Outgoing Chair's Column

Dear SLD Members:

As I conclude my term as Chair, I am very heartened by the warmth given to me by the members.  I am also very proud of my accomplishments this past year including the following: 

1. Reorganization of SLD Along Functional Lines - A Group Director was appointed in each of the 9 areas and they functioned quite well.  For that, I sincerely thank each Group Director, all of whom will continue to serve next Bar Year under my capable and wonderful successor, Richard Leslie.
2. Webinars and Seminars - our awesome Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs did a superlative job in providing timely and informative webinars and seminars to all SLD members.  Many members contacted me to thank me for all of the work there and I thank each of them for jobs well done. 
3. U.S. Supreme Court Trip - 41 members joined me at the Supreme Court on June 8 to be sworn in.  It was  the thrill of my life to address the entire Court and it was a thrill having Chief Justice Roberts join us for breakfast to take a group photo and address us for a few minutes.
4. Pickering Luncheon  - The upcoming Pickering Award Luncheon at the ABA Annual Meeting in Denver will honor Mary Ryan is our honoree this year.  More than 100 will attend this sit-down luncheon at a time when most other Sections and Divisions are canceling theirs.  Congrats to the entire SLD on coming out in force.  You do us proud.
5. FJE Solicitations - for the first time in modern times, SLD solicited contributions to our Program Support Fund from the members because of ABA budget cuts which threaten our ability to provide the same level of programming.  Again, SLD members did their fair share and SLD received over $5,000 at Wintertime and there’s an ongoing Summer campaign that I am advised looks quite good and we should expect a nice return. 

BUT, NONE of this would have ever been possible without the incredible and tireless work of SLD Staff Emily, Sophia, and Tracey.  Each of them went far beyond the call of duty and performed miracles where none seemed possible.  So, many kudos to each of you.

So now my term is ending but not my love and support for not only SLD but each of you.  In the days and weeks to come, I will still be very active in SLD working on your behalf.  My only hope and dream is that my successor, Richard Leslie, receives the help, love, and support from each of you that I did and that at the end of his term, he concludes with as big a smile on his face as I have right now.

Thank you.