At the 2023 State Bar Young Lawyers Association’s Annual Retreat we transitioned from President Colemon Potts to President Tanya Cripps-Serra. The passing of the gavel demonstrated a true admiration and respect for your colleagues, which we were able to see first-hand. During his presidency, former President Colemon Potts illustrated leadership, efficiency, and innovation. Specifically, President Potts allowed me to put on an event during his tenure that would engage the community in a way that several news stations and local politicians lauded. Through that event, we were able to assist Mother’s whose children were victims of violence.

At the retreat, we stayed at the Radisson hotel and had dinner at the Park Place. President Cripps-Serra had a great team building event planned where we all went to the Airway gaming center prior to our meeting. At the gaming center, we bowled, played arcade games, and had a round of laser tag. After bowling we were paired in teams to compete in the additional arcade games such as ax throwing and NBA hoops to name a few. Overall, it was a great opportunity to learn more about your fellow members.

Incoming President Cripps-Serra began the meeting with well-organized booklets that gave explanation, purpose, and set expectations for her presidency. Our meeting ran smoothly, and
members volunteered to stay longer to complete the agenda. Further, I was fortunate to receive an award for Community Service, which was a surprise and greatly appreciated. I was also nominated and appointed to treasurer, which I also greatly appreciate. Overall, we are very excited to serve under President Cripps-Serra, and we look forward to the great acts we plan to do this Bar year.

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Darnell Barton, Barton Law, PLLC