MONTGOMERYBAR.ORG
Young Lawyers Section
T
he MBA Young Lawyers Section has had an eventful start to the year. The annual High School Mock Trial Competition was held virtually via Zoom from February 1st to March 1st. 32 teams competed this year, with teams from Lower Moreland High School and The Haverford School advancing to the statewide competition. Over 140 volunteers donated their time, including 20 Common Pleas Court Judges and 3 Magisterial District Court Judges. YLS Chair Patrice M. Turenne, Esq., coordinated the competition, which included scheduling, juror and judge assignment, scoring, and communication with the schools and teams. The YLS also began a “Meals for Wheels” volunteer program in coordination with the Montgomery County Senior Adult Activities Center (MontCo SAAC). YLS Community Outreach Director Chelsey A. Christiansen, Esq., oversees the program, through which volunteers deliver meals to seniors in East Norriton and Whitpain Townships on the last Monday of each month through the end of the year. As part of the MBA’s Wellness Initiative, the YLS welcomed two guest
8 SIDEBAR
speakers at its March section meeting: PBA President Kathleen Wilkinson, Esq., and Miriah Rutledge, MA, LMFT. President Wilkinson delivered opening remarks on the PBA’s commitment to Wellness and the ABA’s Well-Being Pledge and 7-Point Framework. Following President Wilkinson’s remarks, Ms. Rutledge presented “Mental Wellness for the Working Professional.” Ms. Rutledge is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and the founder of Choosing Change Counseling in King of Prussia. She has more than 10 years’ experience working within the context of families and relationships, both as a professor and therapist. Miriah believes that life is entirely relational and that working within the context of relationships helps ensure long-term success. Finally, the YLS hosted a March Madness Networking Event and Happy Hour on March 17th at the MBA Building. Attendees enjoyed free food and drinks and plenty of college hoops! Stay tuned to YLS listserv emails and BarNews for section news and upcoming events!
