YLS Update, 1117 ALBJ, 78 The Alabama Lawyer 448 (2017)
| Author | Parker Miller |
Parker Miller
parker.miller@beasleyallen.com
Moving Forward
The 2016-2017 year was another one of success and growth in the ASB Young Lawyers' Section ("YLS"). Our membership, which previously held around 600, has now grown to more than 800 members. Going forward, it will be important to ensure that number not only grows, but that the YLS searches for ways to utilize our great state's young legal talent.
Our year began under similar tragic circumstances that we now find ourselves. Last year, floods devastated Louisiana. We worked closely with then bar President Cole Portis to raise $10,000 for flooding victims, as well as to collect and deliver needed goods to the affected region. As I am typing this, a new drive is underway to help those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. As we did last year, the YLS will answer the call to help those in need.
The success of our programs has played a major role in the YLS's growth over the years, and that success continued this past year. Our renowned Minority Pre-Law Conference ("MPLC"), which is a set of programs designed to educate Alabama's youth about the legal profession, took place in Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville. Participation was high, as lawyers, judges and teachers worked with 225 students in Birmingham, 120 in Mobile and 85 in Huntsville. Danielle Starks, our coordinator for the MPLC program for the 2016-2017 year, did an outstanding job orchestrating these events.
The Orange Beach CLE saw another year of continued growth. The event took place in May and was well attended. Presentations focused on the practical aspects of practicing law and were targeted to lawyers younger than 40. The speaker lineup was once again impressive, as we were pleased to have numerous judges and then President-elect Augusta Dowdand Jere Beasley speaking. The Orange Beach CLE also included a golf tournament and two cocktail social events. Close to 100 attendees enjoyed the beach party and the Kentucky Derby. Evan Allen was the coordinator for this program, and he did a great job making sure it was successful.
The YLS also orchestrates the state bar's admission ceremonies, where new admittees are sworn into practice. The ceremonies take place twice a year at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. This year, Beau Darley served as chair of the Admission Ceremony Committee, and...
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