Taking Stock – Why I Got Involved with the NLD in 2023
By: Matthew Freeman
As we wrap up 2023, I look back on my participation with the NLD and AAJ as one of the highlights of the year. I have only been active for a little over a year -- and I have already made numerous lifelong friends and have taken advantage of some of the benefits that the NLD provides for professional growth and development.
I’d like to share some of the reasons that I got involved and encourage you all to check out the programming for the NLD Spotlight Month in January. There are virtual and in-person events that will illustrate each of the points below. Additionally, participation in AAJ events can benefit your legal career in numerous ways:
1. AAJ can provide referral opportunities
AAJ is made up of attorneys from various practice areas and different jurisdictions. The more people you meet, the more likely it is you will receive referrals from attorneys who practice in a different practice area or jurisdiction. Furthermore, if you have a case that is in a different jurisdiction or practice area from yourself, you can find someone to whom you can send the case. Nurturing referral sources as well as referring out cases is critical in establishing a flourishing legal network as a young attorney, and there is no quicker way to establish those connections than by participating in AAJ.
2. AAJ can help provide professional support.
AAJ has several resources to aid in your professional practice, and the NLD is one of the best. The NLD regularly hosts mental health events which teach strategies to help you thrive within (and occasionally cope with) your legal practice. The NLD, and AAJ as a whole, regularly host virtual and in-person continuing legal education events that can help educate you regarding novel laws, recent legislation, notable cases, and case strategies that can aid in your own practice. Finally, AAJ is full of experienced attorneys who are willing to offer their help, advice, and mentorship to those courageous enough to ask.
3. AAJ can help build your own reputation.
AAJ has numerous opportunities for you to get involved, all of which expand your legal reputation and benefit your legal career. You can join a committee or judge the Student Trial Advocacy Competition (STAC). You can attend phone drives and convention. You can even do as little as make a blog or listserv post online. No matter how large or small your contribution, it does not go unnoticed by your fellow AAJ members. Furthermore, your participation in AAJ activities will necessarily result in your intersection with different organizations and individuals – thus building your network!
4. AAJ can help you make a difference in the law.
AAJ PAC is an extremely influential federal political action committee that supports pro-civil justice candidates and incumbents. Getting involved in the PAC or even donating helps support candidates that support your clients and cases.
These are just a few ways you can benefit from participating in AAJ. This is in no way an exhaustive list.
In short, getting involved in AAJ has been one of the best decisions of my legal career, and I think it can be for yours as well. By actively participating in any number of AAJ events, committees, or by even just posting on the listserv, you will meet amazing attorneys, expand your legal network, and have a ton of fun!
I encourage everyone to reply to this post and share the ways that participation in AAJ has helped your legal career.
Matthew Freeman
Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP
Los Angeles, CA 90025
mfreeman@psbr.law
www.psbr.law
Matthew Freeman represents plaintiffs in personal injury and sexual abuse cases. Throughout his career, Mr. Freeman has helped to recover more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Mr. Freeman’s first case was representing the victims and families of the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Music Festival Mass Shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. This case resulted in an $800 million global settlement, the first settlement in U.S. history for a mass shooting of this nature. Since 2021, Mr. Freeman’s practice has shifted to focus on representing victims of sexual abuse against the Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic Church, as well as against school districts and medical facilities throughout California.
Mr. Freeman earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee and his law degree from California Western School of Law. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Mr. Freeman is the American Association for Justice New Lawyers Division Publications Co-Chair and Consumer Attorneys of California New Lawyers Division Membership Chair.