David W. Hood, President, 2015-2016
Hello again, and welcome to our April edition of the NCADA’s monthly newsletter, The Resource. This month I want to remind you all that while membership in the NCADA is a good first step towards improving your practice, involvement in the necessary next step. There are several opportunities coming up for you to take this next step, and I encourage you to take advantage.
First, of course, we have the Annual Meeting in June. Additional information is available elsewhere in this issue, but right now I want to focus on one of the many reasons you should be registering for this event in Asheville. There will be a number of judges in attendance, from both the trial and appellate courts, as well as the Industrial Commission (the new Chair Charlton Allen included.) This is an excellent chance to get to know these folks apart from representation in particular cases, and that knowledge will help you become a better advocate and a better lawyer overall. Given the number of social events forming part of this year’s programming, making those contacts with not only the judiciary but fellow lawyers from around the state will be easy, and, in my opinion, extremely productive. So go to our awesome ncada.org website and register today.
Second, if you are able to be in the Raleigh area on May 12, you should sign up to attend the Judicial Reception to start at 5:30 at Jimmy V’s Osteria and Bar. We sponsor these judicial receptions at five different locations in North Carolina, and they are another great way to meet and greet the judiciary and fellow lawyers in your area. I have been to several of these outside of my geographic region, and can tell you the value of this type of networking even if you just happen to be in the area from out-of-town. This is not a seminar, so no programming per se, but just an opportunity for social interaction. Use it.
Finally, new members or those without heavy NCADA involvement so far often ask me how best to become more involved. In addition to going to events as mentioned above, the next thing to do is to contact the Practice Group leadership in one or more of your areas of practice, and offer to help. (Other options would include the Committees for Young Lawyers, Women Litigators, and Diversity). The Chairs and Vice-Chairs are always looking for help, and would be glad to put you to work in some fashion. Become the type of person that folk can rely on for assistance – that could lead all sorts of places for you, including into leadership positions if you are interested in that. The leadership team for Practice Groups and selected Committees is profiled elsewhere on the ncada.org website, for your convenience.
I hope to see you at a future NCADA event!
David
