Leading Forward: Key Goals for My Term as CBA President

In an article published in the November issue of CT Lawyer Magazine, "Leading Forward: Key Goals for My Term as CBA President," Pullman & Comley litigation attorney James (Tim) Shearin shares his vision for his term as president of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA), advocating for both its members and the broader legal profession. He emphasizes the value of the CBA’s programs and resources, including its support for solo and small-firm practitioners, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and commitment to pro bono work. His priorities for the year include legislative advocacy, particularly around health care options for small firms, as well as initiatives to support business-friendly legislation and streamline operations for small practices.

Tim addresses several key issues he hopes to tackle during his presidency, starting with a focus on supporting solo and small-firm practitioners who make up a large portion of the CBA’s membership. He plans to roll out a year-long program designed to assist these firms in areas like affordable technology, employment law, and retirement planning. Additionally, Tim aims to champion legislative efforts that would allow the CBA to provide its own health care insurance options, a move he believes could ease the burden of rising health care costs for many firms. He also emphasizes the importance of "promoting business-friendly initiatives," stating that "at base, we are businesses just like any other that prospers from a robust economic climate."

In advocating for these goals, Tim underscores the CBA’s need to "constantly reinvent itself" to ensure it continues to bring value to its members and to attract new ones. He encourages current members to share the association’s benefits with colleagues who may not be aware of them. Tim also affirms his commitment to protecting the independence of the judiciary, asserting that lawyers must play a role in ensuring the justice system remains free from political interference, a responsibility he describes as crucial to upholding "the public’s interest in advancing justice and protecting liberty."

To read the full article, please visit the CBA website.