Welcome to the 2016-2017 association year! Our leadership and
staff have been working all summer long to provide you with the
most relevant programs and initiatives to kick off an exciting new
year.
Since my last communication, many of you have reached out to us
for ways to become more involved in the MBA - and, specifically,
for volunteer opportunities that do not require a huge investment
of your time. We heard you and have designed many of our programs
with your busy schedules in mind. We are pleased to offer several
volunteer opportunities of a more limited duration.
Check out some of our more popular, short term activities that
members like you can take advantage of each year to help enrich
your practice and the profession:
Help the community
Assist the public by staffing a phone bank and providing free
legal guidance at our Dial-A-Lawyer events in Boston or
Springfield. Visit a local senior center and make an Elder Law
Education presentation. Serve as a resource for families struggling
with a loved one's addiction by answering their Section 35 Helpline
questions. Participate in community outreach projects, such as our
food, clothing and blood drives, which benefit those most in
need.
Network with colleagues
Volunteer as an MBA ambassador at a networking event, and
interact with other attorneys and judges outside of the office.
Engage with colleagues on the go by answering a question or
starting a discussion using the new My Bar Access mobile app. Join
the social media conversation on the MBA's Twitter, Facebook,
LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
Be a mentor
Serve as a judge in our high school mock trial program. Prepare
law school graduates for their law careers by conducting mock
interviews. Connect with a colleague and offer advice through
MentorMatch.
Share your knowledge
Write a Section Review article for Massachusetts Lawyers
Journal or explain case law in a piece for Massachusetts
Law Review. Express your thoughts and insights in a blog post
on My Bar Access. Serve as a CLE faculty member and teach members
about your area of expertise.
Make your voice heard
Seek appointment to an MBA committee and help develop education
programs, monitor and develop legislation, and propose legislative
positions to the House of Delegates. Get involved with our Young
Lawyers Division and build valuable relationships while helping to
shape the future of the legal profession.
As you can see by the volunteers highlighted in this month's
insert, the MBA truly offers something for everyone. Make the most
of your membership and join our growing list!
P.S. - Our upcoming Welcome Back Reception provides the perfect
opportunity for you to integrate yourself into the MBA community.
Join us on Thursday, Sept. 22, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Back Deck, 2
West St., Boston.
Lisa A. Ferrara is the MBA's Director of Membership
& Programs