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winter | federation flyer
www.thefederation.org
As we all know, the
vetting process for
admission to the
FDCC is rigorous
and thorough. As
a result, each of us
can be confident
that we belong here.
However, finding which of our 23
committees and 24 substantive
law sections is the best fit for your
talents can be a bit of a challenge.
As a new member, I struggled a bit
to understand this organization and
where I could add value.
Over time, I found my home
here, starting in the Admissions
Committee, working my way
through the Product Liability
section and eventually the Board
of Directors. When I look back on
the events that occurred and steps
taken along the way, it occurred
to me that my involvement in this
organization, the business referrals
I have received and the dear friends
I have made, are all the result of
a single action. I found a way to
say yes. Yes to opportunities as
they arose. Yes to taking steps to
welcome others. Yes to swallowing
my anxiety and fears and expanding
my circles and horizons. I
encourage you to do the same.
Say Yes to Speaking and
Writing Opportunities
Within the FDCC, we are
surrounded by some of the finest
legal minds in the country. Every
day, each of us encounter complex
legal challenges, novel issues in
civil litigation, and evolving trends
that have the potential to reshape
our field. But what good is our
knowledge, our insight, and our
experience if we don’t share it?
Our Substantive Law Sections
and the Projects and Objectives
Committee that oversees them
are the heart of our intellectual
property production. There are
multiple opportunities to write
scholarly articles, share cutting edge
ideas, celebrate successes and share
skills that help us all become even
better lawyers and people. If you’ve
never written for the FDCC, if it
has been a while, or you just have a
great idea, reach out to the section
chair of one of the substantive
law sections in which you have an
interest and volunteer. We will find
a way to get it published.
Similarly, our CLE is routinely in
the top tier of educational programs
supporting the legal community.
At our Winter and Annual Meetings
each substantive law section is
provided an opportunity to speak,
whether in the more intimate
section meetings, or on the larger
plenary stage. For topics that are
hot off the presses, get in touch with
our Membership Communications
Committee. We can get you an
audience via podcast or webinar
in short order. These are not just
professional milestones; they are
platforms that allow us to influence
the direction of legal practice. Take
advantage of these opportunities
– reach out to newer members you
know – they may have knowledge
Heidi Goebel
Finding Your Home In The FDCC By Finding A Way To Say Yes
By Heidi Goebel