Leadership is a responsibility rather than a privilege. It is an opportunity to elevate others, solve problems, and leave an organization stronger and better than it was found.
For lawyers, leaders who serve align naturally with the principles at the heart of our profession. We are called to advocate for clients, uphold justice, protect the rule of law, and contribute to the public good. Service is not an add-on to our professional identity; it is fundamental to who we are.
Leadership Is Action, Not Position One of the misconceptions about leadership is that it belongs only to those who hold formal titles. We often think of leaders as presidents, managing partners, judges, elected officials, or executives.
In reality, leadership occurs every day at every level. A leader who serves is:
• A senior attorney who takes time to mentor an associate and explain a new concept or case
• A young lawyer who volunteers at a legal aid clinic
• A committee or section member who consistently follows through on commitments
• A lawyer who creates a welcoming environment for colleagues with different backgrounds and perspectives
• A lawyer who gives someone a first chance
Leadership should not be about authority but more about influence. Every member of the Atlanta Bar Association has the opportunity to lead regardless of position, experience level, or practice setting.
The healthiest organizations are not those with a few strong leaders at the top. They are the organizations that cultivate leadership throughout their membership. Our Bar thrives because so many members step forward to serve, volunteer, mentor, teach, and support one another each and every day. As the steward of the Bar for a short time, I am grateful for each one of our“ Lawyers who Serve”.
Service Strengthens Our Profession The legal profession faces significant challenges. Lawyers today navigate increasingly complex legal issues, rapid technological changes, evolving client expectations, economic pressures, and growing concerns regarding wellness and mental health.
One of the most encouraging aspects of our profession is the willingness of lawyers to give back despite demanding schedules and significant responsibilities. Across our membership, attorneys devote countless hours to pro bono work, community service, professional education, mentoring, and civic engagement. These contributions strengthen not only our communities but also our profession itself.
Service creates a multiplier effect. The time, energy, and wisdom we invest today become the foundation upon which future generations build.
Humility Is a Leadership Strength Some of the most remarkable and effective leaders I have encountered share a common characteristic: humility.
Humility is often misunderstood. It does not mean lacking confidence or minimizing accomplishments. Rather, it means recognizing that leadership is not about you. It means being willing to listen, learn, and adapt.
Leaders who serve acknowledge they do not have all the answers. They seek diverse perspectives. They welcome constructive feedback. They acknowledge mistakes and focus on continuous improvement.
Our training encourages us to advocate vigorously and defend positions persuasively. These are essential skills. Yet leadership often requires a different skill set: listening carefully, building consensus, and understanding viewpoints different from our own.
The strongest leaders do not always speak first or most often. Frequently, they are the individuals who listen most attentively and create space for others to contribute.
Humility fosters trust. Trust fosters collaboration. Collaboration drives meaningful results.
The most admired leaders in our profession are often remembered not for their positions but for their generosity, integrity, mentorship, and commitment to service. They inspired others. They made people feel valued. They invested in causes larger than themselves. That is the kind of leadership that changes organizations and communities for the better.
A Call to Serve As we look toward the future of our association and our profession, I encourage every member to embrace opportunities for service. Service does not require extraordinary time or resources. It begins with small but meaningful actions.
Let’ s lead with humility, serve with purpose, and support one another with generosity and respect. There are any number of opportunities provided by the Bar each month where you can engage. One exciting opportunity is supporting the second Bar Leadership Academy which will kick off its program in early September with over 30 candidates. This exciting opportunity will serve to develop future leaders of the Bar.
Finally, I am reminded every day of the Bar’ s mission statement and grateful for“ The Atlanta Bar Association Lawyers Who Serve”.
Please find an opportunity to serve this month!
BETSY C. GRISWOLD Atlanta Bar Association President, 2026-2027
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