The Atlanta Lawyer May 2014 | Page 6

Feature Article TIME WELL SPENT Volunteer Opportunities for Bar Members By Lisa Liang Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. [email protected] W hat is well-known and established is that the Atlanta Bar Association is the largest voluntary bar association in the southeast with a membership of over 6,000 members from twelve counties throughout the metro Atlanta region. Similarly well-known and highly regarded is the Bar’s national reputation for successful and innovative programs. What is less-often talked about is the relatively recent evolution of the Atlanta Bar as an association with paid leaders. For many decades the Atlanta Bar was run only by volunteer attorneys and staff and only in recent memory, run by a paid Executive Director. With our growing membership and flagship programs, we now have 14 staff members and Terri Beck, our Executive Director. Even with a nearly full staff, it takes a legion of volunteers to run not only the ship of the Atlanta Bar Association, but also its many programs and projects. “ Volunteer activities span from coaching mock interviews, reviewing resumes, providing networking “how-tos”, and general career advice. • Atlanta Santa (Christmas season): Volunteers acting as elves and Santa Clauses spread cheer during the holiday season as they visit with children and adults with Santa Claus at hospitals, shelters, foster care and nursing homes. • Legal Runaround 5K Race (fall): Lace up your shoes or assist in planning and executing this fun annual fall Atlanta Bar fundraiser. Proceeds go to the Atlanta Bar Foundation to be awarded as college scholarships for children of the Atlanta Police officers who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. “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.” A n n u a l l y, w e f o r m a l l y pause to celebrate service at our Celebrating Service luncheon, but less formal pause is given to the actual Call to Service. Why volunteer with the Atlanta Bar Association? First and foremost, as we all know, as lawyers we have the unique and special responsibility to pro bono service as well as community service. The Atlanta Bar has many opportunities, spanning various interests, skill sets and time commitments, for pro bono and community service. For instance, consider volunteering with the following activities: • Law School Outreach Committee (ongoing): Join colleagues and Georgia law school staff and professors to deepen the relationship with law students. Help brainstorm programs and services beneficial to law school students. 6 THE ATLANTA LAWYER May 2014 • Bard Show Performance (winter): In its eleventh year, the Bard Show is the place to showcase your thespian talents or volunteer as a stage hand or assistant. It’s an all-lawyer song and dance extravaganza that raises money for the Atlanta Bar Foundation. • Law Day (April): Volunteers can help teach scripted civics lessons and help with mock trials and other activities at the Atlanta Bar Association’s partner school, Therrell School of Law, Government and Public Policy. Volunteers can also join the Dream Team Law Day efforts as a representative of the Atlanta Bar. • Therrell Task Force (ongoing): Volunteers assist in various initiatives to support students and teachers with the goals of improving graduation rates at Therrell High School and encouraging students to pursue careers in law, government and public policy. The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association