One Purpose, Many Paths

The past several years have brought a number of changes in the legal field. Technology is a driving change throughout. The trend toward integration of various strategies for increased efficiency will only escalate driven by an increase in the availability of technology and increased focus on a paperless society. 

Recognizing these trends, this year’s theme – One Purpose, Many Paths – highlights the need to review our purpose and the paths we, as members of AALS, have chosen to travel in order to effectuate that purpose. Are we maximizing our potential? Are we making a difference? 

What is our Purpose?  We, as legal professionals and members of our tri-level association, should be dedicated to NALS’ mission, its vision and its educational approach – and lead the way for the next generation of legal professionals. We must elevate the awareness of the importance of continued legal education and be dedicated to: enhancing the competencies of members in the legal services profession; networking opportunities; commitment to a Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility; and professional certification programs.

May our continued objective this year be: (1) to disseminate information through our legal education programs, including advances, outcomes and technical innovations that impact our profession; (2) to facilitate networking and collaboration among legal professionals and members of organizations that support the legal community; and (3) to promote mutual understanding and respect among legal professionals from diverse backgrounds and settings. 

What Paths might you travel in pursuit of that Purpose? What is your passion – your motivation?? Where does your mind go when it “shifts into neutral”? That is your passion. We have heard a lot this past year about traveling, points of interest, and destinations under NALS’ current membership campaign, “ Is the path to your ultimate destination one of professional development through continuing legal education? Is it through the path of certification? Is it through the path of increased responsibility via a leadership role in your local chapter or by serving on an AALS committee? Or is it through the path of networking?

While re-affirming Gina’s challenge to “Vizualize Your Success with AALS,” I challenge you to say “yes” this year to inspiring speakers and topics; to say “yes” to the opportunity to connect with other legal professionals and discover how such networking is an opportunity to learn; to say “yes” to a leadership position; and to say “yes” this year to education, and possibly even certification, as an enhancement to your career and the goals you each have set as legal professionals. 

Growth begins with unity of purpose and direction. Although our paths of interest in service to AALS may be varied, as we journey toward one purpose, there is unity. We recognize that our membership is as diverse as the many specialized fields of law. We recognize that some of our members cannot participate as sequentially as other members. We recognize that some of our members strive to “Reach For The Stars,” and others ask “Are We There Yet?” We willingly accept, encourage and support each member of our association in the role to which they deem appropriate for themselves. We have proven that with “Teamwork -- Together We Achieve the Extra-Ordinary.”

Our NALS membership goal is to “Recruit, Retain and Recognize.” These are Paths I encourage you to also pursue. Although we anticipate and recruit new members, I encourage you to be diligent at working to maintain our current membership, and dedicated to recognizing those of our membership to whom recognition is due. I encourage you to consider being a mentor to a new member and to “grow” that new member into Making a Difference in AALS.

Let us continue to Maximize Our Potential as we strengthen our skills and stay on the cutting edge of technology, as we network with other legal professionals, and as we enhance our knowledge of the law through continued legal education and certification.

You, the members of AALS, by using your various talents, skills and abilities, are the paths that complete this Association. Each and every one of you is needed to accomplish our goals for this year. 

In closing, I challenge you to Make a Difference as we travel our Many Paths of interest in service to our Association, and to remain focused on the destination of our One Purpose for AALS.