Attorney at Law Magazine Dallas publisher PJ Hines sat with Dallas Association of Young Lawyers president Nicole Munoz-Huschka to talk about the organization.
AALM – What will be the main focus of the association in the next year?
NMH I focused on 2023 to bring our organization out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic hit DAYL hard because we thrived off live, in person events, programming and initiatives. All that suddenly came to an end in March 2020. We then switched to virtual programming for the next 2 years.
In 2021 we had only a few events in person, but these were well attended and sold out, indicating that our members wanted to leave behind their computers. In 2022 we began to hold regular in-person events, but COVID-19 still had some limitations.
We have no limitations this year and continue to host successful events in person. I could not be more proud of the co-chairs and director who helped make this happen.
AALM What would you say to a young attorney who wants to get involved in the legal community?
NMH I encourage them to become involved as soon as possible. Bar involvement has many advantages, both from a personal and business perspective. It is difficult enough to practice law. It is important to have a space where you can meet with other lawyers, mentors, and peers who speak the same language.
The DAYL was created to be a welcoming place for new members to start involvement. Joining a committee that interests you is the best way to get started. There are approximately 20 committees ranging from social to community service to business development. Our annual Leadership Class is open to members of all ranks and aims to give young lawyers the opportunity to gain leadership experience and skills. This program is perfect for those who are just starting out or in the middle of their involvement, and want to take that next step towards upward mobility.
AALM Tell Us About Your Exciting Events
NMH : The Lawyers Promoting Diversity Committee held the Dinner & Dialogue on the 20th of July at the Arts District Mansion. DAYL Dinner and Dialogue is a forum for Dallas’s legal community to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion within the legal profession. This year, the topic was Allyship. Allyship is active support of the rights of marginalized groups or minorities without belonging to them.
The Freedom Run Committee is hosting the annual DAYL Freedom Run at the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge Trinity Groves on September 9. All proceeds of the Freedom Run will go to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
The DAYL Foundation will be giving grants to local nonprofits and charities on November 4th. All proceeds from the DAYL Bolton Ball go to the DAYL Foundation. This event has grown so much since its first ball in 2014. It continues to honor Alex Bolton’s legacy.
AALM : What changes will the association be undergoing in the coming years?
NMH Recently, we made a major change to the criteria of Regular Membership at DAYL. Our co-chairs agreed at the DAYL Long Range Retreat last year that the practice of law had changed, since many of our supervisory attorneys and general counsels were young lawyers. Trials are less common, the transactional opportunities available have changed and the average partnership track now lasts 10 years instead of 7. Many young lawyers are veterans or former public servants. In light of these factors, on January 1, 2023 the DAYL voted that the definition of a “young attorney” for Regular Membership would be changed by removing the requirement of age (previously 36 years) and extending years of experience.
Anyone licensed in the United States and living in Texas for less than 12 years can become a Regular member of the DAYL. This allows them to vote, run for DAYL offices, and hold officer and directors positions. Members have already responded positively!
AALM : What changes would the association like to see in the legal profession?
NMH : Yes, with regard to attorney wellness. Recent losses in the Dallas legal community include four suicides. We are all aware that lawyers have mental health issues. We all remember being given pamphlets during orientation at law school about how lawyers are more susceptible to depression, substance abuse and alcoholism. No one can explain why. It’s no secret that the legal profession is demanding and challenging. These pressures are exacerbated by our field, which encourages instant email responses, filings at midnight, production of large documents through eDiscovery, and billing for 60-hour work weeks.
DAYL offers programs to help our members achieve a balance between work and life. However, we know that the people who are most in need of assistance do not attend these programs. Our Wellness Committee works to develop new programs and initiatives to empower our members to recognize when their colleagues need help, and how they can help them. We plan to reach out to corporate law groups because we believe that changing the culture of law firms starts when clients make it a priority. We’re determined to change the legal community to make it a better environment for lawyers.
AALM : What’s the main mission of your organization?
NMH DAYL’s mission is dual. First, we aim to improve the lives of all young lawyers by implementing a range of initiatives that will educate, inspire, motivate and entertain them. Second, we serve the Dallas Community through projects of public service. The projects can take on many different forms and help children, the elderly, veterans and first responders, as well as animals, schools and homeless people.
I am proud that my organization allows our members to pursue their passions, enriching themselves and our community.
The article Nicole Munoz Huschka about the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.