The Young Lawyer Division celebrates several milestones this year and is encouraging the role of young lawyers as community leaders across Mississippi.  Seventy years ago Hugh Clayton and a small band of other “junior” bar members held the first annual meeting of today Young Lawyer Division in Meridian.  Their legacy of service and leadership has been illustrated time and again over the past seven decades.  Most recently, under the steadfast direction of Amanda Jones, countless young lawyers provided free legal service to victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Last year my predecessor, Rhea Tannehill, strengthened local affiliate chapters across the state through a variety of programs, and those results are seen today.

            More opportunity exists today for professional development and meaningful leadership than any other time in the history of our division.  You are answering that call.  The number of young lawyers volunteering to serve on YLD committees this year reached an all-time record, but there is room, and a critical need, for more.

            Our High School Mock Trial Competition marks its 25^th Anniversary of providing a unique experience for hundreds of high school students.  We expect this to be our largest field of teams and will need more bar members to serve as judges.  Please join this fun and invaluable project. 

            Celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in May is Law Day USA which was instituted by President Eisenhower to emphasize the rule of law in contrast to Communist holidays such as May Day. Our YLD will honor the rule of law by resurrecting the Lawyer in Every Classroom program. I hope you will participate.  The Diversity in Law Committee chaired by Carlos Moore of Grenada is off to a fast start in meeting its ambitious goal of reaching ten thousand children in ten months through a variety of community leadership programs.  Cleveland attorney Lauren Webb and her Child Advocacy Committee are completing a training and certification video for lawyers willing to serve as guardian ad litem, a critical service role for many Mississippi children. 

            Many other committees call for your active service.  Seminars, Publications, and Pro Bono Services Committees are few.  New to the YLD program of work this year is the Professional Development Committee chaired by Grant Bennett of Hattiesburg. This committee will foster leadership development for young lawyers and promote the importance of balance and life quality for busy legal professionals. 

            By our experience and training, lawyers are uniquely qualified and called to be leaders. The opportunities to answer this call not only lie within the YLD but also on the many organizations and initiatives in our communities.  I hope you will accept this charge incumbent upon all of us.

            In closing, the YLD is deeply grateful for the unyielding support of Larry Houchins, Melanie Henry, Ginger Blanchard and the all staff members at the Bar Center.  I thank the YLD Board of Directors, committee chairs, and local affiliate presidents for their selfless leadership and Bobby Bailess for his support and mentorship.  I am honored to serve as your Young Lawyer Division president and look forward to working with you.