Message from the Executive Director

What's Really Important, Right Now

One of the biggest challenges I face is prioritizing. We all have to do it—prioritize the various relationships and responsibilities in our lives. In the work context, and in my role, the ability to prioritize and provide clarity around what is really important, right now, is key not just to my own sanity but to the overall functioning of this organization.

Unfortunately, I am not so great at prioritizing. I am excited by and interested in many things, and my natural instinct is to try to do it all. But of course, that doesn’t work out so well most of the time!

With this context in mind, I walked into our Leadership Team retreat the week before last a bit hesitant. I knew that we would be collectively called upon to go through the long list of activities in our two operational plans (why two plans? one operational plan is directly tied to the Strategic Plan and the other, called the core operational plan, is more internally focused). We had to winnow those lists down to key priorities for the next 6 to 12 months. I was concerned about our ability to get this done.

We began with a list of 17 priorities, ranging from e-signature to Admissions customer service training—reflecting our respective areas of organizational responsibility. Clearly if you have 17 priorities you haven’t really prioritized. So, we continued working until we got it down to 4. They are listed below, along with the corresponding Strategic Plan strategy, where applicable.

Before you scroll through the list...one of the challenges with creating a list of priorities is what the list means with respect to things that are not on it. It does not mean they are not important, or that they will not get done. The priorities do however reflect a reality for us—namely that our organizational success or failure rides, perhaps unfairly, largely on the perceived effectiveness of our attorney discipline system.

As a result, when the Leadership Team was tasked with generating a truly short list of priorities, this is where we landed. We will continue to advance all areas of our mission and strive to accomplish everything on our ambitious operational plan. However, if we find ourselves with insufficient human or financial resources to do it ALL, we will…prioritize the priorities!

Improve OCTC structure and processes to increase efficiency and morale
Strategic Plan: Identify OCTC processes that contribute to prolonged case processing times and identify action steps related to OCTCs 2020 Culture Report and develop implementation timeline.
Develop new metrics for reporting OCTC performance
Strategic Plan: Develop new discipline system reporting metrics in alignment with new case processing standards and with consideration of feedback from the Ad Hoc Commission, Special Discipline Case Audit, and stakeholder feedback.
Effectively launch series of releases related to Girardi matter and LA Times litigation
Strategic Plan: Demonstrate transparency and, within constraints imposed by law, maximize disclosure in public communication.
Ensure we have the Right People in the Right Roles
Core Operational Plan, Retain Talent: In addition to reviewing the large number of operational activities that had already been developed under the Retain Talent header, at the retreat we came up with a few more, including an organizational talent review, a process whereby agencies identify employees who might be a great fit for future management and leadership roles; dedicating one Leadership Team meeting per quarter to retention and transitioning our annual employee engagement survey to a “pulse” format to get more real time results.

Please do reach out with any questions or comments. I thank you as always for your hard work and commitment to the State Bar.

Cures for Climate Anxiety

While many Floridians lost their lives and homes to the deadliest hurricane since 1935, California experienced record-setting heatwaves, and the Pacific Northwest battled wildfires, causing the region to have the worst air quality in the world.

If news reports of the worsening climate conditions are making your nervous or stressed, you are not alone. Multiple studies, as outlined at the Harvard Medical School’s Health Publishing blog, have found that many Americans are experiencing what experts are referring to as climate anxiety.

What is climate anxiety?

Climate anxiety is feelings of distress related to concerns about the impact of climate change. These feelings can look like guilt over lack of action related to environmentalism, or powerlessness and hopelessness over the future of our planet.

How can I manage these feelings?

While it is crucial to note that climate anxiety is not an indication of mental illness on its own, such feelings should never go unmanaged.

The Los Angeles Times and NPR sat with psychotherapists and climate activist and experts to guide readers through unpacking these emotions.

Britt Wray, a postdoctoral fellow at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, stresses that these emotions are uncomfortable, but normal, as they “push us out of what’s called our window of tolerance.”

Barbara Easterlin, a Bay Area psychologist, recommends that you start by sitting with your feelings. Consider the smaller, individual-level consequences of climate change and take note of what feelings arise.

But you do not have to bottle up these feelings or isolate yourself. If you feel the need to talk to someone, look for something called climate-aware therapy. Climate Awakening offers online sharing and listening sessions around climate anxiety, and the Good Grief Network offers eco-distress support groups.

After you’ve worked through your feelings and connected with people who share your anxieties, you can join a local environmental group. To avoid burnout, make sure that it is something you’re able to invest your time and energy to. If joining an organization does not suit your schedule or lifestyle, you can begin to implement lifestyle changes consistent with your values.

Finally, take a moment to step outside. California is a beautifully unique and ecologically diverse state with endless opportunities to connect with nature. Take advantage of this privilege. Whether you take a vacation to a state or national park, or you simply go for a nearby hike, appreciate the nature around you.

While we cannot change the world on your own overnight, working through feelings of eco-related distress and anxiety can help us understand these feelings and connect with those who feel the same way so we can rebuild our planet.

DEI: Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?

Irma Herrera’s heartful and enlightening performance of Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? was a journey back into South Texas when Herrera’s hometown “was as segregated as Montgomery Alabama”—a time and place that was nothing, and as Herrera reminded us throughout, completely like the world we live in now. It was the injustices she experienced as a bilingual Mexican American child that inspired her to become an attorney seeking amends for marginalized communities, a social justice advocate, a writer, and now, a performer.

Put simply, the piece taught us that all our experiences are important and valid, and no one should ever have to mispronounce their own name, as Herrera did one time in her lifetime. We all can grow and learn in that small but important human interaction of name sharing.

If you missed Irma Herrera’s performance, follow her on Instagram to catch her next show!

When to COVID Boost this Fall

Have you gotten your Omicron-specific booster? If so, congratulations—you’re one of 7.6 million Americans who have received the most updated vaccine. If not, don’t fret. And if you’re wondering when you should get it, the short answer is now—particularly ahead of the cold season and holiday gatherings.

Here’s a handy guide to help you determine the best time to get the latest shot based on the following categories:

If you haven’t gotten a COVID infection or vaccine in recent months: this weekend, before Halloween festivities. We are officially three weeks out from Thanksgiving weekend, which means you’ll want to be fully protected in time to attend holiday gatherings.

If you’ve had COVID within the last three months: wait another three months after your last negative COVID test result. Studies show that waiting a few months after an infection to get vaccinated can result in a stronger immune response to a shot, according to the CDC website.

If you’ve gotten a COVID vaccine within the last two months: you’re currently ineligible and need to be at least two months out from your last dose to be able to get the new booster.

If you’re elderly, immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk of severe COVID: as soon as possible!

Read the full story.

OOO??? No, not a spooky Halloween sound:

Tips for out-of-office (OOO) etiquette

With the holidays approaching, are you planning on being away for a couple of days or an extended period of time? Now more than ever, good communications habits in all forms are essential. Here are tips for keeping colleagues and customers in the know when you’re out of the office:

Calendar OOO Etiquette

Simple: mark times when you will be out of office (including holidays). That way people trying to schedule a meeting with you know when you're available.

Basic Email OOO Etiquette

Include a greeting and signature per State Bar standards.
Make your return date clear.
State whether or not you will be checking email.
Include the name, email address, and phone number of the person who will be your back-up during your time off. NOTE: Make sure that the person assigned to support you is in the office!
Avoid unnecessary personal details.

Example: Thank you for your email. I am out of the office until November 28, with limited access to email. I will reply when I return. If your need is urgent, please contact me on my cell. [OR]: If this is time-sensitive, please contact [name, email address, and phone number of the person supporting you].

Basic Voicemail OOO Etiquette

Make your message is short and to the point. State your name and affiliation (The State Bar of California), followed by the name of your office.
Make your return date clear.
Clear out your voicemail box. Not sure how? Check out this helpful tip.
Especially if the calls you answer are time-sensitive and you won't be checking in, name an alternate contact or forward your calls to a colleague who can handle them. NOTE: Make sure your colleague is in the office and available to cover your absence!
When you return, make sure you respond to voicemail timely and update your greeting.

Example: Hello, this is [NAME] of the State Bar's [OFFICE NAME]. I will be out of the office from November 24 and returning Monday, November 28. I will not be checking messages during that time. I will respond to your message when I return. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER] (or EMAIL).

Staffing Updates

Welcome

Johana Cardona | Paralegal | Chief Trial Counsel, LA

Esteban Cano-Gutierrez | Senior Financial Analyst | Access & Inclusion, LA

Sandra Cortez | Investigator II | Chief Trial Counsel, LA

Antonia Donaldson | Program Director I | Research & Institutional Accountability, SF

Adrienne Garrett | Program Specialist | Admissions, SF

Viviana Garcia | Program Specialist | Admissions, LA

David Lima | Law Clerk | Chief Trial Counsel, LA

Stephanie Ma | Program Specialist | Admissions, LA

Niesha Macon | Program Assistant II | Professional Competence, SF

Akshatha Mahindrakar | Senior Program Analyst | IT, LA

Diego Magana | Law Clerk | Chief Trial Counsel, LA

Jorge Mata-Ochoa | Program Analyst | Research & Institutional Accountability, SF

Diana Pauli | Senior Attorney | State Bar Court, LA

Tamara Ribas | Review Judge | State Bar Court, SF

Paola Rodriguez | Probation Case Specialist | Probation, LA

Diana Tesillo | Paralegal | Chief Trial Counsel, LA

Maureen Vachal | Financial Analyst | Finance, SF

Daisy Zarraga | Fiscal Services Specialist | Finance, SF

Anais Zavala | Court Specialist | State Bar Court, SF

Farewell

Michael Barreiro | Court Specialist | State Bar Court, SF

Jay Buteyn | Investigator III | Chief Trial Counsel, SF

Meryl Friedman | Program Analyst | Access & Inclusion, SF

Mia Hibler | Administrative Assistant II | Probation, LA

Maurice Moore | Program Analyst | State Bar Court, LA

Julia Passwater | Investigator II | Chief Trial Counsel, LA

Mark Torres-Gill | Attorney | Chief Trial Counsel, SF

Daniel Passamaneck | Senior Program Analyst | Access & Inclusion, SF

Leslie Weis | Senior Attorney | State Bar Court, LA

2022 Virtual Service Awards and End of Year Celebrations

Colleagues, it's that wonderful time of year again!

This year’s Employee Recognition and Service Awards will be held virtually and will continue our annual tradition of Peer Recognition Awards and the Raquel Hines Memorial Award.

2022 Employee Recognition and Service Awards: Tues., Dec. 6, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
2022 End of Year Celebration: LA Tues., Dec. 13, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | SF Thurs., Dec. 15, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

We encourage you to submit nominations through Give a Wow, or via this online form. Raquel Hines Memorial Award nominations may be submitted via this online form, and please remember to include a short narrative with examples and anecdotes to describe how your nominee embodies generosity of spirit, and service to others. Nominations are due Mon., Nov. 7.

Power of the Podcast

What We're Listening to

From nothing in 2004, there are now more than 2 1/2 million podcasts out there on the digital airwaves. Here are some of the best we’ve listened to recently:

How to Be a Better Human: Comedian Chris Duffy in conversation with guests as they uncover insights on how you can be a better human. Check out the recent episode with Luvvie Ajayi Jones on How to Stand Up for What You Believe In.

“Asking questions is actually a great way to make trouble.” –Luvvie Ajayi Jones

First Person Plural: EI & Beyond: Daniel Goleman writes best-sellers on emotional intelligence (EI). He and others talk about EI, mindfulness, and resilience. Check out the recent episode with Amy Gallo, whose new book is Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, draws on Stanford experts whose research can help us interact and communicate more effectively in work and life. Less polished than your average podcast, but cutting-edge on new ideas. Check out the episode on How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communications.

October 2022