Law Day 2021: Up Close and Personal

On October 12, 2021, attorneys, friends, and family members enjoyed the rare opportunity to get together, interact with one another, and generally have a good time. The theme for Law Day 2021, “Advancing the Rule of Law Now,” seemed very appropriate for our present time and place in history. More importantly, it was an opportunity to get together, see old and new friends, and recognize those of us who have truly advanced the Rule of Law. As usual, Judge Frank Clement was the Master of Ceremonies, exhibiting his usual affable, entertaining self. (I know it is hard to believe, but he did not commit even a single faux pas.)

DarKenya Waller, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, announced the results of its fundraising efforts this year through the expert guidance of Fundraising Chair Lela Hollabaugh. It is hard to believe, but the Legal Aid Society exceeded its fundraising goal of $830,000. The total actually raised was $901,968. Kudos to everyone who participated in this effort, especially Lela.

Next, Quan Poole and Ryan Loufborrow of the NBA Young Lawyers announced the winner of the YLD Art Contest. Molly Maze was the recipient of that award, and her beautiful and educational artwork was on display in the hall. More importantly, Molly was present to accept her award, and she was sitting beside her understandably proud mother. Tabitha Robinson provided the next award for diversity recognition. The recipients of those awards were Legal Aid Society, Asurion, Spencer Fane Bone McAllester, and Baker Donelson, with Frost Brown Todd and Davidson County Juvenile Court as Emerging Leaders.

Judge Clement next introduced the “short-timer” President of the Nashville Bar, Mike Abelow. Mike ably introduced the presenters for the various awards and our keynote speaker. He first presented the Pro Bono Awards. Mary Langford received the much-deserved Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award. The Pro Leadership Award went to powerhouse firm Bass Berry & Sims.

Hal Hardin presented the much-deserved Jack Norman, Sr. award to Henry Martin, our Federal Public Defender. As Hal acknowledged, and as we all do, Henry Martin has dedicated his life to advancing the rule of law, especially for those who are unable to afford an attorney to defend them. As usual, Henry made an articulate, yet self-effacing speech, and everyone in the room was moved by his humility and eloquence .

The treat of the event was our keynote speaker, Judge Jane Stranch. Our editorial team was so impressed and moved by her well-researched and fervently delivered speech that we decided to provide the full text of her speech in this Edition of the Journal. Judge Stranch made us all reflect upon, and remember the reasons our country is so great. As long as there are judges like Jane Stranch out there, we can rest assured that the rule of law is safe

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Be the first person to email the correct answer to Adrienne.BennettCluff@ nashvillebar.org, and your name—along with the correct answer—will appear in the next issue.

OCT/NOV GOLDEN OLDIES

Congratulations to Stuart Campbell of Stites & Harbison PLLC for correctly identifying the individuals in last issue’s photo! From left to right: Rick Humbracht, Paul Sloan and William H. “Bill’ Barr.

NBA staff and members marched in the Nashville Veteran’s Day Parade.