The Atlanta Lawyer June / July 2018 | Page 26

Mixing Work with Play at the State Bar Annual Meeting Erica Taylor Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Work/life balance is always a quest and a struggle when you are an attorney. That is why when you can mix in a little relaxation in with your work, it is always a plus. I have gone to the State Bar An- nual Meeting every year for the last four years. I strongly recom- mend attending to anyone who has never gone before. This year’s meeting took place at beautiful Amelia Island and proved to be just as enjoyable as the bar meet- ings I have attended in the past. The state bar meeting consists of several meetings, CLE opportuni- ties, and networking events mixed into one very full long weekend. Every year, I always end up enjoy- ing myself, meeting new people, and making new connections. The annual meeting begins with meetings and CLE events on Thursday for early arrivals and celebrates an official start with an opening night festival that evening. It is a night of food, drinks, music, and fun activities for attorneys and their families. The state bar meeting is always welcoming to families. Usually, the State Bar attempts to arrange for discounts to local amenities. This year was no different. There were discounts for children’s activities, the spa, putt-putt, and golfing. Friday is generally chocked full of meetings and events especial- ly for younger lawyers, includ- ing the Young Lawyers Division Pool Party and the Young Lawyers Dinner. I have made important connections and also made close friendships throughout the years at the Young Lawyers event. As a matter of fact, attending the pool party was my first introduction to the Young Lawyers Division (“YLD”). The colleagues that I met at my first pool party, I am still friends with today. I’ll never forget how welcoming everyone that I encountered was during that first experience. It wasn’t long before I was fully ingrained in the YLD and I consider my involvement with the YLD to be one of the most The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 26