President's Message: A "Call to Action" to all Members

by John G. Farnan, NLA President

The Bible's book of Ecclesiastes reminds us of these ancient truths: “To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to reap….A time to build up and a time to weep; a time to mourn and a time to laugh.…”

Ruminating about the passing of NLA's founder, Mario Mandina, in January--and the future of the NLA--brings those biblical words of wisdom to mind. As many of you know, Mario was the heart, soul and face of NLA for the last 17 years or so. Many of the NLA's activities and ventures slowed down during the last year as Mario and his wife Kathleen (also NLA's administrator) wrestled with his sudden and debilitating illness.

Although our mourning over the loss of our friend Mario still lingers, it is time to get up off the mat, to beginning planting and planning for NLA's future, and to build up NLA so that its legacy continues--not in spite of Mario's death, but rather because of his life and dedication to NLA and its founding principles.

I remember first meeting Mario and six other lawyers over 17 years ago in St. Louis. We came together to discuss what we could do in response to the American Bar Association's decision to depart from its position of neutrality on abortion, and to adopt an official organizational position favoring and championing abortion rights.

That meeting resulted in the founding of NLA. NLA is an organization to which I have been proud to belong and to serve. Over the years I have met many highly skilled lawyers, from around the country, at various NLA conferences. They have always made me feel at home, and as if I were amongst friends. I have referred cases to NLA lawyers and received referrals in return. We have always started and ended our board meetings with a prayer.

Now, in these dire and uncertain economic times when many of our leaders seem to want us to march this great Republic away from its founding principles, the NLA is needed more than ever.

What other bar association acknowledges and promotes the transcendent truths set forth in the Declaration of Independence? The NLA Foundation has done great work in producing and distributing educational videos/DVDs and lesson plans, and ensuring copies of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution have been seen by thousands of students in middle school through high school.

Thomas Jefferson once said: “A little revolution now and then is a good thing.” I agree. And that's why I'm asking that if you're already a member of NLA, please become more active in its activities, and invite other like-minded lawyers to join.

If you're not already a member, consider joining NLA and making a difference in our society. We have an urgent need for members to serve on the Board, maintain the Web site (e.g., the discussion forum and job boards for like-minded professionals), revitalize NLA sections and committees, work with and expand NLA law school student chapters, write for NLA's newsletter, plan upcoming conferences, and help fund NLA and its Foundation.

Life is short. We are all busy. However, I ask you to think about your professional legacy. Will it be a good won-loss record in trial? A career of solid work and happy clients?

I hope it will include those things for you. But is that enough? Will your legacy last the test of time? I don't know if mine will--but I do know my involvement in NLA is my proudest professional achievement. Why? As NLA members I really believe we are running the good race, fighting the good fight, and carrying the pro-life baton to that next generation of lawyers.