As we approach the end of summer, so begins the bar year. State and local bar associations are gearing up for the upcoming season of activities, including networking events, CLEs and pro bono activities.

As a young lawyer fresh out of law school, I didn’t know where or how to begin getting active in the organized bar. Sometimes it can be hard to even find out what’s out there without paying expensive dues. A listing of local and specialty bars and their websites can be found on the MSBA’s website.

But then, once you know what’s available, it can be information overload. How does one make a choice with so many state, local and specialty bar organizations? You might think about which area of practice you focus on, where you appear in court the most or where the attorneys you respect appear to be most active.

The good thing about being a law student or a young lawyer is that, in most cases, membership to a bar association is either free or very cheap. In exchange for membership, a whole new world can open up for one’s personal and professional life. Many of my very best friends and mentors have come through my involvement in the organized bar. And the bar has helped me become a better attorney.

It took me a while but I started getting involved after talking to a friend who I knew was active in the MSBA’s Young Lawyers Section. This is a group of down-to-earth attorneys from throughout the state who knew how to have a good time and enjoyed helping each other and those in need. Eventually, I joined and became active in one of the section’s committees.

After being active for a short period with MSBA, a mentor suggested I apply to the MSBA Leadership Academy. The academy is a fellowship program that helps groom lawyers to become active members and leaders in their state, local or specialty organizations. Selected fellows also create and complete a public service project over the course of the program.

This program isn’t necessary for everyone, of course, but it worked well for me. Everyone will have their own distinctive path, and these organizations are always looking for a few good men and women.

Since becoming an active member of the bar I have literally traveled the country working on local and national policy issues and networking with attorneys and judges. I have also had the pleasure of being involved in a number of great community service projects.

So, as your state, local, and specialty bar associations begin to plan the year ahead and fill their calendar of events, you might take a look at their websites and add a few of these events to your own calendar. See what’s going on and consider getting involved in any way, whether big or small. You’ll get at least as much as you put into it and find it a rewarding experience.

Powered by Bookmarkify™