CBA Record July-August 2020

Y O U N G L A W Y E R S J O U R N A L Young Lawyers Section Celebrates 50 Years with

First-Ever Virtual Meeting By Sally Daly, CBA Public Affairs Director N o one could have predicted that the 50-year anniversary celebration of the CBA’s Young Lawyers Section

would be a virtual experience, but given the circumstances, the YLS rang in 50 years with grace, style, and lots of humor. And even a signature cocktail for good measure. Recognized nationally as a top section for young lawyers, the YLS marked its rich 50-year history and welcomed its new slate of leaders for the 2020-21 bar year with its first-ever virtual Annual Meeting. The June 3 early-evening event, held on Facebook Live, celebrated the Section’s accomplish- ments during the 2019-20 bar year under the leadership of Chair Octavio Duran and introduced 2020-21 Chair Jeffrey Moskowitz. “Welcome to the first, and hopefully the last ever, virtual meeting for the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association,” said Duran, who opened the meeting with a casual welcome and a virtual tour of his work-at-home residence. Duran was followed by YLS Execu- tive Board Member Chastidy Burns, who demonstrated how to mix a gin martini signature cocktail for viewers to enjoy while they watched. Duran also presented three top awards for the section and then passed the gavel to Moskowitz, with strains of America the Beautiful playing in the background. “Our world has been turned upside down, and as a result we need community more than ever,” said Moskowitz. “This pandemic has been isolating, but the Chi- cago Bar Association is here to connect people. I am confident that we will rise to the occasion.” The theme for the YLS year will be “Together We Are Stronger,” and will feature quality, virtual programming with continuing legal education programs, socials and charity events, according to Moskowitz.

Octavio Duran, YLS Chair 2019-2020

Jeffrey Moskowitz, YLS Chair 2020-2021

“The CBA has always been a community that can and does effectuate change. Not only change that benefits the legal commu- nity, but change that benefits the community at large,” saidMoskowitz. “We will continue to be a beacon in the legal community.” The program also featured virtual remarks from more than 10 past YLS

Chairs, who commented on their service with the YLS and offered congratulations to Duran and Moskowitz. The final section of the program featured a good-natured roast of Duran and Moskowitz by YLS members and officers. Catch the program on Facebook Watch at www.facebook.com/chibaryls.

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