Dear Fellow ACC Members:

Why are you member of ACC? Your first thought probably has something to do with the professional resources. And there are many. As I sat down to write this message, however, I realized that I have almost as many personal reasons for involvement, as professional ones.

Most of us are familiar with ACC’s research tools such as the articles, forms, and information available in the Virtual Library on ACC’s web site and The Docket, the monthly association publication. However, it was only recently that I learned, at a networking event through another member, about the Small Law Department listserv. I registered for the listserv and found I was pleasantly surprised at how valuable it is. Most of the questions posed are ones I have asked at one time or another. The speed with which members respond to inquiries and the practical information offered is outstanding. On-line research services have their purpose, but cannot compare to the efficiency with which this system works.

Many members also use the listserv to find Outside Counsel referrals. By doing nothing but glancing through my email, I’ve been able to gather several referrals for future reference.

Aside from the ability to bounce legal questions off of other lawyers, membership in ACC also provides low cost, pertinent continuing legal education. Our Chapter sponsors enough sessions annually to satisfy the CLE requirements in Pennsylvania. We provide three two hour programs every year for those who prefer to attain their CLE in small doses. We also have a full day event in May in addition to the National Annual Meeting in October that offers ample opportunity to gather all necessary credits, and then some, to carry over.

In general, I can not promote the Annual Meeting enough. It is by far the most organized association event I have ever attended. Activities are offered every morning such as running groups or breakfast committee meetings, and every evening includes a sponsored dinner or the opportunity to sign up to dine with others traveling solo at a local restaurant. The Meeting is designed for everyone to be involved as much, or as little, as you choose. This year the meeting is in San Diego – a perfect travel destination on its own.

Whether you need to get away for a little while, or get away permanently, the Annual Meeting is a great opportunity. Bulletin boards are available to post a hard copy of your resume. Without leaving home, however, you can find job postings that are organized geographically by Chapter on the ACC web site. If you are seeking to fill a position, getting to know fellow ACC members makes that process significantly easier. I had a job opening earlier this year and was able to interview three local members before the job was ever advertised. Whether you are seeking to negotiate a new wage and benefit package or enhance your existing one, you can gather compensation information through ACC and its alliance partners. I’ve also seen the listserv used to exchange information on compensation and benefits.

Perhaps you aren’t interested in another job and you don’t need any more CLE credits, but you’d like to refresh your management and leadership skills. The ACC national office conducts Chapter Leaders Training every March. And, once again, at the Annual Meeting you can find sessions such as “Teaching Big Shots to Listen, Understand & Behave”, “How to Get Your Attorneys to Give Their Best Performance on the Job”, and “Maximizing Your Intra-Company Leadership/Executive Skills”.

Professional resources are typically the reason people join an organization such as ACC. However, what surprised me most as I reflected on my experiences was the number of personal reasons to be involved in the Chapter and continue membership:

There’s tremendous camaraderie. It’s been great to get to know people through ACC sponsored activities and then carry that friendship over to non-professional adventures. We’re obviously all lawyers, but it’s nice to find out how much more we have in common.

We also like to have fun! In addition to our annual baseball game with the Harrisburg Senators, the national Small Law Department Committee has put together a golf outing for the Sunday prior to the Annual Meeting. To practice with the clubs beforehand, you can also attend our first annual “Pathways to Success” Golf/Spa event scheduled for September 14. Developed in conjunction with the Keystone Bar Association, this event is designed to raise funds for the Chapter’s Streetlaw program and the Justice Robert N.C. Nix Scholarship Fund.

Our Chapter also offers an opportunity to give back to the community. Our efforts include participation with National Community Service Day, falling on Saturday, September 30 this year. We work on the Army War College’s Heritage Trail in Carlisle. I encourage every one to take some time that Saturday morning to join us in cleaning up and beautifying the trail.

The Chapter’s Diversity efforts, however, are clearly our most prominent accomplishment. Central Pennsylvania is known as a leader among ACC Chapters throughout the United States for our commitment to diversity. That’s most impressive considering we are one of the smallest Chapters! Through the unending efforts of our Diversity Committee, chaired by Frank Miles (Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company) and Barbara Sardella (Kinsley Construction), we instituted a Streetlaw program that is now one of the foremost programs in the country. Our members are working with the Capital Area Managing Partners group to provide paid internship opportunities to minority law students as a learning opportunity and an encouragement to practice in Central Pennsylvania upon graduation. This committee has also been highly involved in planning for the Pathways to Success Golf/Spa program. For anyone seeking a way to get involved with the community, our diversity programs are thriving and always in need of dedicated volunteers.

I think most of us find it easy to list the professional reasons to be a member of ACC. However, it’s not as easy to recognize the personal reasons. So, I ask again – why are you a member of ACC? Your reasons probably extend far beyond the profession.

Tracey Rice, Esq.
President