Benefits of Joining Professional Affiliations

Bar associations sometimes get a bad rap from young lawyers. But if you're starting your career, they offer real advantages right now. There's been a noticeable decline in newer and younger attorneys joining bar associations across the country. Fewer younger attorneys means more opportunity for the ones who get involved. At the risk of sounding like the old guy, here are more reasons I believe that bar associations are a worthwhile investment. Career and Practice Advice  Membership is an affordable way to get in rooms with experienced lawyers who excel in their craft. Those lawyers are pulled many different directions and tend to be difficult to reach. But at bar association events, we're in socializing/networking mode and ready to talk and share thoughts and experiences. Referrals If you have a niche practice, developing a reputation in your local bar association as THE lawyer who handles a specific type of case might be the single best way to build your firm. I know this is true because that's how I built my firm over the past thirty years representing victims of investment fraud. Succession Opportunities A good friend of mine is nearing retirement and thinks he's going to shut his law firm down. Not because he wants to, but because he doesn't have anyone to take over. This situation is becoming increasingly common as lawyers from the Baby Boomer generation reach retirement age with successful, profitable practices but no successors. Listservs The email listservs are a great way to keep up with what's happening in the profession and in the areas of law that interest you. I think the value of listserv access alone covers the membership dues. I've served as president of two bar associations in recent years. This photo is me getting sworn in as President of the Ohio Association for Justice in 2021. My advice is to join as many bar associations as you can afford to. But joining is just the first step. You need to get active. If you volunteer to do some heavy lifting to support the association (such as writing articles, participating in lobbying efforts, speak at meetings, etc.), the leaders will notice. You will be viewed as a doer who gets stuff done. That is how you build your credentials, and make great friends, too. I'm interested in your thoughts here. Are bar associations still valuable today? 

Throughout my career, being actively involved in professional associations has been a cornerstone of my growth + development. Here’s how each one has shaped my journey: SMPS—Society for Marketing Professional Services: Early in my career, SMPS was my gateway to the AEC industry + foundational marketing principles. It was here that I first dipped my toes into volunteer leadership, learning the ropes and building a network of like-minded professionals. APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals): APMP took my understanding of proposals to the next level. I dove deep into the intricacies of proposal management and had the incredible opportunity to lead boards, committees, and initiatives. In my final stages of involvement, I was lucky enough to lead the global board of directors as chair. I learned invaluable lessons in crisis management, fiscal responsibility, and peer leadership—skills that were crucial as I transitioned from early career stages and to my final years in corporate. Entrepreneurs' Organization: As I left the corporate world and ventured into entrepreneurship and started my own business, EO has become a vital resource. Learning from other successful business owners about entrepreneurship, navigating challenges, and seizing opportunities has been instrumental in my journey. EO has provided me with the support + insights needed to thrive as a business owner. These associations have not only expanded my knowledge and skills but also connected me with incredible people who’ve inspired and supported me along the way. 🙌 If you’re looking to grow in your career, I can’t recommend getting involved in professional associations enough. And keep in mind, there may be different associations for different stages of your career.

If you’re a veteran planning to retire in the next 5-12 months, you’ve probably heard it a hundred times: “You need to network.” And if you’re like most people, your first thought is probably, “What does that even mean?” Let me break it down: Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or connecting on LinkedIn. It’s about building real relationships—and one of the best ways to start is by joining professional organizations outside of the government. Here’s why this matters: ➖ These organizations can help you learn the language of the civilian workforce, expand your network, and expose you to opportunities you might not even know exist. ➖ They provide a space to build relationships with people who could eventually open doors for your next career. But here’s the most important part: You can’t just join and sit on the sidelines. If you want to eventually benefit from the connections and opportunities these groups offer, you need to show up and get involved. You need to participate in a meaningful way. Consider organizing one of the monthly event or put a panel together that brings experts from that field into the room. When you contribute, people notice—and they’ll remember you when opportunities arise. The relationships you build today could make all the difference when you’re ready to step into your next chapter. It’s never too early to start preparing for your transition. Show up. Participate. Give back. It’ll pay off in ways you can’t imagine. I talked about this today with Greta Spitz Densham and Brian Hoffman. What else can you both add to this topic?

And now my weekly update…this week: The Power of Professional Organizations & Volunteering Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how engaging in professional organizations and volunteer work can be a game-changer—not just for individual careers but for entire communities. When you actively participate, you gain: ✅ Stronger Networks – Connecting with like-minded professionals opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship. ✅ Continuous Learning – Industry groups and volunteer roles expose you to fresh ideas, best practices, and emerging trends that keep you ahead of the curve. ✅ Leadership Development – Serving on committees or leading initiatives sharpens your ability to manage projects, influence others, and drive meaningful change. ✅ A Deeper Sense of Purpose – Giving back to your industry or community is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces why we do what we do and helps us make an impact beyond our daily work. Whether it’s through SHRM, an industry-specific association, or a local nonprofit, stepping up and getting involved can be one of the best career moves you make.