A Look forward, A Look Behind: 2011 Resolutions for In House counsel 

Many of us treat the turn of a new year as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and relish in the opportunities a new year brings. For many, it also marks the time for reflection on accomplishments and upcoming challenges. In-house attorneys, much unlike our counterparts, do not have the benefit of marking the year-end as another toward the “partnership track,” but professional development and the ability to look forward is important just the same. Many of us find our- selves wearing business hats more and more, whereas others move vertically within the legal realm. Whichever color your parachute, your ability to set your course and to use tools specific to your unique needs is largely up to you.

Most employee education or development departments in companies are devoted to educating or developing the business units, and not the legal department. In some cases, these departments believe the legal department does not need further development. While we are flattered by their confidence in our abilities, this could not be further from the truth. Many aspects of the law change so rapidly that we cannot stay abreast of the many changes without outside help. It can sometimes be overwhelming to the point of throwing your hands up. Perhaps that is why most states have mandatory continuing legal education. Whatever the reason, it becomes both prudent and neces- sary for us to find ways to continue our professional development.

Many of us can probably admit that we have been forced to get that last minute CLE credit in a topic not relevant to our practice area. One of my resolutions for the year is to make sure the Central Pennsylvania Chapter continues to provide enough CLE and other offerings, so your educational opportunities are varied and relevant. As a result, I am determined to advance my professional development and those of our members along the way. In looking back, I give kudos to the members of our program com- mittee and chapter leadership who have done a superb job to ensure an array of offerings that appeal to all members — no matter what your industry. In looking forward, it is my pledge that our chapter will continue to offer both relevant and timely programs throughout the year that will enable us to continue in our development.

Surveys were sent out to all members recently to make sure the chapter remains receptive to your needs and interests. We have already secured sponsors for an entire year of program offerings. The programs will be spaced throughout the year — closely tied to CLE compliance dates — and the topics will be as closely matched to survey results as possible. If you resolve in 2011 to identify those resources that will help you the most, to be more efficient and to develop yourself professionally, I hope you will join us soon. If not soon, a “sure-fire” way to get CLEs in every area of law relevant to in-house practice is to consider attending the ACC Annual Meeting in Denver, CO on Oct, 23–26, 2011. In this issue, you will see a picture of some of our chapter attendees at the October 2010 meeting in San Antonio, TX that offered networking, development and educational opportunities too vast to mention.

For every member, I hope you will join me in these 2011 resolutions:

• Resolved, that this year I will try to identify those resources to best help me in my professional development.

• Resolved, that I will become more active in my ACC chapter. 

• Resolved, that I will make it to at least one CLE event and/or the Annual Meeting. 

• Resolved, that I will use my professional skills to help others less fortunate who are in need of my assistance or encouragement.

I look forward to this new year with you and hope you have resolved to work, live and learn together with the help of ACC.

Regards, Lisa