By Rena Upshaw-Frazier
The holidays and new year usher in exciting times in the legal profession. They offer an occasion to reflect on the year that has passed, time to enjoy our present moments, and the opportunity to look forward to new beginnings with the new year. They offer a much needed respite from the sometimes hectic whirlwind of being immersed in the legal profession. And although any time is a good time to make positive resolutions and implement changes in our lives, there is something about the uptick of a new year that compels us to want to be better versions of ourselves.
In reflection, I hope that the improved economy and real estate market of 2013 brought positive changes and growth opportunities for your legal practice. It has thus far been a superb time for the Hillsborough County Bar Association. The organization has continued to exemplify and relish its mission of providing professional networking events and luncheons, continuing legal education classes, and opportunities to have genuine fun for local legal professionals. We at the Lawyer magazine have enjoyed capturing, contributing to, and sharing those moments and the mission. We look forward to celebrating with you as we move into 2014.
We hope that you embrace the current holiday season and the endless opportunities to participate in pro bono activities and charitable events. Although we are all encouraged and would do well to give back to the community year-round, the holidays and new year bring with them a certain humanitarian spirit. And the community’s festivities and celebrations sometimes serve to emphasize the circumstances of those in need or less fortunate. Legal professionals possess unique skills and abilities that can serve to alleviate some of those circumstances. Please find time to brighten someone else’s holiday, as it will inevitably brighten yours as well.
Of course, legal practices and careers do not stop merely because the holidays and a new year are upon us! In fact, depending on the legal practice, some may be busier than ever during this season. Thank you to all of the HCBA section chairs for gratuitously taking time out of their holiday schedules to continue to provide up-to-date information on new laws and nuances in the legal profession and for contributing to, or finding contributors for, the educational articles included in this season’s publication. We hope that they expand your knowledge and enhance your career going into the new year.
Hopefully, your holiday season is not all work and no play. There are no shortage of celebrations and festivities, such as the HCBA’s Holiday Open House, and they provide a great opportunity to get to know your colleagues and fellow HCBA members. Take the time to celebrate all of your hard work over the past year. In the words of Lee Ann Womack, “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
Here’s to happy and restful holidays, a wonderful new year, and inspired new year’s resolutions. See you on the other side.
