H C B A P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E P a i g e G r e e n l e e – G r e e n l e e L a w P L L C
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should be matched and learning from one another . Thank you to Judge Perrone and to all of the local bar leaders and volunteers who made this reboot a success .
In addition to the HCBA and Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Mentoring Program , which is designed for practicing attorneys , our Diversity and Inclusion Committee , chaired by Christina Potter Bayern and Antina Mobley , has implemented a formal mentoring program for law students . The Committee hosted its Twelfth Annual Diversity Networking Social virtually on Saturday , March 27th . The event was extremely well-attended by local lawyers , judges , and law students from across the state , with the goal of connecting the law students with those local attorneys and judges , as well as with local bar associations , public service organizations , and government institutions in a casual , virtual environment . Participants in the event had the opportunity to sign up to be a mentor or a protégé ( additional details and photos on page 30 ). This is another great example of how the HCBA is working hard to provide mentoring opportunities to those who are seeking them .
If this past year has taught us anything , it is that we need each other . We rely on each other for advice , support , and friendship — both in our professional careers and in our personal lives . That is mentoring . For over twelve months , we have had to do those things virtually , which is better than nothing , but it is not the same . It has certainly made me appreciate the things I took for granted , the things that make my life — both personal and professional — so much fuller . Seeing a colleague at the courthouse and running a legal theory past them ; going to bar lunch meetings with 450 of my fellow HCBA members ; meeting friends after work to debrief and catch up . These mentoring experiences truly enrich me and make me who I am .
While I of course encourage you to sign up for the HCBA / Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Mentoring Program , if you decide not to do that , consider ways in which you can informally mentor someone . It is incumbent on us , and it betters our profession , to provide assistance to those who are just getting started on their journey through the legal profession . Please reach a hand back to those behind you , help to pull them forward , and give them the opportunity to create themselves . n
Good Trouble Book Club Infographic ( see article on page 8 )
M A Y - J U N E 2 0 2 1 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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