Christina L. G. Brennan, President
Serpe Andrews
Dear Members,
Together with my colleagues at NMDLA, we wish everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year. As we launch into 2022, I would first like to thank Juan Marquez for his service as president of the board in 2020. With his leadership, NMDLA was able to provide a variety of resources for our membership, including online CLE credits, hybrid CLE programs, and in-person networking events. I have big shoes to fill in the upcoming year!
Fortunately, I have excellent support in our executive lined up for 2022. Ryan Sanders has stepped into the role of President-Elect and Jacqueline McLean was elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Juan Marquez will continue to serve on the NMDLA board as the DRI Liaison and CLE Committee Chair. I look forward to working together and continuing to provide value to our membership this coming year.
While the pandemic continues to be uncertain, we have planned a full schedule of online and hybrid events this year. Our full-day Annual Civil Rights Update CLE was held in-person in 2021, with an option for online attendance. Our speakers provided quality content in a traditional CLE format that allowed for audience engagement and networking. Having an online option allowed over one hundred attorneys to attend from all corners of the state. We anticipate continuing this combined online and in-person format for our programming in 2022.
Another success of 2021 that we intend on carrying forward are the video replays of DRI content. We had almost one hundred members attend these hour-long credit courses. Keep an eye open for programming and registration details on our website and on our newly revamped LinkedIn page. This year will also usher in a new DLA social committee, whose aim is to enhance the DLA community via service projects, sports outings, and networking opportunities.
Finally, we would like to hear from our membership as to what programs, services, and offerings the DLA can provide in the upcoming year. Our 2022 plan includes our long-established CLE programing on Insurance Bad Faith, our Young Lawyers Seminar, our Civil Rights Update, and our Annual Meeting with awards luncheon. Our Insurance Bad Faith CLE is scheduled for February 2022 and registration is now open.
Please reach out to us and let us know what topics areas would be of interest, either for a CLE or for discussion in our quarterly Defense News publication, or other programming you would like to see offered. NMDLA has an active presence on Facebook and LinkedIn, and I encourage you to follow us on social media for news and updates. Keep a look out for our first membership survey, so we may better understand your needs and interests. The DLA thrives on the participation and feedback of its members, and I encourage you to participate in any way you can.