Young Lawyers Section News
| Publication year | 2011 |
| Pages | 09 |
| Citation | Vol. 80 No. 4 Pg. 09 |
Young Lawyers Section News
Join a Bar Association!
By Melissa R. Doeblin, Kansas Corporation Commission, Topeka, melissadoeblin@gmail.com
Recently I participated as a panelist at Washburn University School of Law talking to law students about the benefits that are available to them now, and in their future careers, through involvement in various bar associations. Joining me on the panel were other current members of the board of directors for the Kansas Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section (KBA YLS), namely Vincent Cox, presidentelect; Jennifer Hill, immediate past president and Kansas Bar Foundation delegate; and Scott Hill, American Bar Association (ABA) delegate to the KBA YLS. Not only did each of us discuss with the students our involvement and leadership with the KBA YLS, but also with other bar associations locally, across the state, and throughout the country. Although we spoke particularly about involvement in law school and as new lawyers, I think the same comments apply to seasoned lawyers everywhere.
Vincent talked to students about his bar involvement, particularly with the Topeka Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division (TBA YLD) as he has served as president for the TBA YLD this bar year. He pointed out that there are many levels of bar associations that a young lawyer or law student can get involved in, beginning with local bar associations. Associations at the local level can provide lawyers in a city or county with the chance to network with others practicing specifically in that region, who know the judges in district courts and who know attorneys in particular fields of practice in the area. Local bars tend to have more events and activities available for members, such as monthly meetings and other philanthropic and networking events.
Jennifer also shared her experience with both local and state bar associations. She has served as the president of the Wichita Bar Association's Young Lawyers Association (WBA YLA), as president of the KBA YLS, and now as a member on the WBA's board of governors. Calling herself a "bar junkie," Jennifer spoke with students and provided insight about all she has gained, both professionally and personally, through her membership in these organizations. She pointed out that one thing that young lawyers may struggle with is creating their own business by bringing clients into the firm...
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