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Without initially discussing a problem with the individual first, CCing or BCCing
other members on emails or law school faculty/administration immediately escalates an
issue as some members will feel attacked, particularly if this is the first time it is being
brought to their attention. Blind copying other members is still improper and it may
prove futile if the person who was blind copied gets involved or reveals what was in the
email to the other party.

During meetings, if there is an issue with a member and this is the first time the
matter would be brought to their attention, kindly refrain from addressing it among other
members. Instead, again, speak to them privately about it first and try to resolve the
issue. Creating acrimony during meetings is against the procedural protocol of many
organizations. There might be times where you will disagree but the key is disagreeing
without being disagreeable. As long as everyone is acting within the best interests of
the organization, there shouldn’t be any unresolvable strife.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER

Most importantly, in the (near) future, you will absolutely be seeing, hearing
about/from, or reading about your fellow members and the amazing things they
are doing with their careers - so do not leave other members of the organization
with any other impression of you other than that of the consummate professional.

Unfortunately, in a few organizations that I have been a general member in as
well as served on the executive board, the largest meeting of the year, which is usually
the same meeting in which elections are held for the following year’s executive board, is
fraught with self-absorbed rudeness primarily from general members. Nearly every year,
if not every year! Some organizations have that reputation. As law students, we’re
groomed to be competitive but please resist the temptation to be rude in a 2-minute
tirade to temporarily impress members who you don’t know that well as that person to
whom you were rude may turn out to be the very person you need to help you down the
line in your career. Don’t risk alienating yourself from that member or from others that
are turned off to such drama.

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