American Bar Association president shares words of wisdom with UI students
Apr. 18—CHAMPAIGN — Addressing an auditorium full of University of Illinois law students Wednesday afternoon, the first Native American president of the American Bar Association shared an anecdote from shortly after she took over as head of the Indian Health Service.
Mary Smith had traveled to South Dakota to provide information to a number of tribal communities who were frustrated, in part, because their finances had not been addressed in years. Smith said she had employees in the field working for weeks to figure out what the communities owed, but it wasn't an easy process. Out of a council of 20 tribal leaders, 19 voted to have her replaced.
The next day, she met with each one of the leaders individually to communicate that she knew why they were upset — she'd be upset, too, she told them. She remained committed to get them the information they sought but explained why she couldn't just yet.
The role honest communication played in resolving that conflict was just one of the many points Smith emphasized while discussing her career and sharing advice with the budding lawyers in the room.
"I think the one thing that's really important for all of us as law students and lawyers is, as a foundational principle, to be civil to each other and to listen to opposing perspectives," Smith said. "No one person can know everything, and I can guarantee you that opening it up to a bigger group, the idea may change, it may morph, but it will be better."
Smith, who became president of the bar association in August, argued that the organization can help attorneys not only make lifelong friends and add business, but also become a part of something bigger than themselves.
She noted that it has many different committees for lawyers seeking to get involved with a wide range of topics — like how artificial intelligence can expand access to legal services, how all arenas of law may soon become affected by climate change and how to instill trust in our systems in order to face most important legal issue of our time: threats to our democracy.
Smith also advised students not to remain too wedded to their plans, or else they'll close themselves off to new opportunities. She encouraged those in the audience to not just put their heads down and work, but also to build relationships with others in their field — as being visible is a good way to gain business.
Points well taken.
"Especially in the legal profession, there are very few leaders who are in positions of power who are women, who are members of minority communities, and so for me, it's really helpful to hear a perspective from someone who is more like myself and how they experience those leadership positions," second-year law student Clea Braendel said after the session.
