ICYMI: 5 Things That Happened at Open Sections Night

New and young attorneys and law students came out in full force Feb. 19 at the WSBA’s Open Sections Night.

Couldn’t make it? Here are some of the highlights:

• This was the largest crowd in Open Sections Night history! Over 90 attorneys attended.
• Over 20 members signed up for section memberships on-site. Looking for a way to expand your network and meet others in similar practice areas? Learn more about joining a section.
• Attendees had the opportunity to visit with the Board of Governors. WSBA President Anthony Gipe, President-elect Bill Hyslop, and at-large governors Robin Haynes, Karen Denise Wilson, and Mario Cava attended. Gov. Haynes spoke about the upcoming election for her position on the BOG representing new and young lawyers.
• Prizes. These were the talk of the town. There were two door prizes and four drawing prizes. Prizes included a bottle of wine and gift cards! Congratulations to all the lucky recipients, and thank you to the following prize sponsors: Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Intellectual Property Section, Litigation Section, World Peace Through Law Section, and the Washington Young Lawyers Committee.
• This was my last Open Sections Night as chair of the Washington Young Lawyers Committee. All I can say is, wow — this year’s Open Sections Night was simply amazing. From the helpful staff at the door, the great atmosphere, all the way to those delectable brownies, this was without a doubt the best Open Sections Night ever. I have attended every single one, including the one in Spokane in the fall, and I am so pleased at how far this event has come and progressed.

Décor aside, the most encouraging aspect was the ability to see so many new and young attorneys networking and interacting with our State Bar. Coming together for an educational purpose leads to great success and I am heartened by the collegiality. The mixture of new practitioners and long-standing leaders at the WSBA embraces the future of our profession with an eye towards diversity. I couldn’t be happier to see that interaction.

The party continued downstairs at the Yard House, where I saw friendships being built and careers being strengthened. I spoke with many people about bar leadership and how to get involved with the WYLC, all over beverages and onion rings! A huge thank-you goes out to the WYLC, the WSBA Sections, the James Real Estate Group, WSBA staff, and everyone else who had a part in making this event happen. If you missed this one, make sure to look for it next year — it is the one of the premier events of the year and well worth the time!