ILTA created the ILTA Volunteer Awards in 2020 as a method of highlighting the significant amount of time and resources the amazing ILTA volunteers dedicate to the Legal Technology Community. It was a surprise to the ILTA Volunteer Community in 2020, but in 2021, we are launching the Volunteer Award program during National Volunteer Week (U.S.), for everyone to help celebrate and honor the ILTA Volunteers.
We caught up with some of the 2021 Award winners to see how they're doing. Read the below to see how the award and volunteering has impacted their career and organization. Please consider nominating someone for the 2021 Awards, and click here to learn more about the awards program.
How did it feel when you were told your peers nominated you for a volunteer award?
@TJ Johnson: I was surprised and humbled. It was partly because I had no idea at that point that business partners were in the running for volunteer awards. The other part was that I have always gotten more back from volunteering than I put in, so feel totally rewarded every day of volunteering.
@Sandy Mikita: It is one of the highest career complements when you realize that your peers value your dedication and hard work. It is personally rewarding when others recognize your contributions and achievements.
@Kumar Patel: I was shocked and thrilled. I had just started volunteered so was thrilled that I had made an impression already.
@Donna Payne: When I discovered I’d been nominated and had won an ILTA volunteer award, my primary reactions were shock, and gratitude. Shock because I was not aware that the awards existed before attending Ascend; let alone being nominated and winning one of them. Mostly though, I felt gratitude. Grateful for being recognized along with people I have respected and admired for years.
How has volunteering with ILTA impacted you or your organization since winning the award?
TJ Johnson: The award has increased name recognition for me and for Olenick across the membership and the industry.
Sandy Mikita: The impacts drive empowerment and more engagement. It makes you naturally more invested to give back as you realize the effectiveness of your actions.
Kumar Patel: It certainly put me in the spotlight at my organization. Once the word got out, more of my colleagues reach out to me asking about ILTA and how they can contribute and how they can utilize some of the resources/connections. Since joining ILTA, I’ve used my connections to reach out for assistance/guidance on technical process/issues to understand how some of the organizations handle different tasks.
Donna Payne: I had worked at the same company for over 25 years. It was a large part of my identity and the past recognition I’d received over the years was a credit to the talented people on my team. This award was in some ways was different because it was volunteering and being part of the community I care so deeply about. ILTA members and business partners are smart, they are leaders in their organizations, and we come together for the greater good of ILTA, and our legal tech profession.
How has volunteering helped you in your career build leadership skills?
TJ Johnson: Being on the ILTACON planning committee and as Co-chair of the conference, I led a committee of volunteers to develop the education program for the conference. I coordinated panels of presenters from across the industry at all levels and all firm sizes. There’s no quicker way to grow than by leading volunteers, IT Leaders in law firms, corporations and business partner organizations in providing educational and networking value to conference participants.
Sandy Mikita: Volunteering gives you an opportunity to learn from your peers and transfer that knowledge to your job and career. It provides additional opportunities to develop or improve problem solving, team building and goal setting, which leads to improved leadership skills.
Kumar Patel: Volunteering (especially at ILTA) has made me open to more ideas after understanding how different firms’ operate. My current firm is my first firm I’ve worked at so my knowledge was limited to the firm in terms of process. After networking with ILTA, I’ve come to learn the many different methods each of the firms can take to tackle some challenges.
Donna Payne: Arguably the most difficult but fulfilling volunteer activity for me with ILTA was being co-chair of the inaugural Partner Advisory Council. Our work was important, and we took the responsibility of being the voice of all partners seriously. When you sit in a room with the likes of Michael Kraft (who use to intimidate the heck out of me) along with other talented PAC members, you learn to listen and learn different perspectives.
What is it about volunteering with ILTA that you most enjoy?
TJ Johnson: Getting to know people across the legal industry, sharing stories and solving business problems together.
Sandy Mikita: Volunteering provides an opportunity to learn from knowledgeable peers who in turn have become lifelong friends.
Kumar Patel: I would have to say pride and networking. I feel sense of pride belonging to ILTA community and the networking it offers has been extremely valuable.
Donna Payne: I’ve enjoyed it all – seriously. The highlight for me has been working with a diverse group of talented individuals who treat one another with respect. We learn from one another and while the community is professional and promotes leadership growth, it’s also a lot of fun. ILTA allows you to discover your strengths (and weaknesses) in the best possible way.
What drives you to want to volunteer?
TJ Johnson: Seeing the value of ILTA realized by conference and roundtable participants, as they learn and share together. As they are successful, I am driven to do more to assist, in any way I can.
Sandy Mikita: It is rewarding to give and see those results. It gives you a voice, when you may not always have one and allows you to step up and show leadership skills and benefits you can offer a team that may not be easy to do while at the office.
Kumar Patel: I really enjoy helping others and sharing ideas with the local community. Volunteering for ILTA allows me to accomplish just that.
Donna Payne: What drives me to volunteer is being a part of an organization I care deeply about. The members and partners have become my friends. And I believe in ILTA’s mission. We are a strong community and I look forward to seeing what’s ahead.
View the entire 2020 Award Winner list and nominate individuals for the 2021 Volunteer Awards here.