This week’s blog post is a personal note from me, as I humbly announce that I am the recipient of the Rockland County Bar Association (“RCBA”)’s Sterns Award. This award is given annually by our local bar association in the memory of Richard Sterns, and the recipient is a member of the RCBA who has made significant contributions to the Bar Association and the People of Rockland County over the preceding year. The recipient is noted as having engaged in service above self on behalf of the association. I was nominated for this award by a fellow Sterns Award recipient, and I am so honored by this individual’s gracious nomination and her kind remarks about my efforts this past year.
When I was admitted to practice in the bars of New York and New Jersey, my seasoned colleagues encouraged me to get involved in the bar association so that I could meet other attorneys and dive into this profession by “being involved.” For me, volunteerism is not a foreign concept, and perhaps I am more willing to say “yes” before I have enough time to think and say “no” when opportunities present themselves. But, for some reason, it was easy for me to say “yes” to joining this association, and then, to later apply to become a member of the Board of Directors.
During my interview, I recall one of the nominating committee members asking me if I also had “this much energy and smile this much,” and for the most part, the answer is “yes.” I try to approach every aspect of my obligations – whether work, personal, community, etc. – with a “can do” attitude and a goalpost of excellence. If I am going to commit to something, I need to give it my wholehearted attention and time.
After elevating to the Board of Directors, I doubled down on my involvement in my committee work, which included Mock Trial for our County high schools as well as reinventing and reinvigorating the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Committee with my esteemed co-chairs. It was easy for me to gravitate to the Mock Trial Committee because I was a former Moot Court competitor in law school, and while different from Mock Trial, it was nonetheless one of the most exciting, challenging experiences. I know that these high school students prepare tirelessly for these competitions, and what better way to allow for these students to experience the “life of a lawyer” than to guide them through a mock trial competition before sitting judges of the justice and Supreme Courts of Rockland County and the 9th judicial district.
As for the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Committee, and if you are an avid listener to my and Laura’s podcast, you know how seriously passionate we are about health and wellness, especially in a profession that tends to neglect ourselves as individuals while putting our attorney titles up on a pedestal day after day. This committee helped fuel my passion to help other attorneys in providing outlets for stress management, opportunities for community, and placing wellness at the center of our daily efforts.
As a “busy” attorney, mom, wife, etc., it is oftentimes difficult to stop and appreciate the efforts and strides behind you. For me, these contributions seemed to be “just” what needed to be done – nothing extraordinary or noteworthy. So, when I was humbled by the nomination of this award, it made me stop and take note – FINALLY – of the impact and ripple effects of my contributions. And all of this was made possible by first and foremost, seeking community amongst my peers and leaning into the experiences and opportunities before me.
Because of these experiences, I have gained relationships that have lasted close to a decade, and some blossoming connections that bring me joy in my professional life. As an attorney, and a small business owner, our work can sometimes feel isolating and lonely because we are divided upon onto our own teams with our clients, feeling like you are on your own island. But, by inviting the opportunities to serve my community and get to know my colleagues better beyond the courtroom, the deposition and closing table, and the settlement conferences, you can find those slivers of joy that make you appreciate your profession – and the impact you have on others – in such a greater way, a way that realigns you to your purpose and passion in this journey.
If you can take away one nugget of advice from the foregoing, it is this: get involved in your community and lean into what you enjoy. Everyone is “busy,” but maybe not “busy” with the right opportunities for you to feel alive and emboldened to expand in your business, your legal practice, and your professional circles in a way that brings more joy every day. So, take stock in your “yeses,” and lean in.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls and communications. Contacting us, however, does not create an attorney-client relationship.