Page 6 - Pierce County Lawyer - September October 2024

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Membership is like joining a selected family, instead of being born into one.
6 PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER | September/Oc
BY CATHERINE CASE
Membership- Joining A Selected Family
When I was a law student, I remember attending a New
& Young Lawyers section meeting at the courthouse downtown.
A few judges spoke to the group and
gave advice that would be crucial to
my legal career. I was told how to dress appropriately for court hearings, how important it is to connect with a mentor, and they even explained Pierce County’s rules on bringing a motion. A lot of the information I walked away with was not really explained in law school. The most important thing explained to me was the importance of membership. Membership is like joining a selected family, instead of being born into one. For a membership fee (significantly lower than neighboring bar associations), I would have access
to events and some trainings with
other members whom I would one day consider more family than colleagues. I was not practicing at that time, so looking back, I can now see how that fact was completely true.
I have cherished memories from my externing at PCSC and for being present at events such as Love Stinks and the Guardianship CLE. I was just a law student but getting access to concepts of law that were not being taught to me in the academic world. Beyond that, I met colleagues who one day would be much more than just someone I interact with at court. Individuals who are Facebook or Instagram friends, with whom I share my life stories. Individuals who are excited to hang out with me at TPCBA’s Lincoln Day. Individuals that hug me or greet me with huge smiles when we see each other at the courthouse. Individuals who gather with me for pictures or making Reels/TikToks at TPCBA Bar Conventions. Individuals whom I can call when I am confused or if I need guidance. Individuals I call my friends, my valued mentors, and even my chosen family. I did not know that becoming a TPCBA member would bring me much more than cheaper rates for CLEs and
tober 2024