GSB Vol. 17, NO. 7, Pg. 10. From the YLD President.

• Author: by Stephanie Joy Kirijan

Georgia Bar Journal

Volume 17.

GSB Vol. 17, NO. 7, Pg. 10.

From the YLD President

GSB JournalVol. 17, NO. 7June 2012From the YLD PresidentStill Growing at 65 Years Youngby Stephanie Joy KirijanIt has been a great honor to serve as the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD) president and a rewarding experience to work with so many dedicated young attorneys around the state.

YLD leadership set specific goals to advance the organization and exceeded expectations for a successful year. This was a milestone year as the YLD observed its 65th anniversary. Initiatives focused on advancing inclusive leadership within the State Bar through statewide outreach and improving the public perception of lawyers with community service. These goals are consistent with the mission of the YLD. When the YLD (formerly the Younger Lawyers Section) was created in 1947, its purpose was to further the goals of the State Bar, increase interest and participation of young lawyers and foster the principles of duty and service to the public.

Inclusive Leadership

For its 65th anniversary, the YLD selected the theme of inclusive leadership. Seeing diversity and inclusion through the eyes of its members helps sustain a professional association where all feel welcomed, valued and engaged-allowing the YLD to better respond to the needs of young lawyers throughout the state. The YLD has been at the forefront of inclusiveness in the State Bar, and its leadership reflects the unique characteristics of its more than 10,000 members. I am proud that this year, the YLD has its most inclusive board of directors in the organization's history.

Statewide Outreach

To achieve its goal of greater inclusion, the YLD successfully worked to increase its statewide outreach. This focus resulted in a 30 percent average increase in meeting attendance. The YLD also hosted two statewide affUiates' conferences this year in order to assist in the engagement of young lawyers from every corner of the state. These conferences allowed young lawyer leaders to come together and share ideas for strengthening and improving the organizations that they represent and the YLD as a whole. As a result of these conferences, young lawyers in Athens and the surrounding area are creating the Western Judicial Circuit YLD.

The YLD continued to groom leaders across Georgia through its...