Message from Christopher Hughes, Chair of the Business Law Section

April 2025

The last few chair’s statements have focused on some heavy topics, so this month, I wanted to take a moment and suggest that all of us collectively take one deep breath.  

As the days grow longer and the world around us renews itself in vibrant color it reminds me that spring offers us not just natural beauty, but a powerful metaphor for our lives and our profession.  It is a time to contemplate renewal, growth, and the foundations that sustain us.  One place to start might be identifying the things that we are grateful for. 

In our demanding profession, where challenges and deadlines often consume our attention, we can forget to pause and acknowledge the things for which we are truly grateful.  As one example, I encourage each of you to take a moment, even in the midst of your busy schedules, to recognize and show gratitude to the colleagues who support you, the clients who trust you, the mentors who have shaped your path, and the loved ones who stand beside you through late nights and difficult cases.  You may find such gratitude can become self-perpetuating. 

Moreover, spring reminds us that new beginnings are always possible.  Just as the earth awakens from winter’s grip, we too can approach our professional lives with a fresh perspective.  Perhaps there is a practice area you’ve been curious about, a community need you’ve wanted to address, or a professional relationship you wish to strengthen.  Now is the ideal time to consider how to plant those seeds for an even more magnificent bloom in the years to come.  

These acts of showing gratitude and focusing on personal renewals are even more significant in our current climate.  In a world where convenience may eclipse conscientiousness and where immediate gain can overshadow long-term integrity, we as legal professionals have both the opportunity and the responsibility to stand for something greater.  The seeds we plant today can grow into powerful statements of principle season after season and year after year.  Never forget that your voice matters.  Just as a single seed can generate hundreds of flowers, the most profound changes often begin with a single voice, speaking with conviction about what is right and what is just. 

As you move through this season of renewal, I hope you will find moments to express gratitude, embrace new possibilities, and raise your voice for the principles that give meaning to our work.  And, above all, do not ignore the truly awesome benefits you will experience when you pause every now and again and allow yourself a few moments to just breathe.