| August 2010 YLD public service, publication best in ABA The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division was awarded the American Bar Association YLD's top awards for public service project and member publication at the ABA annual meeting in San Francisco this month. YLD President Tasha Blakney was in town for the meeting and accepted the awards. See photos on TBAConnect. In the public service category, the YLD was recognized for its efforts recruiting volunteer lawyers, providing training and organizing the delivery of legal services after flooding devastated Middle and West Tennessee in May. As of just this past week, the disaster legal services hotline set up with the ABA YLD has fielded more than 500 calls and more than 200 lawyers have volunteered to resolve those cases. Learn more about the hotline here. In the publication category, the YLD's quarterly newsletter, the Tennessee Young Lawyer, was recognized as the best bar publication among the group. See past issues of the newsletter on the YLD website. Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to make these efforts a success. Wills for Heroes update Upcoming clinics -- Wills for Heroes clinics are scheduled in Cookeville on Oct. 30 and in Clarksville on Dec. 4. Please contact Wills for Heroes Committee Chair David Veile at dveile@lowerylaw.com or (615) 444-7222 for more information on these events or to request a clinic in your area. Knoxville report -- The YLD held a Wills for Heroes event in Knoxville on July 31. Organized by Hodges, Doughty & Carson lawyer Mike Baisley, the clinic served 51 first responders, including members of the Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Fire Department, Knox County Sheriff's Department and Rural Metro. Many thanks to the 21 attorney volunteers and 19 non-attorney volunteers who helped make the event a success! Participating attorneys included Mike Baisley, Kyle Baisley, Newman Bankston, Cameron Bell, Tasha Blakney, Eric Butler, Bill Coley, Heather Craig, David Eldridge, Daniel Ellis, Don Farinato, Becky Franklin, Betty James, Ben Jones, Alyssa Minge, Jessica Shafer, Russell Stair, Hanson Tipton, Leah Walker, Troy Weston and Terry Woods. Get ready for Celebrate Pro Bono Building on the extraordinary success of the first annual National Pro Bono Celebration in 2009, the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service is sponsoring the celebration again this year and the Tennessee Bar Association will use the entire month of October to bring attention to pro bono needs. Events planned across the state also will highlight the thousands of hours that Tennessee lawyers already contribute. During last year's celebration, volunteers from the TBA and its Young Lawyers Division, local bar associations and legal aid organizations hosted almost 20 legal clinics, with more than 200 lawyers assisting more than 400 clients on topics ranging from domestic violence protection to estate planning. Another 200 lawyers participated in live and web cast CLE programs, learning about new IOLTA rules as well as practical skills for assisting clients in need of pro bono assistance. If your community is planning something for October please let TBA Access to Justice Coordinator Sarah Hayman know about it. The TBA will promote and publicize local events throughout the month of October. For more information about Celebrate Pro Bono visit the ABA website. Law Day theme announced The American Bar Association recently announced the 2011 Law Day theme as "The Legacy of John Adams, from Boston to Guantanamo." A patriot, advocate, diplomat, constitutional theorist and political activist, Adams became our nation's first lawyer-president in 1797. The theme focuses on the role he played in the 1770 Boston Massacre trials as an example of commitment to the rule of law and the rights of the accused, even when the cause or the client is unpopular. The topic is meant to stimulate discussion about Adams' approach to the law, the historical and contemporary role of lawyers in defending the rights of the accused -- even in the face of public controversy -- and our understanding of and appreciation for the rule of law. Visit the ABA's Law Day website for additional resources, including lesson plans, official planning guide and 2011 themed products. Mock trial volunteers needed Want to help plan the 2011 State High School Mock Trial Competition or help write the problem that students will debate in next year's contest? The TBA YLD Mock Trial Committee is seeking attorneys willing to volunteer for the committee. While the state competition is held in Nashville, volunteers need not live in Middle Tennessee to participate. Those interested are encouraged to contact committee chair Marisa Combs at mcombs@lewisking.com or (615) 259-1366, or vice chair Troy Weston at tweston@eblaw.us or (865)544-2010. For those interested in learning more about mock trial coaching, the Memphis Bar Association Young Lawyers Division is sponsoring a seminar on Sept. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. with local lawyer Eugene "Buddy" Bernstein, who has coached the White Station High School team since 1980. Bernstein, who has extensive experience with the Shelby County competition as well as the state and national competitions, will talk about how lawyers can engage their local communities by volunteering through professional organizations. Interested individuals should contact the MBA at (901) 527-3573 for more information. Local bar news Memphis Bar Association YLD -- On Saturday, Aug. 28, the MBA YLD is participating in the Kickin' It for CASA Kickball Tournament. The event will take place at Willow Park (at Mt. Moriah and Willow Road near I-240). All proceeds benefit the Shelby County CASA program. For more information contact Shon Johnson at sjohnson@blackmclaw.com. In October, the division is considering fielding one or more teams for the 2010 Mid-South Start Heart Walk to support the American Heart Association. The event is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 8:30 a.m. at AutoZone Park. Those interested in participating should contact Abby Webb or visit the American Heart Association's website to learn more. Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers Association -- The UCYLA is sponsoring the 35th Annual Anne Cameron Golf Classic on Sept. 18 at Ironwood Golf Course in Cookeville. Tee-off times are 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in this scramble style tournament. Entry fee is $240 for a four-man team. Golfers will receive one practice round and range balls, lunch and cart on the day of the tournament, a goody bag and opportunities for several prizes. All proceeds will benefit the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Foundation Cancer Fund (CRMC). The CRMC Foundation provides financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients during and after cancer treatments, and works for prevention and early-detection methods. For more information, contact Lindsay Cameron Gross at (931) 526-3366 or download a registration form. Upcoming CLE Program Specifics: Producer: Carla S. Johnson, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz |
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Vol. 9, No. 2 IN THIS ISSUE
FROM THE EDITOR You are receiving E-DICT as a member benefit of the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. E-DICT features information about upcoming YLD events and ways to get involved, while at the same time showing that we do not take ourselves too seriously. E-DICT is sent monthly to all TBA young lawyer members, law student members, affiliate representatives and TBA YLD Fellows. If you have comments or suggestions regarding the newsletter, please contact the editor at htipton@watsonroach.com Hanson Tipton Knoxville ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION Statements or opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Tennessee Bar Association, its officers, board or staff. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION STAY CONNECTED Stay connected with colleagues on TBA Connect, the TBA's social networking site Follow news from the TBA on Twitter Visit the TBA's page on Facebook |
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