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Definitely not a bad idea. And definitely common for those who are confident and ambitious enough.
I would keep on the low for the firm for now. If the membership is cheap consider paying for it yourself instead of on the firm card. If you have the opportunity to get work in that area, I would let the firm know to see if they’d be willing to let you take it on. If not, just continue to network and find doors that will open.
Chief
Completely fine and not a bad idea; will give you exposure to other practitioners and perhaps CLE opportunities. I don’t think you’re under any ethical or legal obligation to disclose membership to your current firm though (unless you want them to reimburse you for the added cost).
If the bar association is themed around the area you want to practice in then it’s a good idea to join. I don’t think you have an obligation to tell your firm.
Rising Star
Not a bad idea. You do not need to be a member of a section to take CLEs out on by that section, but you will not get announcements (including for CLEs) and possibly not have access to that section’s resources without section membership. I don’t see a need to disclose to your firm, but haven’t heard of anyone judging others for their section membership?
Not at all a bad idea.
Stupid question though. Does your firm not practice that area of law? Is that why you would hide it (so as not to indicate you might be leaving)? I only ask because if you are interested in transitioning to that practice area and the firm does have that group, I’d make all interest known. Tell them you want more opportunities in that area.
Also, even if you don’t disclose, a lot of bar associations have members lists that are public so it might not stay a secret.
Yeah, I’m hesitant because it’s an area of law my firm does not practice. I don’t want to make it look like I’m halfway out the door. I’m not sure my firm would support my efforts to branch out into that area of law since I’m a young associate and there are currently no partners who could oversee my work if I were to take on clients in that area.
Also, depending on the practice area, networking with attorneys in other practice areas can be a fruitful source of referrals, due to conflicts or areas their firms might not have specialists in. It’s happened for me, though not a lot because I haven’t pursued it aggressively. It’s a good cover story if you’re worried your firm would have a negative reaction if they discovered it; although as long as you’re keeping up at work, most any BD efforts are cheered.
If you join a committee or take on any role outside the firm beyond just joining the bar you likely need to disclose to the firm. Otherwise, it’s a good way to get exposure, learn, and meet other practitioners, as others have said.
Great idea and don’t see a reason to hide it. It’s an interest and learning other areas only informs you as a person and lawyer.
How else are you going to learn about it and meet people to learn from who practice that kind of law??
OP—Definitely. It a bad idea. I’m an example. I was a corporate restructuring attorney for years and no longer do that. I still stay in touch with the organizations I used to be a part of. Which is interesting because being in commercial real estate private equity now, distressed assets and how to deal with them are very important things to be facile in. I would certainly be involved in any area of practice that you have the time for if it interests you and you think you may want to do it someday.
This seems like a good networking opportunity.