Page 27 - Pierce County Lawyer - July August 2024

NEW & YOUNG LAWYERS REPORT
BY MICHAEL MCNEIL
Networking Goldmine
Tfor Pierce County New and Young Lawyers
he quality of your legal career is fellow legal professionals from diverse heavily influenced by the quality practice areas and backgrounds.
of your relationships. “Who Whether it’s attending monthly
you know” often greatly aids in the meetings, participating in networking
pursuit of whatever your individual career goals happen to be. And while the value of networking is not novel or exclusive to the legal profession, it is perhaps more important now than it has ever been before, particularly for new and young lawyers.
In today’s fast paced legal environment, the significance of networking for lawyers cannot be underestimated, because building and nurturing professional relationships is essential for thriving in our legal landscape. For new and young lawyers, entering the profession can be both exhilarating and daunting.While academic qualifications and legal knowledge
are undoubtedly crucial, success often hinges on one’s ability to cultivate meaningful connections within the legal community. In an industry where reputation and relationships hold significant sway, networking becomes a vital tool for establishing credibility, gaining exposure, and unlocking opportunities for growth.
Navigating the intricacies of the legal profession requires a strategic approach to building and leveraging professional relationships. This is where getting involved with the Tacoma-Pierce County New and Young Lawyer’s Section (TPNYL) can make all the difference. TPNYL offers new and young lawyers a dedicated platform to expand their professional network and access invaluable resources tailored
to their needs. By joining TPCNYL, new legal professionals gain access to a vibrant community of peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can offer guidance, support, and opportunities for growth.
Through a variety of networking events and social gatherings, the TPNYL provides new lawyers with ample opportunities to connect with
events, or joining specialized committees, TPNYL offers a plethora of options for new lawyers to expand their network and forge meaningful connections within our legal community.
Moreover, TPNYL serves as a hub for professional development, offering resources and programming designed to help new lawyers enhance their skills, advance their careers, and stay abreast of emerging trends in the legal landscape. From workshops on legal practice management to CLEs on professional ethics and career development, TPNYL equips new lawyers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive legal market.
In addition to networking
and professional development opportunities, TPNYL also provides new lawyers with a platform to give back to their community and make a positive impact through pro bono work, volunteer initiatives, and advocacy efforts. By getting involved with TPNYL, new lawyers not only expand their network and enhance their skills but also contribute to the greater good and cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their legal careers.
For those looking to increase their networking and to get more involved in our legal community, you are cordially invited to attend TPNYL’s monthly meetings held the first Thursday
every month at 909 A Street Tacoma Washington, Suite 700. There you
will meet similarly situated new and young lawyers in Pierce County and will be provided with an opportunity to get involved with the various events TPNYL puts on each year. I hope to see you there.
From left to right: Trevor White (Davies Pearson), Nicholas Gillan (Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala), Patrick Brown (Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala), Brenna Quinlan (Balsam Quinlan), Michael McNeil (Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala), Neil Stubbs (Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel), Nichole Fisher (Lake Tapps Legal), Christopher Walsh (Poli, Moon & Zane)
Michael is a spirited
and resourceful attorney whose practice includes
a wide array of civil litigation, particularly cases representing current and former military members and their families in employment
(USERRA), complex personal injury, and military medical malpractice claims.
Prior to joining the firm, Michael was an active duty Combat Engineer (12B) in the US Army for almost nine years. After deploying to Iraq twice in 2006 and 2008, Michael medically retired from the military and began pursuing his education. He attended the Carson School of Business at Washington State University, graduating at the top of his class while competing on his school’s Sales Team at the National College Sales Competition where he placed 23rd out of 144 competitors.
After earning a business degree from Washington State University, Michael attended the University of Washington School of Law where he competed and won the University of Washington 1L Mock Trial Competition, and the University of Washington Steve Calandrillo Contract Negotiation Competition. He would go on to be a member of the school’s TYLA National Mock Trial Team, Moot Court Honor Board, and Technology Law Journal. Michael also served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Jill Johanson at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II.
In his free time, Michael enjoys going to his kids ball games, and spending time outdoors with his family.
July/August 2024 | PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER 27