It’s hard to believe the fall season has arrived as many of us are still learning how to navigate this new reality imposed on us by COVID-19. Since March, when the shelter-in-place orders were first issued, local courts have implemented new procedures and protocols to the various methods utilized to interact with the legal community and the public. During this time, many in the legal community have gained new tools or learned to effectively use the tools already in place in order to adjust work and personal lives accordingly. Commutes to and from the office have been significantly reduced or eliminated altogether, and social hours have become easier thanks to Zoom and other conferencing apps.

In spite of the many changes encountered in 2020, the Bar Association of San Francisco’s (BASF) Paralegal Section Executive Committee (Ex Comm) is pleased to announce that it has successfully continued the work of promoting professionalism in all legal paraprofessions, as well as educating the legal community about the ever-evolving roles paralegals and legal support professionals play in assisting with the practice of law. The Ex Comm has been afforded this opportunity thanks to platforms such as Zoom and REMO, which were employed at the Paralegal Section’s second annual conference on Ethics and Wellness in August. The Ex Comm is thankful to have gained experience with these platforms and is excited to utilize them at its 2020 Annual Holiday Mixer and Awards Ceremony on December 3, 2020.

Please save the date! The holiday mixer will be a great opportunity to meet new people, see old friends, and connect with colleagues, as they accept their well-earned 2020 Paralegal/Legal Professional, Pro Bono/Volunteer Service, and Member of the Year awards. Please keep an eye out for our Call for Nominations email and plan to join us for a fun-filled event!

The holiday mixer will also be an opportunity to meet the 2021 Ex Comm and inquire about joining this talented group of professionals. Do you have ideas on continuing education for the section or have ideas about networking and inspiring your peers? Do you want to practice writing and/or do you want to showcase your writing and other skills? Do you want to be part of a dynamic group of paralegals and legal support professionals who make things happen? Please join us to find out how to make a difference in your legal community.

If we’ve learned anything this past year it’s that despite all the challenges faced, the world keeps spinning and life goes on. The leadership of the Paralegal Section is prepared to continue to adjust and grow in spite of the uncertainties that the New Year is sure to bring. We look forward to continuing to provide our members with high quality continuing legal education and opportunities to network and share with one another.

About the Author:

Erin J. Keller is a family law paralegal at Fink Family Law. She is active in the paralegal community and works to promote continuing education and networking for her colleagues. Erin enjoys volunteering with several Bay Area legal organizations and is proud to be the Marketing Director and member-at-large of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Paralegal Section.