Giving Generously
by V. Lowry Snow
Bar meetings in Salt Lake City usually begin with a 4:30 AM alarm. My wife has become more accepting of my predawn rustling and rushing to shower and dress before heading out the door to catch the early commuter flight to Salt Lake City. Typically, I use the flight time in review of contracts, pleadings or correspondence – the things that I try to keep up with in a busy practice while still devoting a good measure of time to the fulfillment of my presidential duties. Instead this morning, I’m reflecting on the events of the past year and trying to identify what it is about this experience that has been so rewarding.
The answer lies not so much in my own service, but much more so in appreciating and observing at this level the dedication of so many in our profession who give generously of time and substance to preserve, improve, and promote our legal system. Bar members have logged thousands of volunteer hours by serving in positions of Bar leadership, as members of Bar committees and sections, and in many valuable lawyer organizations outside the umbrella of the organized Bar, including regional and specialty Bars and Associations. These are all made up of volunteers making important contributions to the quality of our profession. Bar operations, including core functions such as admissions, could not continue without dedicated volunteers. Additionally, lawyers donate many hours of service on Supreme Court Committees, Judicial Committees and Legislative committees, all directed and dedicated to the betterment of our system. Volunteer programs and initiatives sponsored by lawyers and paralegals across the state have had an immediate and direct impact in improving the lives of those in need. Pro bono projects, Wills for Heroes, Tuesday Night Bar projects from Logan to St. George, Professional Clothing Drive, Food Drives, Big Brothers and Sisters, and many more programs have improved the lives of many of our citizens. Outside of the mainstream of recognized Bar service, I am aware that lawyers volunteer in other capacities by serving on state boards and commissions, county, city and town boards and commissions, and countless other non-profit organizations and service clubs. Finally, I am mindful of the hundreds of thousands of dollars donated each year by lawyers to such worthy causes as “and Justice for all” to help fund the unmet need of those in our state unable to afford basic legal services.
My service has provided me the perspective of seeing on a much broader scale than I had previously contemplated the length and breadth of the generosity of those in our profession. This isn’t to say that there is not more service required and more dollars that are needed, but all who have given so much should be recognized and appreciated. Winston Churchill reminds us that, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Thank you for allowing me to serve you and to stand at a place for a time where I have been able to see the good that you do. I encourage those who are so engaged to remain so. To others who have not yet taken the opportunity, I would encourage you to find your avenue of service. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with you and for you. I will always look back on this time in my career as one of the most significant and meaningful, and this is due in large part to those I have worked with. The profession of law is rewarding and honorable, and I am pleased and proud to be part of it.