LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Somita Basu^* Chair

Welcome to another wonderful year of The Practitioner and let’s all give a huge round of virtual applause to our new Editor-In-Chief, Ashod Mooradian.

It’s been a long two years under the shadow of a global pandemic. I must point out the absolutely phenomenal job that my predecessor, Sabrina Greene, did during her two years as Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section. We are indebted to her for her leadership through unchartered waters and steady hand in guiding the work of this Section during a time of change within CLA. Thank you, Sabrina! I also echo the sentiments of our new EIC, Ashod, in thanking past EIC Joshua Bonnici for his hard work for two years as Editor of The Practitioner. Our Section has continued to generate helpful, practical content for Solo & Small Firm practitioners throughout the state during these past two turbulent years and we are grateful for Joshua’s efforts, time, and dedication.

The legal profession is undergoing rapid change. This can be uncomfortable for many. But the convergence of technology, focuses on access to justice, and the changing nature of the practice of law itself is driving transformations in the way we practice. As has often been the case, solo and small firm practitioners are on the cutting edge of these changes, whether they be good, bad, or misguided. The pandemic allowed so many parts of our practices to be done virtually, including court hearings and client consultations, reducing costs to clients and increasing our efficiency. Meanwhile the State Bar has floated a proposal to allow non-lawyers to practice in certain areas of law, putting the integrity of the entire profession at risk and endangering the livelihood of many solo and small firm practitioners, who are often the most accessible to the general public in need of legal representation.