It occurs to me there are some lessons we would do well to revisit even well into our legal careers. It’s easy to become so busy – once we’ve established ourselves in practice, advanced in our field, assumed a rapidly expanding roster of clients, cases or responsibilities – that we find ourselves operating on auto-pilot and losing sight of some questions fundamental to our success and satisfaction.

In the inaugural event of a new speaker series that provides a platform for lawyers to engage in discussions on complex and sensitive issues, Dr. Shirin Ebadi shared firsthand experience illuminating the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran and the importance of defending human rights, demonstrating the power of conversation in promoting social change.

When I was speaking about my presidential mandate at the last OBA Council Meeting and soliciting feedback from members on where support was most needed, it was like the floodgates had opened – it was so validating to hear that situations or anxieties you imagined uniquely yours were, in fact, quite common.

Many of us once eagerly anticipating more real-world social and workplace interaction are now struggling to find our footing or feeling flummoxed about reclaiming old stomping grounds. Psychologist Dr. Noah Lazar lays out steps for alleviating the stress and conflicting, confusing emotions around returning to an in-person world.

Both purport to protect your loved ones in the case of your death. But only one will offer your beneficiaries the freedom to use those payments to truly suit their needs. That’s life.

In a candid Q&A, Incoming President Kelly McDermott shares her thoughts on the pride she takes in public service, the surprise early-start to her presidency, why success should not mean sacrifice, and the motivation behind a presidential mandate that will focus on supporting members through difficult times.

At a recent OBA Community Book Club event, lawyers Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson, authors of Valley of the Birdtail, talked to members about the power of narrative history to change hearts, minds and political choices; the real sacrifice that reconciliation requires; and the action they hope to inspire with their eye-opening work.

In September 2021, I said that after my presidential year, “If I manage to give a little something back to an association that has given so much to me, I’ll happy.” When that time came, as fate would have it, I was asked to give a little something extra: six more months. With firsthand experience of the many ways OBA members step up to serve the greater good, I readily followed their example of sacrifice and community service.

There is plenty out there in the world to discourage us and drag us down – the OBA is where we come to be buoyed and built up by those who empathize and understand. To all dedicated members of this demanding and rewarding calling, I offer this plea: Let’s not be our own worst critics.

Learning as you teach, engaging with your community, improving access to legal info, and raising the profile of your practice are just a few of the reasons that make participation in OBA Speakers Bureau public seminars during November – and beyond – so worthwhile.