This message will be published on October 1, during the Annual Meeting, although I have written it on September 11 as we and the nation solemnly reflect back on the horrific events of 20 years ago. October 2 is the official end of my term as President and begins the term of Mike O’Donnell of Denver, Colorado as the 72nd President of the College. The College is lucky to have Mike. Having known Mike for the last ten years through our service on the Board of Regents and the Executive Committee, I can vouch for his leadership and steady hand at the wheel. I hope that you took the opportunity to read about Mike and his wife, Brett, in the recent edition of the Journal, and that you get to meet Mike and Brett in person as regional, state, and province meetings resume. You will be as impressed with Mike as I am (but don’t bet against him on the golf course). 

While College meetings were all virtual for the first eight months of my term, in-person meetings increased in size and frequency beginning in July. In fact, the last four meetings prior to the Annual Meeting ranged in size from 60 to 90+ people. On August 26th, the College held its first Regional meeting in more than eighteen months at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch near Vail, Colorado. The 10^th Circuit Regional Meeting was a huge success. I continue to be amazed at the quality of speakers that the College can attract, not just at the national level, but regionally as well. The headliner at the 10^th Circuit Meeting was Associate Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch who was interviewed by the Chief Judge of the 10^th Circuit, Tim Tymkovich. Of course, the interview included some great observations by Justice Gorsuch, but one comment stood out. Despite the controversy surrounding his confirmation process, Justice Gorsuch commented on the kindness of people and the fact that every person who has approached him post-confirmation has had a kind or encouraging word. It is easy to forget that kindness exists when you watch the evening news and observe what happens daily in Washington or reflect back on the events of September 11^th, 2001. The kindness and collegiality Fellows demonstrate toward one another is obvious, and Judy and I have been the beneficiaries of that kindness as we have traveled in recent months. Our observations certainly reaffirm our belief in the Fellows’ commitment to collegiality through every region of the College.   

Another outstanding speaker at the 10^th Circuit Meeting was Colorado Attorney General Phillip Weiser. His comments, titled "Empathy, Lawyers, and Leadership," incorporated some of the same themes as Justice Gorsuch’s comments and had particular meaning to me following the political rancor of the last year, the number of statements issued by the College in response to strident language by politicians from both parties, and now the news coverage of 9/11. After pointing to polls that indicate that Americans’ trust in the Government, the media and each other has been shrinking, General Weiser suggested that one (and maybe the only) encouraging development of the pandemic is that it has been a humanizing force allowing us to see each other on a level deeper than politics and creating a “call and hunger for unity in the face of the crisis.” Interestingly, he cited another poll showing 90% of Americans feel “we are all in this together.” This reflects the same attitude and public opinion that seemed to prevail after 9/11. Certainly, that is different than what is portrayed on the nightly news. I hope Attorney General Weiser is right.

As of my writing of this message, we remain scheduled to meet in person in Chicago and my hope is to see you there. It will be a terrific meeting with the same quality of speakers we have all come to expect at College meetings, including former Secretary of State Jim Baker. It will be interesting to hear his insights on whether there is some greater sense of hope for unity as the world battles the pandemic and we navigate the post-Afghanistan era. If you weren’t able to join us in-person or via livestream, you can still sign up and watch the speakers at your convenience. You won't be disappointed.

As my term concludes, Judy and I are thankful for the opportunities we have had over the last year to work with a terrific Executive Committee, with Dennis Maggi and the National Staff, and to meet and work with many Fellows across both our countries in person and by Zoom. I am also grateful to my partners at Norton Rose Fulbright for their support for the time I have spent as President over the last year. More than anything, I am grateful for Judy's support during the last year.