Why I Belong
We've been talking to our members to find out why they enjoy and benefit from being a member of the Richland County Bar Association. See what they are saying!
“I belong to the RCBA because there is no better way to connect with my colleagues outside of work; the pandemic may have halted that temporarily, but it is not gone forever. I also know firsthand that the leadership of the RCBA is interested and invested in each of its members.”
- Olivia Jones
Olivia Jones Law
"Being a part of the Richland County Bar Association is not only vital for MY development as a lawyer, but also for any women of color that want to be an asset to their legal community. The essence of who I am is making sure that everyone has a seat at the table. The more I embrace who I am and interact with my peers, I realize my voice is not only appreciated, but needed. I am thankful for the Richland County Bar Association for their “open arms” and support in the many ideas and conversation birthed in our Diversity Committee in which I serve as co-chair."
- Cheslyne Brighthop
Turner Padget Graham and Laney P.A.
“Because my practice is primarily focused on clients/matters all over the country and abroad, I typically do not interact with my fellow attorneys here in Columbia. Being a member of the RCBA affords me the opportunity to meet, and work with for the betterment of our community, the best and brightest attorneys Richland County has to offer.”
- Todd A. Serbin
Nexsen Pruet, LLC
"The Richland County Bar has allowed me to meet and connect with people that I never would have met anywhere else. I have developed a deep appreciation for the broad spectrum of attorneys we have in Richland County working to make a positive impact in the lives of attorneys, clients and communities."
- Lamar Fyall
Assistant Solicitor, Fifth Judicial Circuit
ABOUT THE RCBA
The Richland County Bar Association is the largest voluntary Bar in South Carolina and was established to promote the common business and professional interests of lawyers practicing in Richland County, South Carolina. Over the years, our membership has grown to over 1,900 attorneys. Our Executive Committee meets monthly to make decisions about the direction of our Bar, and we hold various events all year long to foster strong relationship among our members. Learn more about how you can get involved!
join the rcba wellness committee for well-being week in law
Monday's Post - STAY STRONG: Physical Well-Being
WATCH THIS: Dr. Wendy Suzuki talks about how exercise transformed her life and her research about the interconnection between physical activity and peak brain functioning.
READ THIS: Deborah Grayson Riegel (2021). Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Walk. Harvard Business Review.
DO THIS: The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise (Yep, Breathing!). The way you breathe may be making you anxious. Try out the stress-calming 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise Activity Guide, and post about your experience using the hashtag #WellbeingWeekInLaw.
Tuesday's Post - ALIGN: Spiritual Well-Being
WATCH THIS: Practicing Spiritual Well-Being: Voices From the Legal Profession. Fellow professionals in law share how they integrate their personal spirituality into their work lives. (7 minutes)
READ THIS: Jessie Cohen (2017).Ways to Incorporate Your Spirituality at Work. Wework.com.
DO THIS: Try an Awe Walk. Boost the meaningfulness of your everyday stroll by following the instructions in the Awe Walk Activity Guide. Post about your experience using the hashtag #WellbeingWeekInLaw.
Wednesday's Post - ENGAGE & GROW: Career & Intellectual Well-Being
WATCH THIS: Flow: An Animated Book Summary, A short, entertaining video summarizing the best-selling book, which proposes that fostering more “flow” (a state of complete absorption in engaging activities that are optimally challenging) in our daily lives is a key to growth and happiness (5:20 minutes).
READ THIS: Leo Babauta (2012). Nine Steps to Achieving Flow in Your Work. Greater Good Magazine.
DO THIS: Try Out Job Crafting, which is a continual activity in which we seek to create a better fit between our strengths, values, and preferences and our work. Follow the Job
Crafting Activity Guide and post about your experience on social media using the hashtag #WellbeingWeekInLaw.
Thursday's Post - CONNECT: Social Well-Being
WATCH THIS: Shawn Stevenson (2019). The Model Health Show With Dhru Purohit. How deep and meaningful friendships can help you thrive, support your well-being, and help you reach your goals. (1 hr, 15 mins.)
READ THIS: Nelson D. Schwartz (2020). Working From Home Poses Hurdles for Employees of Color. New York Times. “Without the networks and encounters that offices provide, companies must foster the visibility of Black and Hispanic workers.”
DO THIS: Try out the Loving-Kindness Meditation Activity Guide, which guides you through a practice of mentally sending warmth towards others that is linked to many psychological benefits. Post about your experience using the hashtag #WellbeingWeekInLaw.
Friday's Post - FEEL WELL: Emotional Well-Being
WATCH THIS: Practicing Emotional First Aid. TEDx. Dr. Guy Winch advocates for better emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions and minds with the same diligence as we take care of our bodies. (17:15 mins).
READ THIS: Alice Boyes (2020). Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Get Through the Workday. Harvard Business Review.
DO THIS: Learn to Retrain Unhelpful Thoughts. Review the Retraining Unhelpful Thoughts Activity Guide and start practicing science-based skills to curb the negative effects of dysfunctional thoughts that can lead to poor mental health.
RCBA MEMBERSHIP
The benefits of membership in the Richland County Bar Association are numerous. We host events regularly, provide networking and service opportunities, offer continuing legal education, and provide regular communication and updates on what's going on in Richland County's legal community. Joining our bar offers access to a wealth of people and resources that will enhance your experience practicing law in Richland Country.
LOOK UP MEMBERS
To find a lawyer, the South Carolina Bar Association has a comprehensive directory.
BECOME A MEMBER
Use our online registration form to become a member and pay for your membership online.
Diversity Committee Highlights Members of local Judiciary
During the month of February, the Education Sub-Committee showcased several Black members of our local judiciary and the history that has influenced them. They were kind to share a little about who and what inspired their legal careers. We hope you will take a moment to listen to the wonderful insights from our Judges and see how Black history has shaped, and will continue to shape, our Richland County Bar.
SUPREME COURT GROUNDS BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The Supreme Court Beautification Project is a state-wide effort of county bars and private attorneys of South Carolina. It consists of placing a wall along Sumter Street, providing additional lighting to the parking lot, establishing proper shade trees in the parking lot, and replacing asphalt with permeable concrete pavers. We are working hard to raise the funds needed to complete the project. Your support is appreciated!
UPCOMING RCBA EVENTS
Thursday, May 6, at 7:00 pm
Movie on the Lawn of the Hampton-Preston Mansion
Join the RCBA Wellness & Membership Committees for a casual movie night on the lawn of the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Bring your chairs/blankets - areas will be sectioned off for families or small groups to sit together. More details to follow.
THE RICHBAR NEWS
