I received a calendar invitation this week to a meeting in September – “IndyBar 2023 Incoming Chairs Orientation.” Because of the succession plan in the Executive Committee of the Litigation Section, I already knew I would be the Chair next year. I have been learning from my peers and the orientation caps a road that has been years in the making. There is no secret formula to a leadership position within the IndyBar, you find out when you join that there are several paths you can take. Yes, you do put in work but there are several benefits to gain if you do.
I was encouraged to apply to the Executive Committee of the Litigation Section by one of my former firm’s partners. He said: “you will have lunch with Judges, defense attorneys and fellow plaintiffs’ attorneys every month. These are the same people you will appear in front of, go up against, or co-counsel on a case.” Sure enough, at every monthly meeting, I sat in a room of Judges and attorneys that were involved in civil litigation. We conducted business, had a bite to eat and got to know one another. I cannot say that I now magically resolve every case I have with my fellow Litigation Section members, but it makes it easier to work on something when you know the person defending your case. And if you get butterflies in your stomach before appearing before a Judge, the cure may just be for the Judge to greet you by your first name.
At first, I participated passively while I learned “the ropes.” However, I discovered that volunteers are welcomed. Because I raised my hand to volunteer, I chaired CLE programs, wrote articles, was a mentor at Bench Bar and shared ideas with my fellow Executive Committee members. One day I raised my hand when the outgoing Chair asked for a volunteer to fill the position of Secretary. The section’s succession plan starts at Secretary and ends with the position of Chair. The past and current Presidents of the Board of Directors further recognized my involvement when they asked me to be one of their Vice Presidents. I was also asked to be the first Chair of the newly-created Hispanic Lawyers Committee.
True, the Executive Committee is limited to several spots each year as attorneys leave, but there are other ways of participating and getting your name recognized. Now, the Executive Section of the Litigation Section added three sub-committees: Social, Community Outreach and CLE. The Chairs of each sub-committee are part of the Executive Committee, but its members can be members of the Litigation Section. The additional spots in the three sub-committees mean you can be invited to actively participate with the executive and be first in line when the spots open.
Joining the Indy Bar and actively participating in the Litigation Section was a great decision. I work with fellow attorneys daily and seeing fellow Section members appear in a case tells me the interaction will be respectful and even enjoyable. Networking is also a must if you practice or are thinking of practicing litigation on any side. The Litigation Section and the Indy Bar provide plenty of opportunity to meet with fellow attorneys and Judges. If you are willing to invest your time with us, you will gain leadership skills, access to knowledge from more experienced attorneys, tools for your everyday practice, and new connections. Feel free to reach out to me to meet up for a cup of coffee and the different ways you can become immediately involved. We can also meet up without coffee, but…Why?
This article was submitted by Enrique Flores, Flores Law Group. If you would like to submit content or write an article for the Litigation Section, please email Deneen Fitzgerald at dfitzgerald@indybar.org.
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