One of my favorite professional communities that I have joined has been the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section. A few times a year, I get to gather with the top business lawyers from around the world and learn from and with them. However, one challenge with the Business Law Section’s meetings is that there is so much to do a newcomer can feel overwhelmed. So below are my 3 tips for successfully navigating an ABA Business Law Section meeting: in Seattle.
Join A Committee and Subcommittee
The Business Law Section’s committees are open to anyone at any time. This is where real connections are made, opportunities are given, and learning is curated. Each committee focuses on a practice area and is responsible for keeping the entire Business Law section up to date on that practice area through CLEs, Articles, Books, and Legal Tools. I serve as Co-Chair of the Corporate Counsel Committee, am a member of the Intellectual Property Committee, and Vice Chair of the AI and Robotics Subcommittee. Since joining those committees, I have participated in writing articles, and checklists and even been selected to speak on panels!
Go to the Panels!
Speaking of panels, I have yet to find a legal professional association that consistently matches the quality of content provided by the Business Law Section. The Section’s Continuing Legal Education programs offer both detailed analyses of specific and niche business law topics as well as a zoomed-out view of business and financial markets relevant to the average business lawyer. You can use their panels to learn about a new practice area AND become an expert in your current area. All levels are served.
Leave the hotel!
Lastly, since you’re already spending time traveling to the Section meetings, it would be a missed opportunity not to explore the city and surrounding areas of the host city. At every Section meeting, many committees host dinners off-site so members can get a taste of the local cuisine. Another must do, is to tack on an extra couple of days before or after the conference so you can explore more of the city and nature. In Seattle, I was able to fit in a nice hike before the conference started, which left my legs sore for days but was worth it!
Being in business can busy up your schedule so much that you rarely have time to have fun, learn your craft, and network. You can work your way out of furthering your professional development if you don’t look up and take control of your career. Joining the Business Law Section and committing to attending their meetings helps ensure I travel, have fun, continue learning, and continue networking. If you want to get more involved in the ABA’s Business Law Section, please reach out!