The fact that relationships matter isn’t a controversial concept. Yet, in my experience, many attorneys walk right past cultivating relationships in the legal community, either because they believe they don’t have time outside of their workload and personal obligations or because they don’t see the utility in fostering relationships. In my experience though, relationships are essential and make the legal world go round. 
As mentioned in the article on page 5, my start in the Cincinnati legal community was made possible through a series of relationships.  
If it wasn’t for my sister babysitting for a local attorney, the connection that I then formed with a different partner at the same firm, and that partner’s willingness to introduce me to others in the Cincinnati legal community, I wouldn’t have been afforded the opportunities I’ve had in my legal career so far. In other words, I am a textbook example of relationships opening doors that would otherwise be closed. 
I write this message as I am on a flight back to Cincinnati after participating in an all-day mediation in Miami. I was invited to attend the mediation on behalf of my client in a consolidated class action case because I’ve created strong relationships with the attorneys who were appointed as co-lead counsel (despite the fact that those attorneys hail from Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Ft. Lauderdale). But for the relationships with those counsel, there would be no ability to prioritize my client’s interests in the case, no invite to Miami to participate in the mediation, and no other opportunities for my firm to make a meaningful contribution in the case. 
Strong relationships within the Cincinnati legal community and the legal community beyond have helped bolster the interests of my client, myself, and my firm.  My goal in having the honor of serving as president of the CBA is to encourage everyone to lean into cultivating relationships in the Cincinnati legal community over the next year and beyond. I have no doubt your legal practice will benefit from it and so will your clients. 
The CBA offers many opportunities for local attorneys to develop relationships within the Cincinnati legal community, including several practice groups, interest groups, and professional development groups that meet periodically to discuss current issues and developments in the named field of practice, as well as countless social events. I hope that all members take advantage of the many opportunities the CBA makes available to build meaningful relationships.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next year.