Letter from the Chair

• Publication year: 2022
• Author: Written by Chris Passarelli Chair

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Written by Chris Passarelli Chair

It is a great honor to take the helm of the Business Law Section for its forty-sixth year. I am at once excited and grateful, to return to more physical, in-person meetings, as well as face-to-face networking, programs, and events!

The 2022 State Bar Annual Meeting, September 15-17 in San Diego, California was one such opportunity to revive old traditions. Held in tandem, we had possibly the most successful, in-person BLS Luncheon and Lifetime Achievement Award reception ever. I cannot over emphasize the feeling of camaraderie with fellow attendees, which included both new and familiar faces. It was widely-attended by our past leaders and section colleagues, as well as those from our esteemed "sister" sections. Jim Hill, the former BLS Chair, and the inaugural CLA Chair, was a fitting recipient of the BLS Lifetime Achievement Award. Jim's life accomplishments as a practitioner of business and insolvency law are indeed highly inspirational, and his award acceptance was equally moving. It was a proud time for our section!

The leaders of the Executive and Standing Committees have since successfully concluded the BLS Fall Leadership Retreat, October 29-30 in Costa Mesa, California. This information-packed, two-day orientation delved into the mission and workings of the BLS, as well as the tools and tactics for the successful operation of our section. We were very humbled and honored to welcome esteemed guests, such as the CLA Executive Director, Oyango Snell, and our featured guest speaker, Terrance J. Evans. We also had a special message from CLA President, Jeremy Evans, who took some time out for us while on safari. The very best part, however, remains the opportunity for interaction with our section's own past chairs and advisors; too many to name here. What a glorious weekend!

The section is now invigorated, and poised to expand its member base and increase member engagement. The California Lawyers Association—still in its nascency as the premiere statewide association for legal professionals—recently announced its own highly ambitious membership and marketing campaign initiative, and this aligns with the focus of the BLS for the 2022-2023 term. The BLS is busily advancing multiple initiatives to position for and

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maximize return on CLA's anticipated...