by James T. O'Reilly

All I wanted for Christmas was ... a gift of time! The hectic year 1996 came to a close for administrative lawyers, at a pace that seemed extraordinary. The pace of change in our fields of agency practice has come to resemble the rapid pace of computer technology, transforming itself as constant external forces press us toward new directions. Our goal as overworked lawyers, pressed for time, should be to understand and facilitate change, rather than being overwhelmed and unable to cope. If we could only handle the needs for additional time, as well as we handle the newest technology applications, we will do fine.

Let's celebrate accomplishments of the year: excellent ideas and programs for the Section's CLE; startup of the Section home page and the Section-assisted State Law website (thanks to Bill Roush and Jim Rossi); successful transition of the "new" Administrative Law Review to American University's capable hands; the very lively debate about the Clinton Administration's effects on regulation at our October meeting; and new energy for publications from reinvigorated committees. These took time from many volunteers -- and I want to say, on behalf of thousands of members, "thank you."

It's timely for each of us in 1997 to put the benefits and rewards of Section membership in the context of overall needs: our publications save you time as an active practitioner, or inspire you as an academic, or challenge your ideas as a government lawyer. Please give something back to your profession, expending a little effort in a few hours to attend one of our CLEs or committee meetings, or write for our publications. You'll find this time will yield a great networking opportunity as well as some superb educational insights.

Last but not least, as winter becomes old, please block out some time for January 31 - Feb. 2 at San Antonio so you can participate in the lively Midwinter Meeting in warmer, more friendly climates. Our Section's Texans, Ahrens and Susman among others, want you to enjoy warm hospitality in the sunshine. Please take the time to join us there.

Friday there are programs on Federal environmental permitting for State practitioners; How to get environmental information on the Internet; Audit privileges and voluntary cleanups; Environmental and legal ethics; Permitting in the Edwards Aquifer; Takings Clause issues; and Resolving conflicts between Federal and State Regulation.