Volume XV, Issue I
January/February 2001

A Recipe for Fulfillment: Mix A Little Business With Pleasure

by Thomas P. Quinlan, WYLD President

A few months ago, I asked you and other young lawyers: So, where do we go from here? I have received a myriad of different responses. In summary, a general, common response has been that the average young lawyer does not want to be recruited by the bar to serve on a board, committee, program, nor do they want to be lectured. Rather, there has been a common request for an opportunity to meet new people, to share common interests and experiences. With that said and heard, here is where we are going.

We thought a recipe for fulfillment of that response is to mix business with pleasure. What better opportunity to do get people together than a party. No, I am not talking about a party the likes some may have experienced in fraternities or sororities. On the other hand, I am not talking about a stuffy affair either. Rather, WYLD is tailoring its traditional get together, the Mid-year meeting, in a somewhat unique fashion.

The WYLD Mid-year meeting will occur on April 27-28, 2001. The main ingredient: pleasure. We'll offer an opportunity to make new friends, to get to know other lawyers and their families. We will be sponsoring two evening receptions at the resort on Friday and Saturday nights. You will also be allowed ample time for you to have personal relaxation, quiet time with your family, and enjoy the resort’s facilities.

Our meeting venue is located at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, which is at Ocean Shores, Washington. The facility is brand new. In addition to offering a Las Vegas style casino, the resort is designed to accommodate those seeking great personal relaxation and wellness, or time with the family. Who knows, you might get lucky and win big at the craps table. Perhaps you would prefer to enjoy the resort's spa for a massage, facial, or the works. A walk on the sandy beach would be nice, even in the rain. For the outdoorsman, the resort is located within a wetlands area, with accomplished nature trails, and historical interpretive center.

Of course, the second ingredient, business, will be in the mix as well. On both days, a variety of CLE's will be offered. This business portion of the weekend will include a hands-on technology training CLE featuring new law practice related software, practice skills development seminars, and the all important ethics courses. Moreover, the house and resort staff will make you comfortable with the casino facility by hosting a class to teach you the rules of the casino games.

At this point, I have received indications from lawyers across the state, including members of local county bars and specialty bars, that many are planning on attending. Also, the WYLD is honored that this Mid-year meeting will host the ABA Young Lawyers' Division Western States Regional Conference. So, we will be joined by young lawyers from Oregon, Idaho, California, and Alaska. I hope you will attend too. If needed, ask the boss for a day off to attend the CLE's and plan to spend a day, or hopefully two days with the rest of us. I look forward to seeing you. In the next few weeks, a brochure will be delivered from the WSBA inviting you to attend. Please respond promptly. Early bird registrants will receive a discount. Moreover, there is a limited amount of space at the resort, so rooms are on a first come first serve basis.

I am extending an individual invitation to you to join other young lawyers at the young lawyers' mid-year conference. I encourage you to mix a little business with a lot of pleasure. The mid-year conference will provide for a eclectic mix of these two things.

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