Originally posted on 3/11/2021 (reformatted).

As previewed on Facebook, SBM YLS is excited to bring you an in-depth interview with American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) Chair-Elect, Choi Portis. Read on to learn about how she got involved and her upcoming plans for the Division!

How long have you been involved in the ABA?  What prompted your interest?  I have been involved in the ABA since 2014. I became interested in being involved after attending a Midyear Meeting as a Delegate for the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyer Section. I ran and was elected as our District Representative and have been involved ever since. 

What can you tell us about the process that led you to become the almost-Chair? The YLD “chair-line” is a three-year process. A person who is interested in becoming YLD Chair must run for YLD Secretary. They serve as Secretary for a year, the following year, they serve as Chair-Elect, and then Chair of the Division.

What are you looking forward to during your Chair year?  What are your plans/goals for the year? I am looking forward to continuing the good work that previous Chairs have put in place, but also serving the Division and leaving my own legacy for the Division. The theme of next year is Resilience in the Face of a New Renaissance. I have three specific plans that I hope to see executed next bar year. First, continuing the work of Past Chair Tommy Preston with the Men of Color Project, I am looking to conduct a longitudinal study on Men of Color in the Profession. Second, this will be the Division’s inaugural year for the Women of Color Project, which will highlight Women of Color in various areas of the legal profession, such as corporate counsel, and the judiciary. Lastly, I am very excited to roll out my Public Service Project, entitled Operation Second Chance, which will be a two-part project. The first part will focus on providing resources and tools to YLD affiliates across the nation to implement and host expungement fairs. The second piece will be a collaboration with the policy side of the YLD in which we will provide information and advocate for the restoration of voter rights for returning citizens. 

How do you believe your YLS involvement has helped prepare you for your YLD leadership?  I believe my YLS involvement definitely prepared me for YLD leadership. Planning programming and networking in the SBM YLS started the foundation for my path to YLD leadership.

As an attorney, mother, & active bar member, do you have any advice for folks who want to get the most out of all aspects of their lives?  My first piece of advice is to make time for yourself. As lawyers, so much is required and you simply cannot pour from an empty cup, you have to make time to restore yourself. My second piece of advice is to show yourself some grace. We often try to be superhuman in our efforts to wear all the hats that we wear as lawyers, parents, partners, and community members. You have to show yourself some grace and realize that you are only human, things will happen, but show yourself some grace. My third piece of advice is to make sure you are taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Just like a car cannot operate if it needs maintenance, neither can you. Make sure you are fueling your body and your mind with things that will keep you firing on all cylinders. 

What’s been your favorite thing about the YLD so far? My favorite thing about the YLD has been the ability to connect with lawyers from all across the country. Many of whom have become not only colleagues in the profession, but friends.  

What’s your favorite thing about Michigan?  Do I have to pick just one? If I had to pick one thing, my favorite thing about Michigan would be Detroit! Detroiters have heart, grit, drive, swag, and extreme resilience.