The dictionary defines “value” as the importance, worth or usefulness of something.
It drives the choices we make, at both the conscious and subconscious levels. As we consider expending the limited resources of time or treasure, we often evaluate the perceived return on investment. Rational decision-making is a value proposition.
Membership in the Jacksonville Bar Association satisfies the rational mind. There are many returns on that investment, some of which may have escaped your full attention.
Let’s start with the basic human need for sustenance. Your JBA membership gets you food aplenty.
In addition to the six Barwide luncheons, most JBA committees have a few lunch meetings per year. An active member who attends luncheons and is involved in a few committees can expect to have been fed at least 10 lunches each fiscal year.
Add to that tab (pun intended) JBA’s social events with hors d’oeuvres and libations and your membership has already turned a profit.
Another need lawyers have is compliance with the Florida Bar’s continuing legal education requirements. Here is where your membership gives you more than you likely realize.
Historically, the JBA offers more than 50 CLE programming hours per year, many of which are video recorded and uploaded to jaxbar.org.
Your dues covers your attendance at any JBA seminar on the day it is offered. Those same dues also provide free access to all of the video-recorded seminars, even those that predate the current membership year.
JBA’s online CLE library lets you view programs at dates, times and durations that fit your schedule and stamina. All of this CLE programming — live and online — is prepaid by your membership dues.
The JBA’s “All Inclusive” membership provides all of the above at no extra cost and further provides All In members with the ability to present at seminars, lead committees and submit articles for the Bar Bulletin.
Recognizing that some may not wish to be “all in,” the association offers a less expensive a la carte membership option that provides discounted pricing for meal events and seminars.
Regardless of the category selected, every member gains access to professional enhancement, practice development, committee membership, community service and networking.
These flow from what is perhaps JBA’s paramount worth: Meeting our human need for interpersonal connection. Indeed, the JBA builds community so you can better enjoy being a lawyer.
I trust you see abundant ROI from your JBA membership. Indeed, it is a great value. Thank you for making the rational decision to join and belong.
Blane McCarthy is a certified circuit mediator with Miles Mediation & Arbitration.