Eighteen WSBA members from around the state meet regularly to figure out how they, and the WSBA as a whole, can meet the needs of lawyers who are in their first 5 years of practice or under the age of 36. If you fall into this demographic, you have profited from their work. Are you now ready to join them, and give back? The Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) is one of 19 WSBA volunteer committees and boards seeking new members this year.
YLC Chair Beth Bratton, who practices in Wenatchee, describes the committee’s mission as educating young lawyers about resources, getting them involved in activities, and finding out what they need from the WSBA. Committee members reach out to young lawyers in their part of the state and enjoy the networking and informal mentoring that results. Beth is especially committed to helping the new attorneys who graduated law school during the recession. “Many young lawyers are struggling and don’t know what’s available,” she says.
One resource the YLC educates young lawyers about is the WSBA’s Moderate Means Program, which supports lawyers willing to offer reduced rates to clients who otherwise couldn’t afford legal help. YLC member Megan Card of Olympia is one of many young lawyers who has increased their client list by participating in this program which benefits both lawyers and the public. Card says the idea that one can benefit personally while also serving others resonates with the YLC. “It gives you a chance to both do community service and connect with other lawyers,” she adds.
The committee needs young lawyers with all kind of personalities and backgrounds, says member Vincent Humphrey of Bellevue, who, after attending law school in Idaho, found joining the YLC a useful way to meet other lawyers in Washington. Meetings are held both by phone and in person around the state, so geography is not a barrier. The committee values its geographic diversity which, according to Vincent, brings a broad range of issues into discussion. The primary requirement for joining, he says, is “an attitude of service.”
Apply Now — Deadline is Friday!
You can apply to serve on the YLC or any other WSBA committee or board via myWSBA. The deadline is this Friday, March 29. If you have questions, or need to request an extension, email barleaders@wsba.org.
Pam Inglesby. Pam is the WSBA’s member and bar leader relations manager, and former public legal education manager. A Seattle native, she has also lived in New York City, Philadelphia and Santa Barbara, and almost earned a PhD in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania. (That pesky dissertation!) In her spare time she watches, blogs about, and occasionally appears in all kinds of movies. Contact her at pami@wsba.org.
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