Editor's Column

By:  Ryan E. Scharar

December marks another year in the history books and the beginning of a fresh year ahead. I just returned from a work trip to Malawi in sub-Saharan Africa, exhausted and trying to adjust to the time change. Each year seems to go by faster than the last, and life only gets more challenging. As work and family demands rise, I seem to have less and less time for anything else, including community involvement. This isn’t a unique complaint; everyone has the same 24 hours in a day filled with work, family, and any other activities we can squeeze in.

As the new year approaches I contemplate 2016 and everything I want to see happen during the next year. I would like to see my firm continue to grow, be the best husband and father I can be, spend time with my family and friends, and continue to volunteer in the community. In reality, we’ll see how these goals pan out through emergency deadlines, working with clients on their various legal and tax matters, serving on various boards and committees, and the continued adventures being the father of two boys. During this holiday season, I also want to remember to stop and enjoy the time I have with friends and family as someone other than an attorney.

This issue of eNews highlights great examples of young attorneys involved in their community despite the competing interests in their lives. This month features a call to all attorneys to fulfill TYLA’s mission for the legal profession to serve the public. Sara Giddings’s and Andrea Palmer’s articles highlight the importance of involvement in projects within the legal community as well as the community at large. Bethany Peterson gives new practitioners professional tips for when they decide to hang their own shingle in pursuit of new professional goals. Each article illustrates a facet of an attorney from personal development to professional competency.

As we end 2015, hopefully we all remember to continue striving for the goals we set this holiday season, but still remember to enjoy the family and friends that surround us. Make time to give back to the community, but make sure to say no when needed. Make sure to make time for family, friends, and serving community because the office will always be there, waiting with plenty of work for you. Last but not least, be thankful for what you have and strive to make the world a better place through one small good deed at a time.

I hope you enjoy this edition of TYLA’s eNews. Have a wonderful holiday season!