****************************************************************************************** AGENDA ALABAMA STATE BAR BOARD OF BAR COMMISSIONERS MEETING

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1 ****************************************************************************************** AGENDA ALABAMA STATE BAR BOARD OF BAR COMMISSIONERS MEETING Azalea Ballrooms A-B The Grand Hotel Point Clear, AL Wednesday, July 12, 2017 ****************************************************************************************** 3:00 p.m. I. ADMINISTRATIVE A. Call to Order 1. Invocation Parker Miller, President, Young Lawyers Section 2. Roll Call 3. Introduction of Guests B. Artur Davis, Director, Legal Services Alabama C. Approval of Minutes, May 5, 2017 Board Meeting D. Recognition of New Bar Commissioners E. Recognition of Retiring Commissioners II. OFFICER / STAFF REPORTS A. President s Report B. President-elect Report Augusta Dowd C. Secretary s Report Phillip McCallum 1. Memorial Resolution from the Mobile Bar Association D. Office of General Counsel Report Douglas McElvy E. Financial Report Merinda Hall III. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Nominations for Legal Services Alabama Board of Directors 2. Long Range Strategic Plan Task Force Allison Skinner & Royal Dumas 3. Foster Care Task Force Report/Suitcase Initiative Judge Angela D. Terry

2 AGENDA July 12, 2017 PAGE 2 4. Law School and Legal Education Task Force Report Dorman Walker 4. Pro Bono Report (National Pro Bono Month in October)/Board of Commissioners meeting in Tuscaloosa, October 12, 2017 Jana Garner 5. Report of the Nominating Committee Mike Ermert, Chair IV. ACTION ITEMS 1. Rule III Applications 2. Approval of Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame 2017 Class 3. Approval of Karen Laneaux s Term on Board of Bar Examiners

3 AGENDA July 12, 2017 PAGE 3 ****************************************************************************************** ****************************************************************************************** ALABAMA STATE BAR FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING The Grand Hotel Point Clear, AL Wednesday, July 12, 2017 ****************************************************************************************** I. Approval of May 5, 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes II. III. Financial Report Election of Officers, Foundation Year ****************************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************************

4 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: RE: Board of Bar Commissioners Phillip W. McCallum, Executive Director Action Items for July 12, 2017 Meeting DATE: June 27, Rule III Applications The following individuals have applied for admission by motion pursuant to Rule III of the Rules Governing Admission to the Alabama State Bar. They are: Alan Michael Albright (GA); Courtney Katharine Cross (DC); Rosalie Kane Doggett (VA); Kathryn Shirley Firsching (TN); Bryan Stuart Foster (DC) and James Ronald Williams (GA). Each person has met the requirements of Rule III. 2. Approval of Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame 2017 Class - The selection committee of the Alabama Lawyers Hall of Fame recommends the following four individuals who have been deceased less than 100 years for induction into the 2017 class: Mahala Ashley Dickerson, Bibb Allen, Hon. John C. Goldbold, and Alto V. Lee, III. The selection committee recommends the induction of Charles Tate who has been deceased more than 100 years. 3. Reappointment of Term on Board of Bar Examiners - The term of Karen Laneaux expired at the conclusion of the February 2017 bar examination. Ms. Laneaux has expressed a willingness to continue to serve in her position. Her re-appointment would be for another four year term.

5 MINUTES ALABAMA STATE BAR BOARD OF BAR COMMISSIONERS MEETING State Bar Building Montgomery, Alabama Friday, May 5, CALL TO ORDER President Cole Portis convened this meeting of the Alabama State Bar Board of Commissioners at 10:00 a.m. in the board room of the Alabama State Bar building, Montgomery, Alabama. Commissioner Les Pittman gave the invocation. 2. ROLL CALL The secretary called the roll of the commission and the following commissioners were present: Halron W. Turner J. Levi Nichols Courtney R. Potthoff Larry W. Morris Terri O. Tompkins Hays Webb Emily L. Baggett Dana Grimes John A. Smyth, III Barry A. Ragsdale Robert G. Methvin, Jr. Michael D. Ermert Allison O. Skinner Brannon J. Buck Erik Stephen Heninger Kenneth Moore Ralph E. Holt C. Zack Moore Frederick G. Helmsing, Jr. James Rebarchak Les Pittman J. Flynn Mozingo Jeffery C. Duffey J. David Martin Tom Perry, Jr. William Randall May Mark S. Boardman Anne Malatia Glass Robert L. Bowers Manish H. Patel Rebekah K. McKinney Audrey O. Strawbridge Daryl Burt Clint L. Maze Sam Irby Roy W. Williams, Jr. Lee F. Knowles Sharon Hindman Hester Andrew D. Stanley Gregory M. Varner R. Cooper Shattuck Karen L. Laneaux Kira Fonteneau Jeanne Dowdle Rasco Monet M. Gaines Jana Russell Garner The following commissioners were absent: William H. Broome Leslie R. Barineau LaBella S. Alvis Thad Yancey, Jr. William R. Lancaster Bryan E. Comer Charles C. Tatum, Jr. George R. Parker C. Gibson Vance Donald R. Rhea R. Cliff Mendheim Eric Coale Tazewell T. Shepard, III John A. Brinkley, Jr. M. Clay Martin F. Patrick Loftin J. Lynn Perry Steven D. Adcock Erskine R. Funderburg, Jr. H. Thomas Heflin, Jr. W. Thomas Chapman, II Christy Williams Graham Matthew C. Mitchell Donald Ben Mansell Scott L. McPherson Diandra S. Debrosse Meredith S. Peters Rebecca G. DePalma Ashley Swink Fincher

6 2 Also in attendance were President-elect Augusta Dowd, Immediate Past President Lee Copeland and board counselor Richard J.R. Raleigh, Jr. Staff members in attendance were: Diane Locke, Douglas McElvy, Ed Patterson, Robert Thornhill, Linda Lund, Merinda Hall, Angela Parks, Margaret Murphy, Laura Calloway, Eric Anderson and Mark Moody. Suzi Huffaker, legislative counsel, was present as well. 3. GUESTS Guests included David Dowd, husband of President-elect Augusta Dowd; The Honorable Scott Donaldson, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, and Alabama State Bar Past President Sam Rumore. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 10, 2017 BOARD MEETING President Portis stated that the minutes of the March 10, 2017 Board of Commissioners meeting had been transcribed and circulated prior to the meeting. He asked if there were any corrections, additions or deletions. There were none. COMMISSIONER SHATTUCK MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 10, 2017 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE. 5. PRESIDENT S REPORT President Portis recognized retiring commissioners: J. Eric Coale 21st Judicial Circuit Sam Irby 28th Judicial Circuit, Place 2 Lee F. Knowles 33rd Judicial Circuit Sharon Hindman Hester 34th Judicial Circuit Tommy Chapman 35th Judicial Circuit Scott L. McPherson 41st Judicial Circuit Ashley S. Fincher At-Large, Place 9 Next, he updated the commission on the Legal Food Frenzy and recognized Commissioner Gaines who reported on the successful Minority Pre-Law Conferences that were held since the last meeting. The president then reported that the Lawyer University session held at the Birmingham Bar headquarters was well attended after which he detailed future sessions of Lawyer University. President Portis reported on his recent trip to Washington, DC as a part of the ABA Day in Washington and reminded commissioners that the president-elect and commissioner races would be held between May 15 and May19. Continuing his remarks, the president thanked the Elections Committee for their service. They are: Commissioner Ralph Holt, chair; Commissioner Fred Helmsing; Commissioner Brannon Buck; Commissioner Terri Tompkins and Commissioner David Martin. He stated that the Bar Elections Certification Committee members will be: Commissioner Flynn Mozingo, Commissioner Monet Gaines and Commissioner George Parker.

7 3 President Portis concluded his report by discussing the recent sent out at the request of the Alabama Supreme Court involving the theft of lawyer identification information in the electronic records of the Alabama court system. He reported that a task force chaired by Commissioner Ermert, will be working with court officials to prevent this from happening in the future. The president also reminded the commission that the annual meeting will be held at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, July and that the meeting will overlap with the judges annual meeting being held there. He said several joint programs and activities had been planned for the occasion. 6. SECRETARY REPORT The Secretary reported favorably on the progress of Commissioner Broome at UAB Hospital and encouraged commissioners to sign a card that would be sent to him. He also read a note from Leah McLain thanking the commissioners for the memorial resolution honoring Tony and their many kindnesses to their family over the years and following Tony s death. 7. OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL REPORT President Portis introduced Doug McElvy, Acting General Counsel. Mr. McElvy stated he was honored to serve and expressed his appreciation to the commission for placing its trust in him. 8. FINANCIAL REPORT Director of Finance Merinda Hall reported on the financial operations of the bar for the second quarter of FY LAWYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATE Robert Thornhill, program director, reported that the program is currently working with 145 attorneys and law students and that 80 of them are under contract. He also stated that the recent Lawyer Assistance Program Retreat was a success and reported that he had received many favorable calls and comments about the lawyer assistance articles in the March issue of the Alabama Lawyer. 10. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Suzi Huffaker stated that there were six legislative days left in the regular session. She reported on several matters including the status of the court s budget and several pending pieces of legislation. 11. AMENDMENT OF BUSINESS SECTION BY-LAWS Mr. David Dowd appeared on behalf of the Business Section and discussed the proposed amendment which would amend the Business Section s by-laws to allow for the section to have a Legal Opinions Standing Committee. COMMISSIONER PERRY MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES IN ORDER TO VOTE ON THE AMENDMENT AS PROPOSED. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY THE NECESSARY TWO-THIRDS VOTES.

8 4 COMMISSIONER PERRY THEN MOVED TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO PERMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LEGAL OPINIONS STANDING COMMITTEE. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. [A copy of the amended by-laws of the Business Section is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.] 12. WELLNESS TASK FORCE REPORT Commissioner Baggett reported on the several meetings and on-going work of the task force. She said that the task force is working on a program logo, a wellness component for the professionalism training course for new admittees and a dedicated health and wellness section on the bar s website. She also reported that there would be a speaker at the annual meeting sponsored by the task force. 13. LSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS President Portis stated that nominations will be discussed in detail at the next meeting for the vacancy created by the resignation of Douglas McElvy from the LSA Board of Directors. 14. RULE III APPLICATIONS The following individuals have applied for admission by motion pursuant to Rule III of the Rules Governing Admission to the Alabama State Bar. They are: Mark Talbot Croley (TX), Darcie Anne Bamberg Freitag (GA), Carey Brian Meadors (AR), Carling Tran Nguyen (TX), Hitenkumar Hasmukhlal Patel (MS), and Patrick Drake Schach (KY). The president reported that each of the individuals had met the requirements of Rule III. COMMISSIONER TOMPKINS MOVED TO ADMIT MARK TALBOT CROLEY, DARCIE ANNE BAMBERG FREITAG, CAREY BRIAN MEADORS, CARLING TRAN NGUYEN, HITENKUMAR HASMUKHLAL PATEL, AND PATRICK DRAKE SCHACH PURSUANT TO RULE III OF THE RULES GOVERNING ADMISSION TO THE ALABAMA STATE BAR. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. 15. AWARD OF MERIT President Portis reported that Professor Pam Bucy Pierson of the University of Alabama School of Law had been nominated for the Award of Merit. COMMISSIONER FONTENEAU MOVED TO APPROVE PROFESSOR PIERSON AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE ALABAMA STATE BAR AWARD OF MERIT. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE.

9 5 16. COMMISSIONERS AWARD President Portis reported that Commissioner Bill Broome had been nominated for the Commissioners Award. COMMISSIONER BAGGETT MOVED TO APPROVE COMMISSIONER BILL BROOME AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE COMMISSIONERS AWARD. MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. THE 17. SCRUGGS AWARD President Portis stated that former bar president Alyce M. Spruell had received the nomination for the Scruggs Award. COMMISSIONER SKINNER MOVED TO APPROVE ALYCE SPRUELL AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE SCRUGGS AWARD. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. 18. TONY MCLAIN PROFESSIONALISM AWARD President Portis stated that former bar president Sam Crosby had received the nomination for the Tony McLain Professionalism Award. COMMISSIONER MAZE MOVED TO APPROVE SAM CROSBY AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE TONY MCLAIN PROFESSIONALISM AWARD. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. 19. JUDICIAL AWARD OF MERIT President Portis stated that the Judicial Study Committee recommended U. S. Magistrate John Ott to receive the Judicial Award of Merit. COMMISSIONER SKINNER MOVED TO APPROVE U.S. MAGISTRATE JOHN OTT AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE JUDICIAL AWARD OF MERIT. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. 20. AMENDMENT TO THE DONATED LEAVE POLICY The secretary explained that the proposed amendment to the donated leave policy would allow bar staff members to donate unused leave time to fellow employees who have used all of their leave time to deal with a catastrophic illness or injury of an immediate family members or themselves and place that those unused leave hours in the leave bank for future as opposed to immediate need or use. COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE ALABAMA STATE BAR DONATED LEAVE POLICY. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE.

10 6 [A copy of the amendment as approved is attached to these minutes as Appendix B.] 21. ELECTION OF AT-LARGE COMMISSIONERS President Portis stated that a list of all of the nominations for the three vacant at-large positions had been included in the meeting materials. He stated that the following nominees were recommended for consideration by the commission and that any additional nominations from the floor could be taken from the list of nominees as previously supplied. The recommended nominees were: Timothy P. Chinaris, LaTisha Rhodes Davis, Kira Fonteneau, Stephanie Kemmer, Meredith S. Peters, Elizabeth C. Smithart, John Thomas Stamps, III. THE PRESIDENT ASKED FOR ANY FURTHER NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. COMMISSIONER GAINES MOVED TO CLOSED NOMINATIONS. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED AND APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. The president opened the floor for comments from the commission for each of the nominees. Following commissioner comments on behalf of each of the candidates, the president explained that voting would be by a show of hands and that each commissioner would have three votes and could cast those votes for any three of the nominees. FOLLOWING THE PRESIDENT S REMARKS, THE NAME OF EACH NOMINEE WAS CALLED AND A SHOW OF HANDS FOR EACH CANDIDATE. FOLLOWING THE VOTING, PRESIDENT PORTIS ANNOUNCED THAT THE THREE AT-LARGE COMMISSIONERS ELECTED WERE: LATISHA RHODES DAVIS, KIRA FONTENEAU AND JOHN THOMAS STAMPS, III. 22. RESOLUTION HONORING RETIRING BOARD SECRETARY AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR President Portis read the following resolution honoring retiring board secretary and executive director Keith Norman. WHEREAS, Keith B. Norman earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1981 and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in that same year. He began his legal career with the Alabama Law Institute and served as staff attorney to The Honorable Hugh Maddox, Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. He then practiced law with the firm of Balch & Bingham in Montgomery; and WHEREAS, Keith B. Norman began his distinguished career with the Alabama State Bar in 1988 as the Director of Programs working with the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program, committees and task forces and the annual meeting; and WHEREAS, Keith B. Norman became the Executive Director of the Alabama State Bar in 1994 and while serving the Alabama State Bar for 29 years has rendered notable service to the bar and the legal profession by virtue of his work through the many Alabama State Bar programs along with many bar volunteers; and

11 7 WHEREAS, Keith B. Norman is active in many professional organizations and groups including the Alabama State Bar, the Montgomery County Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is a member of the National Association of Bar Executives, having served a term on that organization's Board of Directors. He is also a Fellow of both the American Bar Foundation and Alabama Law Foundation; and WHEREAS, Keith B. Norman has unselfishly given his time and assistance to several generations of his fellow bar members and staff members while serving as Executive Director of the Alabama State Bar; and WHEREAS, in such service as Executive Director of the Alabama State Bar, Keith B. Norman has served the legal profession and the public, epitomizing the state bar's motto, Lawyers Render Service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alabama State Bar Board of Commissioners this day assembled pays its highest respect and expresses its deepest gratitude to Keith B. Norman for his exceptional service to the Alabama State Bar and its members, and that he be presented a copy of this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alabama State Bar Board of Commissioners recognizes and honors Keith B. Norman s wife, Teresa, an attorney, and their four children, Keith Byrne Norman, Jr., Effie Johnson Norman, Joseph Miller Norman and Harry Dickson Norman, II and that they be furnished with a copy of this resolution and that it be spread upon the permanent minutes of the Alabama State Bar. DONE this the 5th day of May Following the reading of the resolution, President Portis presented the secretary with a framed copy of the resolution as well as an honorarium on behalf of the commission and officers of the Alabama State Bar. The secretary expressed his appreciation to the president, officers as well as the board for their resolution, the honorarium and their support throughout the tenure of his service as secretary and executive director.

12 8 22. ADJOURNMENT President Portis asked if there was any further business to come before the commission. There being no further business to come before the commission, a motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn. The motion was approved by voice vote. ATTEST: Keith B. Norman, Secretary Alabama State Bar J. Cole Portis, President Alabama State Bar

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32 Alabama State Bar Comparative Budget to Actual - REVENUES 3rd Quarter Revenues Increase (Decrease) Total Budget YTD Actual Total Budget YTD Actual Actual License Fees 4,826, ,493, ,431, ,103, , Bar Exam Fees 575, , , , , Reciprocity Fees 35, , , , , Authorized House Counsel Fees 18, , , , , Pro Hac Vice Fees 135, , , , , Disciplinary Admin. Fees 50, , , , , Disciplinary Costs Recoupment 20, , , , , Petitions for Reinstatement 10, , , , , Miscellaneous 5, , Subtotal Fund 355 5,674, ,111, ,226, ,727, , Special Membership Dues 884, , , , , Law Student Registrations 100, , , , , Bar Exam Review 2, , , MCLE Fees 120, , , , , Legal Specialization Fees 10, , , , IOLTA Non-Compliance Fees 1, Miscellaneous Income 3, , , , Lawyer Referral Dues/% Fees 35, , , , , Credit Card Fees 20, , , Subtotal ASB Checking 1,175, , , , , Total Revenues 6,850, ,069, ,072, ,610, , QR-1

33 Alabama State Bar Comparative Budget to Actual - EXPENSES 3rd Quarter Expenses Increase (Decrease) Total Budget YTD Actual Total Budget YTD Actual Actual Salaries 3,292, ,503, ,259, ,426, , Benefits 1,200, , ,205, , , TOTAL PERSONNEL COSTS 4,492, ,295, ,464, ,244, , Travel In-State 150, , , , , Travel Out-of-State 60, , , , , Rentals & Leases 884, , , , , Utilities & Communications 145, , , , , Professional Services 635, , , , , Supplies, Materials, Expenses 227, , , , , Grants, Awards 257, , , , , Total Expenses 6,850, ,777, ,699, ,553, , QR-2

34 Alabama State Bar Combined Statement of Revenues & Expenses October 1, 2016 Through June 30, 2017 Revenues Treasury Fund #0355 State Bar Checking Fund Client Security Fund Alabama Lawyers Fund Meetings & Events Fund VLP Fund Total License Fees 4,493, ,493, Member Dues , , Professional Exam Fees 470, , Professional Registration Fees 98, , Disciplinary Fees and Costs 41, , Petition for Reinstatement 7, , CSF Asmts and Recoupments , , Allotments and Grants , , , , Contributions MCLE Fees , , , Legal Specialization Fees , , Law Student Registration Fees , , Lawyer Referral Service , , Annual Meeting Registration , , Legal Expo , , Leadership Forum - Class Dues , , Special Events , , Sponsorships , , , Ads/Subscriptions/Pub Sales , , Royalties , , Miscellaneous , , , Total Revenues 5,111, , , , , , ,205, QR-3

35 Treasury Fund #0355 State Bar Checking Fund Client Security Fund Alabama Lawyers Fund Meetings & Events Fund VLP Fund Total Expenses Personnel Costs 2,503, , , ,607, Employee Benefits/Taxes 792, , , , Rentals and Leases 630, , , Professional Services 187, , , , , CSF Claims , , Printing 66, , , , Grants and Awards 63, , , Postage , , Advertising/Promotional 9, , , , Travel In-State 50, , , , , Travel Out-of-State 22, , , Insurance 25, , , Office Expense , , , Training and Education 3, , , , Utilities and Communication 10, , , Annual Mtg - Audio and Video Annual Mtg - Food and Catering Annual Mtg - Honorarium , , Leadership Forum , , Committee and Board Mtgs , , Staff/Officer Expenses , , Special Events , , Miscellaneous , , , , Total Expenses 4,365, , , , , , ,489, Excess (Deficit) 746, , , , , , ,715, QR-3

36 Alabama State Bar Cash & Investments Report FY Treasury Fund #0355 State Bar Checking Fund Client Security Fund Alabama Lawyers Fund Meetings & Events Fund VLP Fund Clearing Fund Total Cash Balance - Oct 1, 2016 $ 68, $ 27, $ 55, $ 46, $ 1, $ 14, $ 2,786, $ 3,000, YTD Net Activity 746, , , , , , (2,781,532.19) (1,065,894.53) Transfer from (to) Investments - (400,000.00) (125,000.00) (525,000.00) Cash Balance - June 30, 2017 $ 814, $ 172, $ 68, $ 47, $ 219, $ 81, $ 4, $ 1,409, Investments Balance - Oct 1, 2016 $ - $ 3,923, $ 2,912, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 6,836, Interest and Dividends Earned - 65, , $ 111, Change In Market Value - 153, , $ 242, Investment Fees - (6,378.29) (4,621.73) $ (11,000.02) Transfer to (from) Investments - 400, , $ 525, Investments Balance - June 30, 2017 $ - $ 4,536, $ 3,167, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 7,704, QR-4

37 Alabama State Bar Sections Account Summary Report Balances as of June 30, 2017 Opt-In Sections Opt-Out Sections Administrative Law 6, Elder Law Appellate Practice 11, Environmental Law 0.00 Bankruptcy & Commercial Law 102, Family Law Business Torts & Anti-Trust Law 9, Labor & Employment Law Business Law 43, Communications Law 3, Construction Law 29, Criminal Justice 14, Disabilities Law 10, Dispute Resolution 3, Elections Ethics & Gov't Relations 2, Federal Court Practice 4, Government Contracts Section 2, Health Law 11, In House Counsel 8, Intellectual Property 9, International Law 9, Leadership Forum Section 6, Litigation 63, Military Law 2, Non-Resident Members Section 1, Oil, Gas & Mineral Law 2, Real Property, Probate & Trust 16, Senior Lawyers 10, Solo & Small Firm Section 18, Taxation 39, Women's Section 22, Workers' Compensation Law 19, Young Lawyers' Section 86, TOTAL $573, $ QR-5

38 save the date to pro bono cocktails 5:30-7:00 p.m. thursday, october 12, 2017 united states federal courthouse 2005 university boulevard tuscaloosa

39 2017 Alabama State Bar Annual Meeting Award Recipients Judicial Award of Merit Presented to a judge who is not retired, whether state or federal court, trial or appellate, and is determined to have contributed significantly to the administration of justice in Alabama. Hon. John E. Ott was appointed to the court in 1998 and now serves as the chief magistrate judge of the court. He has presided as a trial judge in more than 60 criminal or civil cases in a variety of subject areas, including employment discrimination, civil rights, contract disputes, antitrust, negligence and federal misdemeanor cases. He has also served as a settlement judge or mediator in more than 700 cases in nearly every type of federal litigation. Prior to his appointment, Judge Ott served as an assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Alabama for 15 years. He began as a prosecutor in the criminal division of the office and held the positions of deputy chief and chief of the criminal division and executive assistant United States Attorney with oversight responsibility for litigation. Prior to his service with the United States Attorney, he was a law clerk for the United States Magistrate for the Northern District of Alabama. Judge Ott serves on the adjunct faculty at Samford University s Cumberland School of Law teaching trial advocacy. He has also been an adjunct faculty member at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Miles School of Law teaching courses in trial techniques and advocacy, criminal evidence, e-discovery and social media and negotiation and mediation. He is a frequent writer and presenter at continuing education courses for attorneys on attorney ethics and professionalism, trial advocacy, evidence, mediation and employment law. In 1977, Judge Ott earned his B.A. degree in criminal justice magna cum laude from the University of Central Florida and his J.D. degree from the Cumberland School of Law in He is a member of the Alabama, Florida and Birmingham bars. He is also a fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation and the Birmingham Bar Foundation. Award of Merit The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding constructive service to the legal profession in Alabama. Pamela Bucy Pierson is the research professor of law at The University of Alabama School of Law. She has served on the law school s faculty for 30 years. Prior to entering teaching, Professor Pierson served as an AUSA, ED MO, criminal division, where she specialized in white-collar prosecutions. She has published seven books and more than 50 law review articles and published bar journals. She has testified before Congress three times and is active in the ABA and the Alabama State Bar. One of her former students, Ken Minturn, and the Honorable Philip Reich (retired, Alabama Circuit Court) will join her as co-authors in their forthcoming book, Economics, Emotional Intelligence and Finance: Tools for Every Lawyer in the Twenty-First Century (West Academic, 2017). William D. Bill Scruggs, Jr., Award This award was created in 2002 in honor of the late Bill Scruggs, former state bar president, to recognize outstanding and dedicated service to the Alabama State Bar.

40 A native of Demopolis, Alyce Manley Spruell received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1980 and her law degree from The University of Alabama in For more than 34 years, she has practiced law primarily in the Tuscaloosa County area in governmental and regulatory matters, employment and business law and general civil litigation. Alyce has served in a variety of roles within the bar including president from , member of the Board of Bar Commissioners, founding co-chair of the Leadership Forum, chair of the National Pro Bono Celebration Committee and initial leadership member of the Volunteer Lawyers Program. She also served as president of the Tuscaloosa County Bar, member of the Alabama Law Foundation Board of Directors, member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and president of the Southern Association of Bar Presidents when the bar hosted the meeting during her presidency. She served as the director of the Administrative Office of Courts, as well as its Legal Division director, assistant dean and director of development for The University of Alabama School of Law and as counsel for the Alabama Senate s Committee on Transportation and Energy for the Alabama Law Institute. She teaches courses in trial advocacy and legislative drafting at The University of Alabama School of Law, and provides continuing education and training on topics related to leadership development and civic education. Alyce received the Harold W. Albritton Award for her service to the VLP in 2013, and was recognized by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce in 2014 for her community advocacy. She was also recognized by the Alabama Criminal Lawyers Association in 2011 and the Alabama Circuit Clerks Association in 2012 for her service to our court system. J. Anthony Tony McLain Professionalism Award This award is given to recognize members for distinguished service in the advancement of professionalism. Samuel N. Crosby has practiced law for 39 years with the firm of Stone Crosby PC in Baldwin County. He attended the University of Virginia where he graduated with academic distinction, and went on to graduate from The University of Alabama School of Law. He is retired from the JAG Corps of the United States Naval Reserve. Sam has authored two books and numerous professional articles and columns. He is recognized by his peers as a premier mediator. From , he served as president of the Alabama State Bar, and became the first Alabama lawyer to receive the Chief Justice s Outstanding Leadership Award for his service to the public. As a member of the Chief Justice s Commission on Professionalism, he helped coordinate the first statewide professionalism consortium. Commissioners Award This award was created by the Board of Bar Commissioners in 1998 to recognize individuals who have had a long-standing commitment to the improvement of the administration of justice in Alabama. William H. Bill Broome received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law. He was a sole practitioner in Anniston from 1997 until 2015 when his son, William H. Broome, Jr., joined his practice as a partner. Their practice

41 is devoted exclusively to the defense of individuals accused of criminal offenses ranging from capital murders to misdemeanors in federal, state and municipal courts. Bill has tried 18 capital murder cases to a jury verdict and has never had a client receive the death penalty. To Bill, being a criminal defense lawyer is not simply a job, a business or even a profession. It is a mission to protect the constitutional rights of all defendants and promote equal justice for all. Bill is currently serving his sixth term as a member of the Board of Bar Commissioners. He served on the bar s Executive Council ( ) and is currently chair of the bar s Appointed Counsel and Indigent Representation Committee. Bill is a past president of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association ( ) and presently serves on the board of directors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Legal Services Alabama and served as president of the board from He is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Alabama Bar Foundation, and served as president of the Opportunity Center Foundation of Northeast Alabama from Jeanne Marie Leslie Service Award This award recognizes exemplary service to lawyers in need in the areas of substance abuse and mental health and is presented by the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program Committee. J. Massey Relfe, Jr., was a long-time resident of Birmingham where he practiced law as a general practitioner, specializing in criminal defense law. He was a graduate of The University of Alabama where he received his degree in communications and later received his juris doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law. As a member of the Birmingham Bar and the Alabama State Bar, he served on numerous committees over the years. He also served as an appointed judge for the 10 th Judicial Circuit on numerous occasions. Massey was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force and U.S Air Force Reserve. While on active duty with the Air Force, he was stationed at bases in Kansas City, Missouri; Izmir, Turkey; and Wiesbaden, Germany. During his time with the Alabama Air National Guard, he was the Commander of the 117 th Communications Flight in Birmingham ( ) and served at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery before retiring as lieutenant colonel. Massey gave his time to many community organizations, including St. Anne s Home and Fellowship House. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, teaching church school, ushering and serving on the administrative board. He became a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in 2006 and was active in many activities, including serving as member of the vestry. Massey considered it an honor and was proud to be a part of the legal community for more than 40 years before passing away in March David A. Chip Schwartz is a native of Cincinnati, and one of the founding members of Zarzaur & Schwartz PC in Birmingham. He is a graduate of The University of Alabama and attended Samford University s Cumberland School of Law, class of He served on the boards of the Southern Region of The Commercial Law League of America, Temple Beth-El, The Jewish Community Center of Birmingham, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) and St. Anne s

42 Home for Women in Recovery. He is an active committee member of the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program and a board member of the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Foundation. Maud McLure Kelly Award (Presented at the Women s Section Luncheon on Friday) Maud McLure Kelly was the first woman to be admitted to the practice of law in Alabama. In 1907, Kelly s performance on the entrance exam at The University of Alabama Law Department merited her admission as a senior, the second woman ever to have been admitted to the school. Martha Jane Patton is a Birmingham lawyer who recently retired from 18 years tenure as executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham, a nonprofit organization providing legal services to children and low-income citizens. Prior to her appointment with Legal Aid, she maintained a private practice both as a solo practitioner and with the firm of Vowell & Meelheim over the course of 20 years. Her private practice was a general one, but eventually she concentrated on probate and family law, particularly adoptions and child custody. Along the way, she received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell for achieving the highest level of professional excellence. As a dedicated member of the Birmingham Bar Association and the Alabama State Bar, she and women lawyer friends founded the Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association and the Women's Section of the Alabama State Bar. She has been recognized twice by the Women Lawyers Section of Birmingham with its Distinguished Service Award and by the Birmingham Bar with its Burton Dunn Public Service Award. Her law school, Samford University s Cumberland School of Law, conferred its Pro Bono Award to her and in 2016 she became the first female to receive the Birmingham Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Outside of professional achievements, she founded the Friends of Avondale Park organization in 1990 which led the transformation of the Avondale area of Birmingham. Through her activities with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, she has taken on leadership at the Diocesan level on the Commission on Race Relations. She is a founder of the Alabama Women's Political Caucus, a member of the Leadership Birmingham Class of 1990 and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from her alma mater, Birmingham-Southern College, in Susan B. Livingston Award (Presented at the Women s Section Luncheon on Friday) The recipient of this award must demonstrate a continual commitment to those around her as a mentor, a sustained level of leadership throughout her career and a commitment to her community in which she practices, such as, but not limited to, bar-related activities, community service and/or activities which benefit women in the legal field and/or in her community. Maibeth J. Porter is a founding member and shareholder of Maynard Cooper & Gale PC where she has exemplified to an extraordinary degree all of the qualities that the Susan B. Livingston Award seeks to highlight. Maibeth is an accomplished trial lawyer and serves as co-chair of the firm s financial institutions, corporate governance and fiduciary litigation practice group and co-chair of the Women s Mentoring Program. Her litigation and appellate talents are consistently recognized by her peers and clients and include rankings in Chambers USA: America s Leading Lawyers for Business since 2008, Best Lawyers in America since 2007, which also named her Lawyer of the Year in 2012 and 2014, and Super Lawyers since 2008, which most recently tapped her among the Top 50

43 Female Mid-South Lawyers in 2016, one of Alabama s Top 10 Lawyers in 2015 and Top 25 Women Lawyers from In April 2011, Maibeth became the first female lawyer in Alabama to be inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. She is a past president and past member of the executive committee of the Birmingham Bar Association, a decade-long commissioner of the Alabama State Bar, former chair of Panel II of the Alabama State Bar Character and Fitness Committee and chair of the Alabama Supreme Court Standing Committee on the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. She was recently appointed to the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission and is a fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation. Maibeth represents indigent clients in divorce actions through the Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program and the YWCA. Maibeth graduated summa cum laude from the University of the South in 1977, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa, among other honorary societies. She received her law degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Law in At Vanderbilt, Maibeth was a Patrick Wilson Scholar and executive student writing editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review. Upon graduation from law school, she served as law clerk to the Honorable Seybourn H. Lynne in the Northern District of Alabama. Justice Janie L. Shores Scholarship To encourage the next generation of women lawyers, the Women s Section of the Alabama State Bar established the Justice Janie L. Shores Scholarship Fund. Named in honor of the first woman justice to sit on the Supreme Court of Alabama, the scholarship is awarded to an outstanding woman who is an Alabama resident attending law school in Alabama. This year s recipient is Krystina Jackson of Stevenson (The University of Alabama School of Law 18). Local Bar Achievement Awards Recipients This award recognizes local bar associations for their outstanding contributions to their communities judged by the quality and extent of programs, level of participation of the bar and overall impact of the programs on its citizens. Calhoun-Cleburne County Bar Association President: Eric N. Snyder Tuscaloosa County Bar Association President: Anne W. Guthrie Birmingham Bar Association President: Leila H. Watson Volunteer Lawyers Program Pro Bono Awards The Albert Vreeland Pro Bono Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding pro bono efforts through the active donation of time to the civil representation of those who cannot otherwise afford legal counsel and by encouraging greater legal representation in, and acceptance of, pro bono cases. Richard P. Carmody, Adams & Reese LLP, Birmingham In 2016, Richard dedicated more than 575 hours to pro bono work with the National Appleseed, Alabama Appleseed and the organization s justice centers. In his work with Appleseed, he collaborated on a National Appleseed

44 venture to analyze current foreign remittance fees and uncover ways to reduce fees. He worked with regional Appleseed centers to update judicial process requirements for debt-collection practices and assisted in Appleseed s evaluation of the current SNAP benefit structure, specifically to prevent the expected cut-off of an estimated 500,000 SNAP recipients. Richard also volunteered with the Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program at their Project Homeless Connect monthly help desk. Firm/Group Award NXTSTEP Family Law PC, Huntsville Since 2010, this small firm has donated more than 533 hours of pro bono work and served more than 40 pro bono clients. NXTSTEP Family Law has provided assistance in a wide array of family law cases from uncontested divorce to child support and custody and visitation issues. The firm s pro bono clients rave about their work, stating that they are very thorough, take time to answer questions and make them feel protected. In addition to providing direct service to clients, the firm s attorneys have served on committees addressing affidavits of substantial hardship in Madison County, and as a result of their efforts, a protocol for submission and granting hardship requests has been established in domestic relations matters. Law Student Award Jessica Chang, Cumberland School of Law, Birmingham Jessica began volunteering with the Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program as a first-year law student. She s volunteered at the Domestic Relations Help Desk, as well as the Homeless Help Desk, every month. Jessica interviewed clients and entered their information into the case management system, often talking to as many as 40 clients during one session. Jessica also volunteers at the Birmingham VLP office helping staff close cases and follow up with volunteer attorneys. She helps at the program s yearly fundraiser, Pro Hops Vino, handling registration and check-in. Jessica said that she finds working at the Volunteer Lawyers Program a huge learning experience and is happy we have a program that can provide legal services to people that would have no avenue of help. Mediation Award Sally C. Bowers, Proctor & Vaughn LLC, Sylacauga Sally participates in the Foreclosure Mediation Program and the Family Mediation Program, which provide free mediation to the parties. In 2016, Sally provided more than 100 hours of service to the mediation program. She conducts mediation for parents involved in divorce and custody cases in Jefferson and Shelby counties. Retiring Commissioners Awards J. Eric Coale 21 st Judicial Circuit Sam Irby 28 th Judicial Circuit, Place 2 Meredith Shay Peters At-Large, Place 3 Lee F. Knowles 33 rd Judicial Circuit Sharon Hindman Hester 34 th Judicial Circuit Tommy Chapman 35 th Judicial Circuit Scott L. McPherson 41 st Judicial Circuit Ashley S. Fincher At-Large, Place Alabama Law Institute Legislative Awards Recipients (Presented at the Alabama Law Institute meeting on Friday)

45 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (Act ) (2 photos) Representative Juandalynn Givan Senator Cam Ward The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (Revised UFADAA) modernizes fiduciary law to accommodate our digital lives. UFADAA provides legal authority for fiduciaries to manage digital assets in accordance with the user s estate plan, while protecting a user s private communications from unwarranted disclosure. Alimony Amendments (Act ) (2 photos) Representative Mike Jones Senator Linda Coleman-Madison Years of competing alimony proposals and consideration by the Legislature culminated in these tweaks to the law. This act better sets forth the factors to be considered in awarding alimony and establishes default guidelines on types to be awarded and their duration. Division of Retirement Benefits upon Divorce Act (Act ) (2 photos) Representative Merika Coleman Senator Linda Coleman-Madison These modifications to the division of retirement benefits go hand in hand with the amendments to the alimony statutes. The amendments address the award, valuation and risks associated with market fluctuation between award and division. The Walter P. Gewin Award (Presented at The University of Alabama Alumni Reception on Thursday) Pamela Bucy Pierson is the research professor of law at The University of Alabama School of Law. She has served on the law school s faculty for 30 years. Prior to entering teaching, Professor Pierson served as an AUSA, ED MO, criminal division, where she specialized in white-collar prosecutions. She has published seven books and more than 50 law review articles and published bar journals. She has testified before Congress three times and is active in the ABA and the Alabama State Bar. One of her former students, Ken Minturn, and the Honorable Philip Reich (retired, Alabama Circuit Court) will join her as co-authors in their forthcoming book, Economics, Emotional Intelligence and Finance: Tools for Every Lawyer in the Twenty-First Century (West Academic, 2017). 50-Year Members Neal Hagood Acker Gilbert Eugene Alberding Elliott Richard Alhadeff Melvin C. Alldredge Angela Stover Anderson Horace Thomas Armstrong, Jr. John Martin Baker Hon. Daniel Basil Banks, Jr. Jerry Rufus Barksdale George Melvin Barnett Jerry Franklin Bartlett Hon. Joseph Laurie Battle Robert Lynn Bertram Michael Thomas Blacker

46 Harold Hampton Boles Patrick Hodges Boone Hon. Archie Ted Bozeman Donald Mayer Briskman Robert Russell Bryan Harvey Melvin Burg Samuel Curtis Butler, Jr. Robert Craig Campbell, III John Wesley Clark, Jr. John St. Clair Cline, III Nicholas Hamner Cobbs, Jr. Richard Jay Cohn Brittin Turner Coleman William Deal Coleman Leon E. Cooper, Jr. Andrew McCorkle Cromer, Jr. Norman Charles Cummins Marcy Bradshaw Darnall, III Philip Christopher Davis Joseph Ray Davis John Forrester DeBuys, Jr. William Richard Delaney Joseph Michael Druhan, Jr. Mac Simmion Dunaway Charles Herbert Erwin Rachel Smith Ferguson Raymond R. Flowers, Jr. Wilson Howard Foote, Jr. James D. Forstman Arnold Charles Freeman Donald Aaron Friedlander Henry I. Frohsin William Jordan Gamble Thomas Ranshaw Gamble John Patrick Geary Charles Lawrence Gibbs Robert Eugene Gibney Joseph Edward Glenn John Grant Gourlay, Jr. Hubert Aubrey Grissom, Jr. Daniel Howard Gross Jane Smelley Grubbs Albert Martin Guemmer Jerry Franklin Guyton Donald Robert Hall William Joseph Hamner David Earl Hampe, Jr. Hon. Arthur Jackson Hanes, Jr. Robin H. Harbin Clifford William Hardy, Jr. James Douglas Harris, Jr. Harold Edward Hartline Thomas Burns Henley Herbert Hemingway Henry, III John Zachariah Higgs, Jr. Tommy Edward Hill Larry Henry Hipsh Charles John Holditch Robert Burks Huie Albert Charles Hultquist David Truman Hyde, Jr. Edward Anthony Hyndman, Jr. Charles Eddie Isom Hewlett Chervis Isom, Jr. Theodore King Jackson, III James Jarvis Jenkins David Paul Jones, Jr. Hon. Clatus Junkin Barry Lynn Katz Larry Hubert Keener Hon. Braxton Leon Kittrell, Jr. Curtis Maddin Lincoln Allen Weldon Lindsay, Jr. Terrell David Little Linda Schwartz Lombard Henry Clyde Mabry, Jr. William Alexander Major, Jr. Wayne Watkins Martin George H.B. Mathews Charles Wood Matthews, Jr. Hon. Edward Bermudez McDermott Daniel Gray McDowell Pete Jensen Meredith Hon. Jeffords D. Miller Claude McCain Moncus John Thaddeus Moore Robert Edward Moorer Hon. Drayton Nabers, Jr. Raymond Franklin Newman, Jr. Joel Morrie Nomberg Jerry Brantley Oglesby John Percy Oliver, II Andrew Michael Onderdonk John Arthur Owens David Arnold Oxford William Andrew Parker, III