President’s Message: November 8, 2021

Today’s action from the 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge that I’m doing is to write down something you are thankful for that has nothing to do with worldly possessions. This is an easy one for me as we come off a busy week of bar association dinners; I am grateful for this San Diego legal community. I teared up during the Tom Homan LGBT Law Association’s Gala Dinner while Judge Rubin and Justice Jenkins chatted by the firelight, and I wasn’t alone. I learned so much during the Native American Lawyers Virtual Gala from artist and activist Gerald Clarke Jr. (Cahuilla Band of Indians). I was inspired by the strength of the South Asian Bar Association’s leadership, which was matched by the fearless keynote by Judge Bernadette D’Souza. I cheered to see how many students the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation awarded scholarships to, and how many elected officials honored the work of both the Foundation and Association. At each of these events, I was reminded of how important the work we do is and how fortunate we are to do it together.

Though there are no gala dinners this week, there are still a lot of opportunities to connect virtually. From tonight’s Exchange on Equity Roundtable: Being Your Whole Self in the Workplace, to tomorrow’s Closing Arguments with Renowned Trial Attorneys James Brosnahan and Don Rushing, to our final Leadership Speaker Series for the year: Lawyers Serving on Corporate Boards, to our Mindful Meditation Series for those who need a mid-week boost.

As a point of personal privilege, I must point out that the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 246th Birthday on Wednesday. Happy Birthday, Marines! (Especially my Marine, Phil Stackhouse!)

On Thursday, both the SDCBA and the San Diego Superior Court will be closed to pay tribute to all veterans who served their country during war or peacetime. I’d like to thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you’ve made. I hope you enjoy some of this year’s Veterans Day 2021 Deals.

Finally, this week is the last week to vote for your 2022 SDCBA Board of Directors. There are eleven talented, dedicated, and well-qualified attorneys running for four at-large positions and one candidate running for a regional (South Bay) seat. They’ve put an enormous amount of effort into their campaigns, and I hope you will join me in honoring that hard work by voting.  

Yours,

Renée N.G. Stackhouse
2021 SDCBA President

Reading nowEmpath by Judy Dyer
Listening to: Just Pretend by Elvis Presley
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