PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By RANDALL O. SORRELS Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Matthews & Friend

Run, Baby, Run

The Houston Bar Associa-tion has eight directors and five officers; each is elected. The directors serve two year terms and the terms are staggered. In our last election, there were nine positions that could have been contested but there was only one contested race. That race was contested by two members who were already sitting on the Board. The year before, there were no contested races. Simply put, more contested races would be better for our profession and I recommend you consider running for the HBA board.
First, let me say that this recommendation is not intended as a criticism of the current board of directors. The current board of directors represents an excellent mix of diversity, talents, practice backgrounds, and law firm size. Each board member gives unselfishly of his or her time and serves our profession with dignity and distinction. Additionally, each board member financially supports various activities – more than anyone could imagine. Their hard work and dedication are what makes this bar one of the best in the nation. I enjoy working with each of them and would not want to lose any of them as board members.
However, our bar would be better served if there was more participation in the HBA election process. I first ran in 1997 and was defeated by Roland Garcia – who later became an HBA president. Roland had been president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and had an established, well known presence in our legal community. Although disappointed with the defeat, I was determined to run again. In fact, Roland provided a great deal of assistance and direction in my next campaign – the following year. We remain good friends today. In the 1998 campaign, I had two opponents and was able to prevail. I feel that losing the race in 1997 allowed me to not only win the race (obviously) in 1998 but gave me a greater appreciation for the membership of the HBA. The motto “there is no shame in losing; the only shame is in not trying” is true here.
Why would you want to be on the Board of Directors of the Houston Bar Association? Here are some reasons:

1. You gain valuable insight and experience into the practice of law and the management of an organized association.
2. You work with incredibly talented individuals who are not part of your law firm or law practice.
3. You appreciate how many different points of view that smart, talented and dedicated lawyers can have on a variety of subjects.
4. You provide a service to our profession by your involvement in the professional education,
professional service, and governance of our local bar.
5. You provide a service to the community that no other profession can provide.
6. You gain civic pride by improving the area in which we live.
7. You meet hundreds, if not thousands of lawyers, and you have dozens of networking opportunities.

There is one big misconception about the bar and that is that the HBA is controlled by the large firms. This perception has recently been proven to be untrue. A statistical and demographical analysis was done of the last election of the HBA Board of Directors, and the large firms’ votes accounted for only 17 percent of the voter turnout. Firms with less than five attorneys and solo practitioners accounted for 51 percent of the voter turnout, demonstrating that those who are not practicing in large firms can and do make a difference.
When I won the 1998 race, the plaintiffs’ bar came out in record numbers to support me and to help me prevail against two worthy opponents. I am proud to say that the plaintiffs’ bar has continued to support me and I am now the first plaintiffs’ lawyer to be president of the HBA in 30 years. Thank you to my fellow trial lawyers. I will forever be indebted. My practice area made a difference and so can yours.
In order to run, you need a petition from the Houston Bar Association’s office. Call Kay Sim, our Executive Director, and ask her for a petition for the position of interest. She will explain to you the positions that are open and will forward you a description of the expectations and responsibilities of each director that includes the anticipated time and financial commitments. To do a good job, the obligations are considerable. However, the rewards you receive in return will far outweigh the commitments you make.
After obtaining the necessary number of signatures, I recommend getting out and meeting the people you hope to serve. That means visiting some or all of the HBA’s 27 sections. That also means getting involved in some of the 38 committees that provide professional development, community service and education. When you get out and meet the people of the bar, I assure you it will make you a better person and a better lawyer.
Finally, the deadline to file petitions for a position on the 2006-2007 HBA board is February 24th. Win or lose, it is an experience you will not forget and will not regret, but you have to run to win. And sometimes, as in my case, you have to lose to win.
If you are willing to commit the time, effort and money, set aside your hesitation and fears, and consider running for a position on the Houston Bar Associa-tion’s Board of Directors. Both you and our professional will be better off for your efforts.

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