A Season to Remember

January 2023

By President Jeremy M. Evans 

First and foremost, hoping your holiday season has been fantastic and wishing you a Happy New Year. It has been a year to remember, and there are many things to reflect on as an organization and for me personally. Being President has been one of the great honors of my life and career to this point. 

In thinking about what the California Lawyers Association means to me, it is the one place where statewide, lawyers and law students of all ages, locations, and practice areas can get together to share ideas, network, and receive education. It is also the place where students from elementary school to law school and beyond can learn civics education, meet judges, and receive mentorship. The California Lawyers Association members, leaders, and staff are what make it a very special place to be a member and leader. 

Looking back, I have learned that it is important to get involved with organizations early in your career, which is especially difficult in a time when newer lawyers and people in general are less inclined to be joiners. However, I encourage you to pick an organization that you trust, enjoy working for, and respect the mission of, and get involved with an eye towards servant leadership.  Servant leadership is based on giving, not taking, and that means giving your time and energy to the organization and others in the community. The California Lawyers Association is a great place to accomplish your goals, but so too are many other terrific organizations.        

In many ways, reflecting internally for a moment, my time at the California Lawyers Association has been a continuation of the servant-minded leadership that has been preached by many who have preceded me. Since becoming president of the California Lawyers Association, I have been fortunate to experience a period of great success, but also learn and grow. For one, it is important to take in all perspectives of your leadership team and make a decision. Second, it is imperative to delegate to trusted leaders to help effectuate work that needs to be completed. Third, it is okay to not take credit for things and let others receive the glory and the praise. Part of great leadership is realizing when to speak and when to allow the moment to take course without your known handprint because building the next generation is just as important and likely more important. 

One concept I often share with lawyers and the community in general is the power of geography, branding, and community in life and career decision-making. One must be in the right place physically and digitally for relationships and opportunities, while creating, establishing, and maintaining a brand, and joining community organizations not just for membership, but for leadership opportunities. If one is not serving others, what value is there? These three principles can provide great clarity in decision-making, and may also lead to your success personally and professionally. 

It indeed will be a great year ahead. Thank you for your continued support, membership, and leadership. 

Sincerely Yours in Hope,

Jeremy M. Evans
President
California Lawyers Association