As a proud Fellow of the American Bar Foundation now entering my second year, I recently had the pleasure of once again attending one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Fellows Breakfast. This annual gathering brings together a community of distinguished legal professionals committed to advancing justice and offers a moment of reflection, recognition, and inspiration.

This year’s breakfast was no exception. Hosted alongside the ABA Annual Meeting, the event began with a warm and collegial breakfast buffet where Fellows from across the country reconnected and welcomed new members. Beyond the camaraderie, we also conducted important Fellows business and honored the service of our outgoing leaders whose dedication continues to shape the Foundation’s mission.

The highlight of the morning was the keynote address delivered by Ronald S. Flagg, President of the Legal Services Corporation, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States. Mr. Flagg’s remarks served as a compelling reminder of the urgent need to address the civil justice gap that affects millions of Americans each year. He spoke passionately about the role of Legal Services Corporation in funding legal services organizations across the country and emphasized the barriers that low-income individuals face when navigating issues such as housing, domestic violence, consumer fraud, and access to healthcare. His insights shed light on the ways the legal profession can and must rise to meet these challenges through advocacy, policy, and pro bono service. For young lawyers especially, Mr. Flagg’s message underscored the importance of public service and the responsibility we carry to ensure that justice is not a privilege but a right accessible to all. As emerging leaders in the profession, we have both the opportunity and the obligation to support initiatives that strengthen the rule of law and promote equal access to justice.

Attending the Fellows Breakfast reinforced for me why I joined the American Bar Foundation and why I remain committed to its mission. It is more than a professional honor. It is a call to action. I encourage my fellow young lawyers to learn more about the ABF, engage in its work, and seek out opportunities to support the broader legal community through service and scholarship.

Learn more about ABF at https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/

Aaron Sohaski is a recent YLS Council Member for District I, Past Chair of the SBM Healthcare Law Section Membership Committee, and handles business, compliance, contracting, and regulatory issues at Henry Ford Health.