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President’s Reports
A Future Worth Building
Leadership, Civility, and the Next Generation of Lawyers
by Marc H. Harwell
The Challenge of
Generational Engagement
Millennials and Gen Z lawyers
are reshaping the workplace
and the profession. They bring
innovation, technological fluency,
and a commitment to balance and
purpose. But too often, they hesitate
to join professional organizations
like ours. For many, the traditional
model of dues, meetings, and
formal networking feels outdated.
They seek immediate value,
authentic connection, and clear
evidence that participation will
make their lives and careers
stronger.
This generational shift is not a sign
of decline—it is a call to adapt. If we
want our FDCC to thrive, we must
demonstrate that membership
is not an obligation but an
opportunity: a way to accelerate
professional growth, expand
networks, and find community
in a demanding profession. We
must also speak their language—
integrating technology, offering
flexible engagement, and ensuring
that service in our organization
aligns with the values of purpose,
diversity, and impact that resonate
so deeply with the next generation.
The Climate of Incivility
At the same time, we face a
broader cultural challenge. In
courtrooms, in negotiations, and
even within professional circles,
too many interactions are marked
by incivility, personal attacks, and
a lack of respect. What once might
have been spirited advocacy has
We stand at a
crossroads in the
legal profession. Our
FDCC members—
lawyers and industry
leaders dedicate their
Marc H. Harwell
lives to representing
and guiding businesses in civil
litigation and otherwise—and
carry not only the responsibility
of zealous advocacy and
guidance, but also the mantle of
leadership in their communities.
We are professionals of integrity,
committed to justice, fairness, and
service. Yet as we look toward the
future, we must also acknowledge
two pressing concerns: (1) the
difficulty of attracting and retaining
younger lawyers in professional
organizations and (2) the corrosive
climate of incivility that has crept
into our legal and civic discourse.
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