Are you a young lawyer in Philadelphia looking to expand your network, enhance your professional skills, and contribute to the community? The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Philadelphia Bar Association offers a dynamic platform for young lawyers to connect, grow, and lead. This guide provides key contacts and information about how you can get involved and make the most of your early career in law.
Connect with YLD Leadership
For general inquiries or to discover how you can contribute to the YLD, reach out to our dedicated officers:
General Inquiries
Chair: Joyce Olaide Adelugba, [email protected]
For those interested in legal education and mentorship opportunities, these officers are your point of contact:
Legal Education & Mentoring
Financial-Secretary: Ms. Felicia Carter, [email protected]
Treasurer: Sarah D. Boutros, [email protected]
If community outreach and engagement are your passion, connect with these leaders:
Community Outreach
Chair-Elect: Kiersty M. DeGroote, [email protected]
Vice-Chair: Mr. Paul Carrion, [email protected]
For young lawyers focused on professional development initiatives, contact these officers:
Professional Development
Chair: Joyce Olaide Adelugba, [email protected]
Secretary: Ryan Spengler, [email protected]
About the Young Lawyers Division (YLD)
The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) is an integral part of the Philadelphia Bar Association, specifically designed for:
- Philadelphia Bar Association members under 40 years of age, or
- Members 40 years of age or older who have been practicing law for less than three years.
Membership in the YLD is automatically granted to eligible attorneys upon payment of regular Bar Association annual dues. There are no additional fees to join the YLD, making it an accessible and valuable resource for young lawyers.
YLD Structure and Activities
The YLD Executive Committee is the driving force behind the division, managing the operations and initiatives for over 2,900 members. This includes overseeing 20 committees dedicated to public service, law-related education, and serving the legal community. Each year, the YLD welcomes new perspectives with the election of seven new members to the Executive Committee for three-year terms, alongside one appointed member by the Chair.
The YLD is a vibrant and active division within both the legal and broader Philadelphia communities. Young lawyers in the YLD actively participate in numerous committees, developing and implementing programs that benefit children, the elderly, disadvantaged populations, and many others. These initiatives provide invaluable opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
The Executive Committee encourages fresh ideas and projects. If you, as a young lawyer, have ideas to enhance the community, improve the courts, or advance the practice of law, we encourage you to reach out to any member of the YLD Executive Committee. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of the YLD and its positive influence.
