Navigating the Trail: The Benefits of a TEAM, The Benefits of MEMBERSHIP

By Greg Nardi | CCBA Executive Director

Recently, I took a weekend to backpack along a section of the Appalachian Trail with a few friends. We decided to check out the section of the trail near Hawk Mountain here in our great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. My friends and I are not new to backpacking – we know just enough to be dangerous (to ourselves). We also have a very clear belief that what we were able to do at any point in our lives (especially in our mid-twenties), we should be able to do anytime. With too much weight on our backs, 10 miles of steep, rocky trail in front of us, and not enough conditioning leading up to our trip, we set out on a beautiful Saturday morning. It became clear to us very quickly that, while we weren’t in over our heads, we definitely were up for a little bit more of a challenge than the leisurely stroll that we originally thought it might involve.

The first part of the trail hit us like a brick in the face. Just north of Eckville, PA, the trail gains almost 1000 feet in just under one-half mile of distance. This had all of us in the group huffing and puffing, hearts pounding like bass drums, and a couple of us wondering if we remembered anything from our recent CPR training. Needless to say, it was time to fake a rock in the shoe to force a break and allow all to save face. No reason to admit that we all needed a break – just need to blame the stop on a faulty piece of clothing or equipment.

As we continued this challenging hike along a section of the Appalachian Trail, I quickly realized the significance of having companions by my side. Together, we faced a few obstacles, shared insights (about life and about backpacking), and provided support that made the journey easier and more enjoyable. During some moments of reflection, it struck me that perhaps our group and the challenges of the trail were similar to what we try to accomplish at the bar association. That is, in the professional realm, membership associations play a vital role in assisting individuals along the trail of their careers in a variety of ways.

Connection & Strength in Unity:

Just as our small-but-mighty group found strength in numbers, professionals find solidarity and support within membership associations. We try to provide a platform for like-minded individuals to come together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. By connecting with others who share similar interests and goals, members can tap into a network of resources, expertise, and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Knowledge Sharing:

One of the most valuable aspects of hiking with others is the exchange of knowledge and experience. At one point, very technical knowledge is needed to fix a pack with a specific knot. At another point, we were sitting around a campfire, drinking a brown colored beverage, sharing life-experiences and professional advice more akin to mentoring. Similarly, membership associations serve as a rich repository of collective wisdom. Through CLEs, meetings, conferences, and simple happy hours, members can gain insights, learn from experts, and stay updated on industry trends. We work hard to ensure that our bar association, in particular, provides our members with continuing education programs – especially countyspecific knowledge – allowing them to enhance their knowledge and remain at the forefront of their field.

Mentorship, Advice, and Guidance:

During one of our (many) rest stops, one member of our group noticed a porcupine in close proximity to our group. Most of us couldn’t see him with his effective camouflage. I realized it’s good to have others around you who see things in a slightly different way. Sometimes it’s for something interesting even if not important. Sometimes friendly advice helps you avoid a rattlesnake out sunning himself. On a challenging trail, experienced hikers can offer guidance and mentorship to those who are just starting out. Similarly, membership associations often provide formal and informal programs that connect experienced professionals with emerging talent. These mentor-mentee relationships foster personal and professional growth, offer guidance, advice, and become a platform for skill development. As many of you have shared with me, bar associations offer mentorship opportunities that can shape the trajectory of a successful legal career.

Advocacy and Representation:

Just as hiking partners advocate for each other’s wellbeing on the trail, membership associations work to protect and advance the interests of their members. They serve as a collective voice, representing their members’ concerns, lobbying for favorable policies, and shaping the industry’s landscape. The CCBA actively works to uphold the standards of the legal profession, advocating for fair practices, access to justice, and the rule of law. We continue to monitor legislation in Harrisburg to ensure the independence of the judiciary, changes that impact the practice of law in general or in a particular practice area, and changes which impact the CCBA or CCBF.

Networking, Collaboration, and Building Business:

Hiking with others creates opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, leading to new friendships and partnerships. Similarly, membership associations facilitate networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect with peers, potential clients, and the leaders in our legal community. These connections can lead to collaborations, business opportunities, and a stronger professional network and community.

Support – Fun, Commiseration, and Wellness

Perhaps the most important takeaway for me on this short adventure is that having a group of good, likeminded people around during a challenging period just makes those tough parts that much easier. From venting and commiseration to true support during a trying period, having a group around makes those periods more bearable. And if there ever was a true crisis, having that support around would have been lifesaving. Our association helps enable awareness of critical services and support to foster relationships that can save us all in a moment of need. Our professional associations can make the journey more fun and also enable us in critical periods.

As we navigated this challenging section of the Appalachian Trail (challenging for me at least), I realized the greater value of companionship and support, both in backpacking and in our careers. The staff and I will continue to work hard in playing a role in helping legal professionals along the trail of their careers. By fostering unity, sharing knowledge, providing mentorship opportunities, advocating for members’ interests, and promoting networking and collaboration, our association will continue to assist our members in overcoming challenges and building their careers. Just as my hiking partners made the journey easier and more enjoyable, the CCBA will continue to provide the support needed for legal professionals to succeed on their career paths.