President's Message, 0819 UTBJ, Vol. 32, No. 4. 10

AuthorBy H. Dickson Burton
PositionVol. 32 4 Pg. 10

President's Message

Vol. 32 No. 4 Pg. 10

Utah Bar Journal

August, 2019

July, 2019

Thank You

By H. Dickson Burton

How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon, December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? - Dr. Seuss

We all experience the sensation of time flying by, and such has been this full and eventful year as Bar President. We have had challenges both expected and unexpected, from exploring ways to address disruption and change in our profession, to addressing lawyer and judge well-being, to responding to a surprise effort to impose a sales tax on attorneys' fees - to name a few of the larger issues before us. And with the heartfelt effort of so many great members of our Bar, we continue to make progress on all fronts. Of course as always, much remains to be done. But progress will continue, better than ever, under the leadership of incoming Bar President Herm Olsen and President-elect Heather Farnsworth.

Disruption in the Legal Profession

As has been frequently discussed in recent years, the profession is changing rapidly and for various reasons, such as an evolving economy, shifting needs and social pressures, and rapidly advancing technology. We face unique and exciting challenges, but at times they seem daunting and intimidating. Even so, the change is real and not going away, and the best way to deal with it is meeting it head on and with a willingness to adapt. Indeed, disruption comes with great opportunity to those who make the effort to understand, adapt, and thrive.

One resource I suggest to you, for better understanding the changing legal landscape, is our Innovation in Law Practice Committee. Consider attending its upcoming day-long symposium on August 28, 2019, which will include, among other things, hands-on technology training and insightful speakers addressing new ways to manage and run a law practice.

I also urge you to follow the efforts of our Utah Supreme Court and a work group it established, at the request of the Utah State Bar, addressing regulatory reform. This work group has been chaired by Justice Deno Himonas of the Utah Supreme Court and our immediate Past-President, John Lund. It has been active since last fall, and its purpose is to study and make recommendations to the court for adapting Utah's regulatory structure for legal services in this "Age of...

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