Mar., 2011 - Mecklenburg County Bar

Bar Leadership Institute 2011
Building on the Legacy of Bar Leaders Past
By Aretha V. Blake
On the evening of February 3, the
Mecklenburg County Bar (MCB) and
Mecklenburg Bar Foundation (MBF)
kicked off the tenth year of the Bar
Leadership Institute (BLI). Surrounded by
the stunning views and magical ambiance
afforded by Bentley’s on 27, the MCB and
MBF welcomed the 20 members of the BLI
Class of 2011 while also recognizing the
many volunteers and leaders that have been
critical to the success and growth of the
MCB and MBF.
At the BLI Kick-Off and Volunteer
Recognition Dinner, more than 100
attendees celebrated the BLI Class of 2011
and honored the many hours of service
MCB members provide through leadership
and volunteer opportunities. More than 40
attendees were specifically recognized for
their past and present service to both the
Bar and the community. BLI Committee
Chair Aretha V. Blake acknowledged that
these leaders “are an example to all of us.
In the years ahead, each of us, and
especially the BLI Class of 2011, should be
challenged to continue the legacy of
leadership that you have established.”
Keynote Speaker and Past President of
the North Carolina Bar Association John R.
Wester reminded
the attendees
that, “Nearly a
hundred years of
lawyers in this
county have come
before you. You –
and all of us here
this evening –
stand on their
shoulders.” With
this historical
perspective, Mr.
Wester charged
the future leaders
of the Bar to
Keynote Speaker John R.
Wester
remember that, “Leaders will take risks.
They will rock the boat. The very best will
turn the boat over. They will not choose
their ideas by averaging the distance
between the ideas of others. The very best
leaders will see the box everyone thinks
inside of – and they will take that box
apart.” Mr. Wester also implored the
attendees to provide much needed pro bono
representation to the underserved in our
community including requesting support
from volunteers at the Statewide 4ALL
Service Day on March 4, 2011.
After Mr. Wester’s call to action, BLI
Committee Vice
Chair John H.
Cobb introduced
the participants in
the 2011 BLI
Class explaining,
“The BLI Class of
2011 is made up
of public interest
and private
attorneys. Large
firm attorneys
and solo
practitioners.
BLI Chair Aretha V. Blake This group of 20
represents
diversity in race and gender, background
and practice area. We even have a Cubs
fan.”
The BLI Class of 2011 consists of:
Michael Anderson of Johnston, Allison &
Hord, P.A.; Tania Archer of Moore & Van
Allen, PLLC; John Bowers of Horack Talley
Pharr & Lowndes PA; Jon Carroll of James,
McElroy & Diehl, P.A.; Joshua Davey of
McGuireWoods LLP; Sarah DiFranco of
Poyner Spruill, LLP; William Esser of
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP; Faith
Fickling of Legal Aid of North Carolina,
Inc.; Rebecca Lindahl of Katten Muchin
Employment
General Civil Litigation
Constitutional Law
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Civil Rights
Professional Liability Defense
TIN FULTON WALKER & OWEN PLLC WELCOMES JOHN GRESHAM AND JAKE SUSSMAN TO THE FIRM.
One of North Carolina’s premier law firms, Tin Fulton Walker & Owen PLLC provides zealous, ethical, and creative representation
in matters ranging from federal and state criminal defense, wrongful death, catastrophic and personal injury,
civil rights, employment litigation, immigration, education law, insurance coverage disputes, and business litigation.
| , Of Counsel, Retired Superior Court Judge | |
| | | |
301 East Park Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203 704.338.1220 www.tinfulton.com
10 March 2011 www.MeckBar.org