This column is adapted from Mecklenburg Bar Association President Sarah Stone’s speech delivered at the May 21, 2025, MBA Annual Meeting.

It is truly an honor to serve as president of the Mecklenburg Bar Association. I am incredibly proud of the great work that the Mecklenburg Bar Association has undertaken in its first year. Courtney Ballard has set a high standard with her vision and energy. As Cary Davis shared, with over 65 CLEs and numerous social and community service events, we are building a strong foundation for our new voluntary bar.

I recently had the privilege to attend our spring swearing-in ceremony. When we think back to the oath we took, we often remember our promise to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, something we can never take for granted. However, there was another part of our oath that stood out  to me:

In the State oath we say:

“I will truly and honestly demean myself in the practice of an Attorney, according to the best of my knowledge and ability.”

Demean or Demeanor refers to the outward behavior or bearing of an individual. It encompasses the way we conduct ourselves, our attitude, and our mannerisms.

At a moment in time when we see norms being challenged, when social media algorithms feed us narrowing perspectives, and divisiveness seems to permeate every aspect of our lives, I am inspired by the long legacy of the MCB—now the MBA—as a place to Connect – Lead – Serve and what better way to demonstrate the demeanor of an attorney.

I welcome you to b. Join us at a CLE, a section meeting, or a volunteer event and learn about the incredible lawyers in this community—from those who negotiate million-dollar transactions, who defend the accused, or who mediate sensitive family disputes. We are the recently admitted, the newly gray-haired, and the senior statesmen and women who have shaped this community. We might be first-generation lawyers, or we might be continuing a family practice. We are from Charlotte or from small towns or other countries. We might have children, pets, a fully stamped passport, or a collection of marathon medals. It is this diversity of experience and perspective that strengthens us. I first joined this bar 20 years ago. I have been fortunate to see much change, including the leadership of eight women presidents, compared to three for nearly the prior 100 years. Come be included in this community and be inclusive of others.

I encourage you to lead. As lawyers, we are called by the Rules of Professional Conduct to “further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system.” What better way to demonstrate this than through our Lunch with a Lawyer program or the Mentorship  Alliance.

I invite you to serve. Our Rules also remind us to be “mindful of deficiencies in the administration of justice” and to work to “ensure equal access to our system of justice.” Share your knowledge through CLE or engage with the pro bono work of our divisions and sections.

Let us keep working to raise the bar for our Bar to be a community where we put into action the promise we made about the demeanor of a lawyer. I am honored to serve you and help guide this organization to a stronger sense of community, for all.