ABA Midyear Meeting
February 9-14, 2006
Chicago, IL

by Jennifer Brugger

The American Bar Association Midyear Meeting was held in Chicago on February 9-14, 2006. Several members of the WYLD attended the meeting as delegates. The meeting was originally slated to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, but, after much discussion, the ABA leaders decided to move the meeting to Chicago. The victims of Hurricane Katrina were a primary focus of the meeting and the rebuilding of the affected areas of the south (and the resulting legal issues) were discussed frequently in the sessions.

The ABA Young Lawyers Division meeting kicked off with a plenary session on Friday. ABA/YLD Chair Christina Plum gave an update on the activities of the division and presented several awards to individuals for exceptional service to the YLD.

Before and after the plenary session, there was YLD programming (including CLE sessions) scheduled. One session included a hodgepodge of YLD topics. It included information on ABA/YLD subgrants (of which several have been awarded to the WYLD in the past), strategic planning for young lawyers divisions, and a presentation about a public service project involving a teen court program in Mississippi.

The ABA/YLD Assembly was held on Saturday morning. Our very own WYLD President, Noah Davis, led the Pledge of Allegiance for the 200 young lawyers in attendance. It was a great honor for the WYLD and it appeared much more distinguished than the two of our WYLD members who had to wear Pittsburgh Steelers attire because of a lost bet.

There were many interesting topics discussed at the Assembly. It was exciting to be a part of such a dynamic and enthusiastic group. The YLD Chair began by recognizing the members of the YLD who were instrumental in assisting the victims of Hurricane Katrina as disaster relief legal assistance coordinators. The consent calendar was adopted, which included such cutting-edge topics as immigration law issues, asbestos-related tort litigation, and human rights issues.

Three resolutions were debated, and ultimately passed, during the Assembly. The first one was very timely for the State of Washington in light of our recent failed voter referendums last November. Resolution 103 supported the YLD's opposition to legislation that limits medical malpractice lawsuits and opposes creation of health care courts. There was vigorous debate on this topic from several different perspectives.

An unpopular resolution that was debated before the Assembly was the ABA Board of Governors's proposal to increase ABA dues. That has a substantial impact on young lawyers who are just starting out in their legal careers. It was a close vote, but the resolution was passed by the delegates.

The third resolution involved immigration laws. The proponent opposed the detention of non-citizens in immigration and removal proceedings except in extraordinary circumstances, including a determination that the person presents a threat to national security or public safety, or presents a substantial flight risk. There were several speakers for and against the resolution and the resolution was approved by the Assembly.

Several leaders of the "big bar" (the ABA) were present and spoke to the Assembly. ABA President, Michael S. Greco, spoke to the delegates about the importance of the participation of young lawyers in the ABA. ABA President-Elect, Karen J. Mathis, also addressed the group and encouraged young lawyers to become involved with ABA sections, committees, and divisions. The Chair of the ABA House of Delegates, Stephen N. Zack, talked to the group about how impressed he is with the work of the YLD. It was inspiring to hear from the ABA's top people about the close relationship between the YLD and the ABA's other sections and divisions.

The ABA meeting was not all work and no play. There were a number of fun social events planned to entertain the attendees. On Thursday night, the YLD local host committee sponsored a welcome event at a local hot spot. The Friday night YLD dinner and dance were held at the very nice Union League Club in downtown Chicago. Social hour was followed by a delicious dinner. After dinner, a DJ played a variety of music for all ages, as this event was attended by not only members of the YLD, but the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, and the General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Division as well. It was nice to get to know other young lawyers from across the country and to meet attorneys from other sections of the ABA. There was much dancing and everyone had a good time. Saturday, after the Assembly, members of the Washington delegation met for lunch at a local Italian restaurant where they enjoyed "Chicago style" pizza. Although there was a great deal of business conducted at the ABA Midyear Meeting, there was time to relax and have fun as well.

The ABA is a great way to get involved in programs and projects that really make a difference in today's world. Participation in meetings is a rewarding and valuable experience. Members have a chance to learn about member service and public service projects from across the country and can bring the programs back to their states to implement locally. Young lawyers can also network with other young lawyers with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

For more information on the ABA, contact any member of the WYLD Board of Trustees.

Ms. Brugger represents the Peninsula District on the Board of Trustees for the WYLD. She is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Kitsap County, Washington. She can be reached at jbrugger@wapa-sep.wa.gov.