June 3, 2015 – The way lawyers deliver legal services is fundamentally changing, and young lawyers are uniquely positioned to help the profession address the changes, says ABA President William Hubbard. He urges young lawyers to “get in the game.”

“This is the time in which you can redefine how we practice law in our country. When you combine your knowledge and your comfort with technology with your legal education, you can modernize and make more efficient our profession and the way we serve our clients,” said Hubbard, who spoke at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Leadership Development Summit and Young Lawyers Leadership Conference in March.

He says young lawyers with technological savvy can help state and local bar associations address professional challenges while expanding their own networks.

“The more you are involved in the organized bar and in your community, you are cultivating relationships that can inform what you do and broaden your thinking and allow you to be a better leader,” said Hubbard. “At the end of the day, that’s what people expect from lawyers. They expect lawyers to be leaders in our communities.”

Throughout American history, lawyers have been leaders and problem solvers, Hubbard said. Young lawyers can continue that rich tradition through active participation on issues that affect the legal profession and local communities.

“Get involved by getting in the game,” Hubbard said. “Make yourself known. Shake the hand of somebody you haven't met before, tell them about your story, find out about their story, expand your reach and develop those relationships.”

“Don’t let this time in your life go away without having maximized your opportunities to establish a platform upon which you can build your practice and your leadership for your community and our justice system.”