Whew.  A past-President told me that this would be the shortest year of my tenure on the Executive Council. Actually, more appropriate is the sentiment expressed by a former president of the State Bar, who declared that the best title in the association was “Immediate Past President.”   On the one hand looking back over the year I wish I had more time to have some “do-overs;” on the other hand Dominick Garcia will be more than capable of avoiding my mis-steps.

If I had it to do over again, I would spend more time with my committee chairs.  This association depends so much upon committees and their chairs for its success.   I am sure that my fellow members of the Executive Council would agree that the committees really carry this association.   Really wonderful events like Law Day don’t just happen by chance.  Their success depends so much upon the hard work of the chairs and committees responsible for the events.  The good will and favorable publicity generated by such events is invaluable to the continued success of the organization, and I am so very grateful to all of the committees and chairmen who worked so hard this past year for the success of the Association.   We had some really good events and programs due to their hard work.

I also am very grateful to our professional staff.  Heather Martin left in January, but she did a wonderful job in setting up sponsors, publishing The Advocate, and working with committees and computerizing the office. Doris Barnes has been here only 4 months and has worked exceedingly hard to get on top of the myriad of issues that are generated by an Association of this size.   I am amazed and very pleased that she has settled in so quickly.   She has taken over publishing The Advocate, and I am sure that no one can even tell.  Of course, the office would not be the same without Carole Otte, who is the consummate professional. Dominick already has settled in working with them, and I am sure that his year will be very successful.

Hopefully, you all have had a wonderful year in the practice of law.  I hope also that you have found your membership in this Association to be rewarding.   If there is something we can do to make your membership more worthwhile, please let us know. Without you there is no Association.   I can not tell you how much the honor of being your Association’s President has meant to me.  Thank you all so very much.   Please come to the annual meeting on June 30 for Dominick’s investiture.   “Immediate Past President.”  Has a nice sound to it don’t you think?