Dear Fellows:
As the new year began in Los Angeles, so did the wildfires that – as of January 28 – have burned nearly 50,000 acres and destroyed over 16,000 structures. Those numbers are staggering to comprehend. It was only through seeing the videos of just how widespread and intense the flames were that I came to have a sense of the magnitude of these wildfires. The fight to contain these fires continues, leaving a trail of devastation across neighborhoods and communities.
For the Southern California Fellows, the impact has been deeply personal. Many have lost their homes, while others have been affected through the losses of friends and family. In the face of these challenges, the College has lived out one of our core principles: collegiality. Almost immediately after the fires erupted, Former Regent Paul Meyer reached out to the National Office with a request to establish a listserv for the SoCal Fellows. The goal was to bring the local Fellows together to share support, resources and a sense of community during this time of hardship.
The response was both immediate and inspiring. Within minutes of the listserv going live, Fellows began exchanging messages. Initially expressing words of support and personal stories, soon the listserv became a hub for sharing vital resources, practical information and offers of assistance. Links to webinars and specific referrals were shared to aid not only Fellows but also clients who were directly impacted by the fires.
Collegiality is a defining value of the College, and in the face of this historic disaster, it has been inspiring to witness Fellows come together to support one another. This spirit of support and community is not unique to Southern California – it is a hallmark shared by of our Fellows across every state and province.
It isn’t just local Fellows who acted swiftly; the U.S. Foundation approved two grants of $75,000 each to Southern California legal aid organizations on January 20, just 13 days after the fires erupted. [read more in Foundation Update below]
Whether supporting one another in times of need or celebrating the work and achievements of this organization, the strength of the College lies in its Fellows. I look forward to the upcoming Spring Meeting in Maui, where we will gather to reflect, connect and build on the shared mission of the College. I am honored to serve as President of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and I’m very proud of our Fellows.
Richard H. Deane, Jr.
President
To read more from the February eBulletin, click here.