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MBLC Celebrates Over 15 Years of Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in the Law MBLC Celebrates Over 15 Years of
MBLC Celebrates Over 15 Years of Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in the Law
MBLC Celebrates Over 15 Years ofEmbracing Diversity & Inclusion in the Law
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About The Multi-Bar Leadership Council (MBLC)MBLC’s FORMATION AND HISTORYThe Multi-Bar Leadership Council (MBLC) is a non-partisan, non-profit voluntary board of bar leaders formed in September 2001 by then Atlanta Bar Association President Seth Kirschenbaum. In the midst of the September 11th attacks, a common desire to unite and support those who may be subject to persecution was the spirit in which MBLC was formed. On September 22nd and September 23rd, 2001, six minority bar associations, including the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Gate City Bar Association, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, Georgia Hispanic Bar Association and Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia, were invited to meet with the Atlanta Bar Association Board at a resort to identify areas of common interest and concerns and to explore the formation of joint projects. At the close of the weekend, MBLC was formalized and premised upon a commitment to address issues such as eliminating bias in courtrooms, increasing access to courts, judicial selection and tenure, protecting judicial independence, providing resources to legislators, advocating for new Superior Court judges and ensuring adequate funding for indigent defense. The discussions also included issues that affect the administration of justice such as access to interpreters, special issues involving justice for underage juveniles and local issues with unlawful profiling. A few of the joint projects that were discussed included creating a database of diverse CLE speakers and media contacts, organizing joint programs for judicial and political candidates, preparing a master calendar to highlight each MBLC organization’s social events, creating a joint Lawyer Referral Program and sharing staff resources.
Since its formation, MBLC has hosted judicial candidate forums, including a debate for candidates for the Court of Appeals moderated by Dennis O’Hare of WABE. MBLC has hosted career panels for law students and newly admitted attorneys. Representatives from MBLC have participated in the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Saturday Lawyers Program and the State Bar of Georgia Transition Into Law Practice Program. MBLC has also been involved in charitable endeavors, including hosting social events to benefit charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots. MBLC’s most notable programs and events include the annual Seth Kirschenbaum Diversity Awards Ceremony, MBLC’s Pipeline Program, MBLC’s Cook-Off Competition and the annual President’s Summit and Retreat attended by the presidents of each MBLC association.
MEMBER ASSOCIATIONSAtlanta Bar Association
Cobb County Bar Association
DeKalb Bar Association
Gate City Bar Association
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers
Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Georgia Hispanic Bar Association
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Gwinnett County Bar Association
North Fulton Bar Association
State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division
Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia
South Asian Bar Association of Georgia State
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MBLC MONTHLY MEETINGSMBLC’s membership includes the 16 voluntary bar associations listed above. On the second Tuesday of every month, MBLC’s Chair(s), leaders and at least one MBLC representative from each member association meet for breakfast at the Atlanta Lawyers Club to discuss MBLC events and share reports on member association events for that month. The discussions often include news and announcements around issues of common interest, State Bar of Georgia news, new initiatives for MBLC to consider and a highlight of the history and mission of the organization who sponsors breakfast. MBLC also discusses and plans the Seth Kirschenbaum Diversity Award ceremony, the Pipeline Program, the Cook-Off Competition and occasional MBLC social events and highlights and encourages members to attend and participate in each member associations’ monthly events. The goal of each monthly meeting is to raise awareness around issues affecting diversity and inclusion in the law, to recruit volunteers to participate in and plan the SK Diversity Awards Ceremony, MBLC’s Pipeline Program, MBLC’s “Taste of Diversity” Cook-Off Competition, MBLC social events and to increase attendance and support of each member organizations monthly events.
PRESIDENTIAL RETREATS AND SUMMITS Each year on or around President’s Day, the sitting presidents of each MBLC organization comes together for a meeting at the State Bar of Georgia to discuss their goals, programs and topics of common interests. Topics such as effective leadership and engaging members for the success of each organization have been at the center of these discussions. The retreats are annual, invitation only meetings.
MBLC PIPELINE PROGRAMIn 2012, MBLC created a Pipeline Program aimed at increasing interest and fueling the pipeline of diverse students into the legal profession. Under the leadership of Shiriki Cavitt, a curriculum was created, attorney training was formalized and five (5) local schools were identified for campus visits to begin the outreach process. Volunteer attorneys were trained to go into these schools as a visual and substantive representation of diversity within the legal profession.
During each session of the visits with the students, middle and high school students were initially asked to guess the profession of the diverse group of individuals standing before them. After the MBLC representatives were revealed as attorneys, the students were separated into groups and asked to compile a list of words describing their perception of lawyers, their thoughts on what “diversity” means to them and their thoughts on pursing a legal career. Open discussions that followed sharing their lists have included educating the students on how to address stereotypes and discrimination, educating the students on the true value of diversity and engaging the students to correct misinterpretations about attorneys, the justice system and what it is like to practice law.
Attorney volunteers who have participated in MBLC’s Pipeline Program have described their interactions with the students as very lively and enlightening, and have been impressed by the students’ high levels of engagement. Students routinely ask thought provoking, mature questions that left all involved to experience the positive impressions that were made. MBLC continues to seek widespread participation from its member organizations to present a visual and substantive demonstration of diversity in the law during these sessions.
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MBLC’S SETH KIRSCHENBAUM DIVERSITY AWARDEach year since 2007, MBLC has vetted and conferred the Seth Kirschenbaum (SK) Diversity Award upon members in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia, law firms corporate law departments or law-related organizations that embody MBLC’s mission of fostering meaningful and positive interaction among diverse members of the Bar. This effort is demonstrated through the individual or entity’s leadership in programs and efforts that support diversity and inclusion. Specifically, the SK Diversity Award is given to an individual who or organization that:
• Strives to invest and remain committedto minority members of the Bar throughmentorship, coaching, and training
• Takes an active role in supporting minority barassociations or in diversity committees of localor national bars
• Participates in pro bono activities that have animpact on diversity within the profession andsociety in general
• Employs a consistent pattern of recruiting,retaining, and hiring of diverse attorneys
• Promotes diverse attorneys
• Maintains an existence of overall diversityin the workplace
• Cultivates a friendly climate within a law firm ororganization toward diverse attorneys and others
• Involves diverse members in the planning andsetting of policy for diversity or
• Considers and adopts plans to continue toimprove diversity within the law firmor organization
As a symbol of unity among MBLC member associations, the SK Diversity Awards ceremony is hosted each year around the anniversary of September 11th. Please join MBLC again in congratulating the following recipients of the annual SK Diversity Award:
2007 Seth Kirshenbaum2009 Charles T. Lester, Jr.2009 Hon. Marvin Arrington, Sr. 2010 Dawn M. Jones2011 Lori L. Garrett
2012 Hon. Dax E. Lopez2013 Joy Lampley-Fortson2014 Avarita L. Hanson2015 Patrise Perkins Hooker2016 Allegra Lawrence Hardy
MBLC’S ANNUAL “TASTE OF DIVERSITY” COOK-OFF COMPETITIONIn recognition of MBLC’s purpose of fostering and improving relationships among the members of local bar associations, in 2013 Shatorree Bates conceptualized and organized MBLC’s inaugural family friendly cook-off competition. Sitting judges volunteer their time to taste, rate and select their favorites among dishes submitted by each MBLC member association in one of three categories: appetizer, entrée and dessert. To date, hundreds of members, family and friends have gathered in metro-Atlanta parks to feast, fellowship and have fun with participating attorneys and judges at the annual cook-off competition.
In addition to receiving winning trophies for the best dish, one association receives a trophy as recognition for decorating their serving stations with items which best represent each year’s theme. Two favorite themes have included the non-partisan, patriotic “Red, White and You” theme and “One Community, Many Flavors” theme. At each competition, southern, ethnic, Asian, Latin, classic American, soul food and many diverse dishes are deliciously prepared and displayed by attorneys brave enough to display their culinary skills.
2017 Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
2018 Jamala McFadden
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The recent trend for the winners for the best representation of theme has consisted of very creative displays at individual association’s food stations who have chosen to celebrate and highlight each and every MBLC organization at their table. Those who have never attended the cook-off are strongly encouraged to attend and experience the collaboration and comradery at this special annual event, held annually in April.
MBLC Would Like to Thank All Judges of Our Cook-Off Competition
2013Justice Carol W. Hunstein
Georgia Supreme Court
Judge Anne E. Barnes Georgia Court of Appeals
Judge Gail S. Tusan Fulton County
Judge Dax Lopez DeKalb County
Seth D. KirschenbaumMBLC Founder
2014Judge Christopher J. McFadden
Georgia Court of Appeals
Judge John F. DoranGwinnett County
Judge Susan Edlein Fulton County
Judge Jane MorrisonFulton County
Judge Christopher E. Ward City of Atlanta
Judge Alvin T. Wong DeKalb County
2015Judge Phinia Aten
Rockdale County
Judge Meng H. Lim Tallapoosa Circuit
Judge Wesley Tailor Fulton County
Judge Nora Polk DeKalb County
2016Justice Harold Melton Georgia Supreme Court
Judge Brian Rickman Georgia Court of Appeals
Judge Courtney Johnson DeKalb County
Judge Cassandra Kirk Fulton County
Judge Chung Lee City of Duluth
2017Judge Asha F. Jackson
DeKalb County Superior Court
Judge Alford J. Dempsey, Jr. Fulton County Superior Court
2018Judge Kimberly Childs
Cobb County Superior Court
Judge Cassandra Kirk Fulton County Magistrate Court
Judge Ashley OsbyFulton County Magistrate Court
Judge Brian RossDeKalb County State Court
2019Judge Eleanor Ross
US District Court of Northern District of Georgia
Judge Lillian Caudle Fulton County Magistrate Court
Judge Bridgette Campbell Cobb County State Court
Judge Maria Golick Cobb County State Court
Judge Debbie-Ann Richman Fulton County Magistrate Court
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Atlanta Bar AssociationThe mission of the Atlanta Bar Association is to serve as a leader in advancing excellence, ethical conduct, professionalism and public responsibility in the legal profession; improve the efficiency; fairness and accessibility of our system of justice for all citizens; increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of our profession and legal system; use our collective resources to improve the well-being of our community and its citizens, especially our youth; and identify and support the needs of a diverse membership and foster an environment in which our members experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in the practice of law.
Key Association Information
Website: www.atlantabar.orgFounded: 1888Fiscal Year: June 1st - May 30th
Number of Members: Approximately 6,000Cost of Annual Dues: $125-$245
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meets 4th Thursday of each month For Members: 22 Sections have individual meeting dates
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsAnnual Meeting and Awards Luncheon: May Bench and Bar Reception: May MBLC Diversity Celebration and Cook-off: AprilEnd of Summer Band Party Fundraiser: September Legal Runaround 5K Run Walk and Tot Trot: September Celebrating Service Luncheon: November‘A Courthouse Line’ Theatre Production: November
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Cobb County Bar Association (CCBA)The Cobb County Bar Association is dedicated to providing legal services to the attorney membership while at the same time contributing to the community. In addition to providing attorneys a place for legal education, networking and socializing, the Cobb Bar contributes financial aid and volunteer efforts throughout the area. Through the Cobb Community Service Fund, the Cobb County Bar Association directly assists the families of needy school children. Our members can also be seen serving lunch to the homeless, reading to the school children, and providing pro bono legal services covering a broad range of practice areas. Every member is an integral part of this association. Without the dedication and contributions of each individual member, these services would not exist. Our association is committed to the pursuit of justice and upholding the Constitution, while supporting the community in which its members live.
Key Association Information
Website: www.cobbcountybar.orgFounded: January 6, 1953Fiscal Year: April 1st - March 31st
Number of Members: Approximately 1,015Cost of Annual Dues: $175
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board of Trustee meeting, every 1st Wednesday of the month at 12:00 p.m. For Members: General Monthly Luncheon every 3rd Thursday of the month.
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsLaw Day Awards Luncheon: AprilLaw Day Social: AprilLaw Day Classic Golf Tournament: May Justice Jam: OctoberSleighbells on the Square 5K: December
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DeKalb Bar AssociationOur Mission is to uphold the honor of the legal profession, promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct by the bench and bar, and apply our knowledge and experience of the law to the promotion of the public good.
Key Association Information
Website: www.dekalbbar.orgFounded: 1964Fiscal Year: July 1st - June 30th
Number of Members: 370Cost of Annual Dues: $250
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Monthly by either in-person meetings or conference callFor Members: Meet 3rd Thursday of the month at the Old DeKalb Courthouse for luncheons
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsDeKalb Bench and Bar Cocktail Reception: MarchSummer BBQ: JulyHoliday Party: December
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Gate City Bar AssociationCreate in the community a practical appreciation for the legal profession; encourage persons of outstanding promise to attend first-rate law schools and return to the communities that need their services most; oppose arbitrary and capricious laws in our state and uphold and extend the principles of justice in every phase of American life to the end that no one shall be discriminated against because of color, race, religious beliefs or national origin.
Key Association Information
Website: www.gatecitybar.orgYear/Date Gate City Was Founded: 1948Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st
Number of Members: Approximately 400Cost of Annual Dues: Regular: $100 | Paralegal: $50 | Student: $20 | Affiliate: $50 | Judicial: $150
Regular Monthly Meeting Dates Executive Board Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month at 8:00 a.m.
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsWomen of Gate City Program: March Excellence In Education Series: Quarterly Black History Program and Past Presidents’ Reception: FebruaryCommunity Law Clinic: MayJustice Benham Law Camp: June Summer Intern Program: June-JulyJudicial Reception: August Garden Party: OctoberHall of Fame Gala: NovemberHoliday Party: December
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Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA)Represent and advocate the interests of Asian Pacific American lawyers and the legal profession; encourage and promote the professional growth of Asian Pacific American lawyers and other members of the legal profession; broaden professional opportunities for Asian Pacific American lawyers, other members of the legal profession, and law students; support the entrance and advancement of Asian Pacific Americans within the legal profession; provide an opportunity for fellowship.
Key Association Information
Website: www.gapaba.org Year/Date GAPABA Was Founded: June 11, 1993Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st
Number of Members: Approximately 500 Cost of Annual Dues: Regular: $50 | Non-Profit/Government: $25 | Student: $25
Corporate sponsorships are available
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meeting every other month, 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.For Members: No set meeting schedule
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsA substantial portion of the proceeds from the GAPABA Law Foundation benefits community service organizations like the Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta (AAAJ-Atlanta).
Lunar New Year Banquet: FebruaryAnnual Partners Luncheon: AprilGAPABA Law Foundation Charity Golf Tournament: MayAnnual GALA: MayVolunteer Appreciation Dinner: AugustIn-House Counsel Dinner: OctoberHoliday Party: December
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Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL)To enhance the welfare and development of women lawyers and to support their interests.
Key Association Information
Website: https://www.gawl.org/Year/Date GAWL Was Founded: 1928Fiscal Year: January - December / Board Year: May - AprilNumber of Members: Approximately 675 Cost of Annual Dues: 1st Year Lawyer: $55/year | 2-3 Years of Practice: $70/year | Full Member: $130/year Public Sector: $70/year | Nonprofit: $55/year | Law Student :$25/year | Friend of GAWL: $300/year Benefactor: $1,000/lifetime
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsDay at the Capitol (co sponsored with GABWA): March Annual Dinner and Silent Auction: MayGAWL Annual Judicial Luncheon: OctoberHoliday Party: December
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Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)GABWA’s mission is to nurture, support and galvanize the power of black women attorneys; advocate for women and children, and empower our communities.
Key Association InformationWebsite: www.gabwa.orgYear/Date GABWA Was Founded: 1981Fiscal Year: January 1st - December 31st
Number of Members: 696 MembersCost of Annual Dues: Regular: $100 | Associate: $80 | Student: $30
Regular Monthly Meeting Dates For Leadership: Executive Board meetings 1st or 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. For Members: General Body meetings 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsMacon Law Day: MarchAnnual Gala: JulyNBA Annual Convention: AugustBlack Law Students Retreat (co-sponsored with Gate City): September Blue Jeans Brunch: SeptemberWoman 2 Woman Thanksgiving Dinner: NovemberHoliday Party: December
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Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA)GDLA is Georgia’s affiliate for DRI-The Voice of the Defense Bar. TOur mission statement is: to bring together by association, communication and organization, lawyers of Georgia who devote a substantial amount of their professional time to the handling of litigated cases and whose representation in such cases is primarily for the defense; to provide for the exchange among the members of this Association of such information, ideas, techniques of procedure and court rulings relating to the handling of litigation as are calculated to enhance the knowledge and improve the skills of defense lawyers; to elevate the standards of trial practice in this area and in conjunction with similar associations in other areas, and to develop, establish, and secure court adoption or approval of a high standard code of trial conduct and courtroom manners; to support and work for the improvement of the adversary system of jurisprudence in our courts, to work for the elimination of court congestion and delays in civil litigation; and to promote improvements in the administration of justice and to increase the quantity and quality of the service and contribution which the legal profession renders to the community, state, and nation.
Key Association Information
Website: www.gdla.orgYear/Date GDLA Was Founded: 1967Fiscal Year: July 1st - June 30th
Number of Members: Approximately 900Cost of Annual Dues: $125-$200 depending on years of practice
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board Meetings are held in February, April, June and October For Members: Annual Meeting is held in June
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsJudicial Reception: JanuaryPast Presidents Luncheon: JanuarySoutheast Women Litigators Conference: March Reception Honoring Middle District Judges: April GDLA Annual Meeting: June
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Georgia Hispanic Bar Association (GHBA)The GHBA seeks to promote diversity in public and private legal organizations and departments, facilitate the continuing legal education of its members, foster the exchange of ideas and information between Hispanic lawyers, educate the Hispanic community on its legal rights and duties, and promote the recruitment and retention of Georgia Hispanic students in law schools.
Key Association Information
Website: www.georgiahispanicbar.org/Founded: 1990sFiscal Year: August 1st- July 31st
Number of Members: Approximately 125Cost of Annual Dues: Public Interest and Judges: $35 | Private Practice and Non-Attorney Professionals: $65
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meets bi-monthly; Officers meet monthly For Members: No set meeting schedule
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsCafecito Latina Lawyer Meetings: Bi-monthlyHappy Hours and Networking Events: QuarterlyVolunteer Day (co sponsored with AVLF): JanuaryAnnual Cocktails Around Latin America: AugustWinter/Holiday Party: December
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Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA)Protecting the Constitutional promise of justice for all by guaranteeing the right to trial by jury, preserving an independent judiciary, and providing access to the courts for all Georgians.
Key Association Information
Website: www.GTLA.orgYear/Date GTLA Was Founded: 1956Fiscal Year: January-DecemberNumber of Members: 1,916Cost of Annual Dues: 1-5 years in practice: $125 | 5-7 years: $525 | 7 years or more: $635 Special membership: $1,095 | Champion (over 7 years): $3,000 | Champion (5-7 years): $2,000 Champion (1-5 years): $1,500 | Out of State: $120 | Retired: $100 | Public Service: $75 | Paralegal/Legal Asst.: $55 | Student: $20 | Paralegal Student: $20
Regular Monthly Meeting Dates:For Leadership: Executive Committee meets at 12:00 p.m. the first or second week of each month For Members: Meet at various events throughout the year.
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsDay of Service: FebruarySki-LE Workshop: MarchAnnual Convention and President's Gala: AprilAuto Torts Workshop: JulyTrial Practice Manual Workshop: SeptemberHoliday Workshop: December
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Gwinnett County Bar AssociationThe Gwinnett County Bar Association is organized to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and of Georgia and maintain representative government; to advance the science of jurisprudence; to promote the administration of justice; to uphold and honor the profession of law; to apply its knowledge and experience in the field of the law to the promotion of the public good; to encourage cordial intercourse among the member of the corporation; to correlate and promote such activities of the bar organizations in Gwinnett County as are within these objects in the interest of the legal profession and of the public.
Key Association InformationWebsite: http://www.gwinnettbar.com/Founded: Fiscal Year: July 1st - June 30th
Number of Members: Cost of Annual Dues: General from $125 | New Lawyer from $100 | Law Student Membership from $10
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Members: Meets on the 3rd Friday of each month
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsGCBA All Day CLE: MarchLaw Day: AprilLaw Enforcements Appreciation Day: October Holiday Party: December
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North Fulton Bar Association (NFBA)The North Fulton Bar Association (“NFBA”) welcomes as its members attorneys and judges who live or work north of the Chattahoochee River or have an interest in the North Fulton area. Monthly meetings are held from September through May. The NFBA meetings always provide opportunities to network among peers and often include an engaging speaker from our community and beyond. In addition to its social side, NFBA members are engaged in the North Fulton community in many ways, whether it is providing laptop computers for a local high school debate team, participating in Law Day, coaching and judging high school mock trial teams, taking part in the Atlanta Area Citizenship Drive or the Multi Bar Leadership Counsel of the State Bar of Georgia, or collecting toys for the North Fulton Community Charities at Christmas.
Key Association Information
Website: www.northfultonbar.orgFounded: 1981Fiscal Year: Calendar YearNumber of Members: Approximately 140Cost of Annual Dues: $130
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Members: Meet 4th Thursday of the Month at the North Point Diner in Alpharetta.
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsMarch Madness Lunch Meeting: MarchKentucky DerBBQ: MayAnnual Holiday Party: December
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State Bar of Georgia Diversity ProgramEstablished in 1993 by State Bar Past President Charles T. Lester Jr. and Hon. Marvin Arrington, the mission of the State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program (GDP) is to provide support to, and to promote the inclusion of and advocate for the advancement of, all members of the State Bar of Georgia regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age.
Key Association InformationWebsite: https://www.gabar.org/committeesprogramssections/programs/diversity/Founded: 1993Fiscal Year: Number of Members: Cost of Annual Dues: Corporations/law firms with more than 25 attorneys: $1,700 | Law firms with 11-25 attorneys: $450 | Law firms with 2-10 attorneys: $350 | Solo practitioners: $160
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsMentoring Lunch: FebruaryBusiness Development Symposium: AprilGeorgia Diversity Program Fall Learning Lab: October
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State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD)Provides service to the public and the profession through programs and initiatives.
Key Association Information
Website Address: www.georgiayld.orgFounded: 1947Fiscal Year: July 1st- June 30th
Number of Members: Approximately 9,500Cost of Annual Dues: N/A
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Third Wednesday of every monthFor Members: Summer, Fall, Midyear, Spring and Annual Meetings
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsMidyear Meeting: JanuaryAnnual Capitol Leadership Luncheon: February Mentoring Lunch: FebruaryAnnual Justice Robert Benham Awards: March Signature Fundraiser: AprilBuild a Better Georgia Day: MayAnnual Meeting: JuneHoliday Luncheon: December
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Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia (SBA)Stonewall was established in 1995 as a coalition of attorneys, judges, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals who pledged to use their professional expertise to support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans gender people and to oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The organization provides an on-line directory of attorneys who are willing to serve and be responsive to the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans gender clients; publishes a monthly newsletter that is emailed to 800 legal professionals; provides scholarships to law students; conducts continuing education for attorneys; and creates opportunities for networking with judges and other legal professionals.
Stonewall provides regular opportunities for its members to socialize and network with each other, sharing their knowledge, contacts, clients and information about job opportunities. This is an excellent way for attorneys to continue building their client bases and for law students to find mentors and to discover information about job opportunities.
Key Association Information
Website Address: www.stonewallbar.orgFounded: 1995Fiscal Year: November 1st- October 31st
Number of Members: 250 – 300Cost of Annual Dues: $50
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Third Wednesday of every monthFor Members: Quarterly happy hours/social events; three large social events; one annual dinner
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsSpring Mixer: April Summer Party: JulySilver Gala Annual Awards Dinner: October Winter Party: December
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South Asian Bar Association of Georgia (SABA-GA)SABA-GA is a voluntary bar association based in Atlanta, serving South Asian attorneys and attorneys whose practice areas concern the South Asian community.
SABA-GA’s mission is to:• promote the advancement of lawyers and students of South Asian heritage in the legal profession
• provide a forum for professional networking, development, mentoring, and education
• increase awareness and encourage resolution of issues of concern for the South Asian community
• support the provision of legal services to the South Asian community
• increase awareness of the legal, political, economic, and cultural environment of South Asia in thelocal community
Key Association Information
Website: http://www.sabaga.orgFiscal Year: January 1st- December 31st
Cost of Annual Dues: Regular: $40 | Student: $20
Regular Monthly Meeting DatesFor Leadership: Board meeting twice a month via telephone; live once per quarter
For Members: No set meeting schedule
Monthly & Annual Signature EventsSABA National Convention Launch: AprilAnnual Charity Dinner: MayHoliday Party: December
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Annual Signature EventsJANUARY
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: Judicial Reception
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: Past Presidents Luncheon
Georgia Hispanic Bar Association: Volunteer Day
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Midyear Meeting
FEBRUARYGate City Bar Association: Black History Program and Past Presidents’ Reception
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Lunar New Year Banquet
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Day of Service
State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program: Mentoring Lunch
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Annual Capitol Leadership Luncheon
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Mentoring Lunch
MARCHDeKalb Bar Association: DeKalb Bench and Bar Cocktail Reception
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: Macon Law Day
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: Southeast Women Litigators Conference
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Ski-LE Workshop
Gwinnett County Bar Association: GCBA All Day CLE
North Fulton Bar Association: March Madness Lunch Meeting
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards
APRILAtlanta Bar Association: MBLC Diversity Celebration and Cook-off
Cobb County Bar Association: Law Day Awards Luncheon
Cobb County Bar Association: Law Day SocialGeorgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Annual Partners Luncheon
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: Reception Honoring Middle District Judges
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Annual Convention and President's Gala
Gwinnett County Bar Association: Law DayState Bar of Georgia Diversity Program: Business Development Symposium
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Signature Fundraiser
Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia: Spring Mixer
South Asian Bar Association of Georgia: SABA National Convention Launch
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MAYAtlanta Bar Association: Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon
Atlanta Bar Association: Bench and Bar Reception
Cobb County Bar Association: Law Day Classic Golf Tournament
Gate City Bar Association: Community Law ClinicGeorgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: GAPABA Law Foundation Charity Golf Tournament
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Annual GALA
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: Annual Dinner and Silent AuctionNorth Fulton Bar Association: Kentucky DerBBQ
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Build a Better Georgia Day
South Asian Bar Association of Georgia: Annual charity Dinner
JUNE/JULYDeKalb Bar Association: Summer BBQ
Gate City Bar Association: Justice Benham Law Camp
Gate City Bar Association: Summer Intern Program
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: Annual Gala
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association: GDLA Annual Meeting
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Auto Torts Workshop
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Annual Meeting
Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia: Summer Party
AUGUSTGate City Bar Association: Judicial Reception
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: NBA Annual Convention
Georgia Hispanic Bar Association: Annual Cocktails Around Latin America
SEPTEMBERAtlanta Bar Association: End of Summer Band Party FundraiserAtlanta Bar Association: Legal Runaround 5K Run Walk and Tot Trot
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: Black Law Students Retreat
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: Blue Jeans Brunch
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Trial Practice Manual Workshop
Annual Signature Events
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OCTOBERCobb County Bar Association: Justice Jam
Gate City Bar Association: Garden Party
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: In-House Counsel Dinner
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: GAWL Annual Judicial Luncheon
Gwinnett County Bar Association: Law Enforcements Appreciation Day
State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program: Georgia Diversity Program Fall Learning Lab
Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia: Silver Gala Annual Awards Dinner
NOVEMBERAtlanta Bar Association: Celebrating Service Luncheon: November
Atlanta Bar Association: ‘A Courthouse Line’ Theatre Production
Gate City Bar Association: Hall of Fame Gala
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: Woman 2 Woman Thanksgiving Dinner
DECEMBERCobb County Bar Association: Sleighbells on the Square 5K DeKalb Bar Association: Holiday Party
Gate City Bar Association: Holiday PartyGeorgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association: Holiday Party
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers: Holiday Party
Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys: Holiday Party
Georgia Hispanic Bar Association: Winter/Holiday Party Georgia Trial Lawyers Association: Holiday Workshop
Gwinnett County Bar Association: Holiday Party
North Fulton Bar Association: Annual Holiday Party
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division: Holiday Luncheon
Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia: Winter Party
South Asian Bar Association of Georgia: Holiday Party
Annual Signature Events
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Directory of Officers, Including Executive Director
Atlanta Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone NumberRyan Walsh President [email protected] 404-521-3939
Craig Cleland Vice President/President-Elect [email protected] 404-870-1718
Christina Baugh Secretary [email protected] 404-846-1693
Christopher Lightner Treasurer [email protected] 404-881-7882
Nicole Iannarone Immediate Past President [email protected]
Cobb County Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone NumberJames D. Hogan, Jr. President [email protected]
770-424-2947
Stephanie Steele Vice President/President-Elect [email protected]
Soo Hong Secretary [email protected]
Treasurer [email protected]
Immediate Past President [email protected]
Chaplain [email protected]
DeKalb Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number
Mike Rafi President [email protected]
Joe White Vice President/President-Elect [email protected]
404-373-2580
Judge Stacey Hydrick Secretary [email protected]
Elizabeth Garrett Treasurer [email protected]
Andrew Lynch Immediate Past President [email protected]
Cindy Harris Executive Director [email protected]
Chase SwansonH. Maddox Kilgore
Judge David P. Daraden
Parliamentarian [email protected] Stoye
Executive Director [email protected]
Gate City Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone NumberCinque M. Axam President [email protected]
Caren Cloud President-Elect [email protected]
Justin D. Miller F. Turner Vice President [email protected]
Germaine A. Austin Secretary [email protected]
Andre’ Dennis Treasurer [email protected]
Terri Bryant Executive Director [email protected] 404-537-4949
Carol Kinstle
28
Directory of Officers, Including Executive Director
Clyde E. Mize Jr. Immediate Past President [email protected]
Cheryl F. Turner Historian [email protected]
JudgeShondeana Crews Morris Chair, Judicial Section [email protected]
Brian Ross Executive Director [email protected] 678-525-7738
Georgia Asia Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA)
Name Position Email Address Phone NumberQuynh Truong-Johnson President [email protected] 404-444-1111Angela Hsu President-Elect [email protected]
Kristin Aquino-Pham Secretary [email protected] Shah Treasurer [email protected] 404-988-4922
Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)
Name Position Email Address Phone NumberElizabeth Broadway Brown President [email protected] Debrow President-Elect [email protected]’Miracle Johnson Rankin Vice President [email protected] Adria Greene Secretary [email protected]
Name Position Email Address Phone NumberChristina Baugh President [email protected]
Veronica Cope President-Elect [email protected]
Valentia Alleyne Secretary [email protected]
Meagan Landress Treasurer [email protected]
Meagan Landress Immediate Past President [email protected]
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL)
TreasurerStephanie Bonner-Wiggins
Shiriki Cavitt Parliamentarian [email protected]
404-846-1693
29
Directory of Officers, Including Executive Director
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA)
Name Position Name Phone NumberDavid N. Nelson President [email protected]
Jeffrey S. Ward President-Elect [email protected]
William T. Casey, Jr. Vice President [email protected]
Pamela Lee Vice President [email protected]
James S.V. Weston Vice President
James D. Meadows Secretary [email protected]
George R. Hall Treasurer [email protected]
Hall F. McKinley, III Immediate Past President [email protected]
Vice PresidentAshley Rice [email protected]
Jennifer Davis Ward Executive Director [email protected] 912-349-3169
Georgia Hispanic Bar AssociationName Position Email Address Phone Number
Ricardo A. Lopez President [email protected]
Vice President Vice President [email protected]
Jennifer Blasco Secretary [email protected]
Matthew Wagener Treasurer [email protected]
Irvin Hernandez Director of Communications [email protected]
Edward Mejia Director of Membership [email protected]
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA)
Name Position Email Address Phone Number
Daniel B. Snipes President [email protected] 912-764-9055
Lyle Griffin Warshauer President-Elect & Legislative Co-Chair [email protected] 888-879-7300
Jonathan A. Pope Executive Vice President & Legislative Co-Chair
Adam Malone Secretary 770-390-7550
Madeleine P. Simmons Treasurer [email protected] 404-965-8811
Laurie W. Speed Immediate Past President [email protected] 404-893-9400
Jason B. Branch Parliamentarian [email protected] 706-323-6461
[email protected] McLean Acting Chief Executive Officer
30
Directory of Officers, Including Executive Director
Gwinnett County Bar Association
Name Position Email Address Phone Number
Donald Lee President
Dodie Sachs President-Elect
Danielle Mays Vice President
Nhan-ai Simms Secretary
Amina Bakari Treasurer
Jon Setzer Immediate Past President
Melissa Bowman Law Day Chair
North Fulton Bar Association
Name Position Email Address Phone Number
Tamar Faulhaber President
Daniel A. Kent Vice President
Richard A. Walker Secretary
Scott Childress Treasurer
State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program
Name Position Email Address Phone Number
Kathleen O'Neil Currey Chairperson [email protected] 404-523-5300
Rhonda J.S. Collins Vice Chairperson [email protected]
Norbert Daniel Hummel, IV Executive Committee Liaison [email protected] 404-348-8585
770-408-1025
404-585-4214
770-314-9040
404-610-2125
678-336-7280Matthew Rosenkoff Immediate Past President
Jeff Davis Executive Director [email protected] 404-527-8755
770-619-6060
770-271-2991
770-271-2991
770-822-8302
770-822-8331
770-822-8431
678-879-9000
31
Directory of Officers, Including Executive Director
State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD)Name Position Email Address Phone NumberWill Davis President [email protected] 404-816-2004
Bert Hummel President-Elect [email protected] 404-348-8585
Ronald E. Daniels Secretary [email protected] 478-227-7331
Elissa Haynes Treasurer [email protected] 404-926-4141
Rizza O'Connor Immediate Past President [email protected] 912-526-4602
Stephanie Wilson Director [email protected] 404-527-8778
Stonewall Bar Association of GeorgiaName Position Email Address Phone NumberBarret Broussard President [email protected]
Nancy Goodman President-Elect/Vice President [email protected]
Currey Hitchens Secretary
Treasurer [email protected] Peterson
Immediate Past President [email protected]
South Asian Bar Association of GeorgiaName Position Email Address Phone NumberAlkesh Patel President
Tina Thapar Vice President
Sana Rupani Secretary
TreasurerKaushal Amin
Brandon Goldberg
THANK YOU to the Past Chairmen and Chairwomen of the Board of the Multi-Bar Leadership Council
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
YEAR NAME MEMBER ASSOCIATION
2001-2002 Felipe M. Nunez 2002-2003 Seth D. Kirschenbaum 2003-2004 Bettina Yip 2004-2005 Kathleen Womack 2005-2006 Anita Goklaney 2006-2007 Dawn M. Jones 2007-2008 Denise M. Warner 2008-2009 Tara Adyanthaya
S. Samuel Griffin2009-2010 Lauren Larmer Barrett2010-2011 Jessica J. Harper
Kellyn O. McGee2011-2012 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
Forrest K. ClinardNeera A. BahlCharles B. HessAna Maria MartinezRobert M. Lewis Jr.Shiriki CavittYenniffer DelgadoShatorree BatesTodd AshleyAdriana SolaDan PrietoJudge Linda BorskyPamela P. StewartValentia Alleyne
Georgia Hispanic Bar AssociationAtlanta Bar AssociationGeorgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia IndusBar of GeorgiaGeorgia Association of Black Women Attorneys DeKalb Bar AssociationGeorgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Georgia Association for Women Lawyers Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys North Fulton Bar AssociationSouth Asian Bar Association of Georgia Stonewall Bar AssociationGeorgia Hispanic Bar Association Stonewall Bar AssociationGeorgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Georgia Hispanic Bar AssociationState Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division North Fulton Bar AssociationState Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division Georgia Hispanic Bar AssociationNorth Fulton Bar AssociationGeorgia Association of Black Women AttorneysGeorgia Association for Women Lawyers
Thank you to our booklet sponsors
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2008-2009
2014-2015
2015-2016
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