mblc celebrates over 15 years of embracing diversity ... · embracing diversity & inclusion in...

MBLC Celebrates Over 15 Years of Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in the Law

MBLC Celebrates Over 15 Years of Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in the Law

SPRING 2017

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About The Multi-Bar Leadership Council (MBLC)MBLC’s FORMATION AND HISTORYThe Multi-Bar Leadership Council (MBLC) is a non-partisan, non-profit voluntary board of bar leaders formed in September 2001 by then Atlanta Bar Association President Seth Kirschenbaum. In the midst of the September 11th attacks, a common desire to unite and support those who may be subject to persecution was the spirit in which MBLC was formed. On September 22nd and September 23rd, 2001, six minority bar associations, including the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Gate City Bar Association, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, Georgia Hispanic Bar Association and Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia, were invited to meet with the Atlanta Bar Association Board at a resort to identify areas of common interest and concerns and to explore the formation of joint projects. At the close of the weekend, MBLC was formalized and premised upon a commitment to address issues such as eliminating bias in courtrooms, increasing access to courts, judicial selection and tenure, protecting judicial independence, providing resources to legislators, advocating for new Superior Court judges and ensuring adequate funding for indigent defense. The discussions also included issues that affect the administration of justice such as access to interpreters, special issues involving justice for underage juveniles and local issues with unlawful profiling. A few of the joint projects that were discussed included creating a database of diverse CLE speakers and media contacts, organizing joint programs for judicial and political candidates, preparing a master calendar to highlight each MBLC organization’s social events, creating a joint Lawyer Referral Program and sharing staff resources.

Since its formation, MBLC has hosted judicial candidate forums, including a debate for candidates for the Court of Appeals moderated by Dennis O’Hare of WABE. MBLC has hosted career panels for law students and newly admitted attorneys. Representatives from MBLC have participated in the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Saturday Lawyers Program and the State Bar of Georgia Transition Into Law Practice Program. MBLC has also been involved in charitable endeavors, including hosting social events to benefit charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots. MBLC’s most notable programs and events include the annual Seth Kirschenbaum Diversity Awards Ceremony, MBLC’s Pipeline Program, MBLC’s Cook-Off Competition and the annual President’s Summit and Retreat attended by the presidents of each MBLC association.

MEMBER ASSOCIATIONSAtlanta Bar Association

Cobb County Bar Association

DeKalb Bar Association

DeKalb Lawyers Association

Gate City Bar Association

Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers

Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys

Georgia Defense Lawyers Association

Georgia Hispanic Bar Association

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association

Gwinnett County Bar Association

Henry County Bar Association

North Fulton Bar Association

South Asian Bar Association of Georgia

State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division

Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia

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MBLC MONTHLY MEETINGSMBLC’s membership includes the 17 voluntary bar associations listed above. On the first Wednesday morning of every month, MBLC’s Chair(s), leaders and at least one MBLC representative from each member association meet for breakfast at the State Bar of Georgia at 8:30 a.m. to discuss MBLC events and share reports on member association events for that month. The discussions often include news and announcements around issues of common interest, State Bar of Georgia news, new initiatives for MBLC to consider and a highlight of the history and mission of the organization who sponsors breakfast. MBLC also discusses and plans the Seth Kirschenbaum Diversity Award ceremony, the Pipeline Program, the Cook-Off Competition and occasional MBLC social events and highlights and encourages members to attend and participate in each member associations’ monthly events. The goal of each monthly meeting is to raise awareness around issues affecting diversity and inclusion in the law, to recruit volunteers to participate in and plan the SK Diversity Awards Ceremony, MBLC’s Pipeline Program, MBLC’s “Taste of Diversity” Cook-Off Competition, MBLC social events and to increase attendance and support of each member organizations monthly events.

PRESIDENTIAL RETREATS AND SUMMITS Each year on or around President’s Day, the sitting presidents of each MBLC organization comes together for a meeting at the State Bar of Georgia to discuss their goals, programs and topics of common interests. Topics such as effective leadership and engaging members for the success of each organization have been at the center of these discussions. The retreats are annual, invitation only meetings.

MBLC PIPELINE PROGRAMIn 2012, MBLC created a Pipeline Program aimed at increasing interest and fueling the pipeline of diverse students into the legal profession. Under the leadership of Shiriki Cavitt, a curriculum was created, attorney training was formalized and five (5) local schools were identified for campus visits to begin the outreach process. Volunteer attorneys were trained to go into these schools as a visual and substantive representation of diversity within the legal profession.

During each session of the visits with the students, middle and high school students were initially asked to guess the profession of the diverse group of individuals standing before them. After the MBLC representatives were revealed as attorneys, the students were separated into groups and asked to compile a list of words describing their perception of lawyers, their thoughts on what “diversity” means to them and their thoughts on pursing a legal career. Open discussions that followed sharing their lists have included educating the students on how to address stereotypes and discrimination, educating the students on the true value of diversity and engaging the students to correct misinterpretations about attorneys, the justice system and what it is like to practice law.

Attorney volunteers who have participated in MBLC’s Pipeline Program have described their interactions with the students as very lively and enlightening, and have been impressed by the students’ high levels of engagement. Students routinely ask thought provoking, mature questions that left all involved to experience the positive impressions that were made. MBLC continues to seek widespread participation from its member organizations to present a visual and substantive demonstration of diversity in the law during these sessions.

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MBLC’S SETH KIRSCHENBAUM DIVERSITY AWARDEach year since 2007, MBLC has vetted and conferred the Seth Kirschenbaum (SK) Diversity Award upon members in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia, law firms corporate law departments or law-related organizations that embody MBLC’s mission of fostering meaningful and positive interaction among diverse members of the Bar. This effort is demonstrated through the individual or entity’s leadership in programs and efforts that support diversity and inclusion. Specifically, the SK Diversity Award is given to an individual who or organization that:

• Strives to invest and remain committed to minority members of the Bar through mentorship, coaching, and training

• Takes an active role in supporting minority bar associations or in diversity committees of local or national bars

• Participates in pro bono activities that have an impact on diversity within the profession and society in general

• Employs a consistent pattern of recruiting, retaining, and hiring of diverse attorneys

• Promotes diverse attorneys

• Maintains an existence of overall diversity in the workplace

• Cultivates a friendly climate within a law firm or organization toward diverse attorneys and others

• Involves diverse members in the planning and setting of policy for diversity or

• Considers and adopts plans to continue to improve diversity within the law firm or organization

As a symbol of unity among MBLC member associations, the SK Diversity Awards ceremony is hosted each year around the anniversary of September 11th. Please join MBLC again in congratulating the following recipients of the annual SK Diversity Award:

2007 Seth Kirshenbaum2009 Charles T. Lester, Jr.2009 Hon. Marvin Arrington, Sr. 2010 Dawn M. Jones2011 Lori L. Garrett

2012 Hon. Dax E. Lopez2013 Joy Lampley-Fortson2014 Avarita L. Hanson2015 Patrise Perkins Hooker2016 Allegra Lawrence Hardy

MBLC’S ANNUAL “TASTE OF DIVERSITY” COOK-OFF COMPETITIONIn recognition of MBLC’s purpose of fostering and improving relationships among the members of local bar associations, in 2013 Shatorree Bates conceptualized and organized MBLC’s inaugural family friendly cook-off competition. Sitting judges volunteer their time to taste, rate and select their favorites among dishes submitted by each MBLC member association in one of three categories: appetizer, entrée and dessert. To date, hundreds of members, family and friends have gathered in metro-Atlanta parks to feast, fellowship and have fun with participating attorneys and judges at the annual cook-off competition.

In addition to receiving winning trophies for the best dish, one association receives a trophy as recognition for decorating their serving stations with items which best represent each year’s theme. Two favorite themes have included the non-partisan, patriotic “Red, White and You” theme and “One Community, Many Flavors” theme. At each competition, southern, ethnic, Asian, Latin, classic American, soul food and many diverse dishes are deliciously prepared and displayed by attorneys brave enough to display their culinary skills.

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The recent trend for the winners for the best representation of theme has consisted of very creative displays at individual association’s food stations who have chosen to celebrate and highlight each and every MBLC organization at their table. Those who have never attended the cook-off are strongly encouraged to attend and experience the collaboration and comradery at this special annual event, held annually in April.

MBLC Would Like to Thank All Judges of Our Cook-Off Competition

2013Justice Carol W. Hunstein

Georgia Supreme Court

Judge Anne E. Barnes Georgia Court of Appeals

Judge Gail S. Tusan Fulton County

Judge Dax Lopez DeKalb County

Seth D. KirschenbaumMBLC Founder

2014Judge Christopher J. McFadden

Georgia Court of Appeals

Judge John F. DoranGwinnett County

Judge Susan Edlein Fulton County

Judge Jane MorrisonFulton County

Judge Christopher E. Ward City of Atlanta

Judge Alvin T. Wong DeKalb County

2015Judge Phinia Aten

Rockdale County

Judge Meng H. Lim Tallapoosa Circuit

Judge Wesley Tailor Fulton County

Judge Nora Polk DeKalb County

2016Justice Harold Melton Georgia Supreme Court

Judge Brian Rickman Georgia Court of Appeals

Judge Courtney Johnson DeKalb County

Judge Cassandra Kirk Fulton County

Judge Chung Lee City of Duluth

2017Judge Asha F. Jackson

DeKalb County Superior Court

Judge Alford J. Dempsey, Jr. Fulton County Superior Court

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Atlanta Bar AssociationThe mission of the Atlanta Bar Association is to serve as a leader in advancing excellence, ethical conduct, professionalism and public responsibility in the legal profession; improve the efficiency; fairness and accessibility of our system of justice for all citizens; increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of our profession and legal system; use our collective resources to improve the well-being of our community and its citizens, especially our youth; and identify and support the needs of a diverse membership and foster an environment in which our members experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in the practice of law.

Key Association Information

Website: www.atlantabar.orgFounded: 1888Fiscal Year: June 1st - May 30th

Number of Members: Approximately 6,000Cost of Annual Dues: $125-$245

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meets 4th Thursday of each monthFor Members: 22 Sections have individual meeting dates

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsLeadership Luncheon: February/MarchBench and Bar Reception: May LawJam Battle of the Bands Fundraiser: JuneLegal Runaround 5K Run Walk and Tot Trot: SeptemberCelebrating Service Luncheon: OctoberAnnual Meeting and Awards Luncheon: May ‘A Courthouse Line’ Theatre Production: November

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Cobb County Bar Association (CCBA)The Cobb County Bar Association is dedicated to providing legal services to the attorney membership while at the same time contributing to the community. In addition to providing attorneys a place for legal education, networking and socializing, the Cobb Bar contributes financial aid and volunteer efforts throughout the area. Through the Cobb Community Service Fund, the Cobb County Bar Association directly assists the families of needy school children. Our members can also be seen serving lunch to the homeless, reading to the school children, and providing pro bono legal services covering a broad range of practice areas. Every member is an integral part of this association. Without the dedication and contributions of each individual member, these services would not exist. Our association is committed to the pursuit of justice and upholding the Constitution, while supporting the community in which its members live.


Website: www.cobbcountybar.orgFounded: January 6, 1953Fiscal Year: April 1st - March 31st

Number of Members: Approximately 1,015Cost of Annual Dues: $175

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board of Trustee meeting, every 1st Wednesday of the month at 12:00 p.m.For Members: General Monthly Luncheon every 3rd Thursday of the month.

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsLaw Day Luncheon: May Law Day Social: May Law Day Classic Golf Tournament: May Holiday Social: December

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DeKalb Bar AssociationOur Mission is to uphold the honor of the legal profession, promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct by the bench and bar, and apply our knowledge and experience of the law to the promotion of the public good.


Website: www.dekalbbar.orgFounded: 1964Fiscal Year: July 1st - June 30th

Number of Members: 370Cost of Annual Dues: $250

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Monthly by either in-person meetings or conference callFor Members: Meet 3rd Thursday of the month at the Old DeKalb Courthouse for luncheons

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsDeKalb Bench and Bar Dinner: MarchHoliday Party: December

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DeKalb Lawyers Association (DLA)The purpose for which the corporation is formed and the business and the objects to be carried on and promoted by it, are as follows:

To uphold and defend the constitution of the United States and of Georgia and maintain representative government; to advance the science of jurisprudence; to promote the administration of justice; to uphold the honor of the profession of law; to apply its knowledge and experience in the field of law to the promotion of the public good; to encourage cordial intercourse among the members of the corporation; to correlate and promote such activities of the bar organizations in DeKalb County as are within these objects in the interest of the legal profession and of the public; and engage in any lawful activities related thereto.


Website: dekalblawyersassociation.orgFounded: May 6, 1985Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st Number of Members: 50-75Cost of Annual Dues: $65

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: once a monthFor Members: once a month- Wednesdays

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsTeen Talk Back: AprilIf You Can See It You Can Be It: April/May Scholarship Breakfast: MayHoliday Party: December

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The Gate City Bar AssociationCreate in the community a practical appreciation for the legal profession; encourage persons of outstanding promise to attend first-rate law schools and return to the communities that need their services most; oppose arbitrary and capricious laws in our state and uphold and extend the principles of justice in every phase of American life to the end that no one shall be discriminated against because of color, race, religious beliefs or national origin.


Website: www.gatecitybar.orgYear/Date Gate City Was Founded: 1948Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st

Number of Members: Approximately 400Cost of Annual Dues: Regular: $100 | Paralegal: $50 | Student: $20 | Affiliate: $50 | Judicial: $150

Regular Monthly Meeting Dates Executive Board Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month at 8:00 a.m.

Annual Monthly EventsInstallation: JanuaryBlack History Program and Past Presidents’ Reception: FebruaryWomen of Gate City Program: MarchExcellence In Education Series: QuarterlyCommunity Law Clinic: May

Justice Benham Law Camp: JuneSummer Intern Program: June-JulyJudicial Reception: AugustGarden Party: OctoberHoliday Party: December

Monthly & Annual Signature EventHall of Fame Gala: November

http://www.gatecitybar.org

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Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA)Represent and advocate the interests of Asian Pacific American lawyers and the legal profession; encourage and promote the professional growth of Asian Pacific American lawyers and other members of the legal profession; broaden professional opportunities for Asian Pacific American lawyers, other members of the legal profession, and law students; support the entrance and advancement of Asian Pacific Americans within the legal profession; provide an opportunity for fellowship.


Website: www.gapaba.org Year/Date GAPABA Was Founded: June 11, 1993Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st

Number of Members: Approximately 500 Cost of Annual Dues: Regular: $50 | Non-Profit/Government: $25 | Student: $25

Corporate sponsorships are available

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meeting every other month, 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.For Members: No set meeting schedule

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsA substantial portion of the proceeds from the GAPABA Law Foundation benefits community service organizations like the Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta (AAAJ-Atlanta).

Annual GALA: MayIn-House Counsel Dinner: OctoberLunar New Year Banquet: FebruaryPublic Service/Judicial Panel Discussion: November Holiday Party: December

http://www.gapaba.org

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Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)GABWA’s mission is to nurture, support and galvanize the power of black women attorneys; advocate for women and children, and empower our communities.


Website: www.gabwa.orgYear/Date GABWA Was Founded: 1981Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st

Number of Members: 696 MembersCost of Annual Dues: Regular: $100 | Associate: $80 | Student: $30

Regular Monthly Meeting Dates For Leadership: Executive Board meetings 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.For Members: General Body meetings 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

Annual Monthly EventsLegislative Breakfast: JanuaryProfessional Development Academy: March and SeptemberJudicial & Public Office Academy: AprilJudicial Reception: AugustTrial Masters Bootcamp: August

Black Law Students Retreat (co-sponsored with Gate City): SeptemberBlue Jeans Brunch: SeptemberSolo/Small Firm Symposium: SeptemberHoliday Party: December

Monthly & Annual Signature EventGlitter Gala & Auction: June or July

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Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL)To enhance the welfare and development of women lawyers and to support their interests.


Website: https://www.gawl.org/Year/Date GAWL Was Founded: 1928Fiscal Year: January - December / Board Year: May - AprilNumber of Members: Approximately 675 Cost of Annual Dues: 1st Year Lawyer: $55/year | 2-3 Years of Practice: $70/year | Full Member: $130/year Public Sector: $70/year | Nonprofit: $55/year | Law Student :$25/year | Friend of GAWL: $300/year Benefactor: $1,000/lifetime

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsThe Leader Within: JanuaryGAWLedu: January-DecemberGAWL Leadership Academy: January-MayGAWL Foundation Art Auction: MarchAnnual Dinner: MayParticipation Party: SeptemberJudicial Lunch: OctoberHoliday Party: DecemberLeadership Academy: Rolling GAWL Chapter Events: RollingNeighborhood Networking Breakfasts Neighborhood Networking Happy Hours: MonthlyGAWL Affinity Groups: Monthly

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Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA)GDLA is Georgia’s affiliate for DRI-The Voice of the Defense Bar. Trial lawyer members defend businesses and individuals in all types of civil litigation. Our mission statement is: to bring together by association, communication and organization, lawyers of Georgia who devote a substantial amount of their professional time to the handling of litigated cases and whose representation in such cases is primarily for the defense; to provide for the exchange among the members of this Association of such information, ideas, techniques of procedure and court rulings relating to the handling of litigation as are calculated to enhance the knowledge and improve the skills of defense lawyers; to elevate the standards of trial practice in this area and in conjunction with similar associations in other areas, and to develop, establish, and secure court adoption or approval of a high standard code of trial conduct and courtroom manners; to support and work for the improvement of the adversary system of jurisprudence in our courts, to work for the elimination of court congestion and delays in civil litigation; and to promote improvements in the administration of justice and to increase the quantity and quality of the service and contribution which the legal profession renders to the community, state, and nation.


Website: www.gdla.orgYear/Date GDLA Was Founded: 1967Fiscal Year: July 1st - June 30th

Number of Members: Approximately 900Cost of Annual Dues: $125-$200 depending on years of practice

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board Meetings are held in February, April, June and OctoberFor Members: Annual Meeting is held in June

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsGDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: JanuaryGDLA Judicial Reception: February

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Georgia Hispanic Bar Association (GHBA)The GHBA seeks to promote diversity in public and private legal organizations and departments, facilitate the continuing legal education of its members, foster the exchange of ideas and information between Hispanic lawyers, educate the Hispanic community on its legal rights and duties, and promote the recruitment and retention of Georgia Hispanic students in law schools.


Website: www.georgiahispanicbar.org/Founded: 1990sFiscal Year: August 1st- July 31st

Number of Members: Approximately 125Cost of Annual Dues: Public Interest and Judges: $35 | Private Practice and Non-Attorney Professionals: $65

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meets bi-monthly; Officers meet monthlyFor Members: No set meeting schedule

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsVeteran’s Day Event: NovemberWinter/Holiday Party: December/JanuaryCafecito Latina Lawyer Meetings: Bi-monthlyHappy Hours and Networking Events: QuarterlyCLE’sCocktails Around Latin America: Spring/Summer

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Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA)Protecting the Constitutional promise of justice for all by guaranteeing the right to trial by jury, preserving an independent judiciary, and providing access to the courts for all Georgians.


Website: www.GTLA.orgYear/Date GTLA Was Founded: 1956Fiscal Year: January-DecemberNumber of Members: 1,916Cost of Annual Dues: 1-5 years in practice: $125 | 5-7 years: $525 | 7 years or more: $635 Special membership: $1,095 | Champion (over 7 years): $3,000 | Champion (5-7 years): $2,000 Champion (1-5 years): $1,500 | Out of State: $120 | Retired: $100 | Public Service: $75 | Paralegal/Legal Asst.: $55 | Student: $20 | Paralegal Student: $20

Regular Monthly Meeting Dates:For Leadership: Executive Committee meets at 12:00 p.m. the first or second week of each monthFor Members: Meet at various events throughout the year.

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsWatch Me CLE: January Essential Torts Workshop: FebruarySki-LE Workshop: MarchAnnual Convention: AprilAuto Torts Workshop: JulyParalegal Workshop: August Trial Practice Manual Workshop: SeptemberHoliday Workshop: December

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Henry County Bar Association (HCBA)The Henry Bar Association promotes the legal profession in Henry County and provides fellowship for its members. These goals are accomplished in a variety of ways: through service to the community in ways consistent with the highest ethical calling of our profession; through activities that encourage interaction between the members in non-adversarial situations, such as monthly meetings; through the advancement of knowledge; and insight into the law and its legal processes through seminars and speakers.


Website: www.henrycounty-bar.comFounded: 1978Fiscal Year: January-DecemberNumber of Members: Approximately 125Cost of Annual Dues: Professional Membership $75 | Student Membership $25

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: planning meetings at least once per quarter

For Members: luncheon meetings on the last Friday of each month

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsFall CLE: AugustChristmas Party: DecemberWills Clinic for public safety employees: SpringHappy Hour/Social Events: twice each year

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North Fulton Bar Association (NFBA)The North Fulton Bar Association (“NFBA”) welcomes as its members attorneys and judges who live or work north of the Chattahoochee River or have an interest in the North Fulton area. Monthly meetings are held from September through May. The NFBA meetings always provide opportunities to network among peers and often include an engaging speaker from our community and beyond. In addition to its social side, NFBA members are engaged in the North Fulton community in many ways, whether it is providing laptop computers for a local high school debate team, participating in Law Day, coaching and judging high school mock trial teams, taking part in the Atlanta Area Citizenship Drive or the Multi Bar Leadership Counsel of the State Bar of Georgia, or collecting toys for the North Fulton Community Charities at Christmas.


Website: www.northfultonbar.orgFounded: 1981Fiscal Year: Calendar YearNumber of Members: Approximately 140Cost of Annual Dues: $130

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Members: Meet 4th Thursday of the Month at the North Point Diner in Alpharetta.

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsAnnual Ethics CLE with General Counsel Paula Frederick - State Bar of GeorgiaMarch Madness Lunch Meeting: MarchBench & Bar Barbeque: MayAnnual Holiday Party: December

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South Asian Bar Association of Georgia (SABA-GA)SABA-GA is a voluntary bar association based in Atlanta, serving South Asian attorneys and attorneys whose practice areas concern the South Asian community.

SABA-GA’s mission is to:• promote the advancement of lawyers and students of South Asian heritage in the legal profession

• provide a forum for professional networking, development, mentoring, and education

• increase awareness and encourage resolution of issues of concern for the South Asian community

• support the provision of legal services to the South Asian community

• increase awareness of the legal, political, economic, and cultural environment of South Asia in the local community


Website: http://www.sabaga.orgFiscal Year: January 1st- December 31st

Cost of Annual Dues: Regular: $40 | Student: $20

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meeting twice a month via telephone; live once per quarter

For Members: No set meeting schedule

Monthly & Annual Signature EventsAnnual Fundraiser Dinner: FallHoliday Party: DecemberCLE’sNetworking mixers and happy hours

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State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD)Provides service to the public and the profession through programs and initiatives.


Website Address: www.georgiayld.orgFounded: 1947Fiscal Year: July 1st- June 30th

Number of Members: Approximately 9,500Cost of Annual Dues: N/A

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Third Wednesday of every monthFor Members: Summer, Fall, Midyear, Spring and Annual Meetings

Monthly & Annual Signature EventSignature Fundraiser: Winter

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Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia (SBA)Stonewall was established in 1995 as a coalition of attorneys, judges, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals who pledged to use their professional expertise to support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans gender people and to oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The organization provides an on-line directory of attorneys who are willing to serve and be responsive to the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans gender clients; publishes a monthly newsletter that is emailed to 800 legal professionals; provides scholarships to law students; conducts continuing education for attorneys; and creates opportunities for networking with judges and other legal professionals.

Stonewall provides regular opportunities for its members to socialize and network with each other, sharing their knowledge, contacts, clients and information about job opportunities. This is an excellent way for attorneys to continue building their client bases and for law students to find mentors and to discover information about job opportunities.


Website Address: www.stonewallbar.orgFounded: 1995Fiscal Year: November 1st- October 31st

Number of Members: 250 – 300Cost of Annual Dues: $50

Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Third Wednesday of every monthFor Members: Quarterly happy hours/social events; three large social events; one annual dinner

Monthly & Annual Signature EventAnnual Dinner: October

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Annual Signature Events

JANUARYGeorgia Association for Women Lawyers: The Leader Within

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: GAWL Leadership Academy – January-May

Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Watch Me CLE

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: GAWLedu – January-December

FEBRUARYGeorgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Lunar New Year Banquet

Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: GDLA Judicial Reception

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Essential Torts Workshop

MARCHDeKalb Bar Association: DeKalb Bench and Bar Dinner

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: GAWL Foundation Art Auction

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Ski-LE Workshop

Henry County Bar Association: Wills Clinic – Spring

North Fulton Bar Association: March Madness Lunch Meeting

APRILDeKalb Lawyers Association: If You Can See It You Can Be It – April/May

DeKalb Lawyers Association: Teen Talk Back

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Annual Convention

MAYAtlanta Bar Association: Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon

Cobb County Bar Association: Law Day Classic Golf Tournament

Cobb County Bar Association: Law Day Luncheon

Cobb County Bar Association: Law Day Social

DeKalb Lawyers Association: Scholarship Breakfast

Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Annual GALA

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: Annual Dinner

Georgia Hispanic Bar Association: Cocktails Around Latin America – Spring/Summer

North Fulton Bar Association: Bench & Bar Barbeque

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JUNE/JULYGeorgia Association of Black Women Attorneys: Glitter Gala & Auction – June /July

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Auto Torts Workshop – July

AUGUSTHenry County Bar Association: Fall CLE

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Paralegal Workshop

SEPTEMBERGeorgia Association for Women Lawyers: Participation Party

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Trial Practice Manual Workshop

OCTOBERGeorgia Association for Women Lawyers: Judicial Lunch

Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: In-House Counsel Dinner

South Asian Bar Association of Georgia: Annual Fundraiser Dinner

Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia: Annual Dinner

NOVEMBERAtlanta Bar Association: ‘A Courthouse Line’ Theatre Production

The Gate City Bar Association: Hall of Fame Gala

Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Public Service/Judicial Panel Discussion

Georgia Hispanic Bar Association: Veteran’s Day Event

DECEMBERGeorgia Association for Women Lawyers: Holiday Party

Georgia Hispanic Bar Association: Winter/Holiday Party – December/January

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Holiday Workshop

Henry County Bar Association: Christmas Party

South Asian Bar Association of Georgia: Holiday Party

State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Signature Fundraiser

North Fulton Bar Association: Annual Holiday Party

Cobb County Bar Association: Holiday Social

DeKalb Bar Association: Holiday Party

DeKalb Lawyers Association: Holiday Party

Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Holiday Party

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Directory of Officers, Including Executive Director and MBLC Contact

Atlanta Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number

James D. Blitch IV President [email protected] 404-221-0401

Margaret H. Vath* President-Elect [email protected] 404-455-3659

Nicole G. Iannarone Secretary [email protected] 404-413-9261

Ryan K. Walsh Treasurer [email protected] 404-521-3939

Harold E. Franklin Jr. Immediate Past President

[email protected] 404-572-3539

*Margaret Vath is also the MBLC Representative

Cobb County Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number

Dawn R. Levine President [email protected] 770-421-9400

Darrell Sutton President - Elect [email protected] 678-529-6180

Laura Murphree Immediate Past President [email protected] 770-528-1810

H. Maddox Kilgore Secretary [email protected] 770-693-4358

Kimberly A. Childs Treasurer/MBLC Contact [email protected] 770-319-9100

Carol Kinstle Executive Director [email protected] 770-424-2947

DeKalb Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number

Cindy Harris Executive Director [email protected] 404-373-2580

Dan DeWoskin President [email protected] 404-987-0026

Arman Deganian Vice President [email protected]

Hon. Stacey Hydrick Secretary [email protected]

Elizabeth Garrett Treasurer [email protected]

Ana Maria Martinez MBLC Committee Chair [email protected]

DeKalb Lawyers AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number

Mawuli Davis President [email protected] 404-391-1083

Latasha Barnes Secretary [email protected] 404-447-6306

Charles Simmons Treasurer [email protected] 615-260-2116

Duane Jones President Elect [email protected] 770-310-3182

Candice McKinley Board Member- Community Service Chair [email protected]

Rachel St. Fleur Board Member- Scholarship Breakfast Chair [email protected] 404-610-0106

mailto:[email protected]






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Genet Hopewell Board Member- Membership Chair [email protected] 404-429-6652

Miguel Dominguez Board Member [email protected] 678-360-3585

Dorian Murry Board Member [email protected] 404-447-9506

Brian Ross Immediate Past President [email protected] 678-525-7738

The Gate City Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number

Shawntel R. Hebert President [email protected] 678-336-7193

Clyde E. Mize, Jr. President Elect [email protected] 678-686-6928

Cheryl F. Turner Foundation President [email protected] 404-313-2213

Shyril E. Beck Executive Director [email protected] 404-669-5300

Germaine Austin MBLC Representative [email protected]

Georgia Asia fic American Bar Association (GAPABA)

Name Position Email Address Phone Number

Hon. Carla Wong McMillian President [email protected] 404-656-3455 (w)

Cherish De la Cruz President-Elect [email protected] 678-922-1532 (w) 561-386-6252 (cell)

Quynh Truong-Johnson Secretary [email protected] 404-237-2040 (w) 404-242-9348 (cell)

Steven Wong Treasurer [email protected] 770-384-2397 (w)

Hon. Carla Wong McMillian Cherish De la Cruz

MBLC Contacts

Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)


Toronda “Tori” M. Silas President [email protected] 404-539-0157

Elizabeth “Liz” Broadway Brown

Vice President [email protected] 404-697-7482

Ta-Tanisha Perryman Treasurer [email protected] 404-697-7482

ShaMiracle Johnson Secretary [email protected] 404-895-4545

Randi Warren Asst. Secretary [email protected] 404-759-6855

Shatorree Bates Aleta McLaurin

Members-at-Large [email protected] 404-212-1985

Shaquana Ellison Marissa John

Student Members-at-Large [email protected] 678-361-3550






mailto:[email protected]%20

28


Deidre’ Stokes Merriman Parliamentarian [email protected] 478-284-9461

Evita Gaillard Historian [email protected] 678-613-7234

Crystal D. Kesler VP Technology [email protected] 678-309-0656

Whitney Knox Lee VP Albany [email protected] 865-719-3932

Laverne Lewis Gaskins VP Augusta [email protected] 206-351-2515

Kelli Byers Hooper VP Columbus [email protected] 229-834-2215

Kimberly Easterling VP Macon [email protected] 404-798-3146

Denise Cooper VP Savannah [email protected] 478-491-1339

Rita M. Treadwell President-Elect [email protected] 912-596-2765

Janet C. Scott Immediate Past President [email protected] 404-312-5068

Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL)Leadership Contacts until May 3, 2016


Alicia Grahn Jones President [email protected]

Laurie Vickery Past President GAWL [email protected]

Michelle West President-Elect GAWL [email protected]

Meagan Landress Treasurer GAWL [email protected] 404-669-5300

Lori Gelchion Secretary [email protected]

Cheryl Legare Megan Hodgkiss

Reps-at-Large [email protected]

Organizational Administrator:

P.O. Box 79308, Atlanta, GA 30357Phone 404-495-5358 [email protected] or [email protected].

Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA)

Name Position Name Position

Peter D. Muller President [email protected] 912-355-6433

Sarah B. (Sally) Akins President-elect [email protected] 912-656-1245

Hall F. McKinley, III Treasurer [email protected] 404-906-6528

David N. Nelson Secretary [email protected] 478-745-1181

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Georgia Hispanic Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number

Maria J Batres President [email protected] 404-612-4804

Rebeca Ojeda Vice President [email protected] 404-572-3575

Pamela Peynado Stewart Secretary [email protected] 404-892-8300

Peter A. Tadeo Treasurer [email protected] 404-892-8300

Hon. Dax E. Lopez Board President [email protected] 404-687-7130

William H. Arroyo Board Member [email protected] 770-491-0175

Tony DelCampo Board Member [email protected] 770-481-0444

Trish Marcucci Board Member [email protected] 404-285-3482

Ana María Martinez Board Member [email protected] 404-687-7130

Bernadette Olmos Board Member [email protected] 678-683-8500

Kazuma Sonoda, Jr. Board Member [email protected] 404-525-0430

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA)


Emily F. Hurt Executive Director [email protected] 404-522-8487

William Pope Langdale, III President [email protected] 229-244-5400

Darren W. Penn Immediate Past President [email protected] 404-961-7655

Adam Malone President-Elect & Legislative Co-Chair [email protected] 770-390-7550

Michael A. Prieto Executive Vice President & Legislative Co-Chair


Laurie W. Speed Secretary [email protected] 404-893-9400

Daniel B. Snipes Treasurer [email protected] 912-764-9055

Lyle Griffin Warshauer Parliamentarian & AAJ Woman’s Causus Delegate


Michael J. Warshauer Past President & AAJ Governor [email protected] 404-892-4900

Steve Lowry AAJ Governor [email protected] 912-651-9967

N. John Bey AAJ Governor [email protected] 404-344-4448

Stephen Chance AAJ Governor [email protected] 404-760-7400

Ryals Stone AAJ Governor [email protected] 404-239-0305

Brandon Peak AAJ State Delegate [email protected] 800-242-2962

Michael Lawson Neff AAJ State Delegate [email protected] 404-531-9700

Alwyn Fredericks AAJ State Minority Delegate [email protected] 404-659-1710

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North Fulton Bar Association


Todd Ashley President

Paul Sharman President Elect and Treasurer

Tamar Faulhaber Secretary

Michael A. Penn Linda B. Borsky

MBLC Committee Members

Henry County Bar Association (HCBA)


Pandora E. Palmer President [email protected] 678-432-9958

Anita Lamar Vice President [email protected] 678-653-3772

Suesan Miller Secretary [email protected] 770-515-0951

Maritza S. Ramos Treasurer [email protected] 678-782-3990

Amanda Flora Member at Large [email protected] 770-288-6400

Elizabeth O’Neal Past President [email protected] 770-775-3188

Doug Selph Immediate Past President [email protected] 404-504-7780

State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD)Name Position Email Address Phone Number

Jennifer Campbell Mock President [email protected] 912-225-6101

Nicole C. Leet President-Elect [email protected] 404-870-7434

Rizza P. O’Connor Treasurer [email protected] 912-526-4602

William T. Davis Secretary [email protected] 404-890-7750

John R. B. “Jack” Long Immediate Past President [email protected] 706-868-8011

ShaMiracle S. Johnson Heather Hale Riggs

Newsletter Co-Editors [email protected]@meldyourmind.com

800-580-6353

Mary McAfee Young Lawyers Division Director


31


Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia (SBA)Name Position Email Address Phone Number

Kat Schuller 2017 President [email protected] 404-815-2425

Stephen Scriber 2017 Vice President [email protected] 770-490-9553

Jessica MacAllister 2017 Secretary [email protected] 404-710-8385

J. Patrick Becker 2017 Treasurer [email protected] 404-581-8884

John Warchol 2017 MBLC Representative [email protected] 404-614-3921

Doug Selph Immediate Past President [email protected] 404-504-7780

THANK YOU to the Past Chairmen and Chairwomen of the Board of the Multi-Bar Leadership Council

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

YEAR NAME MEMBER ASSOCIATION

2001-2002 Felipe M. Nunez Georgia Hispanic Bar Association 2002-2003 Seth D. Kirschenbaum Atlanta Bar Association 2003-2004 Bettina Yip Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association 2004-2005 Kathleen Womack Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia 2005-2006 Anita Goklaney IndusBar of Georgia 2006-2007 Dawn M. Jones Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys 2007-2008 Denise M. Warner DeKalb Bar Association 2008-2009 Tara Adyanthaya Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association S. Samuel Griffin Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia 2009-2010 Lauren Larmer Barrett Georgia Association for Women Lawyers 2010-2011 Jessica J. Harper Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Kellyn O. McGee Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys 2011-2012 Forrest K. Clinard North Fulton Bar Association 2011-2012 Neera A. Bahl South Asian Bar Association of Georgia 2012-2013 Charles B. Hess Stonewall Bar Association 2013-2014 Ana Maria Martinez Georgia Hispanic Bar Association Robert M. Lewis Jr. Stonewall Bar Association 2014-2015 Shiriki Cavitt Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Yenniffer Delgado Georgia Hispanic Bar Association 2015-2016 Shatorree Bates State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division Todd Ashley North Fulton Bar Association 2016-2017 Adriana Sola State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division Dan Prieto Georgia Hispanic Bar Association

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