I am already feeling the faster pace that comes this time of year. Yes, this summer was hot, but the summer months just feel a bit more relaxed, don’t you think? It’s not that the summer is less busy, it just feels that way and people seem to be a bit more easy-going. The so-called ‘lazy’ days of summer are being replaced with setting goals, coordinating transportation, scheduling appointments and planning events.
As the MCB’s fiscal year gears up, the school year kicks off, the traffic becomes something to growl about, I’m feeling a quicker pace - more meetings, more emails, faster deadlines, less patience. Our crazy demanding schedules as lawyers will not change, but what if our focus does?
Here’s my personal commitment: as the year gears up, I am going to focus on the opportunities in front of me - new people, new subject matters, new challenges, the many new experiences yet to come and the willingness to take risks. I encourage you to do the same. I have already signed up for an all-day CLE on trusts and estates. Trusts and estates have nothing to do with my practice area, but we lawyers at Duke Energy Corporation often work with the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and local law firms on wills for seniors, military families and CMS employees. This CLE will help me be better prepared to do work that I really enjoy, and I’m sure I will meet a few attorneys whose paths I would not ordinarily cross. This CLE, scheduled for August 6, will have already happened by the time this article is published, but look for the replay. The MCB offers many CLEs on multiple subjects. Check out the MCB’s website at MeckBar.org for a terrific schedule.
The MCB also has a great fall lined up. The Fall Swearing-In Ceremony for new attorneys is scheduled October 11 at 3 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel. If you haven’t attended one of these lately, I encourage you to do so. This ceremonial court session, which is presided over by district, superior and federal judges, is open to all Bar members, the new lawyers about to be sworn in, their sponsors and family members. A reception follows. Come out and meet and welcome our newest colleagues as you renew your relationships with our judges, fellow attorneys and MCB staff.
The MCB’s Law and Society Luncheon at the Hilton Center City on Wednesday, November 14 is another opportunity to learn alongside your fellow Bar members. This year’s speaker is Tony Essaye. He helped defend The Washington Post in front of the Supreme Court when the newspaper wanted to publish the Pentagon Papers. You may remember the movie that was recently released. The Ayscue Professionalism Award will be given to a deserving MCB member yet to be announced. And our very own Jim Talley from Horack Talley will receive the NC State Bar’s John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award. The proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation. Come join us. The first Lawyer’s Luncheon Series is scheduled September 6 at the Bar & Foundation Center, the Legal Eagle Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled Friday, October 26 at Verdict Ridge Golf & Country Club in Denver, NC and the YLD Fall Social is November 8. These are just a few of the upcoming events. The MCB’s website has the full calendar posted.
Of course, none of this will make us less busy, but maybe we’ll be more engaged and a little happier. Here’s to a great, yet busy year, and a fond farewell to the summer.