Many say the first year of practice is the most stressful of any lawyer’s career. Those that have been there know years two through five aren’t much easier. Working to build a career and create a positive professional reputation in this big, small town becomes much less stressful when you realize you’re not the only one. Sharing experiences, gaining access to information, and learning the grass isn’t greener on the other side is the greatest benefit of stepping out of your comfort zone and utilizing young lawyer membership in the Indianapolis Bar.

This big town becomes small when you network. However, to network you have to be in the room. Think you’ll be the only person in the room that doesn’t know anyone? Hardly. Consider taking advantage of some of these special offerings for young lawyers, and see how quickly your network grows.

Bar Leader Series...The Indianapolis Bar Association’s fast-track Bar Leader Series can help you make the most of your innate talents and develop your leadership skills. Attend this program and you will learn what it means to be a leader and succeed not only in your law career but also in service to professional, political, judicial, civic and community organizations. Any Indianapolis Bar Association attorney member who will be in her or his 3rd to 10th year of practice is encouraged to apply.

Young Lawyers Division…IBA attorney members with less than five years of practice or under the age of 36 are eligible to participate in the Young Lawyers Division, which provides relevant continuing legal education opportunities, quarterly social gatherings, Go Green activities, and public service programs.

Lawyer Referral Service...the Indianapolis Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service is the most affordable practice development tool in the city. For only $175 Indianapolis Bar attorney members in their first three years of practice may add the Lawyer Referral Service to their membership and gain access to the over 18,000 referrals made by Bar staff each year to potential clients seeking an attorney.

Applied Professionalism Course... this is a six-hour course that the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education requires is offered twice a year by the Indianapolis Bar for attorneys in their first three years of practice. The course is held each spring and fall; registration is open for the Friday, October 29, 2010 full-day seminar at www.indybar.org.

Visit www.indybar.org or email Ashley Maxwell at amaxwell@indybar.org for more information!•