Posted by Posted Authored by Sally Daly, CBA Director of Public Affairs
No one could have predicted that the 50-year anniversary celebration of the CBA’s Young Lawyers Section would be a virtual experience, but given the circumstances, the YLS rang in 50 years with grace, style, and lots of humor. And even a signature cocktail for good measure.
Recognized nationally as a top young lawyers’ section, the YLS did not disappoint in marking its rich 50-year history and welcoming its new slate of leaders for the 2020-21 bar year with its first ever virtual Annual Meeting. The early evening event, held on Facebook Live, celebrated the Section’s accomplishments during the 2019-20 bar year under the leadership of Chair Octavio Duran, and introduced the 2020-21 YLS Chair Jeffrey Moskowitz.
“Well hello there everybody how you doing? Welcome to the first, and hopefully the last ever, virtual meeting for the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association,” said Duran, who opened up the meeting with a casual welcome and a virtual tour of his work-at-home residence.
Duran quickly passed the show to YLS Executive Board Member Chastidy Burns, who gave a demonstration on how to mix a gin martini signature cocktail for viewers to enjoy while they watched. Duran also presented three top awards for the section and then passed the gavel to Moskowitz, with strains of America the Beautiful playing in the background.
“Our world has been turned upside down and as a result we need community more than ever,” said Moskowitz. “This pandemic has been isolating, but the Chicago Bar Association is here to connect people. I am confident that we will rise to the occasion.”
The theme for the YLS year will be “Together We Are Stronger,” and will feature quality, virtual programming with continuing legal education programs, socials and charity events, according to Moskowitz.
“The CBA has always been a community that can and does effectuate change. Not only change that benefits the legal community, but change that benefits the community at large,” said Moskowitz. “We will continue to be a beacon in the legal community.”
The program also featured virtual remarks from more than 10 past YLS Chairs, who commented on their service with the YLS and offered congratulations to Duran and Moskowitz. The final section of the program featured a good-natured roast of Duran and Moskowitz by members and officers of the YLS.
We encourage to view the meeting at the link above!