Welcome to the New Lawyers Section (NLS) Liaisons Page!

What is a NLS Liaison?

Article IX of the NLS Bylaws provides that NLS "shall actively seek a liaison with each committee and other section within the Association [MSBA], and shall ask that any such liaison participate on the executive or other governing board or in the highest representative or deliberative assembly of that committee or section."

What this means is that NLS nominates, then appoints Liaisons to all the various other committees and sections in the bar association, and asks those committees and sections to make the NLS Liaison part of the leadership of the committee or section.

What are the benefits of being an NLS Liaison?

There are several benefits to being a Liaison. Among the benefits:

• You get involved in the New Lawyers Section and another section or committee of the bar association.
• You provide updates or reports to your fellow new lawyers as to the developments in your section or committee, making you look like someone "in the know."
• You are involved in the leadership of another section or committee, leading the direction of that committee.
• You have a better opportunity to network with other leading practitioners and active bar members.
• It is a relatively painless way to show senior partners you are marketing yourself.

What are the time commitment and responsibilites of being an NLS Liaison?

Time commitment is zero to four hours per month, on average.

The NLS Liaison will be expected to stay abreast of developments of the other section or committee and attend meetings of the other section or committee, then provide updates to the NLS, by attending NLS business meetings monthly or providing email reports to the NLS chair.

Many times, the Liaison will have no news on the section for which he is a Liaison, so there will be no section meeting to attend, and if the Liaison cannot attend the NLS business meeting, the report will simply be an email to the NLS Chair, stating, "No report."

How long is my term as an NLS Liaison?

From September through June.

Visit the MSBA's online directory for current listings.

Acting as a liaison between the New Lawyers Section and other MSBA sections is a great way to get involved, learn and network. If you're interested in becoming a liaison, contact Sam Edmunds at SEdmunds@ck-law.com.

2011-12 Section Liaison Positions