Telling Tales of Storytellers, 1121 COBJ, Vol. 50, No. 10 Pg. 4

AuthorBY JOI KUSH
PositionVol. 50, 10 [Page 4]

50 Colo.Law. 4

Telling Tales of Storytellers

Vol. 50, No. 10 [Page 4]

Colorado Lawyer

November, 2021

President’s Message

BY JOI KUSH

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the CBA’s flagship publication, Colorado Lawyer, which launched in November 1971 as an informational and educational resource to improve the practice of law. Each month since, the editors and its advisory board have given the CBA president a platform to speak directly to members about whatever they’d like. Well, this year, that’s me, and this month I dedicate this column to the writers, photographers, and coordinating editors who so generously donate their time and talents toward making each issue of Colorado Lawyer useful, instructive, and engaging.

Who better to tell the stories of the storytellers than the creators themselves? I reached out to some of the many contributors with a very open question: “Tell me a story about why you write, edit, or submit photography to Colorado Lawyer.” The answers I received varied greatly, both in tone and form. Some were brief, succinct, and factual, others bent toward humor, and a few even offered up some philosophical musings. But as I read through the responses, some common themes emerged, and I think that’s where the true story of Colorado Lawyer lies.

It’s Not about the Money

Frequent author Mark Cohen answered the central question most directly: “I write for three reasons. First, I love writing. Second, I enjoy sharing what I have learned with others. Third, the money. Wait. Actually, Colorado Lawyer does not compensate its authors, but now and then another lawyer praises something I wrote or calls me to pick my brain on a topic, and that’s rewarding.” Humor aside, Cohen underscores the point that Colorado Lawyer wouldn’t exist but for the generosity of its members; it’s a volunteer effort to the core.

Current Colorado Lawyer advisory board chair Joseph G. Michaels sees writing in a much larger context. “Writing drives life—what we read, what we watch, what we argue, what we say. It’s an exercise in expression, a discipline in which we take great pride. Effective writing takes practice, dedication, and humility. But it’s also a mental floss, an escape, and just plain invigorating. Writing is never perfect, but the pursuit of improvement is a worthy undertaking. So why write? When asked why he wanted to summit Mount Everest, British mountaineer George...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT