MALS Corner by the honorable george h. Brown, jr. McIver celebrates 15 years as leader of MAls


An interview by the first director of Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc., Te Honorable George H. Brown, Jr., with current director, Harrison D. McIver, III


harrison d. McIver, III


Judge Brown: Memphi s Area Legal Services enjoys, in my opinion, an outstanding reputation in the community and the program has been accepted in the community. In the beginning there were many skeptics of the


whole concept of Legal Services. What do you think has been the greatest accomplishment of MALS during the period of time since you’ve been in Memphis?


McIver: I would include among them: creating a shared vision, mission and strategic plan to give operational direction to the firm; increasing our visibility regarding the excellent representation our staff provides; revamping our client delivery structure to be more client-centered; promoting and expanding volunteerism and pro bono opportunities; creating a more engaged and skilled board of directors; and helping MALS become a more meaningful part of the legal community.


Judge Brown: What was your message to your staff fifteen years ago regarding greater participation in the legal community?


McIver: Having worked on a national level in partnership with national organizations including the ABA, I immediately encouraged our lawyers to be active in bar activities. Te “proof is in the pudding,” Linda Seely is current President of the MBA; both Frank Cantrell and I served on the MBA Board. Shayla Purifoy is a Ben F. Jones Bar Association officer. I currently serve in the TBA House of Delegates and have served on the Ben F. Jones Board.


Judge Brown: How does that benefit the clients of Memphis Area Legal Services?


McIver: As a nonprofit law firm, good will, reputation and appealing to the ethics and altruism of the legal community create


an environment conducive to attracting highly qualified legal staff, volunteerism and hopefully, greater financial support to legal assistance for our clients.


Judge Brown: Aside from funding challenges, what are some of the biggest challenges facing MALS?


McIver: Te biggest challenge today is to promote and expand our brand beyond the legal community, which is our core. Justice should be everybody’s business. Our country was founded upon the principle of “equal justice under law.” Te preamble of the Constitution starts with “We the People” and talks about “the establishment of justice” before mentioning “ensuring domestic tranquility, common defense and promoting general welfare,” It is the foundation of our “We’re All In” marketing campaign.


Judge Brown: Over the past 15 years, what has been your greatest disappointment?


McIver: MALS not being financially supported at the same level as other legal services firms, in particular, our sister organization in Nashville, concerns me. Clearly, we need to do a better job of engaging and galvanizing our legal community in addition to broadening our efforts outside of it.


Judge Brown: What does Harrison McIver as an individual do to ensure that he doesn’t get burned out and is able to renew himself periodically since you’ve been in this position fifteen years?


McIver: I employ multiple strategies. I am pretty much 100 percent in all that I do. I enjoy myself with my friends and family. I travel and it reenergizes me. Because of my past work on the national level, I have relationships with colleagues from across the country. I use them as a resource, sounding board and source of energy. Taking that mental and emotional break to focus on family, friends, and fun activities re-energizes me. Doing things for my church and community allows me to give back in a different, yet in very important ways.


Judge Brown: If you had to look into a crystal ball, where would you see legal services fifteen years from now?


McIver: Hopefully, we have laid a firm foundation that helps 19


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