I heard a person once criticize attorneys in rural Utah, claiming we are all “buddies” and in the practice only to make money together.  I smiled and disagreed, offering a different perspective.  “Attorneys are like friends who play basketball against each other.”  They may get along well, but once the sneakers come on, those relationships take a back seat to doing whatever it takes to get the best outcome for their team.  Elbows fly. Trash gets talked.  And, after the dust settles, they’re friends again - until the next game.
            So it is with us. Where the bar is small and we work together so often, maintaining solid relationships with both client and fellow counsel is vital.  This is really part of the Utah State Bar’s purpose.  I am running for bar commissioner for the 5th Division with the following goals in mind.

• Creating a forum in which the rules and laws are clear and fair.

The bar plays an integral role in working with the legislature, appellate courts and rules committees to ensure that the statutes and cases we rely on in counseling clients are clear, consistent, and constitutional.  Bar commissioners can be effective in working within those relationships to ensure that laws are passed and rules created in such a way that we can provide meaningful service to the public at large.

• To provide attorneys with every possible resource to zealously represent their clients.

The bar commission should also help attorneys develop their expertise, by working with the various bar sections and committees to ensure that we continue to have top-notch legal education opportunities, to all bar members statewide.   It also includes continuing to create incentives for attorneys to have malpractice insurance and provide resources so they better understand ethics pitfalls.

• To create an atmosphere that allows attorneys to work together to solve common problems, enjoy their practices, and make a living doing so.

The bar commission is a central sounding board where our common successes and failures can be shared and problems resolved.   As bar commissioner, it will be my priority to engage members of 5th Division to ensure that their individual needs are met. 

• Work to ensure that the public (our spectators) better understand the dynamics of our relationship with each other and with them.

Since the beginning of time, public relations are a never-ending task for lawyers. The bar commission should be a driving force behind ensuring that the public has an accurate view of who we are and the service we provide to our communities.  This includes promoting service projects, pro bono opportunities, public relations campaigns, and self-policing.
Conclusion
I love practicing here in Utah and am excited for the future and its possibilities.  Feel free to contact me at mleavitt@djplaw.com or view my resume at www.djplaw.com.

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