to identify clinical and other community programs devoted to providing debt counseling and other legal services to lowincome individuals and families . Through the award of significant grants , the College makes its mark every day in addressing the needs of underserved communities requiring assistance and advocacy related to financial distress .
Mentoring – It is undeniable that the world is more complicated , fast-paced and stressful than ever . Competing demands on our professional time have multiplied with firms and clients expecting 24 / 7 availability , immediate feedback , increasing chargeable hours and relentless client / practice development demands . Now more than ever , we need each other as a source of support , whether it ’ s a referral , talking through a complex legal issue or merely to vent . The College has made significant strides in the past several years to encourage mentoring of each other and the next generation , whether through serving on Committees or participating in the Freshman Fellows Program , intended to ensure that fellows feel included and integrated into the College and its many activities from the get-go .
Next Steps – And so , keeping these values in mind , we begin the process of “ curating ” Class XXXVI , culminating with our Regent meeting scheduled in conjunction with the NCBJ in Seattle on September 18 , where the Regents will carefully vet and select the next Class . Note that the nomination deadline is early this year – June 15 . Please think about who the next exceptional and qualified bankruptcy lawyer or jurist is that you know will meaningfully contribute to the College ’ s future relevancy . As always ,
we are looking for “ those professionals whose sustained performances in the practice of their profession exemplify the highest standards of professionalism among bankruptcy specialists ”. Professionals of the highest level of character , integrity , professional expertise and leadership with a commitment to fostering the College ’ s goals of diversity , equity and inclusion . Professionals who are looking to actively contribute to the goals and values that historically have made the College the great institution that it is today and will continue to make the College relevant and important in the future .
In closing , I would be remiss in not acknowledging the fantastic job that past and current leadership have done to keep the College relevant . As your newly minted Chair of the Board of Regents , I want to give a special shout-out to my predecessor Trish Redmond , who set the gold standard for this position . As Trish told me , “ I have the best job in the College ” – and I am looking forward to working with all of you as we embark on nominating , vetting and ultimately selecting what is sure to be the best class of fellows yet !
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