Executive Director’s Report, 0917 ALBJ, 78 The Alabama Lawyer 336 (2017)

• Author: Phillip W. McCallum, J.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Vol. 78 No. 5 Pg. 336

Alabama Bar Lawyer

September, 2017

Phillip W. McCallum, J.

Optimism and Opportunity For a Better Bar

It is a true privilege to represent the lawyers of Alabama as the new executive director of the Alabama State Bar. Now that I have been “official” for a few short months, I am even more excited about the process of managing our bar and promoting our profession. As I see it, the biggest challenge for our bar is also our greatest opportunity. While recognizing the loss of institutional knowledge from Tony McLain and Keith Norman, as well as the indelible impact on our bar from their service, it is now my humble task, with the help of bar leadership, to move forward in a way that makes members proud of the Alabama State Bar.

While we celebrate the contributions of our past leaders, we will forge ahead in a path that creates optimism in our profession and considerable opportunity for the legal community. And, as the traditional practice of law continues, the advent of technology and removal of some boundaries will require progressive ideas and strong leadership. I look forward to undertaking this challenge with your help and support.

It is an honor to work with Immediate Past President Cole Portis, President Augusta Dowd, President-elect Sam Irby and all 75 of our Board of Bar Commissioners, whose leadership will help develop our future path. President Dowd’ so verarching vision is that the bar will function as a vehicle of inclusion for all lawyers as we move forward. We are very excited to implement increased outreach to Alabama lawyers, our judiciary and the public. Our bar will emphasize how we communicate internally and externally from both a...