president’s column STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY
January and February are typically slower months for the Memphis Bar Association, but this winter has been anything but typical.
Te new year began with a surprising bill filed by State Senator Brian Kelsey which sought to abolish two divisions of Shelby County Circuit Court, effective September 1st. Te leaders of the Memphis Bar Association voted to oppose the bill, which we decided was not in
the best interest of the citizens of Shelby County. Notifications were sent to our members, urging them to contact the legislators who would be voting on this bill. Our legislative committee used its contacts to obtain vital information concerning the status of the bill and its likelihood of approval in the various committee meetings. A group of concerned Judges and local attorneys held meetings in Nashville and Memphis with certain legislators, advocating why the elimination of two divisions was not appropriate or justified. Tat group included attorneys who represent both plaintiffs and defendants, working together with Judges to achieve a common goal. Te local specialty bar associations informed their members of the bill, and also asked those attorneys to contact state legislators. Lastly, many Memphis Bar Association members called and emailed members of both the Senate and House, advising of their opposition to the bill.
Due to these actions, Senator Kelsey decided to withdraw the bill, and has now assured me that he opposes it. It is
also anticipated that the House version of the bill will not be pursued, although we cannot be sure of that until the legislative session is completed.
Tis coordinated effort was a testament to the strength of the legal community in Shelby County, and made me proud to be the leader of this organization.
I believe one of the ways that the Shelby County legal community develops this kind of bond is by participating in events away from the office or courtroom. One great example of that is the Bench Bar & Boardroom Conference in Destin, Florida. Attorneys, Judges and their guests gather at Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort every May for continuing legal education. Bench Bar is an opportunity to get to know each other better. Whether you do that best over beers or beach volleyball nets, while shopping or lying in the sand, or meeting new people at the seminars, Bench Bar provides those opportunities to get to know your colleagues.
Please take the time to review the Bench Bar CLE and social event schedule on pages 12 and 13. We think it offers something for everyone. Registration is already open at
http://www.memphisbar.org
If you are a young lawyer with 5 years of practice or less who will be a first-time attendee at this year’s conference, one of our partners has sweetened the deal. Register for Bench Bar by Friday, April 18th and you will be entered in a drawing to receive $100 off the registration fee. Five $100 awards will be given, courtesy of the Memphis Bar Association’s long-time partner, BankTennessee.
I hope to see you on the beach,
Kirk 6
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