YLD
Rebuilding the Young Lawyers Division
T
he Young Lawyers Division is in a rebuilding year. When I first began participating in YLD functions the group was responsible for multiple charity functions, CLE programming, and multiple Bar Brief articles such as the one you are currently reading. This was in addition to monthly meetings with a diverse group of members and speakers. Since that time, the group has diminished in both participation and output; something I and my co-chair, Ebony Davenport, have been explicitly tasked with correcting. This is my second year serving as co-chair for the Young Lawyers Division. Last year we were able to increase participation, however, those successes were cut short in March as the pandemic took hold. Nonetheless, there were valuable lessons learned and I am confident that the YLD can not only bounce back, but find new ways to engage with the community and ultimately return to the robust organization it once was. In order to do that we will not only need the help of the “young lawyers” but the not-so-young as well. For all of the young lawyers reading this I would like you to consider two things. First, you have something to gain by participating in the YLD. There is something for everyone who is willing to put forth the time and effort. Whether you are looking to connect with other young lawyers, organize CLE courses, plan and host charitable functions, or you just need a monthly reminder that you aren’t alone, you will find it in the YLD. I have found time and again that getting together with my peers in the YLD is time well spent. There is a camaraderie and connection found in the YLD that provides a stark contrast to the stress and difficulties of being a young lawyer. Secondly, there is something that the rest of us gain by your presence. Whether you are sharing substantive knowledge, or venting about the trials and tribulations of being a young associate, your stories and experiences help the rest of us navigate our own practices and careers. We are all better off by your presence, regardless of how long you have been practicing, or what area of law you practice in.
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Dayton Bar Briefs October 2020
By Steven D. Strain Esq. Co-Chair YLD The VanNoy Firm sstrain@thevannoyfirm.com 937.952.5043 For the attorneys reading this who are no longer in their first few years of practice, I would like to ask for your help too. I’ve no doubt that you know a young attorney who could benefit from participating in the YLD, or maybe one who the rest of us would benefit from seeing. You may even employ a few young attorneys that just don’t see the value in being an active participant, or perhaps, don’t even know that the group exists. I want to ask that you encourage them to not only participate in the YLD, but to also start contributing. As the YLD rebuilds, there will be no shortage of tasks and responsibilities to go around. Our highest rate of participation last year was a direct result of senior partners encouraging young associates to attend meetings. As the YLD rebuilds, it will take the effort of Dayton Bar Association members both young and old to see it through. DAYTON Bar Association
HERBERT M. EIKENBARY
Trust
What is The Eikenbary Trust? The late Herbert M. Eikenbary granted the bulk of his estate to fund Grants and Loans to lawyers under the age of 35 who practice/reside in Montgomery County. These Grants and Loans are to aid young, deserving lawyers who are in need of financial assistance. Individual loans, are available up to $6,000 at 4% interest, while grants up to $4,000 are also available.
To Apply: Jennifer Otchy,DBA Chief Executive Officer Dayton Bar Association | 109 N. Main St., Suite 600 | Dayton, OH 45402-1129 jotchy@daybar.org | 937.222.7902 | www.daybar.org
937.222.7902
