Message from the President, January 2025

Dear Members of the Greensboro Bar Association,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities of 2025. As we step into this new year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the passion, professionalism, and commitment each of you brings to our shared mission of service and community engagement. The beginning of a new year invites us to reflect on our achievements and set new goals. In 2024, our collective efforts made a significant impact in advancing access to justice and strengthening our professional community. As we look ahead, let us build on this momentum and continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.

I hope everyone can attend our January 16, 2025, member dinner meeting. Not only will we have the 2025 North Carolina State Bar President Matthew W. Smith of Eden as our featured speaker, but the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award will be presented to GBA and 24th JD member Justice Robert H. Edmunds, Jr.

The months ahead are filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and give back. I encourage you to mark your calendars for the following important events:

MLK Ask-A-Lawyer Day – January 20, 2025

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we will host our annual Ask-A-Lawyer Day to provide free legal consultations to members of our community. This event is a meaningful way to give back and demonstrate our commitment to justice and service. I encourage all members to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of those seeking guidance.

GBA Annual Continuing Legal Education Seminar – February 27, 2025

This seminar is a cornerstone of our professional development offerings and is our major fundraiser for the Greensboro Bar Association Foundation. Join us virtually for a day of enriching sessions led by expert speakers on AI in the legal field, designed to enhance your knowledge and keep you at the forefront of legal practice. Additional details, including the agenda and registration information, will be shared soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your growth and network with colleagues.

GBA Annual Legal Aid of North Carolina Fundraiser – March 29, 2025

Our annual fundraiser is a vital event supporting the critical work of Legal Aid of North Carolina. This is not just an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, but also a time to come together as a community united in the pursuit of justice. Let’s aim to exceed last year’s contributions and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Beyond these flagship events, our committees are hard at work planning programs that offer avenues for professional growth, community service, and fellowship. Whether you choose to engage in pro bono work, participate in our Community Involvement Committee initiatives, or join us at our monthly meetings, there are countless ways to make a difference and stay connected.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the Greensboro Bar Association. Together, we can make 2025 a year of meaningful progress and shared success. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and hearing your ideas for how we can further our mission.

Most sincerely,

Manisha P. Patel, Esq.
President, Greensboro Bar Association and the 24th Judicial District