Young Lawyer’s Division

by Michelle nguyen, YLD President

Iam happy to report that the ESRBA Young Lawyer’s Division (YLD) has enjoyed several successful events

this past quarter that further our mission of providing opportunities to network with fellow lawyers and encourage community service. One of my main goals as President of the YLD is to host events that allow members to make community connections, create and strengthen relationships with other members, and learn about different community causes.

In September, YLD had the most beautiful weather for its happy hour cruise event on “The Gratitude” thanks to Levin Papantonio Rafferty. Members enjoyed networking on a yacht while taking in views of the beautiful Pensacola sunset.

In October, YLD hosted a social-service event benefitting “The Birthday Party” (TBP). Coupling a social and service event together allowed members to enjoy networking, learn about a local nonprofit organization, and give back to the community. Members showed off their wrapping skills by wrapping banker boxes that will be filled with everything a child may need for their loved ones to throw a birthday party for them. These boxes essentially become a “birthday in a box” for each child that receives a box from TBP.

In November, YLD presented the “What’s Next” panel event. This event allowed young lawyers to learn from the experiences of local lawyers and judges and to gain words of wisdom that they can apply in their daily practice. YLD was fortunate to have several members of the judiciary present, as well as other members of ESRBA attend the panel event and mingle with our young lawyer members for the social hour following the panel event.

Additionally, YLD was able to collaborate with Pensacola Young Professionals in November for a joint community service event with Feeding the Gulf Coast. I firmly believe that one person can make an impact, but that in a group, we can accomplish so much more. The “Tour and Sort” event was such an informative and eye-opening experience to better understand Feeding the Gulf Coast’s mission and how they help combat food insecurity in the community. Members toured the warehouse of Feeding the Gulf Coast, sorted meals, and packed backpacks with food for children facing hunger over the weekends. Our group holds the current record for packing the most backpacks for children. We packed 1,400 backpacks, which will be able to provide a total of 8,400 meals plus snacks! I am looking forward to collaborating with Pensacola Young Professionals again soon, as we have a joint networking event already planned for February 2023.

It is never too late to join and be a part of all our events! If you are a young lawyer 35 and under, or a lawyer with five or fewer years of practice you are eligible to join YLD so long as you are an ESRBA member. If you have any questions about joining please contact me at mtn@meadorjohnsonlaw.com.

As the year comes to an end, I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season and an even happier 2023 new year!