Wow, it’s 2010! A new decade. Can you believe it? Truly amazing how time flies.

Speaking of time; the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Inc. (“MBAWNY”) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

That’s worth repeating, with emphasis – FORTY YEARS! I am privileged to serve as 2010 President of MBAWNY, and on behalf of our membership, honored to share that we are extremely proud of our longevity and dedicated to remaining an integral part of Western New York’s legal community.

This promises to be a busy and exciting year for us. We have a diverse and energetic Executive Board, made up of extraordinarily-talented attorneys who are committed to MBAWNY’s goals – which include, among others, protecting civil rights for all; enhancing legal services for minority communities; fostering and recognizing diversity in all areas of the legal community; providing scholarships, awards, mentoring, and education to students; providing educational and professional support to minority attorneys and legal professionals; encouraging community service; and providing a referral network for our members and the organizations and events they support.

To those ends, we will be updating and reconstructing this site to bring you more information about the services our members provide, the boards and legal committees on which they serve, the organizations and events they support, and the many newsworthy events regarding MBAWNY. Some new features will include enhanced practice-area profiles, periodic member spotlights, media-hit links, and an updated Forum/message board. Please be sure to frequent this site throughout the year as these and other changes are implemented.

We will also be presenting at least two CLE programs this year, including some ethics credit. Please be sure to check out our links to Upcoming Events.

If you haven’t already done so, please ask us about the Recruitment and Retention Task Force, and about how you can help with educational and mentoring activities. The Task Force is an ad hoc committee comprised of some of our members, as well as representatives from various stake-holder organizations throughout the Western New York community, including the University at Buffalo Law School and the Buffalo School District. The collaborative efforts of this group support a commitment to diversity through specific pipeline initiatives that focus on fulfilling children’s dreams to enter the legal profession. The Task Force aims to increase the number of minorities in the legal profession by reaching out to students early.

As this year’s President, and on behalf of the E-Board, I welcome and encourage you to attend our meetings, CLE programs, and Dinner Event, and also to participate on one of our many committees.

Thank you for visiting us. With your help and support, we will make our 40th year a prosperous one.

Sincerely,

Sheldon K. Smith, President