SSM PResents for the Barristers Litigation Summit

Teela Smith, Cesilia Fernandez, Deputy Public Defender of Santa Clara County, and Mark Punzalan of Chan + Punzalan presented "Incompetent or Imposter" for the Bar Association of San Francisco's 2022 Barristers Litigation Summit.  They discussed their experiences overcoming Imposter Syndrome, how the Imposter Syndrome affects an attorney’s ability to ethically represent clients, and how to communicate effectively with supervising attorneys, staff, clients, and the Court despite feeling like an imposter.

Jason Crain and Lita Abella of the State Bar of California presented "Pivoting Past the Pandemic: Work Life Balance for Legal Professionals" and discussed how attorney substance use and mental health issues can lead to detrimental and/or deadly consequences and develop a self-care plan and wellness strategies during these challenging times.