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| Jan/Feb 2010 |
| President's Page |
Reaching New Heights for the New Year
At this writing, we are just getting back to serious work after the holiday and New Year celebrations. The outlook for our economy is certainly better for 2010 than it was this time a year ago. I just read an article several days ago that financial investors will be hard pressed to find investments that will continue the reflect the 23% gain stocks showed in 2009. Hopefully they will be equally challenged to match the market losses in late 2008 and the first quarter of 2009,
As for your CLLA, we are very pleased to report that membership remains steady. While we experienced a slight decline in attendance at the Annual Conference in Chicago last spring, our other meetings this year had zero decline or positive increase in registrations. In an economy where attendance for conferences generally declined 10 to 30%, this shows how vibrant our League is.
Over the last year, a lot of hard work has been invested in a new “Law School Initiative”. Bobby Bernstein of Charleston, South Carolina spearheaded this effort, which has now been approved by the Board of Governors and is in the implementation stage. Those of you at the New York Conference heard Bobby give a brief description of the initiative which rewards one or more students for their achievements in the area of Commercial Law or Bankruptcy. This is a very exciting way to get younger attorneys familiar with our organization. Please contact Bobby directly for further information, or to see if you can assist in contacting your alma mater.
Another exciting development over the last year has been the development of “practice groups” to meet the more specific interests of some of our members. Walid Tamari has spent a lot of time with his committee organizing a practice group for complex litigation. Also at the New York Meeting, Walid and his committee presented a litigation program that was very well received and attended.
New for the coming year is a one day meeting in the New England region on March 26. See the details on page 30, and plan on seeing these nationally recognized speakers. Thanks to Lenny Krulewich and others for the time and effort in organizing this event. Lenny assures us there will be no nor’easter that week.
With the Annual Meeting in Chicago quickly approaching, your leadership is very excited about the diverse educational offerings, numerous networking events and the usual social and culinary opportunities the Windy City is known for. Our Midwestern Chair, Annette Waggoner, has been working very hard to put her unique signature on this meeting, and I’m quite confident the attendees will enjoy the experience. As always, local arrangement chair Lenny Abrams will not only keep the hotel staff on their toes, but promises pleasant weather.
Please plan to attend the Annual Conference, as we have a contested election for Attorney Board Member, and several contested elections for the sections and regions. While all the candidates are well qualified, your vote will help determine the future leadership and direction of the CLLA.
Although I mentioned previously the wonderful participation we have seen on the National and Section committees, the Annual Meeting is an excellent opportunity for newer members to see firsthand how many of these committees function. There’s always room for fresh talent and a newer perspective.
I look forward to seeing many close friends and making a few new acquaintances in Chicago. Have a safe, prosperous and happy New Year!
Rick |
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