About a year ago, I renewed my love-hate relationship with running. The sacrifice in terms of time and effort have paid numerous dividends that I won't go into here. I also had the opportunity to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the DRI Annual Meeting. In looking back at my training and preparation for that race, the advice and insight of runners more experienced than me was true: growth and development as a runner comes in small incremental bits. The maxim that you should never add more than 10 percent of your previous week's mileage is one that should be adhered to if you want to avoid injury and get better.
It is also true that growth as a lawyer comes from the culmination of many smaller steps. Involvement in the DRI Young Lawyers Committee as a whole is certainly a large component of my growth as an attorney. But when I look at it in detail, it is really the compilation of many small opportunities to serve within this committee that has led each of our committee leaders to their current positions. No job is too small to volunteer for if you are willing to do a good job in a timely manner. Success in one endeavor in DRI will always lead to another opportunity. Eventually, each opportunity to serve and volunteer when added together will pay big dividends down the road both in your professional development and in your role in DRI.
Take the time to seek out opportunities to volunteer and serve no matter the size of the task. The benefit of consistent and persistent service through the Young Lawyers Committee will no doubt make you a better lawyer and will increase the benefit you get from membership. If you are looking for any opportunity, no matter how big or small, do not hesitate to reach out to Craig Mayfield, Jeni Heis, or myself; or better yet contact one of the subcommittee chairs. We have a place for you!
