What Else Makes Me Happy?

Things like exploring new places, catching up with friends, etc. are a given.  Such memorable experiences always provide happiness if done with the right people. 

Let's look a little further though.  

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  When all is said and done, a person’s worth is only equal to the impact that he or she makes on this Earth.  Quality > Quantity.

There's no better way to impact our world in a positive way than community involvement.  As attorneys, we should have a greater responsibility to the community.  As of today, I focus my energy in a few different areas.  

Legal

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)

All professionals, and especially attorneys, have a duty to continually educate themselves about the updates in their respective fields.  ICLE is the organization within Michigan that provides the state's legal practitioners the tools they need to succeed in the field, and I am proud to contribute how I can.  

In addition to attending institutes as necessary and relevant to me, I have also had the honor to participate in two of ICLE's online legal seminars as well as its New Lawyers Advisory and Litigation Advisory Boards.  

State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section

I'm that person that gets geeked and excited about legal organizations.  So needless to say, I have much respect and love for the State Bar of Michigan.  Our State Bar provides many needed services to its members and the public, and I am proud to be an active member.

For the past several years, I held a seat with the Executive Council of the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar. I am currently the Chair-Elect of the Section.

Additionally, I have previously served served on the State Bar's Social Media & Website Committee, which provides advice and guidance on the State Bar's various online services.  

Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) New Lawyers Committee

I recently finished up my Chair year with the New Lawyers Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association.  This Committee strives to provide pertinent networking, educational, and volunteering opportunities to its members. 

In the past, as part of the OCBA as a whole, I have also previously contributed as a member of the LACHES editorial board.

Innovation

There are few things more exciting than being around people that have a certain excitement, passion, and positivity about how they're going to change the world.  It's beautiful.  It's contagious.  Time permitting, I like to see how I can get involved in our startup and technology scene.  

Detroit Startup Week

I've attended and participated in various events, but most of my energy and love went into into Detroit Startup Week in the past.  Detroit Startup Week was a week-long celebration of the area's startups, entrepreneurs, businesses, and trailblazers, which included various educational tracks, presentations, talks, networking events, and more.

I was part of the organizing team that made all the magic happen.  In 2017, I helped lead the technology track as co-captain.  In 2018, I provided my assistance to the marketing team.  

Global

I was never really athletic as a child.  I tried.  I joined volleyball.  I joined track.  I joined cross-country.  I would always rather be reading a book or figuring out how magnets interacted as opposed to attending practice though. 

At some point in my adult life, I felt a desire to start cycling.  

Hope Water Project

More importantly, however, when I realized I wanted to get into cycling, I learned about the Hope Water Project. 

The Hope Water Project is a collection of amazing people from all walks of life that get together and exert mental and physical energy for the benefit of our fellow mankind.  Last year, I participated in the Assenmacher event, and as part of my participation, I raised $560 and ended up riding 66 miles.  I wouldn't have been able to make it through, however, if it wasn't for my great cycling mates and the ultimate purpose: to provide clean water.

In 2018, my goal was to ride 100 miles, and I did it! Check out the 2018 fundraising page and associated posts. I ended up raising $1,125 with your help! In 2019, I participated by riding and volunteering for the Assenmacher event.