We always greet the new program year in September with excitement, and with that anticipation in mind, we wanted to ask some of our members what they value most about belonging to the Boston Bar. Hear from members of our leadership, past and present, about what is most important to them:
“Why are you a BBA member, and what are some of your favorite aspects of membership?”
Former BBA President Renee M. Landers – Suffolk University Law School
“At the start of my legal career, I was fortunate to work for one of the BBA’s sponsor firms, so was enrolled as a BBA member. Almost immediately, I realized that BBA membership provided access to a community of lawyers in the profession. Now that I have to pay for my own membership, I continue to do so because I am proud to be connected to an organization that engages in so much thoughtful study and advocacy on policies relevant to the law and the legal system such as diversity in the legal profession, criminal justice reform, and adequate public funding for criminal defense and civil legal services. The BBA forms an existing network of knowledgeable professionals able to enter the policy debate in a way that is useful to decision-makers and the public. In addition, the excellent educational programs help lawyers continue to learn as is necessary throughout a career in the law. Finally, I value the personal relationships I have built with excellent lawyers of integrity through the years of involvement with the BBA. These relationships sustain one’s spirit and commitment to leaving the profession and the justice system better than we found it.”
Financial Literacy Co-Chair John Loughnane – Nutter
“I am a member of the BBA because, over the years, I have found the organization to be very effective in carrying out its core mission. I fully support all efforts to advance excellence in the profession, improve access to justice, and improve the Greater Boston community. Particularly impressive is the BBA’s ability to tap the talents of members drawn from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. With a very effective governance structure and a world-class professional staff, the BBA succeeds at every level. Witnessing the organization’s ability to improve the lives of others year after year makes membership an easy decision.”
“The BBA is welcoming to all members of every experience level. There’s no ego in the BBA’s leadership or membership ranks which makes it a very welcoming group to be a part of. The BBA is also relevant. Over the years, the BBA has constantly kept its fingers on the pulse of what is relevant and of concern/interest to its members. It puts on relevant programs that add value to the legal fabric within which we work on a day-to-day basis.”