Why a Mandatory Bar is a Good Idea for Utah Attorneys |
|
When I was pursuing my undergraduate degree in psychology, I learned about an interesting type of person called “the social loafer”. In addition to being a hilarious name conjuring hilarious imagery, it’s also an interesting concept. The theory goes that in every group there is a “social loafer”, and, the bigger the group, the more social loafers there are. A social loafer is someone who coasts by under the radar while the rest of the group does the work to accomplish the goal of the group. Think back to middle school classroom projects. There was always that one kid who kind of sat there doing nothing while everyone else decorated the poster board. That kid was a “social loafer”, in social psychology terms.
Now, before you think this is just a tale of someone being lazy, it’s not. The interesting thing about social loafing is it doesn’t really have anything to do with laziness. It has more to do with group hierarchy and how interesting the topic at hand is to the group member. In other words, if the group is doing something that isn’t interesting to you, of course, you’ll be less engaged. It is oftentimes the case in these situations that the person, individually, is incredibly adept at their own pursuits, but, because they benefit by partnering with others to accomplish a goal that also benefits them, it is worth their time to show up.
As lawyers, we have all heard the ongoing debate about the value of a mandatory bar. Utah is a mandatory bar, meaning we have no choice but to join the Utah State Bar (and pay annual dues) if we want to practice law in Utah. In some states, bar membership is voluntary, and lawyers are subject to direct regulation by the Supreme Court, or some other governmental agency. As the debate about the value of a mandatory bar goes on around us, let me propose to you this: being part of a mandatory bar allows us as lawyers to be social loafers in the areas we don’t feel passionate about. Let me give you an example: in 2019 there was a legislative effort in Utah to require lawyers to charge sales tax on legal fees. This was immediately unpopular with Utah lawyers because it would make accessing legal services more expensive and it raised separation of power concerns. As a result, the Utah State Bar committed much time and resources to lobbying against this bill, holding forums across the state to shed light on the issue, and in the end achieved the desired result: the bill did not pass.
I don’t know about you, but I did not want to charge sales tax to my clients, nor did I want to spend my individual time talking to legislators, going to public forums, or lobbying on Capitol Hill. I didn’t have the time or the desire! But my bar dues funded an organized effort that got me my desired result. The power of a mandatory bar is a loud, strong voice of lawyers united. We let the association take care of the details, while we go about running our businesses. In my opinion, a mandatory bar is a powerful bar. The efforts to de-regulate and de-integrate bars is a half-veiled effort to weaken our voices, and should be repelled. As forces around us try to weaken the Judicial Branch of government, consider your membership in a mandatory bar an important and valuable tool. Alone we are weak, but together we are strong.
|
|
Celebrate Constitution Day at Matheson Courthouse September 23 |
For the first time in more than three years, the Utah State Bar and the Utah State Courts are holding a Utah Constitution Day celebration, Friday, September 23 at the Matheson Courthouse.
The program this year will focus on the indigenous contribution to our U.S. Constitution. Students from Larsen Elementary, the Title VI Native American Education School for Utah, will be joining us, speaking on their study of the Iroquois Great Law of Peace, and performing a traditional song and dance. Tribal leaders from throughout Utah will also be assembled for the occasion, along with Utah judiciary and Bar members. Make plans to join us at noon at the Matheson Courthouse!
|
|
|
Monthly Well-Being Theme: Suicide Wellness and Prevention |
The well-being theme for the September 2022 Resources Guide is Suicide Awareness and Prevention. September is national Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month—a time to share resources about how to take action to help prevent suicide in our communities. The Guide provides information and resources to use individually, in teams, or in your organization-wide education initiatives. Thanks to this month’s contributors to the Guide: Tara Antonipillai and Anne Brafford.
|
|
|
Wheels of Justice 5 Canyon Challenge to Benefit "and Justice for All" |
Wheels of Justice is a local nonprofit working to put an end to child abuse, including by supporting the legal services offered by “and Justice for All.”
The Wheels of Justice’s annual 5 Canyons Bike Challenge will be held Saturday, September 17. The 5 Canyons Challenge has route options for every fitness level, including one of the most challenging bike courses in the country.
|
|
|
Lawyer Well-Being: Bar Provider Blomquist Hale Helps Lawyers Be Their Best |
The Bar's Well-Being Provider, Blomquist Hale, is offering a series of workshops to address anxiety and connection. The online workshops are:
Topic: Dealing with Anxiety
Date: Sept. 19-October 17
Date: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Topic: Parenting: Helping an Anxious or Highly Sensitive Child
Date: September 20
Date: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. MT
For more information about these workshops or other services provided to Bar members by Blomquist Hale, visit their website or call (800) 926-9619.
|
|
|
Utah State Bar Charity Partner of the Month: Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake
|
Founded in 1922, Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake is a non-profit organization that promotes safety, stability and self-sufficiency for low income families and individuals, as well as victims of domestic violence, through effective, efficient legal advocacy and assistance.
Legal Aid Society also assists adults and children who are victims of domestic violence to obtain protective orders and civil stalking injunctions from the court regardless of their income.
The Society's mascot is the "Legal Seagull," who makes frequent appearances in promotional gala cartoons by Salt Lake City artist Pat Bagley.
To donate to Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake, check the Legal Aid Society donation box on your licensing form or visit their website.
|
|
|
Bar Offers Marketplace Featuring Vendors Offering Services to Licensees |
The Utah State Bar has organized a Marketplace consisting of vendors offering services to Bar Licensees. These services are designed to help you in your practice. If you have questions or need additional information, please visit the Marketplace or contact the Utah State Bar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
