profession requires active participation. That spirit of volunteer leadership is one of our greatest strengths, and it is something we must continue to value, support, and sustain.
Second-Service to the profession, promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and excellence in the practice of law.
Third-Service to the public, most visibly through our pro bono efforts, community engagement, and partnerships with the judiciary.
You heard from Rachel Spears, a recipient of the Rita Sheffey Public Interest Award, at last year’ s annual meeting about the dire and tenuous position many of our non-profits are in as a result of funding and budget cuts, including those who were initially created as a part of the Association’ s efforts. Many are in survival mode, and the Association can help through the Atlanta Bar Foundation’ s fund-raising activity which funds the grant programs, through volunteers who serve, and other means of support. The time to act is now.
Pro Bono and Public Service
No discussion of service would be complete without recognizing the essential role of pro bono work. For decades, this Association has helped ensure that access to justice is not merely an ideal, but a reality. Through the pro bono work of our members, the Association helps bridge the justice gap for individuals and families who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.
It reflects the absolute best of the legal profession and underscores the principle that the law exists to serve people— not just institutions.
Professionalism as a Defining Value
Equally central to our mission is a sustained commitment to professionalism. Professionalism is part of our legacy, and it must remain part of our future.
The pressures facing lawyers today are significant— from demanding clients, heavy caseloads, and rapid technological change. In that environment, professionalism does not happen by accident. It must be taught, modeled, reinforced, and protected.
Through professionalism initiatives, mentoring programs, and our close collaboration with the judiciary, this Association plays a vital role in fostering a culture of respect— among lawyers, between counsel and the courts, and across our broader legal system.
Partnerships with other Bar Associations
We will look to partner with other bar associations. Working in partnerships will be beneficial in navigating through challenging times and help us support our core values and objectives. There is strength in joining together and we will look for ways to do this in the coming year.
A Long-Term Strategic Perspective
My focus this year is on long term strategic stewardship— ensuring that the decisions we make today strengthen this Association not just for this year, but for those who will lead it in the years ahead.
That means supporting strong governance and compliance in all that we do, developing sustainable programs, engaged committees, and a pipeline of future leaders. It means being thoughtful rather than reactive, and collaborative rather than isolated.
We are temporary custodians of this enduring institution. Our responsibility is not to reinvent it for our own moment, but to leave it stronger than we found it.
Honoring Our Legacy
Legacy is responsibility. The lawyers who built this Association did so because they believed that collective effort could strengthen the profession and serve the public. We honor them not simply by remembering their names, but by carrying forward the values they embodied: service, professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
That legacy continues through our sections committees, our pro bono efforts, our professionalism initiatives, and our partnership with the courts.
It continues because of you.
I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to serve alongside so many dedicated lawyers. Together, we will preserve what matters, strengthen what endures, and guide this Association forward with purpose and care.
Thank you.
Betsy C. Griswold Atlanta Bar Association President, 2026-2027
www. atlantabar. org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 5