As a lawyer newly in practice, one of the most important things
you can do is continue your legal education and attend lectures and
CLE programs. MBA members are entitled to attend almost all of our
CLE programs for FREE. I cannot stress enough what a valuable
benefit this is to a new lawyer. This year the YLD teamed up with
several sections to sponsor numerous CLE programs covering topics
such as tech tips for lawyers, tips for legal malpractice
avoidance, drafting dispositive motions, taking depositions,
arbitration, handling a medical malpractice case, and managing a
law practice, to name just a few. Almost all of our educational
programs are also available on the web via MBA On Demand, so those
who might not live or work near the site for the class can still
view the program and participate.
In addition to learning through CLE programs, there is a strong
mentoring component to the YLD. Many of our events and programs are
co-sponsored with MBA sections, so newer lawyers can meet and learn
from more experienced practitioners in various fields of law. We
have had countless networking events this year, not only in Boston,
but across Massachusetts. Events this year included networking
programs in Worcester, Cambridge and Acton, and at Wachusett
Mountain Ski Resort. In prior years we have had events in
Provincetown and Plymouth. In addition to networking with other
lawyers, we have had joint events with other organizations, such as
the Massachusetts Medical Society, so that our members can build
relationships with professionals in other fields. There is also a
social aspect to many of our events as members find it is sometimes
easier to network in a more laid back setting. This year we had
events at a Celtics game and at Witch's Woods at Nashoba Valley.
And we have a boat cruise coming up this month on the Spirit of
Boston.
These programs and events are not just for new attorneys. We
also have a subcommittee dedicated to law students. This year
alone, hundreds of law students joined the MBA and signed up with
the YLD. As a law student member of the YLD you can take advantage
of all of our programs and also develop a strong network of
contacts, which can help you once you graduate and begin looking
for work or need guidance as a newly practicing attorney.
In additional to bettering yourself as a member of the YLD, you
can give back to the legal community and the Massachusetts
community at large. This year, the YLD participated in numerous
volunteer activities. We participated in the MBA's Dial-A-Lawyer
program; fundraised for and ran in the Lawyers Have Heart 5K,
benefiting the American Heart Association; volunteered at the Great
Boston Food Bank; sponsored food and clothing drives for local
charities; volunteered at the Special Olympics; and mentored
children at More Than Words, a nonprofit social enterprise that
empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court-involved,
homeless or out of school.
If you are an MBA member who has been practicing for 10 years or
less, or you are a law student, please take advantage of the Young
Lawyers Division of the MBA. More information about our events and
programs can be found on the MBA's website in the event calendar
section or on My Bar Access. All of our monthly board meetings are
open to the entire YLD, and attending is a great way to maximize
your involvement in the division.
I am truly grateful for my time spent on the YLD board and I
wish the upcoming board a successful association year.