COAJ

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve as President of this organization. I first joined COAJ while in law school thinking this group would be a good way to network. That turned out to be truer than I realized at the time. Through my membership with COAJ, I have met so many incredible practitioners in so many different practice areas. Through COAJ, I have found a community of lawyers whose interest in equity and access to justice cannot be rivaled.

I want to thank Pete Friedmann for his leadership during the last membership year. Having spent several years as a committee chair and in various roles on the Board of Directors, I know the time and energy that goes into this group. I know Pete and all our past presidents have done a fantastic job of carrying that mantle. I am grateful for your collective confidence in me as I take over the Presidency and shepherd us through another round of events, speeches, lunches, and planning. I hope I can do justice to their commitment to our organization.

During this upcoming year, I want to continue to focus on our outreach and fostering relationships within the community. My first priority is our relationships with the bench and its staff. In our efforts on behalf of our clients, our relationships with the bench are incredibly important. This past year we had some great events, including our first Staff Attorney Panel Discussion. We intend to host another Panel Discussion on October 8, 2024. In addition, the Judicial Reception is always my favorite event; this year, it will take place on September 10, 2024.

We are also going to continue our outreach to law students and young lawyers. This organization made such an impression on me as a law student and young lawyer; so many of our members were friendly, approachable, and served as mentors to me. I know if we continue to invest in one another, we can see our profession maintain its collegiality, professionalism, and integrity.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, I encourage you to reach out to me or any other member of the Board of Directors to share. As members, you are the most important resource in our group. Your continued support and participation are essential to the success of COAJ!

– Chelsea Long, Esq.