Closing statements: What is your professional New Year's goal for 2025?

“My professional New Year’s goal for 2025 is to practice selfcare and better planning for down time. I tend to commit and overcommit to volunteer work because I very much love our profession, but with a baby on the way, I am noticing my time needs to be better managed for me, my family, and my career. I have attended many well-being summits, CLEs, etc., and I am really excited to practice what I’ve learned.” 
– Danielle Atchison, business immigration lawyer with Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm in Overland Park, Kansas

 “This year, I’m focusing on three key areas to enhance my professional growth and impact: 

1. Improving communication with non-native English speakers: Clear and effective communication is crucial in my field. I aim to develop better strategies and tools to ensure I can connect more effectively with clients who are not native English speakers. This might include learning key phrases in other languages, utilizing translation tools, or adopting visual aids to bridge language barriers. 

2. Inspiring the next generation: I plan to collaborate with local schools to encourage students to explore careers in the legal field. Through presentations, workshops, or mentoring, I hope to demystify the profession and highlight the diverse opportunities it offers. 

3. Leveraging technology for efficiency: Finding ways to streamline my workflow is a top priority. I’m exploring new technologies and methods to optimize tasks like document management, client communication, and research. The goal is to work smarter, not harder, while maintaining high-quality service. By focusing on these areas, I hope to grow professionally while making a positive impact on my clients and the community.” 
– Johnny Boyer, staff attorney with Legal Aid of Western Missouri in Joplin

 “Going into 2025, my professional goal is continuing to serve my clients and provide justice to those who need it most after something tragic happens to them.” 
– Keegan Tinney, partner at Dreyer & Tinney in Joplin

“As an attorney committed to serving individuals, families, and businesses in our community, my professional goals for the coming year center on fostering clarity, connection, and efficiency. I aim to deepen client and community engagement by sharing valuable insights on legal matters through publications and social media. Internally, I will refine processes to ensure clients leave with a clear understanding of their next steps, particularly in family law cases involving parenting plans and court orders. Prioritizing the well-being of our team, I am dedicated to cultivating a supportive and healthy workplace. Finally, I will embrace technological advancements to enhance organization and preparedness, enabling me to provide even more effective advocacy for my clients.” 
– Danielle Drake, partner at Parks & Drake in Lake Ozark