In considering board involvement, you may wonder how to find the time with the demands of a legal career and other personal obligations. But when you are truly passionate about an organization, you find the time. You will be pleasantly surprised that you can make time for “one more thing.” Simply put the events on your calendar, then schedule around them, just as you would a court hearing or client meeting. You likely will be more productive and engaged when you return to your office. In fact, WITS has taken note of how the learning experience in its Midday Mentoring Program is uniquely reciprocal. Friendships are formed, and the perspectives of both the student and the volunteer are expanded.
While my path to choosing a board was different, you can strategically choose an organization that provides the opportunity to network with fellow board members. Most organizations post their current board members, along with their respective titles and affiliated corporations, on their websites. If you commit your time and energy to the organization, others will get to know you and your strengths in a neutral (non-sales) setting, while you work alongside them towards a mutual goal. In my role as vice president–legal of WITS, I serve as the organization’s quasi general counsel (we do not have a general counsel), and I also advise the organization on employment law and human resources issues. I draft and review contracts. I assist with personnel policies, staff hiring, firing, and discipline, and our executive director’s annual review. This is a unique opportunity to display my legal expertise to the board, primarily made up of high-level business executives. This certainly is not a reason to join a board, but it is an ancillary benefit of board service that may lead to business or referral opportunities.
Do not get me wrong, there are only so many hours in the day. With a full-time employment law practice and young kids of my own, something had to give, so I have taken a break from Midday Mentoring for the time being. When my own kids are grown and spare time is not at such a premium, I will get back to being a WITS mentor. For now, I am content with my board and executive committee involvement. But, I’ll be back!
Keywords: woman advocate, litigation, volunteering, mentoring, community service, nonprofits, board service