2021 Virtual MBA Bench Bar Conference

By MATT MAY, Bench Bar Conference 2021 Chair

Although it was another virtual conference, the 46th annual MBA Bench Bar Conference was a success. The CLE topics were fresh and exciting, and the speakers were all engaging and relevant. The conference featured our keynote speakers Dr. Cornell West and Dr. Robert George in a discussion moderated by Magistrate Judge Charmiane Claxton on Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Thought and Cooperation Across Ideological Lines. If you missed it live, you should find it in the MBA’s on demand library and watch it. We enjoyed hearing from many members of our local bench and bar. A special thanks to all the judges who attended and participated in so many ways including our successful virtual judicial dine around events. Several attendees also enjoyed a virtual chocolate and wine tasting with Phillip Ashley of Phillip Ashley Chocolates!

Thanks to this year’s Bench Bar Committee chaired by Matt May and co-chairs Judge Rhynette Hurd and Judge Charmiane Claxton along with Amber Floyd, Nicole Grida, Patrick Hillard, Dawn Campbell, Lucie Brackin and Lisa Gill. The Conference would not have happened without the work of Lauren Gooch who handled so many details.

Thanks again to all of our Bench Bar sponsors and especially our Keynote Sponsors, The Cochran Firm, Brice Timmons, and Rosenblum & Reisman. Hopefully, we can see you all in person at the 2022 Bench Bar Conference!

Thank You to our 2021 bench bar sponsors