YLS President’s Message

A Message from YLS President Paul May, Jr.

Broward County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section

Writing this first message as your YLS President is a tremendous honor—and, I’ll admit, a bit surreal. I’ve been involved with this organization for nearly a decade, and every step of the way—from Director to Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and now President—has only deepened my belief that the Young Lawyers Section is one of the most meaningful communities a young attorney can be part of.

At the Installation Gala, I spoke about how personal this role is for me. YLS is where I built lifelong friendships, developed as a leader, and began to understand the true meaning of service. It’s also where the award named after my late father hangs—a daily reminder that this organization is bigger than any one of us. It’s a community rooted in purpose, professionalism, and people.

This year, our goal is simple but ambitious: to build something that matters.

We want every young lawyer in Broward to feel like they have a place in this community. Whether it’s through public service, professional development, social connection, or mentorship, there’s a role for everyone. We are committed to making YLS a space where new attorneys can find not just opportunity, but purpose and momentum.

Here’s what you can expect this year:

• A focus on connection. We’re continuing impactful traditions like Lunch with the Judiciary, which brings young lawyers into courtrooms for candid conversations with Broward’s judges. These lunches are a chance to demystify the bench and build meaningful relationships with our judiciary.
• A commitment to service. The Walter G. “Skip” Campbell, Jr. Memorial Charity Golf Tournament returns this October. Last year, we donated over $45,000 to Mission United. This year, we aim to raise even more for another incredible local organization.
• A celebration of community. Whether it’s through monthly socials, CLEs, mentoring, or volunteer projects, we’ll provide opportunities to give back, grow professionally, and have some fun while doing it.

But more than any single event, we want this year to be about showing up—for each other and for our community. As I shared at the Gala, my father taught me a simple but powerful lesson: you can make someone’s life better just by being in it. That’s what we’re going to do—show up, lift each other up, and leave this organization better than we found it.

To our members, our judiciary, and our legal community—thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me and the Board of Directors. We are excited, humbled, and ready to get to work.

Let’s make it a year to remember.

Sincerely,
Paul M. May, Jr.

President, Young Lawyers Section
Broward County Bar Association