August 18, 2020 | By Matthew Kellogg
McCathern Dallas associate attorney Kristin Hecker recently participated in a virtual weekend retreat as part of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) 2020 Leadership Class. The retreat is a key element of an annual program that promotes leadership development within the bar association and Dallas’ non-profit and civic communities.
Each year, DAYL Leadership Class members are given the unique opportunity to meet many distinguished local city and community leaders who share their vision for the future of the Dallas community and encourage involvement in both legal and non-legal capacities. The participating attorneys learn about the city of Dallas and how to get involved in non-profit organizations, city politics, and opportunities inside bar associations. The program’s attorneys come from a wide variety of law firms, practice areas, and experience levels, which helps facilitate an active learning experience for everyone involved.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 class is a bit different than those of previous years. But while meetings and the retreat are being held online, the class members are still enjoying a worthwhile learning experience. “Even though this year’s retreat was held virtually via Zoom, we jumped right into personal branding and leadership styles and how we can implement them both personally and professionally,” Kristin said. “I look forward to working with my classmates, who have so much experience and diversity to bring to the table, as we strive to positively benefit the Dallas community, and I’m incredibly honored to be representing McCathern in this capacity.”
As a member of the 2020 class, Kristin is part of the 24th Leadership Class. The program has over 800 alumni who include judges, general counsels, a law school professor, city leaders, and law firm name partners. Many bar associations across the state of Texas have emulated its success by creating similar programs of their own.
As a participant, Kristin is following in the success of McCathern partner Stephanie Almeter, who was a member of the DAYL’s 2014 leadership class.