Page 9 - November December CBA Report

Board
Seats
Aren’t Just for
Senior Partners:
A Guide for Young Lawyers to
Make a Difference
By Cecelia Tio
You’ve survived law school, passed the bar, learned how
to redline a document without crying, and maybe even
mastered the art of not hitting “Reply All.” Congratula-
tions, you’re officially a young lawyer.
Now that you have the hard part down, and you’re well on
your way to mastering the legal world, it’s time to think about how
you’re going to use that legal license outside of the courtroom or
office. If you’re anything like me, you’ve already been thinking
about how you can use your new legal mind to help better your
community and make an impact. Our community needs your
sharp legal brain, your energy, and your surprising knack for
Robert’s Rules of Order.
Let’s combine your passion for the law with your enthusiasm
for community engagement! It’s time to talk about nonprofit
board service: why it matters, how to get started, and how you
can make an impact before you’re a senior partner with a library
of cufflinks.
Why You? Why Now?
Let’s start with a quick objection you might be thinking:
“But, I’m just a few years into practice. Aren’t boards for
people with decades of experience, massive networks, and...
tons of cold, hard cash?”
Overruled.
Nonprofits need more than just deep pockets. They need fresh
perspectives, strategic thinkers, community-minded profes-
sionals, and people who can spot legal landmines in a fundraising
contract from 50 yards away.
Your value isn’t about years in the game. It’s about what you
bring to the table:
•
Legal skills (contract review, governance, compliance)
•
An eye for risk
•
Professionalism and critical thinking
•
Enthusiasm that hasn’t been dulled by too many years of
“we’ve always done it this way”
Getting Started:
You Don’t Need an Invite, Just Training
The hardest part about getting on a non-profit board can be
knowing who to contact, what resources are available to you, and
how to find a board you’re passionate about. Many folks are under
the impression you need to be invited to serve on a board, and
that is not the case. In fact, there are many boards in Cincin-
nati looking for a bright, young mind just like yours! My journey
started with ArtsWave. Since joining law school, I knew I wanted
to find my way back to the arts. The arts are what I am passionate
about. My father is an artist and has his own printmaking
studio called Hare of the Dog Press. I knew from him — sorry,
Dad — that artists were great at art; paperwork, not so much.
To get started with my board dreams, I knew I needed training.
Through an online search I stumbled upon board training
through ArtsWave. It has an incredible program called Boardway
Bound that teaches young professionals (like you gentle reader),
how to be a valuable board member. During my training, I joined
five boards and might have gotten a little too involved. But those
who know me, know that that’s just my speed. (Sam Berten and
Brianna Vollman, if you’re reading this, I know you were zero
percent shocked.) While not everyone has time or can afford
training, there are many fantastic resources in Cincinnati to help
you get started.
THE REPORT | November/December 2025 | CincyBar.org 9