This is a column I never dreamed I'd be writing. But here I am,
beginning a term as the president of the Massachusetts Bar
Association, and I can't tell you how humbled I am. The MBA is a
marvelous organization that provides help and expertise to the
public and to the legal profession. To lead the MBA is a tremendous
honor. I just hope I don't screw it up.
I'm also immensely proud to be the association's first Hispanic
president. My parents are both from Argentina. They moved to this
country and provided me with every advantage they could muster. I
owe so much to them, and by extension, to my heritage.
As I visit various courts, read our professional journals and
talk to myriad people in the course of my work, I can't help but
notice that our legal community is changing. We are becoming more
diverse. For instance, in the same year I am the MBA's first
Hispanic president, the American Bar Association has a black woman
as its president for the first time. As old barriers fall one by
one, our profession becomes stronger and more representative of our
society. I am happy to be part of that changing of the guard.
I think our profession is changing in other ways too -- some
that aren't as good. For instance, it seems to me we are becoming
less collegial. Some might say that's the way it has to be -- I
like to think not. The things I cherish most as a lawyer are the
relationships I've made, the chance to see familiar faces at the
courthouse, the opportunity to work with and learn from people I
admire. I'd like to see our profession restore the civility that
used to be woven into its fabric. And yes, I'd like to see our
members having more fun with their work. I hope I can help the MBA
contribute to reaching that goal.
I succeed Past President Marsha Kazarosian, and I have huge
shoes to fill, though I won't look as good in them. Marsha was an
outstanding president, just as she is a lawyer. I learned so much
from her during my year as president-elect, and I am grateful for
the experience.
I also want to tip my hat to the Massachusetts Association of
Hispanic Attorneys (MAHA). It was through MAHA that I first gained
experience in working with the MBA. I wouldn't be writing this
column without MAHA.
Everybody has their first love and MAHA is
mine.
The MBA's role in continuing legal education is so important,
and our members are incredible resources. It is a privilege to
practice in a state with such high standards and superbly talented
members who are dedicated to the highest ideals of the law. The
association provides a network for members from all corners of the
state to learn and share knowledge. Although we are an adversarial
system, everyone wins when the law is practiced on the highest
possible plane.
Our community programs and our advocacy work also are extremely
important, and we will continue to support measures that help make
justice more available to more people.
Ultimately, it is you, the esteemed members of this bar, who are
the dominant factors in bringing justice to people from all walks
of life. The availability of justice is what makes our legal system
such a marvel. It brings me great joy and pride to be a colleague
of all you lawyers who help average people navigate the roads to
justice.
Speaking of colleagues, leadership of the MBA is very much a
team effort, and I look forward to working with so many top-notch
professionals. President-elect Jeff Catalano, Vice President Chris
Kenney, Treasurer Chris Sullivan and Secretary John Morrissey are
bound to keep us moving in the right direction. Our House of
Delegates is a versatile and experienced group, not to mention the
outstanding full-time staff leadership in the persons of Marty
Healy, Gwen Landford, Lee Constantine and all the talented,
hard-working bar association staff. I am planning on a good year,
and I welcome thoughts and recommendations from any and all
members. My policy is a wide-open door. I would love to visit with
members from the western part of the state, Cape Cod, Cape Ann and
everywhere in between. I want to hear your ideas, your stories. I'd
like to hear your thoughts on how the association can better serve
you and your community of lawyers and clients. I urge you to take
advantage of the opportunity to be heard. This association, like
most, works best when it has widespread participation. My goal is
to make it as easy and as fun to do that as possible.
I want to reiterate how thrilled I am to be writing to you from
this space. We're going to have a great year. I want to keep things
informal and look forward to getting your input. I want this to be
a real team effort, and I'm proud to be your teammate. And I hope I
don't screw it up!