The Atlanta Lawyer August/September 2019 | Page 11

Broussard, Director of Continuing Legal Education for the Atlanta Bar Association at [email protected]. What has been one of your favorite CLE programs you've attended? Pe o p l e l ov e “ L i n c o l n o n Professionalism,” and I have to agree. Through video vignettes, w hich draw on histor ica l references to Abraham Lincoln’s time as a lawyer, the moderator and a distinguished panel of judges lead a discussion incorporating the lessons of Lincoln to Georgia’s Lawyers Creed and Aspirational Statement on Professionalism. We generally host that CLE once every two years; our group just hosted the program on September 17th. Be sure to check the Atlanta Bar website for updates and to watch the full program . Q&A with Abbey Morrow Co-Chair, SideBar Legility What is SideBar/What does it accomplish? SideBar is a new program helping Atlanta Bar members navigate the myriad opportunities available to them as members. Offered in the Fall and Spring, SideBar accepts a select number of participants to join one program session that will run for three months. Participants are called Ambassadors. SideBar Ambassadors meet monthly to network, learn about how the Bar is structured, and how to get involved with our 22 Sections and various Bar Committees. Ambassadors will also use these monthly meetings to plan a signature fundraiser that will benefit the Atlanta Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Atlanta Bar. Outside of the monthly meetings, the Ambassadors have been paired in small groups according to practice area and availability. The small groups will meet informally to attend Bar events, CLEs, and social outings. Through these structured meetings and small group interactions, SideB ar will promote professional development, networking circles, and mentoring opportunities to attorneys across diverse practice areas and experience levels. SideBar will also serve as a path to wider Bar involvement and leadership for those looking to find new ways to get involved in the Atlanta Bar. What are your plans for the SideBar Board for 2019- 2020? SideBar debuted as a pilot program last spring. The Board is excited to get our Ambassadors engaged with the Bar and one another during our inaugural year. Our B oard members include: Betsy Griswold (UPS), Megan Hodgkiss (Hodgkiss Consulting), Chris Lightner (Alston & Bird), Abbey Morrow (Legility), and Nora Robb (Cox Automotive). What is one of your favorite SideBar events? This year, I am most looking forward to our end of the year SideBar Fundraiser. The Fall and Spring classes will put together a signature fundraiser to benefit the Atlanta Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of our Bar. This project will give Ambassadors a sense of what it is like to plan a Bar program. We hope it will be a rewarding experience that encourages them to seek out other leadership opportunities to support the Bar once the program concludes. Advice for getting more involved with the Atlanta Bar? If you’re interested in getting involved with the Atlanta Bar, apply to become a SideBar Ambassador! The Spring class will begin accepting applications in November, and the program will run from January through April. In addition, take a look at our 22 Atlanta Bar Sections, as well as numerous Committees. There’s something for everyone! The Atlanta Bar offers several programs every month (e.g., socials, CLEs, community service projects, sports leagues, a talent show, etc.). Find an upcoming program and ask a colleague to join you. Pro Tip: If you are flying solo, try to arrive early to chat up the event organizers. (You’ll feel less awkward and have some great interactions with Bar leaders.) The volunteers chairing these programs can ALWAYS use more fresh faces to make them happen. Don’t be shy about reaching out to a Section Chair or Bar leader to offer your time. It’s not only a great way to expand your professional network, but you will also develop broader interpersonal and leadership skills outside the courtroom/ boardroom. How are members able to join the SideBar Program? SideBar is open to all members of t he At l ant a B ar. Sp ots are limited, and Atlanta Bar members may apply to become a SideBar Ambassador through an online application to join either the Fall Class or the Spring Class. The Fall 2019 class is presently full. However, applications for the Spring class will be available toward the end of November, and the Bar will send out a membership-wide communication once the Spring application is available. Q&A with Betsy Griswold Chair, Atlanta Bar Foundation United States Parcel Service What is the Atlanta Bar Foundation/What does it accomplish? The Atlanta Bar Foundation (“Foundation”) serves as the charitable arm of the Atlanta Bar Association. The Foundation serves a number of critical needs in the community. The Foundation’s grant program (which surpassed $1M in giving this year)—supplies much needed funding to community pro bono service providers and programs that deliver critical legal services to the disadvantaged. The grants program also plays a part in giving our community youth a chance for a brighter future through Atlanta Bar Association programs such as the Summer Law Internship Program and the Minority & Diversity Clerkship Program. The work of the Foundation and members of the Atlanta Bar Association help each of us live out our motto: “Lawyers Who Serve”. What are your plans for the Atlanta Bar Foundation Board for 2019-2020? We plan to continue our focus on events that fund the work of the Foundation. Our Board members (Continues on page 13) www.atlantabar.org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 11