Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024 - 6

FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Navigating Tomorrow:
A Shared Journey
By Shaun M. Snyder
O
n the third floor of the
D.C. Bar building, just outside
the Payton meeting
room, is a wall of photos
of all D.C. Bar presidents from the
past 52 years.
When I served as Bar treasurer in 2020-2021,
and again in 2022-2023, I would walk past this
wall and think about the great leaders we've
had throughout our history and how each one
helped shape the Bar in their own way.
When I became president-elect in 2023, I
thought, of course, about how I would live up
to the standard set by each past president and
what I would do to distinguish my term. Then
I quickly realized that these questions should
not direct my efforts as president. On the contrary,
my goal is to be able to look back and say
that I built on what my predecessors accomplished
by helping the organization do what it
does well, and perhaps even better. With the
support of our outstanding members, D.C. Bar
staff, and CEO, I am certain that I am about to
embark on a very rewarding year of service.
My goals as president are to focus on three key
areas that have been our mainstay: (1) enhance
member engagement, (2) champion access to
justice, and (3) help the Bar navigate the future
practice of law.
ENHANCING MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
As CEO of the National Association of State
Treasurers, a professional membership association,
I view an organization through the lens of
member value. In the coming months, my presidency
will be anchored in the Bar's commitment
to increasing member engagement. The
D.C. Bar has more than 118,000 members in all
50 states and in 80 countries and territories, but
are we providing enough value in the right way
to promote active member involvement?
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I recently had a member tell me that he did not
feel connected to the Bar. When I asked about
his involvement, he said there was none and
that he did not know where to begin. That was
painful to hear. I mentioned opportunities with
our Communities and CLE Program, suggesting
that he simply sign up for an in-person event or
two to get started.
Our Bar is a treasure trove of resources, services,
and benefits designed to empower each member
in their current legal practice or in new areas
they want to explore. There are many opportunities
to engage with the Bar that don't
take that much time and can even be done virtually.
It is my earnest desire to ensure that every
member feels connected to and supported
by the Bar.
CHAMPIONING ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Did you know that in D.C. Superior Court, 75 to
95 percent of civil litigants appear in court pro
se? That is why pro bono service is so incredibly
important to our profession - it embodies our
commitment to justice and the greater good.
I am eager to champion and expand our pro
bono initiatives, encouraging every Bar member
to contribute their time and expertise to
serve those in our community who lack access
to legal resources. By collectively increasing our
pro bono efforts, we can make a profound impact
on the lives of those most in need. And
with continued challenges to government
funding for pro bono activities, our efforts and
advocacy will be more important than ever.
NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF LAW
The legal profession is undergoing seismic
shifts, and it is imperative that we stay ahead of
these changes while adapting and harnessing
the power of technology responsibly. The advent
of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming
how we practice law, challenging traditional
norms and reshaping the very nature of our
profession. The D.C. Bar will actively support
members in navigating these uncharted territories
by providing resources, training, and forum
for dialogue on the evolving role of AI in
the practice of law.
We have already launched a variety of programs
to get up to speed on this topic, and
we will do more this fiscal year given AI's importance
and impact on the profession. Read
our 2023-2024 Annual Report (see page 29) to
learn more about how the D.C. Bar is leading
the profession in the age of technological
disruption.
It is my privilege to serve as your president,
but I want to emphasize that we are in this
journey together. Your voices, experiences, and
insights are invaluable, and I invite you to actively
participate in conversations around how
we can take the Bar to the future. Together, we
will not only navigate the challenges of tomorrow
but also shape them. I am confident that
with our shared commitment to member engagement,
pro bono service, and a forwardthinking
approach to the ever-evolving legal
landscape, the D.C. Bar will continue to be a
beacon of excellence and a force for positive
change.
I am filled with gratitude for the privilege to
serve such a distinguished group of legal professionals
in the District of Columbia. Our profession
is not just a collection of individuals; it is a
vibrant and dynamic community that evolves
with each new challenge and opportunity.
I look forward to the year ahead, and I am honored
to have each of you as companions on this
journey. Let's walk into the future together.
Connect with Shaun at ssnyder@dcbar.org.
Patrice Gilbert Photography
Washington Lawyer - July/August 2024

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