Message from Christopher Hughes, Chair of the Business Law Section

While several significant events have transpired in the last couple months (including holding our Winter Leadership Conference), this first message will focus on the transition that took place in September/October while the next message will focus on the Winter Leadership Conference.  For this message, I want to start with a note of gratitude.

First, I want to thank Cathy Gawne, our outgoing Chair, whose leadership guided us through a very challenging year.  Without her at the helm this last year, those challenges may have overwhelmed our section.  We could not be more appreciative to have someone leading our organization last year who is as thoughtful, kind, and adaptive as Cathy. 

Second, I want to thank the Executive Committee (Ex-Comm) members and advisors for their work and dedication to the BLS.  A big “thanks” to Ex-Comm and Cathy for entrusting me to act as your Chair.  It is a true honor, and I will do everything in my ability to make this coming year a success for all of us.

I also want to thank the outgoing officers of the 15 BLS standing committees for their hard work and gumption, and for working so hard to have something meaningful they can be proud to hand over to their successors.  I wish to also welcome the new officers and members of the BLS standing committees.  I know the Ex-Comm members are looking forward to working with you during this term.

I want to thank you, members of the BLS, for continuing to support this Section.  There are over 40,000 members in the CLA, and the BLS is the third largest section in this amazing organization.  Although we are always looking to grow by adding new members, we truly appreciate your continued membership.  We will strive to provide the best content we can for all of you in the hopes that what we do helps you to be better professionals as you advance through your careers. 

I also have the honor and privilege of congratulating Neil Wertlieb, our most recent Roland E. Brandel Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.  Neil’s accomplishments for our profession are legendary and, if you haven’t had a chance to read about them, I strongly suggest you do so.  As many of you know, this is the first year we changed the name of the award to honor Roland Brandel, who has worked tirelessly throughout most of his professional life to make the BLS a powerhouse in the CLA.  Congratulations to Roland and Neil!!

Finally, your feedback is vitally important to us!  If there is anything you would like us to focus on, from pending legislation to important legal issues, please let us know.  We will strive to analyze the issues and, where we find consensus, advocate the views of the BLS membership. 

Thank you again for your time, and we look forward to a successful term!