College Heads to New Orleans for 2018 Annual Meeting

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 Arizona Fellows Present Program on Social Media, Digital Evidence

On May 4, 2018, the Arizona Fellows put on a day-long seminar addressing evidentiary issues that many trial lawyers face, but are often unequipped to handle. The program was entitled “It’s All About the Evidence.” The presenters were Fellows of the ACTL and judges from both the federal and state courts. Attendees watched as attorneys offered, and judges “ruled” on the admissibility of, social media and digital evidence.  Attendees also saw a fascinating presentation entitled “Computer Graphic Evidence—when to use it and how to get it in front of the jury.” In this section, the attendees viewed graphic simulations and animations that were prepared for an actual wrongful death case. The program also addressed ethical pitfalls during jury selection and during trial. There were also presentations on a host of other evidentiary issues commonly faced by trial attorneys including the admissibility of expert testimony.  The program was well-attended and received high marks. The focus now turns to preparing for the Jenckes Competition—a closing argument competition that pits law students from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.  Winning this competition is a coveted prize for law students at both universities. The competition will take place in November in Tucson, Arizona, and is one of the premier events sponsored by the Arizona Fellows.  

Expanding and Enhancing Remote Access to Counsel for Detained Asylum-Seekers with Children Project Named 2018 Emil Gumpert Award Recipient

The Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham Law School was selected as the 2018 Emil Gumpert Award recipient. The Feerick Center is being recognized for providing pro bono legal counsel to asylum-seeking women with children in Dilley, Texas, along with its partner, the Dilley Pro Bono Project (DPBP). Read more

Ontario Fellows Hold Spring Symposium

Ontario Fellows, in partnership with The Advocates' Society, presented The Advocate Matters: Spring Symposium 2018 on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. The practical program, a continuing professional development and networking event for civil litigators, included presentations on the following topics: Year in Review: Key Developments; Fireside Chat with The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Former Chief Justice of Canada; Written Advocacy vs. Oral Advocacy; View from the Bench and Beyond; Demonstration & Discussion: Carter v. Canada Opening Submissions; Challenging Evidentiary Issues: What Every Advocate Needs to Know; and Thorny Ethical Issues. The following Fellows participated in the program: Sheila R. Block, LSM; Past President Robert L. Byman; J. Thomas Curry; Judicial Fellow The Honourable Justice Michal Fairburn; Canadian Foundation Director Sandra A. Forbes; Judicial Fellow The Honourable Michelle K. Fuerst, Regional Senior Judge; Scott C. Hutchison; Jessica A. Kimmel; President-Elect Jeffrey S. Leon, LSM; Jonathan C. Lisus; Beverly McLachlin Access To Justice Award Committee Chair Guy J. Pratte; Linda R. Rothstein; Honorary Fellow The Honourable Marshall E. Rothstein, C.C., Q.C.; and Benjamin Zarnett.

Pennsylvania Fellows Hold Reception at Newly Transformed Trial Advocacy Center

On May 1, 2018, Eastern Pennsylvania Fellows held a reception at the Thomas R. Kline Institute for Trial Advocacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Fellow Tom Kline spoke about the transformation of the former Beneficial Savings Bank building and its new use as a trial advocacy center for the Drexel University Kline School of Law.  Tom Kline purchased the 24,000-square-foot building in late 2012 and donated it to Drexel University in 2014. The building was designed by Horace Trumbauer and constructed in 1916 for Beneficial Bank.  Trumbauer, a Philadelphia architect, designed, among other works, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the main library of Harvard University. The building has ornate high ceilings and other fine detailing, including the original board room of the bank. At the reception, Tom discussed his vision for use of the building and the work undertaken to restore the building into a trial advocacy training center for law students. He then took Fellows on a tour of the ceremonial courtroom, trial practice rooms and other parts of the Institute. The Pennsylvania Fellows enjoyed the event and appreciated Tom’s insights and generosity. Fellows hope to find other opportunities to schedule College events at the Kline Institute.

Tennessee Fellows Partner with Nashville Bar Association to Present CLE

On April 12, 2018 Tennessee Fellows presented a continuing legal education program, Trial Practice Skills –Techniques and Insights from Experienced Practitioners in Nashville, Tennessee. The program was presented through the Nashville Bar Association. The program was presented by Tennessee Outreach Liaison William B. Jakes III who acted as moderator with three Fellows, Judicial Fellow James G. Martin III, and Nashville Fellows John P. Branham and Gayle Malone, Jr. The program primarily involved discussing ethical standards and issues related to pretrial and trial conduct. Various ethical situations and dilemmas frequently faced by litigators were presented by video vignettes and materials prepared by the College and were discussed with the panel and presenters.

West Virginia Fellows Take Part in Law School Competitions

West Virginia Fellows continue their active support for advocacy training at the state’s only law school, the WVU College of Law in Morgantown. Fellow and Outreach Liaison David Romano recently served as a judge in the 8th Annual National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition hosted by WVU, with numerous law schools from around the country participating by invitation.  West Virginia State Committee Chair Bill Galeota served as a judge in the annual Lugar Cup Trial Competition, which has been extended to include a competition bracket for first year law students.

New York, April 10: It was the culture shock of Texas to New York for Sam just two days later for a Fellows only event at the Century Association, an old New York club (think “Trading Places” only in New York, not Philly).  In attendance were Past Presidents Bob Fiske, Mike Cooper and Greg Joseph, two Former Regents, Henry Miller and John Siffert as well as Regent Ritchie Berger, State Chair Bruce Maffeo and Judicial Fellow Barbara Jones (ret.). Sam gave an inspiring speech about the important efforts of the College to improve diversity, and Judge Jones gave a talk that was also very well-received about the history of women in the College and in which she encouraged Fellows to help mentor young women trial lawyers.

Michael J. Farrell of Huntington, West Virginia, was elected Chairman of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

William J. Powell of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has been sworn in and begun his service as United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Patrick W. Mizell of Houston, Texas, has been appointed to the Texas Ethics Commission and will serve on the Commission for a term lasting though Nov. 19, 2021.