Message from the Chair: An Exciting Year Ahead
by Abbie DuFrayne
Happy 2010! It's definitely a little strange writing that, considering the decades' worth of speculation about all the crazy technologies we'd have when we reached this futuristic year. Even though many of these predictions didn't come true - hey, we are carrying computers in our pockets now - I'm excited to start this year as Chair of the Young Lawyers Division. We have a lot of great, original programming in store.
I've been a member of the YLD for five years now, a member of the Executive Committee for four, and a member of the Cabinet for two. I know the value of being a part of this Division. As such, I encourage you to take advantage of your YLD membership in the New Year. When I first started practicing law, I chose not to participate in the programs being offered because I thought I was too busy or would rather spend my free time doing something else. Over time, I was invited to YLD events and meetings, and eventually I accepted an invitation to participate and discovered the many benefits.
At Bar Association meetings and events, I met other lawyers, judges and potential referral sources who I otherwise would not have met. I expanded my legal network, participated in numerous community service projects and mentorship opportunities, and developed both my reputation in the legal community and my book of business.
My main goal as Chair is to invigorate and enable you to share these experiences. As this New Year begins, I am excited to offer you the same opportunities that led to the further development of my professional life. During the year there will be monthly networking events and other social gatherings, legal education and mentoring opportunities, and community service initiatives, all with the aim of bettering you as both a lawyer and a young professional.
We have an energized Executive Committee with outgoing people representing a wide variety of backgrounds and practice areas. We are here to serve you and welcome you to join us throughout the year. We want everyone who would like to participate to have the opportunity. As part of our initiative to better serve you, we are adding some new content to this electronic publication (a pretty cool technological advancement in its own right). This will include several new articles and updates. Another addition will be a monthly column from myself.
We welcome your input and hope that you will not hesitate to contact us with your ideas for this publication and the YLD in general. You can reach me at adufrayne@petrellilaw.com. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our events throughout the year - hopefully at our first one, a Networking Happy Hour on January 20 at Con Murphy's. I also look forward to meeting you in person!
Albertine Y. DuFrayne is an associate at the Law Office of Thomas J. Petrelli, Jr. and the 2010 Chair of the Young Lawyers Division.