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Welcome to the Bar!
By: Jennifer Evans Morris

I recently had the great pleasure of speaking at the Austin and Dallas swearing in ceremonies for our newly licensed attorneys. Although I have not been able to speak to all our newly licensed lawyers in person this month, I want to officially welcome all of our newly licensed attorneys to the practice of law!

There is no doubt that you are entering a profession that carries with it many privileges, as well as serious obligations and responsibilities. As an officer of the court, you will be expected to protect personal rights, to guard liberties, and to represent your clients diligently. You will also be charged with the duty to serve the public and expand opportunities for those who cannot help themselves.

With all the pressures and stress that often accompany the legal profession, most young lawyers, at one point or another, question why they decided to practice law. Ours is an often thankless profession and one in which long hours, painful attention to detail, and the ability to deal with conflict are required. Despite these challenges, each one of you will strive to succeed in the practice of law. I believe you will succeed not by billing hours, winning “big” cases or even in making a lot of money, but by balancing your practice with family commitments, building a network of supportive colleagues, treating each other with respect and civility, and serving your community.

You should know you are not alone. There are young and experienced lawyers all over the state interested in helping and mentoring you. You have but to ask. You can start by joining your local bar associations and by signing up for a TYLA committee at www.tyla.org. You might also check out Ten Minute Mentor and Office in a Flash – two practical tools brought to you by TYLA. Ten Minute Mentor (www.tenminutementor.com) provides 10 minute segments from experienced lawyers on substantive and procedural issues. Office in a Flash (www.tyla.org/officeinaflash) gives you everything you need to know to open up your own law practice, all on a flash drive. You will also find that eNews provides valuable information and tips throughout the year, starting this month with “Becoming a Go To Lawyer.” Lawyers are a close knit group. Regardless of what you do to get involved and how you use TYLA, you will find that you will enjoy your practice more by becoming engaged in your community and bar.

Give us a call if you have any questions, and welcome to the profession!