The Atlanta Lawyer May 2014 | Page 7

Feature Article There are many other opportunities for involvement that exist outside of these to consider as well: • Create a Task Force or Committee: Have you identified a pressing issue suitable for involvement by the Atlanta Bar? Consider coordinating with the Bar to create a new task force or committee to promote social networking and events, mentoring, community service, cultural affairs, or other needs. • CLE Programs: The CLE Board of Trustees welcomes CLE program/topic ideas relevant to areas of practice and the general membership. • Board service: Active in a Section? Consider joining the Board of the Section or volunteering with ones of its committees. Our obligation to pro bono and community service is not solely altruistic; involvement with the Bar indubitably builds one’s professional and personal portfolio. Consider the following benefits of participation with the Atlanta Bar: • Expand our professional, personal contacts: One has the opportunity to create new relationships with colleagues through service work while also growing her network of contacts. Participation with Bar activities positions us to work with the diverse group of talented Atlanta Bar attorneys with whom we may not otherwise have the opportunity to work with. Working with new colleagues promotes collegiality! • Improved service to our clients: As our professional contacts increase, we are better able to serve and advise the diverse needs of our clients. We can provide more options for referrals and reach out for advice and assistance. • Elevate our practice: Networking not only elevates individuals but highlights our practice by showing the good work and commitment to pro bono and community service our profession, and our firms, embody. • Gain professional experience: By volunteering with different projects, we gain experience in different areas like teaching at Therrell or planning an event. Please consider getting more involved with the Atlanta Bar Association. As William Jennings Bryan said “Service is the measure of greatness; it always has been true; it is true today, and it always will be true, that he is greatest who does the most of good.” How Did You Get Involved in The Bar? Was it a social, a ski trip, community service work or did someone invite you to a Section event? We want to hear from you! Please share your story with us here. We will post some of the stories in the next edition of The Atlanta Lawyer. The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association May 2014 THE ATLANTA LAWYER 7