Dear Section members,
It has been an honor serving as your Chair. From our adventures in Washington, D.C., to the addition of new pro bono programming serving our country’s veterans, to an annual meeting filled with incredible energy and momentum, I couldn’t have asked for more. You are an incredible group of lawyers, and you’ve made my work for the Section a true pleasure.
To all my friends and colleagues who supported me on this journey, including those who led the Section before me and modeled such excellent leadership, thank you. Your dedication and camaraderie is what has made this Section one of the primary places I’ve chosen to devote my time, connect with others, and grow, both personally and professionally, over the course of my career.
If you happened to miss our annual meeting, you may have heard about some hashtags making the rounds. No, I’m not talking about #TeamTwoSpaces #TeamOneSpace, although those are fun, too (and quite controversial in a group of appellate lawyers!). I’m talking about #FierceAdvocate #FriendlyColleague. That sums up how I feel about this group. I admire your skills, and I appreciate your collegiality. In this past year, you’ve shown what I already knew to be true — that this group raises the bar in every way. Every initiative you’ve undertaken, you’ve executed with care, hard work, and the unmistakable pride that comes with representing this great Section.
So what’s ahead in the upcoming Bar year? From the launch of our Section’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee to our new Fellows program, we have such exciting things in store for 2019-2020. If you meant to reach out to get involved during the Bar year, but didn’t get the chance, it isn’t too late! Feel free to reach out to me anytime. I’ll be happy to connect you with committee work, pro bono service, and, most of all, a wonderful community that will enrich your experience as a lawyer in every way.
All my best,
Sarah Lahlou-Amine, Chair
Appellate Practice Section
(813) 384-3994
slahlou@bankerlopez.com
