The Atlanta Lawyer June/July 2012 | Page 11

president’s message Although the Atlanta Bar is a large regional organization, it feels like a congenial group of friends from the first day you get involved. The Atlanta Bar always has opportunities for young (and not-so-young) attorneys to contribute through writing, speaking, or other committee or section work. Those who are willing to work and prove to be reliable move up in the organization, regardless of their race, gender or ethnicity. In fact, I believe the Atlanta Bar has great opportunities for women and minorities as it seeks to broaden its appeal and service. I encourage the younger attorneys in my office to get involved with the Atlanta Bar as that membership and active participation can really enhance your legal education and greatly assist with your leadership skills, marketing efforts and networking. Membership alone will not provide all of these benefits to you. You must be actively involved in order to get the most out of your membership. Active membership in the Atlanta Bar through publishing and speaking opportunities, as well as leadership positions with the committees and sections can greatly enhance your legal reputation. All in all, I cannot imagine why any lawyer would pass on the opportunity to associate with the great organization which has given so much to me. Outgoing 2011-2012 104th President Rita A. Sheffey with Hunton & Williams LLP and Incoming 2012-2013 105th President Lynn M. Roberson with Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers LLP. The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association Shayna M. Steinfeld, 101st President in 2008-2009 with Steinfeld and Steinfeld; Lynn M. Roberson; William Warren, CPA with PWC; and Krysta Cannon, CPA with Alston & Bird, LLP.. The Atlanta Bar Association Audit Committee: William Warren, Patti M. Richards, The Richards Law Firm LLC, and Krysta Cannon with Rita A. Sheffey. June/July 2012 THE ATLANTA LAWYER 11