Margaret Hickey, Becker, Hickey & Poster S.C., Milwaukee, U.W. 1986

Anna Muñoz, Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Milwaukee, Marquette 2005

You are an attorney

By going to law school and successfully completing a rigorous course of study you have shown that you have the dedication, intelligence, and drive to lead. Regardless of the type of law you practice or the setting in which you use your law degree (even if it is as a stay at home parent – or maybe especially so) you have the skills that are necessary to be a leader – good work ethic, creative problem solver, ability to work with others.

You are an attorney

Newer attorneys often discount their role as an attorney. We can feel incredibly “green” and inexperienced at our firms or companies, let alone volunteering for another organization we may not know much about. We can underestimate ourselves. Do not let these sorts of feelings be an obstacle. As Margaret says, the characteristics that led you to the achievement of becoming an attorney are reason enough of why you are qualified and should be leaders and volunteers.

You do have the time

Many of us think that we don’t have the time to volunteer because of demands on our busy lives as attorneys, business people, parents, and the many other roles that we have committed to. But we believe (and have demonstrated through our actions) that when we are committed to something, we find the time. Certainly volunteering on a committee or working on a Bar project (Law Day, Mock Trial, Wills for Heroes for example) takes time, but not so much time that we cannot find it in our schedules.

As an over achiever, I have been involved on many State Bar committees over the past 20 years. If a committee meets once per quarter for a few hours, that is just a little less time that I might spend surfing the Internet, watching reruns of Perry Mason, or otherwise goofing off. I find that when I make the commitment, I do the work. If a phone call for a committee meeting takes an hour, I can find a way to make up the time.

You do have the time

When I began my legal career, I focused on matters related to my current position, and didn’t think I had much time for anything else. In hindsight, I could have begun volunteering much sooner than I did, and, I suspect, that many other active volunteers would say the same thing.

Volunteering with the State Bar is a very manageable time commitment. I’ve participated in several meetings via teleconference, which are very easy to work into my day.

Also, once I make the commitment to volunteer not only with the bar, but with other organizations, I discuss it with my supervisor who is supportive of my interest in volunteering and allows for a flexible schedule when volunteering crosses over into normal business hours.

As Margaret says, you can always find a way to make up the time.

You have something to offer

Many of us think we may not have unique skills to offer, but the very fact that we are attorneys gives us the very skills that make us excellent volunteers. We are often good public speakers. We understand how to put together a cogent argument, written or oral. We have decent interpersonal skills. We are endlessly interested in the world around us and how to influence that world, in small or big ways.

Lawyers are inherently interesting people, in my experience, and have much to offer regardless of society’s jokes.

You have something to offer

Who wants a new lawyer? Surprisingly, a lot of groups. Organizations need bright, eager volunteers who are willing to commit to their cause. Experienced volunteers are usually available for guidance. The State Bar Wills for Heroes program even offers CLE credit for training.

Committees and boards usually comprise experienced and new volunteers. Organizations often appreciate people without experience because of their fresh perspective.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time to volunteer, organizations are grateful for any assistance you can offer.

Volunteering can and should be fun

Do not volunteer for anything you do not enjoy. Volunteering should be something you like to do and can feel committed to. Fortunately, there is a long list of volunteer possibilities at the State Bar.

Volunteer to serve on one of the State Bar committees dealing with topics from public service to diversity to member benefits and more. Work with the young lawyers to prepare wills for service men and women; write an amicus brief for a section or for the Bar that might be argued before an appellate court; help choose other leaders, work on issues involving the administration of justice, or just help welcome new lawyers to the profession.

There are many opportunities for volunteers with different talents at the Bar.

Volunteering can and should be fun

I volunteer for a variety of reasons, one of which is that it is an alternative to the work I do at “my day job,” and it allows me to learn new areas of the law and meet new people.

In my day job, I don’t assist first responders with wills, supervise mediations, screen potential family law clients, judge student competitions, develop leaders with the bar, or write articles. It would be an unusual job if I did!

I enjoy the exposure to these other areas of the law and, especially with regard to law students, I enjoy sharing a little bit of my real-world experience with soon-to-be attorneys.

You will get more than you give

Why do I give so much of my free time to the bar? That’s easy, I enjoy it, and I get much more back than I give.

Some of my best referrals are from people I met through the State Bar; people I would not have met if I had not volunteered. This includes colleagues across the country from whom I can learn and exchange ideas.

My work in the Family and Elder Law sections helps me to be a better attorney. I learn of developments before they become law. Or better yet, I help to shape the law by serving on a section work committee, and when the law passes, I am ahead of the curve for my clients.

You will get more than you give

I certainly have been able to give to various groups through volunteering, and I almost always walk away from each volunteer interaction having gained something from the experience.

Sometimes, it is a small thing, such as knowing that I helped lessen the work load of overworked attorneys at a nonprofit. On other occasions, hearing the sincere words of appreciation from students or clients is very rewarding.

On a professional level, I have met attorneys outside of my practice area that have helped me build my knowledge and skills.