CHAIR’S COLUMN

Written by Adrieannette L. Ciccone

What a year it has been! In just the first 30 days of this year, we have all experienced tragedy and loss at an exponential level as a state and a nation. Southern California suffered from devastating fires. There were two fatal plane crashes within 24 hours on the east coast. The list of tragic events continues to go on and on as time passes. In spite of these fatal and life changing events, I feel inspired by the service of our community as attorneys to assist those who have been impacted. In response to the Los Angeles County Fires, we all rallied into formation to help. CLA, issued a statement offering support and links to resources. Terrance Evens, Chair of CLA volunteered at a legal clinic during Martin Luther King Day weekend in Southern California.

Our service to others has not just been limited to those suffering from the fires. During our first in person meeting of the year, the Litigation Executive Committee (LEXCOMM) hosted a coat drive and we donated winter coats to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission with the gracious assistance of Michelle Wolfe. The photo below is of the LEXCOMM at this coat drive. I am inspired by the work and dedication that we have all done to help our greater statewide community.

Turning back to the fires, Mary McKelvey (past Litigation Chair and Partner at Polsinelli) led the charge of a partnership between the Litigation Section, Polsinelli and Christian Legal Aid-Los Angeles to provide Pro Bono services to fire victims on February 8, 22, and 25. These