Thanks Dad.

After almost 20 years of practicing law, 10 years of hard work on the BCBA Executive Committee, 10 years of crunching numbers on the MSBA Budget & Finance Committee, I think I am most prepared to serve as your new President because of the values, principals and integrity instilled in me by my father, Paul L. Schubert. I learned love of God, love of country (thank you to those who have served and are serving this great country for you to allow all of us to continue with our lives in freedom) and love of our fellow man.

Among the many lessons I have learned, one of the most valuable is "giving something back." After all, why are all of us really here? I was taught that when life was treating me well I'd best not dwell on my good fortune, rather, look around and see what I could do for others. More importantly, when life was not treating me so well, do something for someone else and soon my problems were rather small, the self-pity disappeared and I felt much better. It does work.

In keeping with the "giving something back" theme, our Bar Association will be sponsoring a charity for the entire year, not just for one event. The Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County needs our help and we will be having "drives" throughout the year for needed items and funds to assist the Center. We plan to have several of our committees give lectures on topics of interest to those in need. If any of you have items/funds to donate or have suggestions, please give me or Doris a call.

Another goal I have this year is involving our young lawyers in the Bar Association. But for my involvement in this Association, I would not have been able to "hang out my shingle" after only a few years of practice. Because I was an active member, served on numerous committees, attended social and educational events, I was comfortable with my peers and our judges and was not afraid to ask for advice, direction and suggestions. Not surprisingly, lawyers love to give advice. My involvement with the MSBA introduced me to practitioners and judges from other counties and I felt welcome among them as well. If any young attorney has aspirations of having their own practice, this Association is where you start. My career is proof of that statement.

I also encourage all attorneys to "have a life" outside of the law. Yes, I do run a 17 horse farm, ride horses, team-rope cattle, boat on the weekends, travel, collect antiques, read history books, play and watch all sports from Dallas Cowboys (oh no, T.O.), Mavericks (yes, I'm still in mourning), Nascar (Go Junior!), PBR (that's Professional Bull Riding for you yankees), etc. There is not much I have not tried (yes, I did ride a bull) and I think our lives can be a great adventure as long as we are still "giving something back."

In closing, please consider my term in office as one with an "open door policy." I want to hear from you with suggestions and comments. I am honored to serve as your President and look forward to a great year!