Magic City Bar Association

Magic City Bar Association Judicial Council Hosts Community Event

New Members Make Individual Marks as Well

By Honorable Eugene Verin (Retired) and Chris Burrell

In February, the Judicial Council of the Magic City Bar Association hosted a community-wide “Lunch and Learn” at New Rising Star Baptist Church. The free forum was open to the public and included lunch for attendees.

The “Lunch and Learn” offered insight into the workings of the local court system and the history of the Jefferson County African-American Judiciary. The program also included panel discussions on criminal law and family law led by local Jefferson County judges. There were keynote addresses by retired Federal District Judge U. W. Clemon and Presiding Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit, Judge Elisabeth French. Judge Clemon was the first black judge appointed to the Alabama Federal judiciary. Judge French is the first female Presiding Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit.

“We wanted to present this forum during Black History Month so that the community could both celebrate the history of local black judges and be more informed about the workings of the local court system,” said Jefferson County Circuit Judge Agnes Chappell, chairperson of the Judicial Council.

While the seasoned members of the Judicial Council served the community, two of the MCBA’s newer members were also making their own mark in the community.

New Corresponding Secretary April Collins of Collins Law LLC held the MCBA’s first “Know Your Rights” Legal Forum. Collins, whose firm handles personal injury cases, said: “It’s a quarterly series to inform the community of their legal rights in various areas of the law.”The

President Chris Burrell delivers his remarks

free event focused on criminal law and featured another MCBA member, Victor Revill, as the guest attorney. The remaining forums will feature other attorneys in different practice areas sharing valuable information with the community.

Rodney Dillard, another new face to the MCBA, was the featured speaker at the Birmingham School of Law BLSA chapter Speaker Series. He gave a presentation on “Gaining and Selecting Employment,

MCBA Judicial Council

Judge Elisabeth French and Judge Houston Brown

Choosing a Practice Area and More.”

According to Rodney, his aim was to “prepare law students with a realistic perspective of the job market, networking and bar preparation.” As an associate at Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling PC, Rodney’s practice areas include insurance defense, premises liability and auto liability.

MCBA members, both old and new, got the first quarter of the year off to a great start.

Family Law Panel: Judges Pamela Wilson Cousins, Patricia Stephens, Janine Hunt-Hilliard

April Collins

Criminal Law Panel: Judges Michael Streety, Stephen Wallace, Katrina Ross and William (Tony) Bell

Victor Revill addresses attendees at the Know Your Rights program

Rodney Dillard Rodney Dillard at BSOL Speaker Series

Fellows Dinner 2020

The Birmingham Bar Foundation celebrates and honors its 9th class of Fellows

Thank you to all of the Fellows and Life Fellows of the Birmingham Bar Foundation. The Fellows Endowment Program recognizes the notable accomplishments of distinguished members of the Birmingham Bar Association. Each member of this prestigious group demonstrates a spirit of excellence in his or her field of practice through uncompromising adherence to ethical standards and mores, application of exceptional skills to achieve optimal results for those they serve, and commitment to enhance and enrich the general prestige of our profession.