I am deeply honored to serve as your incoming president. As I step into this role, I am filled with gratitude for the trust that the WCBA’s leadership and membership has placed in me and a sense of responsibility to lead this great organization through what will be an exciting year. For those of you who may not know me well, I have been an active member for several years. During that time, I have had the privilege of working alongside many of you, witnessing the commitment and passion that our membership brings to the local legal community. Together, we have worked to support one another in our professional journeys.

As I step into the role of president, I find it humbling and inspiring to reflect on the incredible work of those who have come before me. Our Association has always thrived because of the dedication, vision, and tireless service of past presidents, who laid a foundation of excellence that continues to shape the future of our legal community, and I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of our most recent leaders:

Jim Landau

Jim’s unwavering commitment to the Association, his dedication to ensuring access to justice, and his passionate promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion have set a remarkable standard of excellence. As my trusted law partner and friend, I have had the privilege of witnessing his leadership firsthand. His efforts strengthened our Association and made a lasting impact on our local legal community.

Andrew Schriever

During his term, Andrew’s initiatives, which included promoting mental health and well-being, were truly impactful. These issues are close to my heart, and I am grateful for Andrew’s commitment to creating a healthier and more supportive environment for our legal community.

Dolores Gebhardt

During her term as president, Dolores’s Stronger Together initiative played a crucial role in uniting the WCBA with local affinity bars, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Over the past two years, we have built upon that strong foundation, working together to strengthen our connections and promote a more united and inclusive legal community, and this year, we will continue to do so.

Honorable Jim Hyer

Judge Hyer’s presidency was marked by his passionate commitment to public service, enhancing the WCBA’s community outreach and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. His leadership inspired members to become more actively involved in their communities, furthering our mission to serve the public good.

Wendy Marie Weathers

Wendy’s extraordinary leadership during the pandemic ensured the Association’s continuity, supporting our members with innovative solutions and helping us navigate an unprecedented time of uncertainty. Her ability to adapt quickly was invaluable, and our Association not only weathered the storm but actually grew, expanding our reach and strengthening our sense of community during a challenging time.

Honorable Linda Jamieson 

Judge Jamieson set me on the path to leadership that ultimately led to my becoming president, and I look forward to sharing more about her impact on my journey at our upcoming Gala, where she will receive the well-deserved Hopkins Award for Lifetime Achievement.

I am honored to build upon the strong legacy these leaders and those before them left behind, and I look forward to continuing their work with the same passion, integrity, and commitment they have shown. To all of our past presidents, I offer my sincere gratitude for your service and leadership.
Moreover, as your president, I am deeply committed to working closely with our board, committees, and membership to achieve the following goals, in no particular order:

First, delivering tangible value. I want your membership to be an essential part of your legal career and for each of you to see a direct benefit from being a part of this Association. That means offering more targeted programs, resources, and new opportunities that help you succeed— whether through high-quality CLEs, enhanced professional development, networking, mentoring, and public service. Our Association must be a vital resource that enriches your practice and helps you grow as a lawyer and stay ahead in an ever-evolving legal landscape. 

Second, growing membership and strengthening engagement. This Association belongs to all of us, and I am dedicated to making sure every member has an opportunity to get involved, share their ideas, and take part in shaping the future of our community. I am excited about the work ahead and look forward to collaborating with each of you as we grow and build a stronger, more inclusive, and more vibrant Association. Your input and ideas are invaluable, so please do not hesitate to reach out, whether you have a question, suggestion, or just want to chat.

 
Third, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our Association is at its strongest when it reflects the rich diversity of the community we serve. It is essential that the WCBA, along with all local affinity bars, be a big tent. We will continue to prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that every member feels empowered to contribute, share their unique perspectives, and have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the profession in our local community.

Fourth, I remain committed to continuing an important conversation that we started several years ago: promoting mental health and well-being in our community. May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. The profession has long struggled with issues surrounding mental health. Lawyers, judges, and law students are at a significantly higher risk for conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and burnout compared to the general population. And unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents many from seeking help. 

These issues are deeply important to me. Throughout my time as a member and in leadership, I have made it a priority to ensure that this is at the forefront of our discussions and actions. In March 2021, my firm organized and sponsored a mental health symposium with a panel of experts, which I moderated. In November 2021, we formed the Task Force on Attorney Well-Being and the Post-COVID Practice of Law, with Andrew Schriever and I as co-chairs. I am pleased that the great work of the task force continues, as it is now a thriving Attorney Well-Being Committee, of which the Honorable Livia Rodriguez and Rachel Chazin-Halperin serve as co-chairs and Michelle Tarson as Secretary. The committee is actively working to provide more resources, encourage open dialogue, and ensure that every member feels supported and empowered to take care of themselves. We are excited about the impact that we have made and will continue to make.

I would like to give a shoutout to our multitalented Executive Director, Isabel Barney, and the entire staff for their hard work in supporting the Association. Their efforts behind the scenes are integral to the smooth operation of our organization. I look forward to collaborating with Isabel and the team throughout my term as president, as we continue to advance the goals of our Association together.

Finally, I want to express my sincere thanks to my partners, David Lachtman and Brian Belowich, for their unwavering support. I am grateful for their encouragement as I take on this new role, and for their ongoing commitment to advancing the goals of our Association.

Thank you again for this incredible opportunity to serve as your president. I am eager to work together and continue our proud tradition of excellence while ensuring that every member finds lasting value and support in their involvement. I hope to see you at our 125th Annual Gala, which will take place on May 15, 2025 at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase.