Articles

All Content


368 Posts found
Previous • Page 24 of 37 • Next
Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 22, 2019
 
The TBA’s Winter Leadership Conference, which took place this past weekend in Nashville, was a tremendous success.  Attorneys involved in TBA leadership roles gathered from all across the State to learn and collaborate.  The Young Lawyers Division covered positive ground during its board and committee meetings.  The YLD Stars of the Quarter were Allyson Lumpkin, Alicia Teubert, Justin Faith, Ariel Anthony and Ross Smith. 
 
To view some pictures from the conference and public service awards winners, click here.
Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 22, 2019
Calling all Memphis Lawyers! 
 
A Judges Panel: Legal Writing Pet Peeves and Pointers – 1 Dual CLE Hour
 
On January 25, 2019, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, a “Pop-Up” CLE will take place at the infamous Central BBQ in Downtown Memphis.  If you’re interested in this unique CLE experience, click here for more information.  
 
Special Thanks to our Sponsor-Rainey, Kizer, Reviere and Bell, PLC. 
 
 
Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 22, 2019
 
This month’s Attorney Spotlight pays tribute to the inspiring life of Lisa Richter, who recently passed away in December.  Known for “smiling a lot and quietly putting others before her own interest” Lisa was heavily involved in the Young Lawyers Division for many years, including serving as President.  
 
To commemorate Lisa’s amazing life, we gathered some happy memories and stories of Lisa from fellow TBA members.  
 
It is impossible to summarize the amazing Lisa Richter in a few words- it would take a book heavy enough to lift weights with to do her justice.  At the same time, there are a few things that stand out to me more than others when I think about my friend.  The first is the way she lived her faith.  Lisa was a true servant leader who didn’t need to tell you about her faith because she constantly demonstrated it through her actions!  She also made sure the world knew that being a Christian could also be a lot of fun. 
 
Lisa knew how to laugh and was especially good at making others laugh with her dry wit.  Whether we were working hard in our section at the UT College of Knowledge to make our way through law school; were on one of our many TBA and ABA adventures; or she was posting to her Caring Bridge site about her battle with the evil cancer that, as a good Democrat, she named “Newt”, Lisa always had something funny to share. 
 
To go with that sense of humor, Lisa had a smile that would light up a room.  While in the early days of our friendship those smiles might have resulted from some late-night antics we got into as a balance for the seriousness of our chosen profession, in recent years nothing brought a smile to her face faster than sharing the latest about her daughter, Emily. 
 
Lisa Richter held many important positions in her life- accomplished trial lawyer, President, Judge, and championship-winning Mock Trial Coach, to name a few, but it was the title of “Mom” that she treasured most.  I am thankful that Lisa’s spirit will continue to live on in Emily, and I hope that these words from Lisa’s friends will help keep Lisa’s memory alive for Emily and bring a smile to her face.
Cynthia Wyrick
 
 
When I think of Lisa Richter, I think of someone who smiled a lot and quietly put others before her own interest on a regular basis. Before becoming YLD President, she ran the high school mock trial program for several years. In those days she was the high school mock trial program. I think we all know how much work that requires. She also served as the coach for the Springfield High School mock trial team. I’m pretty sure several of her teams won the state and went on to compete in the national tournament. She did that while essentially running a court square type solo practice in Springfield and then later as a child support magistrate. She was definitely part of the Springfield “Mafia”. Larry Wilks, one of our heroes and a larger than life person, got Lisa involved in the YLD and thank God he did. When I heard of Lisa’s passing my first thought was for her daughter. My second thought was that Larry was there at the gates to greet her and guide her into heaven (with of course a few stops at multiple Waffle Houses along the way – that man could eat!).
 
Having learned how to practice law around Larry Wilks, Lisa was an outstanding lawyer. She always had the individual client and the small town lawyer in mind. She understood what it meant to struggle and wanted to help everyone she could. She was sort of the champion for the underdog. In all our deliberations in the YLD and in everything we did, she made sure we kept the court square lawyer and their clients top of mind. She was also very practical.
 
Maybe the most impressive thing about Lisa was her spirit as she fought cancer. On the occasions where I’d get a chance to talk with her, she always projected that things were going to be alright even when we all knew that they wouldn’t be. She never got angry or depressed around me. I’m sure she must have gotten angry or down about things at some point but when I’d talk with her she was always hopeful and always looking forward to getting her daughter set up in life. That was her driving mission – serve others and most especially her daughter.
 
Lisa was a gentle soul and a real steel magnolia (although she was originally from Pennsylvania). Her loss is a great loss for all of us.
Daniel Van Horn
 
 
Lisa worked for my dad, Larry Wilks, in Springfield, TN for 13 years. She watched me grow from snaggle-toothed youngster to high school graduate to TBA YLD board member. I watched her grow from young associate to TBA YLD President to Child Support Magistrate to fighter. All the while, her wit was dry, her character unimpeachable, and her attitude “peachy” as she often expressed. Over the last several years, she coached the Springfield High School Mock Trial Team, sending two teams to Nationals. She adored teaching our youth and the kids loved her back. During this time, she also fought cancer much like she lived her life: with humor, unquestioned character and an upbeat attitude. Our Bar and our communities are better for having folks like Lisa Richter. Rest easy, my friend.
John Wilks
 
Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019
 
The Tennessee Bar Association supports 33 sections — specialized groups that focus on a particular legal or practice area. Each of these sections provides its members with a number of resources and activities, from continuing legal education to news, information and advocacy. Section members receive bimonthly Connect newsletters containing relevant news stories, cases, upcoming CLE seminars, volunteer opportunities and more. Join a section today!
 
Already a member of a section? The sections are currently seeking section members interested in contributing to the Connect newsletters. If you would like to be featured in a section Connect, email YLD Coordinator,  Stephanie Vonnahme
 
Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019

The 2019 Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) will start their programming next week at the TBA Leadership Conference. Each DLI participant will be looking for a mentor. During the program, the participant will need to meet at least twice with their mentor. The goal is to gain professional support and encouragement from the mentor, establish a professional network and receive honest and informal feedback regarding the legal profession. If you would be interested in becoming a mentor, please contact DLI Chair, Alicia Teubert

Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019
 
It's the new year, so why not have a "Pop-Up" CLE to get 2019 started on the right track. Join us at Central BBQ Downtown after work, for a unique CLE experience; no powerpoint or fuss, just great food, a panel of judges and unlimited networking opportunities. Take away essential skills that can help you to improve in your practice of law; while enjoying a casual night out in beautiful Downtown Memphis.
 
Memphis Pop-Up CLE includes: Judges Panel featuring Judge Tu M. Pham, Judge Valerie L. Smith, and Judge Julia S. Gibbons; will discuss legal writing and the likes and dislikes of each judge. Complimentary appetizers, lemonade, tea and soda will be provided with the cost of the course. Additional beverages are available for purchase on your own. REGISTER & SHARE

Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019

The Southern Region of the National Black Law Students Association will host the regional rounds of the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition (CBMMTC) in Memphis, Tennessee from January 31 – February 2.  Volunteer judges are needed for the competition.  For more information on the competition and volunteer opportunities, please contact Clermon Acklin, the competition Director.  

Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019
 
Last call to sign up for the 2019 TBA Leadership Conference!  The TBA Conference is set for January 18-19, in Nashville and will be chock-full of dynamic programming, networking and social engagements including the Nashville Predators game. (Go Preds!)
 
Registration cutoff for the conference is January 14—so get on it!  Here is the preliminary schedule and registration for the 2019 TBA Leadership Conference.  Hotel reservations through the TBA room block has expired, however, there may still be rooms available at the DoubleTree Hotel

Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019

The TBA recently announced the 35 attorneys from across the state who were selected for the 2019 TBA Leadership Law program.  The six-month program is designed to equip Tennessee lawyers with the vision, knowledge, and skills necessary to serve as leaders in their profession and local communities.  The 2019 Class will meet for its first session in January. A list of the 2019 Leadership Law Class members can be found here.

Posted by: Stephanie Vonnahme on Jan 7, 2019
 
Elections for the 2019-2020 Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division will take place between March 1 and April 1.  Parties interested in elected positions must submit their petition no later than February 15.  Elections will be held for vice president, secretary, treasurer, East Tennessee governor, Middle Tennessee governor, and West Tennessee governor. The district representatives for odd-numbered districts will also be elected for two-year terms.  For more information on the election calendar and process, visit the YLD Election Guidelines webpage
 
Additionally, the application process for 2019-2020 appointed positions on the Young Lawyers Division Board has officially opened.  Please familiarize yourself with the 2019-2020 Young Lawyers Division appointed positions and descriptions here. The online application for appointed positions is due by February 28.

Previous • Page 24 of 37 • Next