S.O.S. Platform

Each time I Stand On Service, I encourage others to stand on service with me. In order to effectuate change and keep moving our Division forward we have to stand together and respond with urgency to the SOSs our fellow young lawyers send.

Through the Assembly, we respond to those calls by drafting and championing resolutions that address young lawyers’ concerns. I am committed to standing on service if elected Clerk.

In Service,

Brandi D. Pikes

How Will I Stand On Service If Elected?

Cultivate and chair a Credentials Board that is centered on excellence, accessibility, and inclusion

Respond in a timely manner to delegates emails about certification.
Coordinate with the Affiliates Director to host virtual office hours where I and/or my Board are available to meet with affiliates to answers questions about sending proxies and registration.
Conduct an accessibility assessment of the delegate registration and certification form in order to maximize inclusion.
Create a virtual “ask me” box for certification questions for the Clerk.
Assist the Speaker in all duties assigned.

Educating new and returning delegates on how to draft a resolution via drafting sessions and educating first- time attendees on the Assembly process

Host mini writing workshops focused on how to come up with an idea and how to begin drafting a resolution.
Host mini drafting sessions for young lawyers who want to write but need an accountability partner.
Republish and update videos on how Assembly works.
Assign a resolutions team member to assist each YLD team with their resolution ideas.

Establishing protocols that promote accessibility for all lawyers during Assembly

*While 1 out of 4 Americans live with a disability only 1.4% have attorneys have self-reported as being disabled according to a recent ABA article. The ABA article highlighted that some individuals with disabilities may not want to talk about their disability due to fear of prejudice and discrimination. I want to implement a few accessibility accommodations that will make us more inclusive.

Use a highly readable and accessible font in all written and electronic communications.
Use larger font sizes in presentations.
Schedule a short break during assembly.
Work with staff to see if it’s possible to have a sensory room. This room is especially helpful to neurodivergent lawyers.
Provide index cards for young lawyers to write questions they have about speaking on the floor.

Embrace and support the Chair’s initiatives and the Division’s Strategic Plan

Create goals for the Credentials Board that are aligned with the Division’s Strategic Plan
Work with the Chair to identify opportunities for resolutions that support the Chair’s initiatives

We are in this together, I need your help. Below are my ideas on how we can
Stand On Service together.

Ensuring that the resolutions that come to the floor address young lawyers’ concerns across all demographics and regions; and

Talk to young lawyers in diverse states about their concerns.
Look to past survey data to determine what are young lawyers’ current concerns.
Collaborate with others and promote co-sponsored resolutions from two or more teams, states, or affinity bars.
Provide and participate in resolution drafting support.

Encourage young lawyers to engage with one another in conversation and in spirited debates.

Encourage young lawyers to submit salmon slips and speak from the floor.
Develop and promote a culture of celebration—We don’t have to agree with the resolution speaker’s viewpoint to celebrate the courage it took for them to speak.
Recognize repeat speakers, teams, or states that submit multiple resolutions at the Annual Meeting.
Host mini speaker workshops on how to give an impromptu speech supporting a resolution on the floor.
Host mini speaker workshops focused on how to deliver persuasive resolutions on the Assembly floor.
Send out speaking tips via email communication.

How have I Stood On Service In The Past?

ABA YLD Midyear 2021

ABA Pro Bono & Public Services Standing Committee 2023

ABA YLD Midyear 2023

ABA YLD Midyear 2024

ABA YLD Annual 2024

ABA YLD Midyear 2025