This same time last year I was welcoming you to this blog, excited about our addition of this communications tool aimed at fostering conversations and greater sharing of ideas and opinions. We hoped to learn more about what the legal community wants to talk about and what matters to you. And, we did.
It’s been a great success. We’ve averaged a new post each day, thanks to you. You’ve been the primary providers of the content and the comments. I would not have guessed that a post about how to get more sleep without going to bed earlier would be one of the most popular of the year, but I can certainly attest to why.
The other thing we learned with the blog is that it allows all of us to be more nimble. We’re not waiting for a publishing schedule or an extensive edit process. If an issue breaks, and you want to write about it or respond, the blog provides that venue. When we learned that IRS changes were coming for those accepting credit card payments from clients, we posted information quickly and learned just as quickly how many of you found it of value.
Whether it’s clarifications on RPCs, or tips for solo practitioners, the content is rich, diverse and worth reading.
I’m so pleased that so many of you have become contributors and equally pleased that the blog has so many readers. It’s proven to be a great platform for sharing information and opinions among the legal community. And, don’t just take my word for it. Recently, the blog received an Award of Excellence from the National Association of Bar Executives, Communications Section.
As we celebrate our first birthday my wish for NWSidebar is that it continues to provide value to you, its readers. With your support and ongoing input, let’s keep it going. Here’s to a successful year and another to come!
Paula Littlewood. Paula has served as executive director of the Washington State Bar Association since 2007. She was recently appointed to the American Bar Association’s Future of the Legal Profession Task Force. Paula is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and also received a master’s degree in International Studies from the UW. Prior to law school, she was a professional campaign coordinator and fundraiser here in the state, working both on statewide candidate and initiative campaigns as well as local legislative races. After law school, she served as Assistant Dean for Administration and Public Relations at the UW Law School for 5 years, then spent a year in Telluride, Colorado, before joining the WSBA.
