Page 5 - December 2019 Bar Journal

FROM THE PRESIDENT COLUMN

A STRANGE PATH

TO GRATITUDE

Ian N. Friedman

hope that each of you enjoyed the Thanksgiving stressful practices. As busy as she is, I saw • I also have the honor and privilege to serve
holiday with those most special to you. This Awatef go that extra mile for months to make with the most dynamic and caring group
month’s column was inspired from responses sure the wellness initiative was a success. She of professionals who make up the 2019–
to a jury questionnaire used in my most recent and others did so only to help improve the 2020 Board of Directors. They are: Matt
I murder trial. The question sought the feelings quality of life for so many of us that have a Besser, Tami Bolder, Awatef Assad, Jeff
of perspective jurors about lawyers in general. hard time leaving it at the office. Brauer, Colleen Cotter, Laura Creed, Kevin
Regularly using written questionnaires in trial, I • The CMBA’s New Lawyer Bootcamp just Donoughe, Dean Lee Fisher, Matt Gurbach,
was not surprised by some of the answers. Lack of welcomed its 5th annual class. Over three Tom Haren, Bruce Hennes, Jennifer
surprise, however, didn’t mean that the negative days, more than forty top legal professionals Himmelein, Magistrate Anne Walton Keller,
responses sat well with me. In fact, I am saddened presented on a wide array of subjects intended Gabe Kelly, Kira Kittoe-Krivash, Foundation
every time I hear critical opinions of lawyers that to help make our class of 50+ new lawyers President Pat Krebs, Dennis Medica, Jay
seem to be a general stereotype. smoothly transition from law school to Milano, Kathleen Nitschke, Sarah McFarlane
A few of the actual responses, including those practice. I am profoundly grateful for all the Polly, Immediate Past President Marlon
below, caused me to think about us as lawyers. practitioners who passionately and candidly Primes, Judge John Russo, Beth Ann Schenz,
• “I do not respect them” offered their best insights to our newest Neal Shapero, Khalida Sims and John Slagter.
• “They’ll do anything for money” generation of lawyers. The ripple effect of the I am fortunate to serve with each of them.
• “They are criminals” connections made and the tips given will be • Of course, an organization will run only as
Perhaps it is a strange way of getting there, felt for years to come. effectively as the inside team. To that point,
but alas, reflecting on these negative comments • I am also grateful the CMBA will continue great thanks go out to my partner this year,
brought my column to life. This is the profession to make a difference in northeast Ohio long CMBA CEO Becky McMahon, as well as the
I have loved from an early age. Contrary to after my year as President has ended. I have no entire CMBA Team. They show up each and
some jurors’ impressions, time and again, I have doubt about this as Joe Gross and Rose Fini every day ready to keep the organizational
witnessed lawyers sacrifice to make positive are on the horizon as our future Presidents. machine running smoothly. It is a joy to see
contributions to people, organizations and I couldn’t imagine two better officers as their them at the Bar as there could not be a more
communities in need. I am particularly grateful counsel to me has been invaluable. friendly and inviting group around.
for the many gifts I have received from the • We are also blessed that our CMBA members Again, it may be a strange way to get from
CMBA in just the short time that I have served continue to volunteer and to perform many juror criticism to gratitude, but that was my
as President. “behind the scenes” jobs that are essential to path. I only wish that the jurors could see what
So in the spirit of the season, I am sharing my help keep our Bar a model bar. For example, I am fortunate to see every day at the CMBA.
Bar gratitude list: Ann Caresani and John Kostelnik serve as If they did, there would be no more negative
• Every day since my induction, I’ve been our Association and Foundation Treasurers. responses.
fortunate to talk with many members who While not a role people think about often, their With a grateful heart, I thank every CMBA
want to introduce thoughtful and impactful detailed work ensures our financial houses member for making our profession one that
initiatives to the CMBA for one simple remain in order. Valissa Turner Howard, our is worthy of honor and pride. Have a great
reason: to help others. I don’t have enough Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, is holiday season!
space here to highlight everyone, so I offer another great example of a volunteer leader
one recent example. In November, thanks in action. Her efforts are critical to helping
to the unwavering commitment of Board the CMBA meet the needs of all lawyers and Ian Friedman is a partner at Friedman & Nemecek,
member Awatef Assad, we hosted a wellness the clients that we serve. One of the benefits L.L.C., which is a Cleveland-based criminal defense
initiative that featured renowned Dr. Michael of being President is getting to work with law firm. He is the current President of the CMBA.
Roizen from the Cleveland Clinic. He spoke creative and diligent colleagues like Ann, John He has been a CMBA member since 2002. He can
to us about living to 100 notwithstanding our and Valissa. be reached at (216) 928-7700 or inf@fanlegal.com.

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