Missouri lawyer elected as clerk for ABA Young Lawyers Division
Portia Britt, associate county counselor for the St. Louis County Counselor’s Office, was recently elected as the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division clerk for the 2024-2025 year at the ABA Annual Meeting in August. It has been 30 years since a Missouri lawyer has served as clerk.
Britt is actively involved with The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section, currently serving as District 8 representative for the YLS Council. Her involvement at the bar started with The Missouri Bar Leadership Academy, where she learned the important role the bar plays in progressing the practice of law by creating service opportunities and advocating for the needs of new and young lawyers.
“I truly enjoy the community service projects YLS does during our meetings,” Britt said. “It’s great having that time to spend with my fellow council members and to make an impact in the communities we are charged to serve.”
Britt was introduced to the ABA in law school through the ABA Law Student Division. Feeling that it was most important to be involved at the state level when starting her career, she discontinued her membership after law school. She reconnected with the ABA when a mentor urged her to apply for the ABA YLD Leadership Academy (formerly known as the ABA YLD Scholars Program). She was a member of the 2021-2022 class and assisted leaders in the organization.
Her favorite part of being involved at the state and national level is the ability to network with lawyers from a variety of backgrounds.
“I enjoy meeting lawyers that I wouldn't otherwise know. I have lawyers I consider to be good friends in North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee,” Britt said. “I wouldn't know them or have so many of the other connections I have without the YLD.”
Britt also enjoys working with the Young Lawyers Division Assembly, the policy-making body of the YLD. Resolutions passed by the assembly are sent to the ABA House of Delegates, who decide if they should become ABA policy. She finds the process “amazing and insightful to watch from beginning to end.”
This experience inspired her to run for ABA leadership. Britt will serve as the speaker of the Young Lawyers Division Assembly for the 2025-2026 year and is excited to lead the resolution process.
Britt said she wants lawyers to understand the value of both The Missouri Bar and the ABA. She added she is looking forward to using her position to encourage more lawyers to actively participate in both organizations.