THOUGHTS FROM THE BOARD
In an effort to get to know your Atlanta Bar Association Board of Directors , TAL will pose a question to the Board relevant to the issue ’ s theme and include select responses . For our inaugural section , we asked the question : How has your membership in and participation with the Atlanta Bar Association developed your professionalism and collegiality with the Bench or the Bar ?
Chris Lightner , Alston + Bird ( Member at Large ): My involvement with the Atlanta Bar Association began early in my career and for that reason has proven invaluable . Not only has the
Atlanta Bar afforded me multiple leadership and speaking opportunities , in so doing , I have also met many attorneys that I would not have had I instead networked primarily within my own firm . Due to its size and the focused sections , the Atlanta Bar offers a unique atmosphere in this respect , in that not only have I been able to routinely meet others within the local legal community , but I have been able to do so in a manner that has led to and maintained meaningful longterm friendships .
Matt Simmons , Shepherd Law ( Member at Large ): Way back in 2007 , when I was a “ baby lawyer ” starting my first job , Wade Malone ( Nelson Mullins ) took me under his wing and first exposed me to the Atlanta Bar . Over the course of the past 10 years , I always approach every professional decision by asking myself one question : What would Wade do ? While I know that my involvement in the Atlanta Bar played a large part in molding me into the professional I am today , I truly owe where I am in my career and the professional reputation I have established thus far to Wade .
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 13