CHAIR’S MESSAGE

 By Edward J. Sullivan

Edward J. Sullivan is Chair of the Section and a member of the Portland, Oregon, firm of Garvey Schubert Barer.

I n my initial column, I mentioned three Section initiatives for the 2006–07 year. The first initiative, to promote a Section as diverse as the nation we serve, was highlighted in that column and has been the subject of intense work. On page 5, you will see the fruit of that work in the Miami CLE program aimed at helping women and minority lawyers and those lawyers new to the profession. That program, co-sponsored by the Government Lawyers Division, illustrates the commitment of both entities to lend our collective experience and expertise to assist newer lawyers.

This column sets out an initiative not unrelated to the diversity initiative, which is to involve Section members, as much as possible and as much as those lawyers desire, to participate in the work of the Section. We are not a very large section, so the opportunity to work collegially is available, and the Section, through its Executive Committee and substantive committees, attempts to enrich the knowledge and skills of our members through meetings, their continuing education activities, and our Section publications.

Section committees are open to all members. I became involved in the work of the Section through assisting the Land Use Committee in an annual survey of the role of the comprehensive plan in land use regulation, an activity that morphed into an annual report, which is published annually by our flagship publication, The Urban Lawyer. Writing and presenting that report brought me into contact with knowledgeable Section members who expanded my horizons in state and local government law. And getting to know the “movers and shakers” in the area gives members confidence in practicing in this area.

The benefits of participation are not limited to the sharing of knowledge and experience. Members who participate meet their peers and potential mentors periodically through Section meetings. Whether those meetings take place with the larger ABA, as this past summer in Honolulu, or in conjunction with the Wisconsin Bar, as occurred in Madison in October, members have both a stimulating intellectual experience and a good time interacting with other members as well.

Membership also provides the opportunities of serving the profession and the legal community through leadership and scholarship. If you have the time and interest, the Section provides a comprehensive list of committees for members to express themselves. Whether your interest is condemnation, land use, environmental, government operations, or ethics, the Section has a committee to allow members to enhance their knowledge, express themselves, and provide service to the larger community. Similarly, the Section offers leadership responsibilities through its officers and Executive Committee to participate in advice and policymaking at the national, state, and local levels.

We invite members to correspond with us, to assist us in our publications work, and to join us at our meetings. The size of our Section and its focus on state and local government law allow members to realize their potential in these areas. When members make the effort, both they and the Section benefit.