As this year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous energy, resilience, and dedication that have defined our bar’s work over the past 12 months. It has been a year of return and renewal – a time when long-standing traditions were revived, new initiatives took shape, and our members once again came together in person to strengthen the bonds that make our profession so vibrant.

One of the true highlights of the year was the return of our Solo & Small Firm Conference, a beloved annual summer gathering that had been on hiatus. Bringing it back was no small task – it took months of planning, creativity, and teamwork from our volunteer leaders and staff. But when the doors opened and the first conversations began to hum across the meeting rooms, it was clear the effort had been more than worth it.

The conference reminded us of what makes our solo and small firm practitioners such an essential part of the legal community: their ingenuity, independence, and commitment to service. These lawyers are often their own marketing team, IT department, and HR office; yet they continue to provide personal, high-quality representation to clients across every corner of our state. The exchange of ideas, practical tips, and mutual encouragement at the conference was inspiring to witness. It was, in every sense, a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit of law practice.

Equally energizing was our Annual Meeting, where members representing all practice areas and career stages assembled. After listening to member feedback, this year’s conference returned to its traditional autumn gathering. For 2025, the conference format was different from previous years, with an agenda primarily focused on matters of bar business. Even with that change, this meeting presented an outstanding opportunity to reconnect face-to-face with many essential committee volunteers and delegates from across the state. The halls were filled with conversation between old friends catching up, new members finding mentors, and colleagues sharing stories that reminded us why we do this work. We will continue to listen to member input as planning for the 2026 bar convention gets underway!

At the Annual Meeting, we also had the privilege of electing new officers and board members to lead our bar in the next year. Each of these individuals brings a deep commitment to our mission and to advancing the rule of law in our communities. Leadership transitions are always a meaningful moment and serve as a reminder that the strength of our organization lies not in any one person but in the continuity of service and the shared purpose that carries us forward. I am deeply grateful to our outgoing officers and board members for their steady leadership and to our incoming leaders for their willingness to step up and serve.

Looking back, I am struck by how much we have accomplished together, not just through our events but also through countless hours of volunteer work, committee projects, and community outreach. The dedication of our members continues to elevate our profession and strengthen public trust in the legal system. Whether mentoring a young lawyer, organizing a CLE, or providing pro bono representation to those in need, our members exemplify the best of what it means to be part of this bar.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary efforts of our staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every program, publication, and event runs smoothly. Their professionalism and commitment to excellence allow us to focus on our mission and serve our members effectively.

As we look ahead, I am confident the momentum of this year will carry us into an even stronger future. The success of the Solo & Small Firm Conference and the Annual Meeting has reminded us of the power of connection and the importance of showing up, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another. Together, we are building not just a stronger bar but a stronger profession and a stronger community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year such a success. I look forward to all that lies ahead and to continuing this shared journey of service, learning, and leadership in the year to come.