Getting involved with the CBA has been one of the most impactful opportunities for my career. I am especially grateful for the mentors who encouraged my involvement. My involvement started when Judge Michael Newman arranged my attendance at a YLS happy hour with then-Executive Director John Norwine. Judge Newman encouraged me to attend and ensured that John would introduce me to people and feel welcomed. As the expression goes, the rest is history.
I reached out to former CBA Presidents, who have long emphasized the importance of being an active part of the organization. They shared valuable insights on how you, too, can be an ambassador.
Judge Trotter Bratton emphasizes the importance of bringing friends to CBA events. She shared, “I got involved in the CBA when my friend Shonita took me along to a YLS Habitat for Humanity event. Working in government, my exposure was limited at that time to attorneys practicing primarily criminal law. That event allowed me to make friends and build relationships that are still going strong today. It’s important to bring people along with you. Our bar is only as strong as the bar members who pour into it.”
For example, the Cincinnati Bar Foundation’s “Rock the Foundation” event is an excellent opportunity to introduce colleagues to the CBA, showing them the rewards of involvement.
Breck Weigel adds that many lawyers in our community may be unaware of the benefits of engagement. He said, “There are multiple lawyers in our community who would be eager to engage with the broader legal community, including the CBA, but don’t appreciate the benefits or know how to get involved. This is no one’s fault. To be candid, many of our members are affiliated with the larger firms where it is easier to be engaged and pursue leadership positions. My view is that it takes a proactive approach to reach out to those who are not engaged (whether a member or not) and share with them the benefits of being a part of the larger legal community. While these efforts begin with the Board, there are multiple platforms within the organization that can assist in the effort. And when you succeed, highlight their successes.”
Fundraising and volunteering are vital components of being an effective ambassador. Kelly Mulloy Myers noted, “The Cincinnati Bar Association is one of the best bar associations in the country. I believe the professionalism and civility among Cincinnati practitioners is due in no small part to the many opportunities the CBA has for attorneys to learn from each other, serve the community together, and socialize with one another. Taking a new associate or mentee to an event is a great way to introduce them to all of the opportunities the CBA provides to get involved, give back and network.”
John J. Williams reflects on his introduction to the CBA. He shared, “My introduction to the CBA started at a happy hour sponsored by the CBA at Caddy’s. The then president of the Bar Harry Santen made a point of coming over to our YLS group and engaged us in conversation and invited us to get more involved. As a result of Harry’s invitation, I have been actively involved in the bar for over 30 years and as a result I have had opportunities to engage in the profession in a meaningful manner which has allowed me as well as my family opportunities to give back to the profession and the community that I would not have otherwise been offered. The real value that I have garnered from my participation is the lifelong friendships that have developed with others in the profession.”
As an ambassador for the CBA, remember that your involvement can shape not only your career but also the surrounding legal community. I hope to see you and a guest at an upcoming event.
Whittaker is a partner at Dinsmore and the 2024-2025 CBA president.