President's Message
Mario Mandina, President

The first steps on a long journey may seem rather insignificant at the time taken and the final destination a long, long way off. However, those first steps are absolutely essential and each of you deserve a great deal of credit for your willingness to take a chance that NLA can succeed where others have feared to tread! As NLA approaches is goal and the starting point fades on the horizon behind us, you will be remembered as one of the early pioneers who changed forever the face of the legal community in this great nation by providing attorneys with an alternative national bar association.

Competition is good for business and for the legal community as well! Already, we have noticed changes in the ABA as a result of competition from the NLA. Also, NLA has broken new ground by being the first national association of any kind to offer "dental benefits" and the first national bar association to offer, at no cost to its members, participation in a national attorney referral network (see associated article). Already, some members have received referrals which will more than pay for their dues for the remainder of their lives and beyond! In the very near future, NLA will have its own "www.nla" site. As resources allow, expect NLA to continue to explore new dimensions and to offer cutting edge services.

The Board of Directors and Trustees want NLA to remain in the forefront, not only in services and benefits, but also in regard to sections and committees. In this regard, as last year's convention focused on benefits and services, this year's annual convention in Chicago will focus on sections and committees. If you are interested in sections and committees, make plans to attend this year's convention. (September 27, 28, 29, at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel). Please use the attached "Early Registration Form" to indicate your intentions and preferences.

As a direct result of the development of benefits and services, NLA is now experiencing new membership growth. As sections and committees develop over the next few years, even greater growth is expected. In the future, NLA expects to play a significant role in law school accreditation, judicial evaluation and to publish a scholarly journal.

Finally, NLA is actively involved in law student recruitment. As a result, law student membership has dramatically increased in the past few months. As the forefathers of this future preeminent bar association, thanks once again for your participation in this noble endeavor. I look forward to meeting you at the convention.

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