A Commitment to Serve AlumniDedicateThemselvestoServingthePublic 4 SUMMER <strong>2009</strong> • THE CUMBLERLAND LAWYER MarkWhite
Methvin Succeeds White as ASBA President M any <strong>Cumberland</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Law</strong> graduates have the pleasure <strong>of</strong> working alongside fellow alumni. It is a rare occasion, however, when two graduates succeed each other in such a prominent position as the president <strong>of</strong> the Alabama State Bar Association.This July, Tom Methvin ’88 will step into the shoes <strong>of</strong> Mark White ’74, who served as president <strong>of</strong> the Alabama Bar for the 2008–09 year. Methvin will serve as the 133rd president <strong>of</strong> the 16,000member association. “Mark White has been one <strong>of</strong> the best presidents we’ve ever had,” said Methvin.“He is an advocate for the bar, for lawyers, for the people and for the judicial system.These are some big shoes for me to fill.” White was named the <strong>2009</strong> Distinguished Alumnus <strong>of</strong> <strong>Cumberland</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Law</strong> at the Alumni Weekend Gala in April for his involvement with the law school, his success in the field and his dedication to the community.White served as the 2007–09 president <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Cumberland</strong> National Alumni Association and is founder <strong>of</strong> the Birmingham firm <strong>of</strong> White Arnold & Dowd, P.C. He has more than 30 years <strong>of</strong> experience as a trial litigator and is the recipient <strong>of</strong> both the state bar’s Commissioner’s Award and the Award <strong>of</strong> Merit. White began his legal education in 1969 but was called on active duty for the U.S. Navy during 1970–72. He finished his law degree in 1974 and says that the combination <strong>of</strong> his degree and his service prepared him well for his career and his role as Alabama Bar president. During his term,White improved the state bar’s relationship with the Alabama Legislature and ensured that the lawyers <strong>of</strong> Alabama have a “seat at the table” when important decisions are being made about the law pr<strong>of</strong>ession and the judicial branch <strong>of</strong> government. “It’s been challenging, but at the same time, it’s been rewarding,” said White.“I don’t think it’s possible for any person to appreciate the state bar staff until they’ve actually been in this <strong>of</strong>fice and realized how complex and how complicated it is.They From left, Tom Methvin ’88, Mark White ’74 and past president Sam Crosby attend the 2008 Alabama Bar Induction Ceremony. do a miraculous job with rare recognition.” White says he has enjoyed serving as president <strong>of</strong> the state bar, even though he admits that being located in Birmingham has added about 30,000 miles on his car. “My car can go to and from Montgomery with very little assistance from me,” he quipped. White is very proud <strong>of</strong> the improvements and increased commitment for access to justice for the poor during his term. He looks forward to the work Methvin will continue with access to justice, which is the focus for his upcoming term. “When I leave on July 18, the only thing that I will do for the state bar is whatever Tom Methvin asks me to do,” White said.“There is a proud tradition that when you walk away from this <strong>of</strong>fice, the person that walks in this <strong>of</strong>fice is truly in charge.Your obligation is to try and not leave them with any excess baggage.Tom will do a splendid job.” Methvin comes to the task <strong>of</strong> president with a proven record <strong>of</strong> dedication to the justice system, and the lawyers and judges who comprise the Alabama State Bar Association. During his time as president-elect, Methvin established the Alabama State Bar Task Force on Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance, allowing more than 1,200 Alabamians to keep their homes, which were otherwise at risk <strong>of</strong> being foreclosed upon. He has held many positions within the state bar, and joins White as a fellow in the Alabama <strong>Law</strong> Foundation and a member <strong>of</strong> the Atticus Finch Society. Coming from a family that has been involved in the practice <strong>of</strong> law for more than 200 years, it is no surprise that Methvin always knew that he wanted to be a lawyer.After his graduation from <strong>Cumberland</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Law</strong> in 1988, he joined Beasley Allen, representing victims <strong>of</strong> consumer fraud. In 1998, he became managing shareholder <strong>of</strong> the firm and continues to hold that position. He also serves as the president <strong>of</strong> the Montgomery <strong>Cumberland</strong> Club and serves on the board <strong>of</strong> many Montgomery charitable organizations. “<strong>Law</strong>yers are leaders in the community,” said Methvin.“We are blessed to have more education than many, and we need to use the gifts and talents that we have to help other people.” Methvin recognizes that with his new title comes great responsibility, and he doesn’t take the position lightly. In light <strong>of</strong> the current economy and its effect on the people <strong>of</strong> Alabama, he believes that increasing resources to help Alabama’s poor and disadvantaged to receive affordable legal assistance is more important than ever. He says he will fervently promote the bar’sVolunteer <strong>Law</strong>yer Program and raise funds for Legal Services <strong>of</strong> Alabama, which provides legal aid to economically disadvantaged citizens through 10 <strong>of</strong>fices with staff attorneys. Both White and Methvin agree on the importance <strong>of</strong> public service, especially for recent law graduates.“Pro bono work is a win-win situation,” said Methvin.“It’s good for somebody that needs it, it provides excellent legal experience and it allows you to learn things that will help you in your practice.” Neither White nor Methvin ever envisioned they would be the president <strong>of</strong> the state bar, but both found themselves running unopposed for the presidency—a tribute to the countless volunteer hours they have each dedicated to the association and its cause. “People look to this association for guidance, and hopefully we are perceived as an objective and honest resource for the benefit <strong>of</strong> the citizens <strong>of</strong> this state,” said White. If Methvin’s work as president-elect is any indication <strong>of</strong> his upcoming term, then the work performed by these alumni should continue to enhance the reputation <strong>of</strong> the Alabama State Bar Association. continued on page 6 SUMMER <strong>2009</strong> • THE CUMBLERLAND LAWYER 5
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