There’s so much happening with our Bar these days, a news report seems like the best use for this space. So let’s get right to the headlines:
New logos! We’re creating two new organizations: (1) the 26th Judicial District Bar, the so-called “Mandatory Bar” of which everyone must be a member per State Bar rules; and (2) the Mecklenburg Bar Association (MBA), the “Voluntary Bar” that will be responsible for the traditional Bar activities with which you’re most familiar (CLE, sections, committees, Young Lawyers Division, Bar sports, programming). New organizations mean new logos. And now for their public unveiling (drum roll, please):
Bifurcation efforts pick up steam. We remain on track to bifurcate effective July 1, 2024. Staff and leadership have spent many months behind the scenes planning and building the structural bones of the new organizations. Very soon you will see the fruits of that labor as we start adding flesh to those bones.
We have a resource you can go to for the latest updates. The MCB staff developed a dedicated landing page on the website for all bifurcation-related information. You can access it through the Bifurcation tab on MeckBar.org or directly by visiting MeckBar.org/bifurcation. Here you can find information about the MBA Strategic Plan, how the two new boards will be structured, and FAQs to address your questions. More information will be added as we continue on this journey.
Also be on the lookout in the coming months for a special edition of the Mecklenburg Bar News dedicated to everything you need to know about bifurcation. This publication will include detailed information about membership options and fees, specific program offerings, and more.
Old digs, new digs. In my last column, I shared the disappointing news that the sale of the Bar & Foundation Center had fallen through at the eleventh hour because the buyer walked away from the deal. I did, however, hint at renewed interest. And today I’m excited to report that we are back under contract! We are progressing through the stages of the sale process with a projected closing in early 2024. Knock on wood, fingers crossed, all that.
Meanwhile, we are also in the process of negotiating a lease for a potential new home in the Midtown area. We look forward to sharing more information about that as things progress.
Coda. We’ve been doing a lot of talking lately about organizational structure and physical spaces. But of course, those things are not the main focus of our Bar. The main focus is you, the members, and what we can do to support and enhance your professional lives and practices. Bifurcation presents a unique opportunity to reimagine ourselves and the future of our Bar. What new things do you want? What existing things need new energy and direction? What’s on your mind? I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to shoot me an email at cdavis@robinsonbradshaw.com, or give me a call at (704) 377-8386.