CBA Record

Lend A Hand: Remarks of Inauguration by then President Demetrio continued from page 17

Sit Down, Shut Up continued from page 14

J e s s i ca Faye rman , a s en i o r employment law attorney at The Prinz LawFirm, P.C., led theAlliance for Women’s March 24 lunch presentation “Sit Down and Shut Up: HowMindfulness CanMinimize Stress and Maximize Efficiency” I now meditate on a daily basis, work one-on-one with a Zen teacher, and practice periodically at a Zen monastery. Admittedly, I may have taken things a little overboard. However, we do not need to go to extremes to benefit frommeditation and mindfulness. As lawyers, virtually all of our profes- sional activities are both analytical (we’re trying to figure out the best way to help our clients, win the case, one-up oppos- ing counsel, etc.) and goal-oriented (we want to win the case, get the settlement, help make new law, etc.) Come to think of it, most of our personal activities are both analytical and goal-oriented as well. Since meditation is neither analytical nor goal-oriented, it’s probably one of the most counter-intuitive, radical, and refreshing things we could ever do. It completely turns our drive on its head. Since lawyers are notoriously driven people, dropping that drive for even a few moments can bring a tremendous sense of relief. Of course, even though we do not sit in meditation with any particular goal in mind, meditation has obvious benefits. Most people report feeling significantly relaxed after they first attempt meditation. There have been numerous scientific stud- ies detailing its positive effect on the brain. It helps with concentration, helps teach us about the inevitable nature of change, and helps us to see the insubstantial nature of our thoughts. Lawyers in the midst of a feud with opposing counsel could particu- larly benefit from this last one!

a partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP… Oliver A. Khan was named an associate at Arnstein & Lehr, LLP… Matthew L. Wil- lens has been admitted into the National Association of Distinguished Counsel… Sara A. Weinberg is a partner at Dins- more & Shohl LLP… Lauren A. Morris is a new associate at Horwood, Marcus & Berk, Chtd…. Julianne M. Hartzel has been named Chair of Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, LLP’s medical devices group… Like all youths, those living in the projects possess a tremendous pool of talent, intelligence, and commit- ment to hard work that will, with guidance, improve their community as well as their own individual lives. These youths, who live on the edge of survival, offer a unique and powerful perspective of life: a strength and courage required in the face of overwhelming adversity, and first-hand knowledge of the obstacles that minorities and the poor encounter in their quest for inclusion in the American dream. It is a perspective we cannot afford to ignore. Including it among the Murphys Law continued from page 24 limited opportunities available tomainstreamsociety. Most often, these targeted youths are living in public housing complexes that present constant challenges to their physical and emotional well-being. Mentor- ing programs link these children with adults who are positive, supportive role models. Many finementoring programs exist in Chicago. Some of the not-for-profit programs with which the CBA is considering affiliation include CYCLE (Community YouthCreative Learning Experience),theBoys andGirls Clubs of Chicago, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and CREW (Chicago Real Estate ExecutiveWomen). While each organization has a distinctly structured- program, their goal is singular: to meet the needs of children. There is need for career counseling, educa- tion, self-esteem enhancement, behavior modeling, and simple companionship. Activities include field trips to work places and popular downtown loca- tions, tutoring sessions, school presentations, and engaging in supportive conversation. The common characteristic of all these programs is the providing of constructive and regular contact with youths who are seeking to grow beyond the isolation and despair of their neighborhoods.

growing diversity of perspectives represented in our legal community can only enhance our own experi- ence as we strive to maintain a thriving city—while preparing it for the next century. Clearly, the CBA can be a source of light to the youths who are most vulnerable and most insecure about their future. Indeed, the legal community, which is itself symbolic of the rewards of hard work, responsi- bility, higher education, and a commitment to ideals, is uniquely qualified to mentor. It is within our power to help future generations by helping lead today’s disadvantaged youths. We must not let these young people continue to be demoralized and conquered by the negative forces of drugs and violence that surround them.While there are no guar- antees of success, we can make every attempt to be guiding beacons to the youngmen andwomenwhose own unique gifts have the potential of enriching our community and brightening the future of Chicago. Throughout our lives, each of us has received a helping hand from at least one person who really cared. My own list is endless. I invite you to join Abe Marovitz, Tony Valukas, Don Hubert—and many others—in giving our inner-city youth an opportunity to become the best they can be. These children need our help. I sincerely hope that you will lend them your hand— and your heart.

To find out more about how you can make a difference, go to lawyerslendahand.org.

Thomas L. Holt has been named a partner at Perkins Coie, LLP… Bradley M. Cos- grove has been elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates… William J. Cook has become a partner at Reed, Smith, LLP. Condolences Condolences to the Family and Friends of Richard T. Ryan, Elinor P. Swiger, Law- rence T. O’Brien, Patrick E. Mahoney, and Maureen T. McIntyre.

CBA RECORD 53