From the President, 0221 WYBJ, Vol. 43 No. 1. 10
| Author | Serving Our Community Billie LM Addleman Hirst Applegate, LLP Cheyenne, Wyoming |
| Position | Vol. 43 1 Pg. 10 |
Serving Our Community Billie LM Addleman Hirst Applegate, LLP Cheyenne, Wyoming
A few years ago, my partner John Metzke shared a quote with me: “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these” by George Washington Carver. I really liked the quote and put it on my bookshelf. Tis spring, just as we were starting to shut down due to COVID, I came across that quote. Te timing was perfect. Since rediscovering that quote, I have shared George Washington Carver’s words with family, friends, and colleagues.
With the challenges of the past year, the needs of our communities and state have become more evident. Just recently, the Wyoming State Bar’s Estate Planning, Elder Law, Trust & Probate Section launched a new initiative to provide free legal help to the front-line workers to assist them with preparing crucial legal documents. In mid-December, the Sheridan Press reported on a project coordinated by Sheridan attorney Deb Wendtland that raised $30,000 to support front-line healthcare workers. These are only a couple of examples of the initiatives led, started, or supported by our bar members.
Our members have an incredible record of service. Lawyers serve in a number of capacities, including elected office, non-profit boards, and coaching youth sports.[1] Five of the last seven Wyoming governors were attorneys. I am especially proud of the more than 300 members serving on Wyoming State Bar or Supreme Court boards, committees, and commissions. On top of that, we have 36 members currently chairing a committee or commission. Tis level of service is impressive, and the Wyoming State Bar could not function without these volunteer members.
I focused this article on service because I think it is important to serve our communities, if we are in a position to do so. I also recognize that not everyone grows up in a culture of service and giving; I did not. For me, a spirit of service was modeled by many significant people in my life. While it would take longer than this article allows to talk about all those people, I did want to take this opportunity to discuss two individuals who have inspired me. One of my earliest heroes was Jim Ithurralde...
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