The VBA Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Bar Association.
Issue link: http://vba.epubxp.com/i/80228
YOUNG LAWYERS The VBA's Young Lawyers Division provides the state's youngest lawyers with a foundation for success that serves them well throughout their careers. BY MOLLY MCCLENNEN S INCE it was founded in 1957, the Young Lawyers Division of Te Virginia Bar Association has pro- vided the state's newest lawyers with op- portunities for fellowship with colleagues, to grow as professionals and to serve the Commonwealth. William "Bill" Van Buren III, YLD chair in 1991, and VBA president in 2006, said those opportu- nities help lay the founda- tion for a career that is not only successful, but also personally rewarding. "People always enjoy the opportunity to hang around with people better than they are," he said. "Some of the best people I have known throughout my career are people I met through the Young Law- 32 t VBA JOURNAL William Van Buren yers Division. We inspired each other and formed friendships and a level of collegiality that has made the practice of law a lot more enjoyable. It certainly made me a better person." Van Buren's career ex- emplifies the kinds of pro- fessional success and per- sonal service that are the hallmarks of the VBA and its Young Lawyers Division. Van Buren is now chairman of Kaufman & Canoles in Norfolk, where he is a part- ner specializing in commer- cial and health care law. His work has earned him a list- ing as one of the Best Law- yers in America from 1996 to 2012. Because of his tremendous respect for the VBA, Van Buren lists serving as its president among the honors that mean the most to him. He said his time as chair of the YLD taught him how to build consensus and develop enthu- siasm for public service – experiences that prepared him to be an advocate for change as president of the VBA. Un- der his leadership, the VBA established standards of professionalism for Vir- ginia lawyers and successfully sought increased funding for indigent defense. Van Buren, a 1991 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, said the YLD helps new lawyers devel- op a passion for public service and pro bono work early in their careers. Col- laborating on public service projects teaches the leadership skills successful lawyers need to influence colleagues and motivate staff. "When you work on service proj- ects, you really can't compel people to do anything because they're volunteers