LLA Member Attends YLD Summit
Every year, the Lycoming Law Association has the opportunity to send one of its members to the Young Lawyer's Division summit. This year Adrian Lee, Judge Carlucci's clerk, was tapped to attend the summit. Here is his report:
Bringing lawyers across Pennsylvania together, giving people an opportunity to hear perspectives from colleagues working in various areas of practice, and allowing everyone to learn-together-about the future of the legal profession, such as the impact of artificial intelligence, the Pennsylvania Bar Association ("PBA") has succeeded once again in not only cultivating a community of excellent lawyers prepared to confront the ever-changing legal landscape of tomorrow but also inculcating a sense of togetherness in the profession. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend this year's PBA Young Lawyers Division ("YLD") summer summit ("Summit") on behalf of the Lycoming Law Association.
The Summit began on the evening of Wednesday, July 17th, at the Camelback Resort in Tannersville, PA. During the social hour, I interacted with a variety of attendees-both familiar faces and new professionals in the field. During both the social hour and the dinner afterward, I had the good fortune to hear from my colleagues-in both public and private practice-about their work as civil litigators, public defenders, and prosecutors. I particularly enjoyed my conversation about the changes in the Pennsylvania Guardianship statute and the potential effects of those changes in Orphan's Court. Wednesday evening was productive (and fun, too), given that a variety of carnival games were set up in the conference hall.
Thursday morning began early for many of us. At 7 a.m., the first Continuing Legal Education ("CLE") session focused on Yoga and Mindfulness. Our instructor shared the latest research on how high stress and anxiety negatively impact lawyers and our work, the science of mindfulness, and the benefits of incorporating mindfulness exercises into daily life. The instructor also guided us through mindfulness exercises that we can do while seated or standing. Our next CLE session was on artificial intelligence ("AI"). The presenters provided context on AI technologies like "ChatGPT" and how they are changing the world and our profession. For those concerned about AI replacing lawyers, fret not. According to the presenters, what is more likely to happen is that lawyers who know how to use AI will likely replace those who do not. At the YLD business meeting, each zone gave introductions and reports on events held by their respective zones. The meeting was efficient, and it was a wonderful opportunity (as a first-time observer) to see how these meetings were conducted. Our morning concluded with a CLE session on work and family balance, where the presenters provided invaluable wisdom on how new/newer members of the legal profession can manage their professional lives while caring for their families.
Thursday afternoon began with two simultaneous CLE sessions, so we had to choose which to attend. I chose the Project LITIGATE session, which discussed the initiative on training the next generation of trial attorneys. The panel and moderator provided a brief background on how Project LITIGATE started, its current status, ways for courts and current litigators to participate, and opportunities for lawyers to acquire trial work experience. The panel noted that excellent ways to gain trial experience include clerking for a trial judge, working for a public defender's or prosecutor's office, and/or taking on pro bono work. After the conclusion of Thursday afternoon's CLEs, we were given the rest of the afternoon to explore the resort. During this time, I went hiking with another lawyer I met at the Summit and later explored the indoor waterpark. Being a fan of games, I naturally spent the rest of the afternoon at the arcade. The day concluded with a dinner and DJ at the Summit House, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding Pocono Mountains.
On our last day of the Summit, I attended two CLE sessions before my departure. The first session was on the Pitfalls of Social Media, where the presenter discussed ways for lawyers to ethically handle both positive and negative online reviews. As pointed out during the presentation, even though we might disagree with the online statements, claims, and characterizations made by others about us and our work, there are ethical and professional considerations to contemplate before responding.
A panel of judges spoke at the final CLE session of the day, sharing invaluable wisdom and insight regarding the legal profession in Pennsylvania. The panel emphasized the importance of knowing and following the local rules of the court(s) in which one practices, as well as the importance of finding mentors in one's legal career (e.g., by clerking for a judge). I could not agree more, especially on the topic of mentorship.
Throughout my education and work, I have had the privilege of interacting with the brightest and most brilliant lawyers and scholars in our profession. For those lawyers and scholars who have mentored me, I am forever grateful. As noted in many sessions throughout this Summit, a judicial clerkship is an invaluable opportunity. On that note, I am fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to clerk for Judge William Carlucci, who is not only a brilliant jurist but also an extraordinary mentor.
Once again, I thank the Lycoming Law Association for the opportunity to attend this year's Summit.
