Alabama Bankruptcy Assistance Project (ABAP) Hosting Free Bankruptcy CLEs 
 
ABAP will host three free bankruptcy CLEs next month in Anniston, Huntsville and Mobile. Each program offers 5 MCLE credit hours, including 1.0 ethics hour. Anniston's program is set for Mar. 10, Huntsville is on Mar. 11 and Mobile is planned for Mar. 25. Click on the program date for additional details and registration information.

Retirement Brunch to Honor Judge Joseph Boohaker

The Birmingham Bar Association invites you to a brunch honoring Jefferson County Presiding Judge Boohaker upon his retirement on Wednesday, Mar. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Bar Center. The Magic City Bar Association and the BBA Entertainment Committee will serve as co-hosts. View the invitation here. 

VIDEO: Get to Know Our New ALAP Director Jeremy Rakes

Earlier this month, Jeremy Rakes took over as the director of the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program. He came to the Alabama State Bar after 18 years with Bradford Health Services. You can get to know Jeremy by watching Part I of our two-part series. Part II, which we'll share next week, will give you an more in-depth look at ALAP, how the programs works and who it serves.   

THIS SATURDAY: Montgomery County Bar's Inaugural Race Judicata 5K/10K 
 
Join the Montgomery County Bar Association for its inaugural Race Judicata 5K/10K and 1-mile fun run on Saturday, Feb. 29, starting at 8 a.m. at First Baptist Church in downtown Montgomery. Register here. Proceeds benefit the Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program and Mercy House.

Centennial Celebration: An Exploration of the Impact of Alabama Women through and Beyond the Law

The symposium, hosted by the University of Alabama School of Law, will bring together lawyers from across the state to discuss the impact women in the law have made and will continue to make in Alabama.  With representation from private practice, government, public interest and the judiciary, the symposium will address the importance of hearing women’s voices in the ballot box and beyond. ASB President Christy Crow is one of the panel speakers. View the event page here. 

Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution to Co-Host a Conflict Resolved Symposium

The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution will host a Conflict Resolved Symposium on May 7, at the Birmingham School of Law. The symposium, co-sponsored by The Neutral Solution and the Birmingham School of Law, is appropriate for attorneys, mediators, private judges, employers and for anyone interested in learning more about resolving conflicts. There will be breakout sessions on various topics including mediation, arbitration, private judging, complex mediation, avoiding conflict in the workplace, employment issues, family, special education and diversity to name a few. Register on or before Mar. 31 for the discount rate of $350.00. This course has been approved by the six MCLE hours, including 1.0 hour of ethics.

SSF Section to Host District Court Practice CLE in Huntsville

The Solo & Small Firm Section of the Alabama State Bar will host a six-hour CLE on district court practice on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Cooper House in Huntsville starting at 8:30 a.m. The program includes 1.0 ethics hour and lunch for $30. Registration and payment in advance is required. Click here to register online. If you have questions, contact the Madison County Bar Association or the state bar’s Solo & Small Firm Section (click on either one to email them).

Leadership Forum Class 15 Hosts Foster Care Donation Drive

This year's Leadership Forum Class is hosting a Foster Care Donation Drive to restock two foster care closets. Items needed include children's clothing, blankets, hangers, toiletries, hair-care supplies, suitcases, duffle bags, baby supplies and diapers. View the full list of items needed and drop-off information here. 

Lawyers Giving Back: Armbrecht Jackson Attorneys Assist Armed Forces with Tax Prep

Through a joint program with the American Bar Association Tax Section, the IRS and the Armed Forces Tax Council, tax lawyers with Armbrecht Jackson recently had the opportunity to join with a local CPA firm to assist local members of the armed forces with training and instruction for tax preparation services. You can read the full story here. Send us your stories of Alabama lawyers giving back, so we can feature your work!

ICYMI: Judge Elisabeth French to Become First Female Presiding Judge of Jefferson County Court System

Judge French will become the first woman selected to serve at the helm of the Jefferson County judicial system starting Mar. 1. She will follow Judge Joseph Boohaker who is retiring on Feb. 29. The 10th Judicial Circuit is the largest circuit in Alabama and consists 38 judges, including 26 circuit judges and 12 district judges. French is the first female African American presiding judge in Alabama. Read more here. 

Cordell Hull Speakers Forum Featuring ABA President Judy Perry Martinez

Cumberland School of Law will host its annual Cordell Hull Speakers Forum on Apr. 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Memory Leake Robinson Hall. Judy Perry Martinez, president of the American Bar Association (ABA), is the keynote speaker. Martinez will discuss the ABA and its work to promote equal justice, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and justice system, and the rule of law. Cumberland alumni, students, faculty, staff and members of the Birmingham and Alabama legal communities are invited to attend.

Save the Date for the 2020 Annual Meeting in Sandestin

It's time to mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting, set for June 24-27, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Registration will open later this month. We'll share that link in The Scoop and on our Facebook page as soon as it's available!

Oral Arguments

The Supreme Court of Alabama will hold oral arguments Wednesday, Apr. 1. Click here to view the docket.

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