Washington Lawyer - July/August 2021 - 6

FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Charting Our
Future Together
By Chad T. Sarchio
W
hat a long, strange,
heartbreaking trip we
have taken over the last
year.
These aren't the circumstances under which
I'd hoped to write my first column as the 50th
D.C. Bar president. Indeed, my predecessor, the
marvelous Geoff Klineberg, wrote of recovery
from the pandemic in his first column. But
as several articles in this leadership issue of
Washington Lawyer suggest, few leaders can
anticipate all challenges that await when they
embark upon their journeys.
Our roads comprise surprising twists and
daunting obstacles. Yet there is much to take
heart from as I consider what our Bar has
navigated this past year and what I anticipate
around the corner. Seemingly with ease,
though it was never easy, our Bar became a
virtuoso virtual version of itself, transforming
its Communities and CLE courses, pro bono
assistance, lawyer and law firm support, license
renewal, and other programming into online,
on-demand offerings. By migrating to an im -
proved website, the Bar facilitated more efficient
and intuitive membership interactions.
The Bar also secured savings and tradeoffs that
solidified our financial foundation. A reduction
in annual membership fees - only the second
in our half-century existence - reflects
the ingenuity and care with which the Bar
executed its fiduciary responsibilities. If past
is prologue, our future is undeniably bright.
In this issue you will find our Annual Report,
which provides further insight into the Bar's
impressive services and evolution. Take a peek
to learn about the astounding growth of our
membership rolls, the many people aided by
our Lawyer Assistance Program and its new
outreach efforts, and the thoughtfulness and
utility of pandemic-focused programs like the
joint Judicial & Bar Conference and the Practice
6 WASHINGTON LAWYER * JULY/AUGUST 2021
Management Advisory Service's digital marketing
and fee agreement innovations for
small firms. The report also shows the Bar's
continued engagement with its professional
pipelines, especially through its reimagined
Leadership Academy, Moot Court Competition,
Youth Law Fair, and first Writers in Residence
Program for law students.
The Pro Bono Center exemplified collaborative
innovation during the pandemic through its
Family Law Assis tance Network and Landlord
Tenant Legal Assistance Network. In sum,
2020's limits on in-person connections did not
diminish the Bar's value but catalyzed its
creative spirit.
Perhaps none of this should surprise given the
quality of our people. In my experience, the
Bar's full-time staff and volunteer stewards
consist of dedicated lawyers, talented professionals,
and amazing human beings led by CEO
extraordinaire Bob Spagnoletti. Their passion,
dedication, inventiveness, and industriousness
are beyond question. I am particularly humbled
by my presidential predecessors and their
accomplishments on behalf of the District's
lawyers and clients; I stand on the shoulders
of giants.
I feel equal admiration for the Bar's other
elected officers, Community leaders, and committee
participants. Also, we are graced with
voluntary/affinity bar and other legal organization
partners that work seamlessly with and
through the Bar and Pro Bono Center on shared
priorities. For an example of expertise and leadership
in times of crisis, see our profile story on
Legal Services Corporation president (and
former Bar president) Ron Flagg.
So, what lies ahead as we hopefully, finally
begin to emerge from the grips of a global
pandemic, and as we confront harsh realities
underlying our nation's historical racial divisions
and broader political discord? Again, take heart
and fear not - your Bar stands ready. It has
embarked upon an aggressive effort to streamline
its bylaws and modernize other governing
principles and practices to become nimbler in
today's fast-paced legal world. It also revised
rules to facilitate Communities' positions and
statements on key issues of the day, and their
members are giving voice to important ideas as
never before. All that, plus our 50th anniversary
to commemorate. So, 2021 should prove a year
in which to reflect, imagine, evolve, and, at last,
celebrate.
As a former Boy Scout, soldier, military judge,
and (often bumbling) athletic striver, I wear
my influences on my sleeve. Anyone who has
shared these paths will recognize the following
bromides that I nevertheless believe will prove
useful as I try to carry my share of the load.
First, I commit to do no harm; that's not just
for doctors. Showing up is half the battle, so
I vow to be present and fully invested. Since
one must be prepared, I promise to do my
homework and due diligence so I can give my
all. I will put mission first and people always
because there just is no other way. Since
I embrace the notion that good leadership
is good teamwork, I won't ask others to do
anything I am unwilling to do (as far as my
skills allow).
And one more: I will strive mightily to help
leave this place, our Bar, in better shape than
I found it. That strikes me as the tallest task,
but one even worth failing at in the effort. So,
I salute each of you, I cheer your good deeds
and hope for your good fortunes, and I look
forward gratefully to serving you, and with
you, well.
Connect with Chad at csarchio@dcbar.org.
Patrice Gilbert Photography
Washington Lawyer - July/August 2021

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