Message from the President, December 2021

It’s hard to believe we are closing out 2021 but here we are. GBA had what I hope is its last virtual membership meeting (at least until the next pandemic) in November and we welcomed two of our local legislators, Rep. Ashton Clemmons and Sen. Amy Galey. It seems like we hear a lot about hyper partisanship so it was good to know they are working together on legislative issues and getting things done. It sets a good example for how things can move forward.

We also had our Bar Councilor election at the November meeting. Those are important roles in our profession and we appreciate the hard work the Councilors put in.

Nicole Scallon, our Young Lawyers president, organized a swearing in ceremony for new lawyers at the end of last month. I was privileged to represent the GBA at the ceremony and we thank her for her work to make it look easy and go so smoothly.

We’ll decide at our December Board meeting whether we can start in person meetings again but either way our next membership meeting is January 20. Our guest will be Attorney General Josh Stein – we’re looking forward to hearing what’s new in that world.

Our annual Holiday party is coming up December 8. It’s organized by committee chair Rosetta Davis who has been working hard to make it a great virtual event. The virtual party was a success last year and this one promises to be even better. Anyway, please register and attend – one plus to virtual is no need to worry about the drive home.

Just a reminder about two important GBA programs, Barristers and Baristas (organized by our membership committee chaired by Jennifer Mencarini and Sarah Roane) and M entoring (a new effort chaired by Hillary Kies). Both are great programs to introduce us “older” lawyers to some younger ones and make some new connections.

I hope to see everyone at the Holiday party and am looking forward to our next GBA year. I know Covid won’t be completely done but hopefully the worst is behind us and we can get back to being a more “normal” community. Anyway, best wishes to all for a great Holiday season.

Desmond Sheridan
GBA President, 2021-2022