President’s Message

From the President

As my tenure as president of the Birmingham Bar Association reaches its end, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for electing me to lead this 136-year-old institution.

Despite the many challenges our city, our nation and our entire world have faced as a result of the pandemic, the legal profession and our Bar have remained strong and vibrant parts of the Birmingham community.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROFESSIONALISM

Our Bar’s vibrancy and resiliency come from you, the attorneys who advocate for your clients and the judges who are devoted to the administration of justice. Your integrity drives your work and passion for the law. You are trustworthy, reliable and honest. You adhere to the highest standards and are zealous about your commitment to the rule of law.

One of the reasons that I enjoy being a lawyer so much is that I also believe in and value these high standards. It is an honor to help my clients by untangling complicated legal issues and pursuing just resolutions to their problems.

I value the opportunity to work with other attorneys and judges who share these same values and professionalism. You are valuable members of our community, performing countless hours of pro bono services, serving in civic leadership roles and supporting a wide variety of philanthropic efforts.

Thank you for keeping our profession strong and honorable. Thank you for the difference you are making in our world.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION

The BBA has had an active and successful year even though it has been cloaked in uncertainty, especially about the ability to get together for in-person events. Your Above: BBA President Lanier Brown judged the Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off along with Ashely Scarpetta, left, and Pooja Chawla. Below: Lanier, from left, Phillip McCallum, LaBella McCallum, Chip McCallum and Jimbo Terrell.

Right: Lanier with his dad, Judge Houston Brown.

involvement has allowed us to accomplish many great things.

I have highlighted just a few of the activities and events we hosted this year, all of which connected our members to one another and fostered the spirit of collegiality that the BBA is known for: ► In May, we celebrated Law Day 2021 with the theme “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.” Legendary attorney Fred Gray joined us in conversation with Past BBA President Bill Clark to discuss his life of pursuing justice and restoring the rule of law by “eradicating segregation wherever I found it.” ► We hosted three Virtual Coffee with the Judges events throughout the year, and these were extremely popular and well attended. At least 10 judges participated in each event, and everyone had fun getting to know them and one another. ► Through three very successful service projects, we offered BBA members a way to get involved in the community by providing much needed labor and supplies. In January, we hosted a day of service at the Bush Hills Community Farm, and we partnered with the Magic City Bar Association to provide free meals to those in need. Also, over the summer we collected thousands of dollars of school supplies that were donated to second grade students at City of Birmingham elementary schools.

► We welcomed BBA members to our beautiful Noojin Courtyard on many occasions for both breakfast and cocktail events, and everyone enjoyed networking and socializing in person after a year of isolation. ► Members had the option to attend over 55 free online CLEs on topics such as market influencers, expungement, surrogacy, probate, evidence, financial fraud, Title IX, courtroom practice, ethics, workers compensation, business law, benefit corporations and dozens of other areas of law. ► Our 10 Sections were extremely active, with events such as a tailgate fundraiser, a golf tournament, an evening at the soccer match, cocktail socials at local hot spots, virtual game night, jambalaya and jazz in the courtyard, trivia to raise money for charity and dozens of CLE programs.

THANK YOU FOR STAYING INVOLVED IN THE FUTURE

As I turn the reins over to incoming President Allison Skinner, I know that the BBA continues to be in the hands of a capable and committed leader. Allison has some fun and unique experiences planned for BBA members that you won’t want to miss.

I ask that you continue to stay engaged with the BBA throughout your career. I assure you it will be rewarding for you.

Also, I wish you all the best in the new year. Above: Lanier, second from right, with Ruby Jackson, from left, Al Vance, Breauna Peterson and Rebecca Beers in the Noojin Courtyard for a breakfast networking event. Below: Lanier with friends at a fall networking event.

TRUITT

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