Message from the Executive Director
I recently received Incogneato feedback expressing appreciation for the State Bar’s hybrid remote work policy. The feedback made me consider my own strong views on this topic, which align well with those outlined so articulately in this article. I don’t believe in “forcing” employees back to the office on a mostly full-time basis. As I read about so many companies ringing this particular bell lately, I have wondered if they really think that remote work is what is behind the flagging profit margins that seem to be driving the return-to-office fervor. Perhaps their metrics for business success are lopsided or their management culture needs to adapt? Regardless of what is driving many organizations to get people back to the office multiple days per week, I remain committed to what I truly believe is the future of work.
As noted in the article linked above, there are two main cognitive biases driving the knee-jerk call to return to office full-time:
- Status quo bias: our tendency to prefer the current state of affairs over change, even when the alternative may be more beneficial.
- Functional fixedness: our tendency to see objects or situations only in terms of their traditional use or function.
Neither of these reflect the type of Growth Mindset culture we are cultivating here at the State Bar, and I am so proud of that fact!
What does our one-day-a-week in office (for most) policy require? Extra and new approaches to building culture and creating meaningful connection. This of course is incumbent on management, but also on all of us. Have a new (or old) team member that you feel isn’t quite connected? Reach out! Zoom is ok – just make time to check in. If you can and are so inclined, meet someone for coffee or a walk, even on a non- in-office day, and please do manage up – let your manager know what you think would be helpful in building and maintaining connections and team culture.
On a different note, the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees held a joint hearing on the State Bar on May 23. I know that many of you watched at least portions of it. Hopefully you walked away feeling proud of your leadership team, recognizing that we have a tough job and room to grow like everyone else! For my part, I am thrilled to have an engaged Board of Trustees and brilliant co-leaders in George and Ellin, all working together to navigate the ups and downs of Sacramento. Those of you that read the background paper prepared for the hearing know that there were a series of recommendations outlined therein. Staff has been working with the Board’s legislative liaisons to develop responses to those, should they be affirmatively reflected in actual legislation. In the meantime, the Board has taken action on one key element of our own set of proactive legislative measures, namely, a 2024 licensing fee increase. You can find out more about our ask and rationale here.
As you can see, there is, as usual, a lot going on here at the State Bar. Even so, I hope you are all enjoying the summer season thus far and are taking some time to enjoy with family and friends.
With much appreciation, wishing you a lovely rest of your month,
Leah T. Wilson
Executive Director
Values Highlight: Growth Mindset
As we journey into the heart of 2023, let's take a moment to remember one of our core values that underpin everything we do here at the State Bar—the Growth Mindset.
A growth mindset encourages us to remain open to learning, to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see criticism as a platform for growth. By adopting this value, we empower ourselves to constantly improve, to step out of our comfort zones, and strive for innovation.
Check out this Give a Wow to Judy Soto for embodying a Growth Mindset.
Question of the Month
.jpeg?width=446&height=297&name=AdobeStock_238196699%20(1).jpeg)
Q: What kind of legal assistance can employees receive from the State Bar?
A: State Bar employees have access to a low-cost legal insurance benefit through ARAG. For less than $25/month, you can access legal help for everyday needs, including identity theft, creating wills, transferring property, dealing with tax issues, driving matters, or family law matters. If you work with a network attorney, your legal costs are paid in full for covered matters. You need to sign up during open enrollment, which typically occurs in October. Here’s an overview of available services and plan options; if you have any questions, please contact Benefits Analyst Tiffiny Vuong, tiffiny.vuong@calbar.ca.gov.
Around the State Bar
What's going on? We're sharing State Bar tidbits.
HR Operations Celebrate May 4
Submitted by Jennifer Aguilar
Darth Vader paid a visit to the HR operations team meeting on May 4!
Even remotely, when a team are far, far away from each other, the Force (and a love for Star Wars) was used to connect a team via Zoom!
Staff Appreciation Summer is Coming Event
To show our appreciation, we hosted the "Summer is Coming" employee appreciation event in May, where we celebrated the incredible contributions of our staff. The event was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of shared purpose. We cherish the opportunity to come together and recognize the hard work and dedication that fuels our collective success. In case you missed the event (or if you want to relive it), check out the photos below!
Join Your State Bar Colleagues on LinkedIn
Did you know that your State Bar’s LinkedIn account has nearly 33,000 followers? Which means, you have nearly 33,000 followers! Join your colleagues who like, share, and post State Bar content on LinkedIn, or create their own.
Whether it’s Executive Director Leah Wilson, OGC’s Robert Retana, OAI's Elizabeth Hom, or a host of others, there’s a State Bar community building on LinkedIn sharing positive and inspiring content on the State Bar’s work, as well as the interests and passions of employees outside of work. Already on LinkedIn? Be sure to add the State Bar as your employer and look out for State Bar notifications to share State Bar posts. It’s LinkedIn, so the vibe is positive and inspiring. Follow the State Bar today!
State Bar of California, 180 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-538-2000