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Voice of Experience

Voice of Experience: January 2025

What Were You Doing in 1985-86?

Karren J Pope-Onwukwe

Summary

  • ABA members who are 62 years of age or who have been practicing law for over 35 years are automatically enrolled in SLD.
  • One of the most anticipated programs that SLD offers is its annual trip to Washington, D.C., for admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar.
  • Consider donating to SLD, which is beginning its 40th year of providing senior lawyers with opportunities to keep dreaming.
What Were You Doing in 1985-86?
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As we begin a new year, it is common to look back. During the bar year 1985-1986, the Senior Lawyers Division (SLD) of the American Bar Association was established with a mission to serve as an advocate for senior lawyers and their families. That was 40 years ago! This year, SLD has nearly 50,000 of the most senior and accomplished members of the ABA. In addition, the SLD has liaisons to other ABA Sections, Divisions, and Forums as well as to many of the Standing Committees, Commissions, and Task Forces. Forty years old!

Many of our members have served in leadership positions within the ABA, their local and state bar associations, substantive law committees and organizations as well as their communities. Some members have been practicing law longer than SLD has existed. It is comforting to know that the  ABA has provided a space for seasoned attorneys to continue or begin to serve in leadership positions.

ABA members who are 62 years of age or who have been practicing law for over 35 years are automatically enrolled in SLD; no additional membership fees are required.  Other attorneys may join the SLD if they wish. All SLD members will receive our EXPERIENCE magazine and our monthly newsletter VOICE OF EXPERIENCE.

One of the most anticipated programs that the SLD offers is our annual trip to Washington, D.C., for admission to the United States Supreme Court Bar. For many attorneys, this is a bucket list experience that they have dreamed of but never had time to complete. Is 2025 your year to do something new? SLD has a two day in person SCOTUS program that is guaranteed to please!

As SLD starts its 40th year, we want to continue to encourage our members to live their dreams. I have posted a link to a VOE article written by one of our members, David Godfrey, a recent retiree, who wrote an article in which he describes his dream retirement trip.

  • Travel to exotic locales with ABA SLD's three trusted travel partners through our Travel Program.
  • Special discounts such as an exclusive 50% discount on project service fees through Lawyer Exchange.

SLD does not have membership fees. However, it does have expenses.

Please consider donating $40.00 to SLD as we begin our 40th year of providing you with opportunities to keep dreaming. 40 for 40!

Committee Reports

Pro Bono Committee Report

On behalf of Angela DeSilva:

The SLD Pro Bono Committee provided an opportunity to work with the National Constitution Center to lead classes about the United States Constitution for middle and high school students.  I had the privilege to participate in this program and lead a couple of classes about the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.  It was an enjoyable experience.

Kevin Lynch, Manager of Student & Teacher Programs, does all the work for the volunteer.  He provides materials, tells you about the class, and someone from the Constitution Center sits in while you give your presentation to help facilitate any questions.  The presentation was conducted via Zoom and was interesting and informative for me as well as the students.

These programs are offered throughout the school year and last no more than an hour. The National Constitution Center provides all materials and schedules. All a volunteer needs to do is review the information, present it, and respond to any comments and questions as they arise. Volunteers do not need to be attorneys or instructors. Based on my own experience, I strongly encourage others to participate in this volunteer opportunity.

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