September 21, 2022
Young Lawyers Conference Leadership Institute
BY: James “Rob” Elliott
The Annual Young Lawyers Conference Leadership Institute took place this past weekend in Richmond welcoming new and returning volunteers of the YLC to an informative and hospitable weekend. The weekend’s events started off on Friday night with dinner hosted at the Buttermilk and Honey Restaurant. They continued Saturday morning with a catered breakfast at the Richmond Marriott Conference Center and hosted several speakers throughout the day detailing the organization of successful programs, social media and public relations, the importance of Pro Bono services, diversity, and inclusion. The presentations for the day concluded with a detailed presentation of a successful YLC program, the District 7 Bench-Bar Luncheon. Speakers included YLC President Craig Ellis, Past President Kris McClellan, Young Lawyer of the Year Courtney Frazier, District 7 Representative Mary Margaret Hawkins, and VSB Liaison Mallory Ralston. Program chairs and District representatives were gathered from all over the State for this event and it was a great opportunity for the members of the YLC to meet and socialize with each other. The presentations concluded around 1:00 p.m. and all were treated to lunch before the conclusion of the Leadership Institute.
Several members that attended then gathered just outside of Richmond for some Kayaking and Paddleboarding with the help of RVA Paddlesports. The Young Lawyers explored Bailey Creek as well as the James River on a beautiful Saturday afternoon filled with sunshine, great conversation and lots of laughs.
The next scheduled event for the Young Lawyers Conference is the 2022 Bench-Bar Dinner celebrating the newly elected and elevated female and minority judges in the Commonwealth. The Bench-Bar Dinner is taking place in Fredericksburg on October 13th with the Honorable John M. Tran, Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court appearing as the keynote speaker for the event. Tickets are now available for the Bench-Bar Dinner.
Be on the lookout throughout the year for programs and opportunities to get to know your fellow young lawyers throughout Virginia. If you are already participating and would like to get more involved or are getting involved with the Young Lawyers Conference for the first time, please contact us and we would be happy to welcome you aboard.