It is truly a pleasure to be writing my final “Comments from the Chair” for a Flash which profiles my home committee – Development of the Law Under the National Labor Relations Act, affectionately known as “DLL.” As you can see from the committee profile and traditional labor track scheduled for the Section CLE Conference in Philadelphia, DLL is a vibrant committee which continues to be an essential part of the Section. Like many of you, attendance at a committee midwinter meeting was my first real introduction to the Section of Labor and Employment Law. I became active on DLL, speaking, writing, building friendships and having a good time. I did not know a lot about the rest of the Section, however, until I became involved in Annual Meeting programs and had partners who were active on other committees. The Council was a mystery to me. I confess that the one Council meeting I attended when I was Co-Chair of DLL was one of the most boring meetings of my ABA life.

I can’t say that the Council meetings have become scintillating under my Chairmanship, but I can say that we have tried to be more open, welcoming and transparent. On occasion, we have even discussed substantive matters which are interesting! I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the people I have had the honor to serve with on the Council over the past nine years. I know that all of them are ready and willing to talk with current and aspiring Section members about any of the issues we face, so feel free to contact them – their names and telephone numbers are on the Section website.

I leave you in the good hands of Jim LaVaute, your next Section Chair and I look forward to seeing many of you in Philadelphia in November for our inaugural Section CLE Conference.

Pat Slovak