Oct. 3, 2018 – For my first five years of practice, I did nothing with my state or local bar. I did not serve on any committee or attend any bar-sponsored social or CLE event.
My attempt at work/life balance was to put my demanding job on one end and my busy life as a young mom on the other, with very little in between.
It was not until my good friend Jessica King asked me to join the Young Lawyers Division Board that I realized what a mistake I had made.
One of My Best Decisions
Volunteering with the Young Lawyers Division was one of the best decisions I made for my professional development and level of personal and career satisfaction. I worked with attorneys from across the state on important issues that directly impacted my fellow attorneys and our communities.
I’ve made important professional connections and effectuated positive change. I’ve made life-long friends.
I tell this personal story for two reasons.
First, I want you to learn from my mistake: Don’t wait to get involved. Volunteer. Run for office.
Second, I chair this year’s Nominating Committee, and we need attorneys from different backgrounds, diverse perspectives, and a fresh outlook to take on leadership roles within the State Bar.
If you like what the State Bar is doing, volunteer to help keep the important programs running strong. If you don’t like what the bar is doing, run for office so that you can bring in new ideas and move the bar toward positive changes.
If you like what the State Bar is doing, volunteer to help keep the important programs running strong. If you don’t like what the bar is doing, run for office so that you can bring in new ideas and move the bar toward positive changes.
If you have no idea what the State Bar does (like me about a decade ago), you can bring an open mind and fresh perspectives on how it can help members meet today's challenges and prepare lawyers for the future.
Don't wait. Take advantage of this opportunity to be a leader in our profession.
Nominations Accepted Through Oct. 31
The positions for the 2019-20 State Bar officers are president-elect, treasurer, and Judicial Council representative. You can also submit a petition for a district positon on the State Bar’s Board of Governors. Persons elected take office July 1, 2019.
If you are interested in nominating yourself – a perfectly acceptable practice – or in nominating someone else to run for a State Bar office, please email me.
And thank you to the members of the Nominating Committee: Joseph Cardamone (Kenosha), Makda Fessahaye (Madison), Robert Gagan (Green Bay), and Deanne Koll (New Richmond).
Important Dates
Find out about other State Bar leadership opportunities through divisions, sections, and committees.
