President’s Message: Leading the Way to the Next 100 Years

From its small beginning in January 1920 with 438 founding members, the FBA has brought together attorneys and judges from all parts of the country and all areas of legal practice, uniting them through its common mission of service to the federal legal profession and judiciary. As an organization, we pride ourselves on our inclusiveness. I’ve often heard the FBA described as having a “family atmosphere,” and I certainly find that to be true in my experience.

When I meet attorneys who are not already FBA members, I (of course) recommend that they join the association. While growing connections is at the heart of what we offer, I also suggest FBA membership for another reason: the immediate access to leadership roles. I became a member of the FBA in 2006 and was readily enlisted into my first position within the Hawaii Chapter. Serving in the local leadership brought me to the national organization that same year. I was elected to the national Board of Directors in 2012 and, from that point forward, have had the pleasure of working with the Board, a motivated and dedicated group of attorneys from across the country who are entrusted with the enormous responsibility of guiding the FBA. The connections and relationships that I have developed within the national organization have meant a great deal to me both professionally and personally.

As the FBA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2020, I cannot think of a better time than now to be a member. Throughout the year, we will be commemorating our incredible history, culminating with a grand centennial celebration in Washington, D.C., on March 19–21. To ensure that the FBA continues to be the preeminent bar association for federal practitioners for the next 100 years and to provide goals and direction for the immediate future, the Board of Directors has recently adopted a strategic plan for 2020–2022. The strategic planning process offered an opportunity to take a critical look at exactly who the members of the FBA are, what the FBA does, and how the FBA can better serve the ever-evolving needs of its membership. Our plan focuses on three specific objectives for lasting impact: 1) design a sustaining financial model that will support the FBA’s future relevance; 2) strengthen recognition of the FBA as the advocate for the federal judiciary and as the premier bar association for federal practitioners; and 3) modernize the FBA’s governance structure to ensure meaningful and inclusive leadership opportunities. This plan will guide our actions throughout the next three years, and I look forward to working with you all to accomplish these objectives.

The FBA is currently a vibrant bar association with more than 18,000 members, including nearly 2,000 members of the judiciary. Looking to the future, our focus is on upholding the ideal of “One FBA”—federal attorneys and judges from all corners of the country and all facets of federal practice coming together to support our common mission. I would encourage all FBA members to join me in celebrating the FBA’s centennial this year and to consider taking on a leadership role going forward. Together, we can lead the FBA into the next 100 years.

Christian K. Adams

President

Federal Bar Association