Prior to my fellowship with the ABA Law Practice Division, my participation with the American Bar Association had been limited to virtual engagement, as I did not have the resources as a young practitioner to attend meetings in person. Having learned of the Fellowship Program I applied and was honored upon acceptance. I attended my first in person meeting in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona where I was immediately welcomed into the LP family. I received a mentor who continues to support my career, became close friends with the co-fellows in my class and joined every committee to better understand the diverse opportunities available for involvement.
Before attending, I did not realize the value of participating in person. I underestimated the amount of work taking place behind the scenes by the world’s leading legal minds, on a volunteer basis. Each committee is incredibly hands-on; from publishing books, magazine and blogs, to planning programming, and actually shaping the future of our legal profession. I learned that many members had been part of the organization for over twenty years and saw that they had made lifelong friends. It is not all work, as we understand the importance of networking and making connections. Socially I’ve attended dinner-dances, been invited to play golf (I declined for the safety of all … fore!), gone on a brewery tour and shared in delectable local cuisines during the dine-arounds. As an additional benefit I received free admission to attend any of the CLEs that are offered during meetings. Though technology allows us to interconnect, it will never be an adequate substitute for in person interaction, and serving as a fellow led to the opportunity for me to continue as an active member of the organization.
Sofia S. Lingos, Esq. is the principal and founding attorney of Lingos Law, LLC a boutique business law firm located in Boston, Massachusetts, representing small businesses and entrepreneurs in forming, financing, protecting, maintaining and growing their ventures. Attorney Lingos is also an adjunct law professor at Northeastern University School of Law, where she teaches a course on Law Practice Management and Access to Justice. Additionally, she is actively involved with numerous bar associations, particularly the ABA Law Practice Division, and philanthropic organizations.