Message from the Chair Summer 2021: Science and Technology Law One Last Time

I’m delighted—but also saddened—to be writing the last of four “Messages from the Chair” for The SciTech Lawyer.

A lot can change in nine years. While I’m no less delighted, I’m by no means saddened. An opportunity like chairing the ABA Science & Technology Law Section is one that rarely comes around once, much less twice, so by now I should be nothing but grateful. I’m guessing that nearly a decade ago the author in question was disappointed to be losing his grip on the reins of power—so kudos to whoever addressed this matter when drafting our Bylaws, because to this day the transition from one Chair is so administratively seamless that military ouster has never been required.

SciTech will be landing on its feet this August when its new Chair assumes the throne. Yes, I just wrote that sentence. Clearly you needn’t be saddened either.

Anyway, Ericka Watson is just what this Section needs. Extensive executive experience, boundless energy, organizational dedication, and—especially important for a punching-above-its-weight Section that collaborates with other, larger entities on a regular basis—personality to spare.

Ericka takes over a Section bristling with activity. I joked earlier about taking credit for these events, but the framework was already well-developed by the time I came along—thanks in particular to the ongoing dedication of Immediate Past Section Chair (and Section Delegate in waiting!) Julie Fleming. The jewel in the crown this fall will be the return of our Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics National Institute, led once again by intrepid former Section Chair Steve Wu. Look here periodically for more details: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/science_technology/events_cle.

This title of this issue of The SciTech Lawyer contains a phrase each and every one of us can appreciate: “after the Pandemic.” It’s nice to type it, and nice to see it in print. There certainly will be a lot of work for science and technology lawyers to do as we participate in the cleanup and transformation process in the wake of this disaster (the pandemic, not the magazine issue). COVID-19-related matters addressed here in considerable detail include—among others—forensic telehealth assessment, the legal status of “pop-up” restaurants, and the online exploitation of children. Special thanks go out in particular to co-authors Heather Deixler and Ty Kayam for coming with a highly evolved treatment of patient information-sharing on dauntingly short notice.

Nine years ago, the Message from the Chair also contained references to multiple staff departures. Not so this time, thank goodness. During a period of considerable structural and personnel change throughout the ABA, our staffing profile has remained gratifyingly stable. Remarking back in 2011 about those who remained at that time, I observed that “you don’t have to leave SciTech to find out how much your lawyer colleagues really think of you!” Please join me, whenever you have the chance, in reminding Caryn, Barbara, and Leonel how lucky we are that they’ve stayed the course and provided us with peerless guidance and support.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve one last time. This is a terrific outfit with so much to offer! Check us out at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/science_technology, and I hope you won’t hesitate to contact me directly at (339) 200-9131, or at [email protected], if I can assist you in any way.