Jun., 2010 - Mecklenburg County Bar

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2009-10 Summary Professionalism, Lawyer Life and Culture Committee By Selina M. Brooks & W. Lewis Glenn III, Co-Chairs This marks the first full fiscal year of the Professionalism, Lawyer Life and Culture Committee (PLLC). Last fiscal year we combined The Bar 2010, LawyerLife Resources and Professionalism Committees. This year we strengthened the combined Committee and developed a common identity. The PLLC has discussed different ways to address Bar members’ needs in the current economic climate and has begun to take action directed at those needs. Much of the year was focused on launching the successful Coffee Connections series – informal, free networking events for Bar members. Each event had a theme and provided information and resources on the theme, e.g., starting a solo/small law firm. A subcommittee was created to develop CLEs directed toward the needs of experienced attorneys who are faced with changes in their employment and how they practice law. More information on this career transition series will be forthcoming. The PLLC Committee has also started a NC Lawyer Assistance Program (NC LAP) liaison subcommittee. This subcommittee will work with Don Carroll and the NC LAP to continue the practical coordination of efforts to help local lawyers in need of assistance. This subcommittee will meet quarterly. One of the other big projects being addressed by the PLLC Committee is how to strengthen attorney mentoring across the MCB. Currently, the Silent Partners program is geared toward newly licensed attorneys. The expanded concept would allow for a broader program that includes mentoring many different areas and levels of practice. The PLLC will continue to work with other MCB Committees – including the Continuing Legal Education and Communications Committees – to ensure professionalism topics are fully presented to the Bar. 2009-10 Summary Strategic Planning Committee By Carla N. Archie & Robert C. Dortch Jr., Co-Chairs The Strategic Planning Committee continued its efforts to develop both short term and long range plans for the Mecklenburg County Bar. After meeting with the MCB Executive Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, with the assistance of the MCB staff, developed the details of the strategic plan. The Committee and staff used the results of the MCB membership survey and the results of the ABA Operational Review from October 2008. These resources provided the Committee with some insight as to what our Bar members are looking for from the MCB and suggestions for improvement from an operational perspective. The draft plan was presented to the Executive Committee in late April. The Strategic Planning Committee will continue to work together with the MCB staff, leadership and volunteers to ensure completion and implementation of the strategic plan. 2009-10 Summary Social Sports Committee By Matthew R. Arnold & John C. Nipp, Co-Chairs For the Social/Sports Committee, it’s all about the fun. With the help of the Committee members, Bar staff and event sponsors, the Committee once again organized leagues for softball and basketball. In addition, the Committee ran a successful golf tournament at Raintree Country Club. On the social front, the Committee organized the Bar Holiday Party in December as well as the Bar’s 98th Annual Meeting in May. Though its name may connote frivolity, the Committee serves an increasingly important role in providing opportunities for attorneys to gather informally and develop friendships, thereby promoting collegiality and professionalism among our ranks. Left: MCB members enjoy the annual Bar Holiday Party. Right: The MCB Golf Tournament brings together attorneys for a fun day of competition. 12 June 2010 www.meckbar.org
2009-10 Summary Special Committee on Diversity By The Honorable Albert Diaz & Valecia M. McDowell, Co-Chairs The Mecklenburg County Bar Special Committee on Diversity had an active and productive 2009-10 year. Because of the efforts of our dedicated Committee members, we continued to sustain our diversity pipeline and broadened the scope of our efforts. The Committee’s work is executed through its four active subcommittees: Bench, Bar and Community Subcommittee More than 70 Charlotte-Mecklenburg students participated in the Lunch with a Lawyer program — a staple program of the Bench, Bar and Community Subcommittee. In addition to monthly one-on-one meetings with attorney mentors, the students toured the Mecklenburg County Courthouse at the close of the school year. The Bench and Bar Subcommittee also hosted various networking breakfasts and Continuing Legal Education programs throughout the year to better expose minority attorneys to careers in the judiciary. In April 2010 the subcommittee presented the 2010 Julius L. Chambers Diversity Champion Award posthumously to Judge Clifton E. Johnson. The Award celebrates the lives of individuals who have advanced the cause of diversity and equal opportunity in our community. Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship Subcommittee Seven first-year law students joined the ranks of several Charlotte law firms and legal departments this summer through the Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship (CLDC). We received more than 160 applications from 31 law schools across the country for the highly competitive positions. During the students’ 12-week stay, the CLDC clerks will participate in professional and social activities highlighting the benefits of working and living in Charlotte. The 2010 CLDC program features events with the MCB Young Lawyers Division, two judicial luncheons, a theatrical performance and breakfast with Mayor Anthony Foxx. Community Outreach Subcommittee In February 2010, the Community Outreach Subcommittee hosted its annual Diversity Day conference at Johnson C. Smith University. The program provided students from a wide range of age groups with the opportunity to hear about roles lawyers play in everyday society. Keynote speaker Reginald Shuford, then senior staff attorney for the Racial Justice Program of the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, encouraged attendees to diligently put their best foot forward no matter what course their future takes. MCB volunteer attorneys attended the conference to talk with students during lunch about their professional experiences. Law Firm and Legal Department Subcommittee The MCB Special Committee on Diversity recognizes that our legal community has been deeply affected by challenges of the economic recession. Despite these difficult times, the committee has made a conscious effort over the past year to ensure diversity remains a core value of our Bar and our legal community. Failure to do so would jeopardize our progress to date and in the future. Moving forward, the committee will continue to ensure that the We are Lawyers Mutual. BRIAN BEVERLY, PARTNER, YOUNG, MOORE AND HENDERSON, P.A. INSURED SINCE 1978 At Lawyers Mutual, our reputation is built on our We are Lawyers Mutual. Above: Reginald B. Henderson volunteers at Diversity Day. Right: André Walters speaks with students at Lunch with a Lawyer. promotion of diversity and inclusion within the Bar remains a goal shared by all stakeholders The Committee anticipates another successful year ahead. We wish to thank our Committee volunteers, local affinity bars and the MCB for their continued support of our efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive legal community. 919.677.8900 | 800.662.8843 | www.lawyersmutualnc.com www.meckbar.org June 2010 13
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Jun., 2010 - Mecklenburg County Bar

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