ABA President-Elect Visits Tampa

ABA President-Elect Visits Tampa

Michael Greco, the American Bar Associationis president-elect, explained his executive priorities for the year to members of the Hillsborough County Bar Association during a Jan. 18 luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Tampa.

Greco, a partner at Bostonis Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, wants member law firms to focus on the advancement of minority lawyers and those with physical disabilities.

It concerns Greco that studies show about 75% of minority women leave their law firm after the first five years of practice. He called on the audience to contribute ideas on how to stem the flow and increase advancement opportunities for this class of lawyers.

As president, Greco also wants to focus on young lawyer pro bono services. He wants to find a formula that meets the needs of law firms, accommodates the scarce time of young lawyers but increases their presence in the community.

As part of the luncheon, local bar association President Bill Schifino Jr. urged the crowd of nearly 400 lawyers and judges to contribute to Southeast Asiais tsunami relief effort. All contributions will be sent to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund.

Tampa attorney Steve Yerrid offered a challenge to the audience. He agreed to match all donations up to $5,000.

o David R. Corder