 31, 2022. You can learn more and apply here.
Johanna Schiavoni
2020 SDCBA President