At bottom, the IndyBar is a member service organization. The IndyBar Board of Directors and staff spend considerable time trying to find ways to serve the membership, including by soliciting feedback. That is mission critical – and it should never change.

But as we near the end of the year, I want to turn the tables a bit and ask you to consider three ways that you could help the IndyBar. I hope (and believe) that these end-of-the-year “asks” are reasonable, even as we all appropriately focus on closing out various professional obligations and draw close to our families for the holidays.

First, please renew your IndyBar membership. If you haven’t already sent in the renewal form (or renewed online at www.IndyBar.org), then the notice is sitting on your desk or is in your briefcase. Please take a moment to renew your membership before the end of the year. We need you, and want to continue to serve you. And when you are reviewing your notice, pay special attention to the Section Plus CLE pilot program involving four of our substantive sections. In those sections in 2013, you can get a minimum of four one-hour CLEs built in to your section dues payment.

Second, please consider making a contribution to the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. Several weeks ago, I highlighted in this space the good works the IBF does for the IndyBar and for the legal community. There is simply a direct correlation between your contribution to the IBF and the number of people in our community that we can assist in pro bono, educational and other programs. I know, of course, that many charitable organizations are also making their year-end pushes as well – and there are many worthy causes. My ask on this score is as follows: if you’ve given to the IBF before, please consider making a contribution commensurate with your prior support; if you aren’t a regular IBF contributor, please give something. To donate online, visit http://www.indybar.org/about/bar-foundation.

Finally, I’ve mentioned a few times the work of our Lawyers Helping Lawyers Task Force. I am thrilled to announce that the first initiative of the Task Force will be launched in Feb. 2013. Initiative number one has been dubbed the Attorney Apprentice Program, an effort to provide skills training for lawyers. The kickoff begins with a program on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the IndyBar offices and is aimed at new or inexperienced lawyers and upcoming law school graduates. We anticipate the agenda to include sessions on networking, law practice management and an introduction to litigation. Subsequent offerings will include transactional, civil litigation and criminal practice tracks.

On a final note, let me say how much I’ve enjoyed being IndyBar President this year. In January, I remarked how much I love lawyers, because they help people. In meeting many new lawyers and delving more deeply into our profession this year, that view has only been reinforced. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Best wishes to Kerry Blomquist as she takes the gavel in 2013.

That’s it. No more asks from me for this year. Thanks for your membership and your support of the legal community. Have a wonderful and peaceful holiday season.•