MEMBERSHIP IN MULTIPLE BARS Wake County Bar Association members are active in our local and statewide legal community, and as a local bar, we believe that membership in our bar and others helps our members become more well-rounded lawyers and people. We asked some members what they see as the benefits of being a member of multiple organizations. WBF “I quickly learned early in my legal career that networking and access to other legal minds would help me be a better attorney. Being a member of multiple bars has given me that access and many additional benefits. I have taken advantage of many CLEs, networking opportunities and forums that are available through the various local and state bar associations. I highly recommend for any practicing attorney to explore the different legal associations available to them.” CARLOS ROJAS
“I am a member of the WCBA and the NC Bar Association. I find membership in multiple bars beneficial, chiefly because multiple memberships create a more diverse network of professional associations and varied educational opportunities. In particular, while the WCBA offers free CLEs and social events, the NCBA has other unique offerings that enrich professional growth, such as sections of professional focus, allowing more intentional networking, as well as section educational opportunities specifically tailored to professional areas of interest. As a solo practitioner, I appreciate these opportunities to learn and grow, as I am not part of a firm that provides them.” ERIN EDGAR
“In 1999 I moved to North Carolina from South Florida and was fortunate enough to begin working with Paul Michaels. Upon arriving, I felt overwhelmed with work, the need to take another bar exam and learning the nuances of the practice of law in North Carolina. Paul and I drove together to the annual conventions for both the NC Bar Association and NC Advocates for Justice. During that car ride he strongly encouraged me to join several associations and volunteer as much as possible. Despite some reluctance I did, and it turned out to be a true blessing. Both groups were exceptional collections of passionate lawyers from across our Great State, yet the organizations’ missions, membership makeup and dynamics were very different. I was fortunate enough to serve in leadership positions for both organizations, chairing multiple committees and serving on the boards of each. The type of work we performed in each organization served our legal community and the residents of North Carolina in different ways, that were each gratifying. The relationships made over years with judges and influential attorneys heavily involved in the NCBA and NCAJ were invaluable and enjoyable. I am very thankful for the encouragement and mentoring that Paul gave me at a time when I needed it as a young and busy attorney. It is great to be able to reach out to a friend from across the state when I can use their expertise and it sure feels positive when opposing counsel on a big case is someone you already know, respect and have a positive relationship with.” GABRIEL JIMENEZ
“Being an active member of other voluntary bar associations has been essential to networking, building up referral sources, learning more about the practice of law and forging friendships with other fellow attorneys. In the past, I was on the board of the Durham Orange County Women Attorneys and active with the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. I am also active in the Triangle Collaborative Divorce Professionals group. It has always been both fun and educational to be involved with all of these attorney organizations, and I highly encourage everyone, particularly younger attorneys, to get active and involved.” JUDY TSENG
WAKE BAR FLYER
13
SECOND QUARTER 2021
