3StePStofoSterdiverSityandincLuSionintheageofcovid-19
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chairs : ChristinaPotterBayern – MerlinLawGroup & AntinaMobley – PublicDefender ’ sOffice , 13thJudicialCircuit
As we launch into the
new year , a horizon of opportunities and obligations await . Most promising is the hopeful return of life to normal . However , until our slice of life in Tampa Bay returns to how it was pre-pandemic , we continue to adapt to additional COVID-19 precautions , which constitute our “ new normal .” Understandably , continued precautionary alert leads to COVID-19 Fatigue — the mental complacency and restlessness that develops in response to continued social-distancing , ever-changing precautionary measures , and unexpected COVID-19 outbreaks .
As COVID-19 Fatigue sets in , do not become complacent in the seeming humdrum of a socially-distanced legal practice . Instead , seek to foster ( 1 ) diversity of thought , ( 2 ) empathetic understanding of the challenging circumstances facing our colleagues , and ( 3 ) general awareness of pressing social issues . Doing so will allow us to grow as mentally diverse and socially inclusive individuals — leading to more skillful lawyering and a more enjoyable practice .
But how can we take steps to grow together while apart ?
1 . Expand Our Diversity of Thought Readily , Openly , and Willingly .
Personal identity , culture , and experience shape — and may limit — our perceptions . Diversity of thought is the idea that there is more than one way to effectively accomplish a goal . 1 Greater diversity correlates to greater variation in perspectives and solutions . Now more than ever , diversity of thought is needed to adeptly manage our more distanced legal practice . There is no limit to the number of people we can meet and consult virtually about practices they implement to continue executing excellent work-product that we as HCBA members are known to generate , even amidst COVID-19 . Every person has something to teach us and we never stop learning . Generating conversations that will diversify our thought process requires : ( 1 ) readily engaging in opportunities to network and dialogue ; ( 2 ) openly listening as our colleagues express themselves ; and ( 3 ) a willingness to reciprocatively share our thoughts . Our efforts to expand our diversity of thought will actively demonstrate our respect for each other and stimulate
ascovid-19fatigue setsin , donot becomecomplacent inthehumdrumofa socially-distanced legalpractice .
the possibility for innovation as we turn another page of history .
2 . Convey Empathetic Understanding of the Challenges Facing Our Colleagues .
Our new socially-distanced norm has extended to touch and change every aspect of the legal industry . From classrooms to courtrooms , every member of the legal profession was , or continues to be , in some form of isolation . In reflecting on our new normal , a colleague humorously told me : “ I never imagined entering a bank with a mask on my face , asking for money , and not needing a lawyer to defend a robbery charge .” Broward Circuit Judge Dennis Bailey , on behalf of 90 judges , in an open letter reminded us that appearing virtually before the court while still under bedcovers is not an option . As these experiences highlight , there is some humor to be found in the new normal we have adapted to in the wake of a global pandemic . By the same token , however , many HCBA members continue to face an increasingly difficult work-life balance as they remain confined
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