At Raver Rawlings Law Group, we believe being a good lawyer and being part of the community go hand in hand. We are proud to share a reflection from Associate Attorney Bailee M. Yaeger on her experience in the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Bar Leadership Initiative.
One of the most rewarding experiences of my legal career so far has been participating in the Young Lawyers Division‘s Bar Leadership Initiative (BLI) through the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA).
The Bar Leadership Initiative was created to give young attorneys meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills, become more involved in the legal profession, and build connections within both the bar association and the broader community. Designed for attorneys who have been practicing for fewer than ten years, the program encourages participants to engage with the ACBA, gain insight into how the organization operates, and position themselves for future leadership roles.
As part of my involvement in BLI, I served on the Public Service Committee, where I co-chaired the Children’s Gift Drive, helped plan various community service initiatives, and took part in annual volunteer events throughout the year. These experiences let me work alongside dedicated attorneys who share a commitment to serving our community both inside and outside the practice of law. One of the most meaningful experiences during my time in BLI was participating in Wills for Heroes, a program through which volunteer attorneys draft estate planning documents for active-duty first responders and veterans.
Beyond the service opportunities, BLI gave me a chance to experience the full scope of what the ACBA Young Lawyers Division has to offer. Through committee meetings, networking events, public service projects, and leadership programming, I gained exposure to different parts of the YLD and found meaningful ways to get involved. The relationships and experiences I built through BLI inspired me to continue with the organization, and I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Young Lawyers Division Council for the 2026 to 2028 term.
Each BLI class is also responsible for organizing a signature community event. Our class proudly hosted 412 Restaurants to the Rescue, a food tasting event at Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh. Five local restaurants and chefs generously donated their time, talent, and food for a memorable evening, with proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit 412 Food Rescue.
Reflecting on it all, I can confidently say BLI has been an invaluable opportunity.
“The Bar Leadership Initiative was a great way to get involved and get to know my community. Pittsburgh is a city with a small-town feel, and being able to connect with so many different communities and members of the community is really special. Through BLI, I was able to build relationships with fellow attorneys while also giving back to the people who make our city such a wonderful place to live and work. It was also a great way to see a little bit of everything the Young Lawyers Division has to offer, and it helped me find ways to stay involved long after the program ended.”
Raver Rawlings Law Group is proud to support our attorneys’ involvement in the Pittsburgh legal community. To learn more about our team, visit our attorney profiles.