President's Message
Building Our Community

  By Michael Finn

Soon after I went in-house and joined WMACCA in 1999, I attended one of the association’s networking events.  I didn't know a single person there, but one of the members greeted me and started introducing me around.  I was hooked.  Over these past 13 years, WMACCA has given me a professional community and a wonderful group of mentors and friends.

It is my great honor to serve as the 31st President of WMACCA during 2012.  Among my goals for this year is to provide more and varied opportunities for our 2,000-plus members to build their WMACCA communities in ways small and large and, in so doing, build a stronger WMACCA.

Attending a WMACCA CLE is probably the easiest way to dip a toe in the waters of what the chapter has to offer and start to meet people.  Each month, we present 6 to 8 programs on a wide variety of topics.  WMACCA volunteer leaders carefully work with the speakers to craft presentations that provide practical approaches to issues of significance to in-house counsel.  Each time you attend a WMACCA CLE, you’re sure to meet new people and begin to establish relationships.

For those who have attended WMACCA programs, you probably have noticed that in-house counsel are always on our panels, providing the perspective of our peers on the issues.  That’s the second way you can build your community:  Volunteer to serve as a speaker for a WMACCA program, and share your expertise with your colleagues.

Another goal for 2012 is to ensure we are providing value to all the constituencies within our community by implementing services for members at all stages in their in-house careers.  For the past few years, the General Counsel Breakfast Club has provided a forum for CLO members to get together regularly and discuss areas of common interest, and share best-practices and insights in an off-the-record setting.  We also regularly provided CLEs at a “101” or new-to-in-house level for those just starting out or needing to know the basics on a topic.  But what about members who are on a rung somewhere else along the ladder?  This year, we will provide CLEs in business and other skills for professional enhancement, development and satisfaction.  We also plan to tap our founding members for their insights into career development.  We welcome your ideas on what topics or approaches would be most helpful to your segment of the community.

For me, one of the big reasons I have nurtured the professional community I developed through my WMACCA involvement is because of the people.  I really enjoy these relationships.  And, so, this year we will provide increased opportunities to build community through new networking opportunities.

Each year, approximately 300 of our members gather to celebrate the accomplishments of members of our community at the Corporate Counsel Awards.  The reception allows us to catch up with old friends and make new connections.  We are going to build on that foundation in 2012: 

• We will hold additional socials, smaller in scope and less formal.   These socials will be in D.C., Maryland, and Richmond, VA.  Some of these events may have a theme (such as a introduction to WMACCA’s pro bono activities), but the emphasis will be on networking.
• We will arrange a women’s event, to deal with the unique professional challenges that women face.  Of course, all members are welcome to attend.
• We are encouraging members to – in essence – arrange their own networking opportunities.  A member or two will agree to arrange a lunch gathering at a restaurant.  We’ll reserve space and take registrations, and the group will get together (pay-your-own-way) to just get to know other in-house counsel who work in their vicinity.  The organizers will help facilitate introductions and discussions, but the main goal is simply to get to know some new people.

Realizing that many members may be reluctant to take time away from their families, we also are looking into family-friendly activities, such as outings to a Big Train or minor-league baseball game, or a circus or other entertainment venue, that would hold appeal.

Finally, you can look to our pro bono and community service events as ways to broaden your professional community while giving back to the communities in which we live.  Oftentimes, these activities are also appropriate for families.

I want to make it easy and enjoyable for you to become part of the WMACCA community in any way you like.  Please let me know if you would like to play a role in any of the activities I set out, or if you have another idea to offer.  And I hope to see you soon!