Message from the Chair: Cooperation, Engagement and Promotion Between the Sections
| Publication year | 2019 |
| Author | Stephen D. Hamilton |
Stephen D. Hamilton
With the separation of the seventeen practice sections from the California State Bar on January 1, 2018, the individual sections faced an immense challenge. Could they survive outside the structure of an integrated bar? The answer was unknown at the time. Eighteen months later, we have an answer: the sections are not only surviving, but thriving. The initial success of the sections is a tribute to the leadership of the Board of Representatives and Officers who comprise the California Lawyers Association. However, maintaining this initial success will require a continued and sustained effort from each of the sections and its members.
The question posed by this message is: What can the Family Law Section do to ensure the other sections succeed under the new structure? In my opinion, we need to cooperate and support the other sections. We need to engage and interact with the other sections. And we need to promote the common good of all the sections to ensure the current halcyon period continues.
I believe the easiest way to establish cooperation with other sections is to conduct joint educational and social opportunities. To that end, the Family Law Section will be working on cross-over education events with the Criminal Law, Solo and Small Firm, and Law Practice Management and Technology sections. We are also determined to continue our relationship with the California Young Lawyers Association. FLEXCOM has a liaison from CYLA participate in our meetings. We are looking to expand that relationship. Mentorship would be a key part of that expanded relationship with CYLA.
Besides the opportunities for joint continuing legal education events, there are other ways to engage and interact with the other sections. At a local level, that could include inviting members of the other sections to attend your local executive committee or section meeting. For FLEXCOM, we had a joint luncheon with the Trusts and Estates Section (TEXCOM) during our June meeting. And we continue to work with TEXCOM on legislation that impacts both of our practice areas.
The easiest way to work for the mutual benefit of all sections is to join other sections that have a natural cross-over with your family law practice. We...
To continue reading
Request your trial