My role as ABA Family Law Section Immediate Past Chair
When my term as Chair of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association ended in August of 2012 in Chicago, I thought that my travelling days were headed for a significant reduction. And I enjoyed the travel and the ability to meet family law professionals worldwide. Fortunately or unfortunately, in my year as Immediate Past Chair, I have travelled just as much (although certainly when my year as Immediate Past Chair ends this August in San Francisco, it will slow down significantly).
As an example of how the travel has continued, in this short year so far, I have travelled to Miami, Austin, New Orleans (twice), Mexico, Las Vegas and have plans this month and next to head to Alaska, Louisville, Memphis, Las Vegas, New York and Destin, FL (all except two are for family law events). But this, I know, is the end of the hectic two year travel schedule. It is flattering to be asked to come speak to a group in another state. To be flown in as “the expert”. And I have been able to practice law around and during these trips (it’s amazing what can be done remotely now that our office has gone to the “cloud”). But I look forward to spending much more time in Atlanta, practicing much more law and being with my peers and colleagues at home. And of course, even though my family has travelled with me on the majority of my trips, staying home will ensure even more time with them. The nice thing is I hope to be able to continue to travel, to meet new and old friends and colleagues across the country, but to appreciate those trips even more, as they will be fewer and farther apart.
But most importantly, my service to the ABA and my being available to organizations accross and outside the country has only been possible because of our wonderful attorneys and staff. We work well as a team and support each other. Our clients know there is always at least one other attorney involved in any case in which I am involved, in case of an emergency. So while it has been a pleasure to serve the ABA and to serve other groups trying to educate themselves and their peers about family law issues, it has been and remains even more of a pleasure and honor to work with the people in our firm. Yes there are tough times, days and cases, but it is truly a blessing to enjoy coming to work each day, and I do.