Law Week 2011
Annually the American Bar Association sets a theme for Law Day and Law Week celebrations across the United States. The theme of Law Day 2011 is “The Legacy of John Adams From Boston to Gauntanao”.
With the help of member-volunteers, the Clearwater Bar Association conducts a variety of activities which are designed to benefit members, students and the public. In cooperation with many outside groups, volunteers demonstrate the highest level of professionalism by working to enhance the public’s understanding of the law and the legal system and preserving our heritage of fair and impartial justice. Law Day is also a time to recognize legal practitioners and judges who have exceeded expectations in their chosen career.
The Clearwater Bar has coordinated a variety of activities to benefit both the public and the membership. Volunteers are welcome and needed to participate in any of the events. Contact co-chairs: Stephanie Bolton, 813-667-0434 or boltonlaw@live.com, or Christy Pemberton, 727-464-3354 or cpembert@pinellascounty.org or you may contact any of the individuals listed below for details on a specific program.
Following is a description of the planned activities.
Law Day Luncheon & Annual Meeting
The Law Day Luncheon & Annual Meeting is set for Friday, May 6, at Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Highlights of the event include the induction of the new association officers and directors, (to be elected April 1). The event will also include the presentation of annual awards including President’s Awards, John U. Bird Judicial Excellence Award, Ralph Richards Professionalism Award, Allen G. Moore Gold Badge Award, Liberty Bell Award and George Greer Judicial Independence Award.
The coveted Oyster Roast Cup and Judge Harry Fogel Great Debate Trophy will also be awarded at the luncheon.
Many of CBA’s Law Week activities center on the ABA 2011 Law Day theme: “The Legacy of John Adams From Boston to Gauntanao”. Details on the theme and its application are available at www.lawday.org.
High School Speakers Program
The High School Speakers Program is set for May 3. Volunteers are needed to make presentations in Pinellas County high schools on the topic “Rights and Responsibilities of New Adults.” CBA members can contact Elise Winters by phone at 727-442-3888 or email ewinters@elisekwinters.com to volunteer. Last year CBA members covered more than 120 classes. This is an excellent way to give something back to the community without a big time commitment. A schedule of classes can be viewed at http://elisekwinters.com/index_lawday.html.
The Great Debate
The CBA Young Lawyers Division sponsors a contest for high school debate teams annually. The preliminary competition will be held on April 18 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Clearwater Courthouse. The finals are set for April 26 at 6:30 pm in Courtroom One, Criminal Justice Center.
The resolution up for debate this year is as follows: “RESOLVED: Undocumented youth who graduate from college or serve in the military should be granted U.S. Citizenship.”
Volunteers are needed to judge the competition and to mentor the students with their preparations. The winning team receives the traveling Harry Fogel Trophy to display at their school. Students on the winning and runner-up teams receive cash awards and will be guests at the Law Day Luncheon. The deadline to enter your team application is Friday, April 8, 2011. Contact Michelle Nadeau at 727-441-4947, mnadeau@ksblaw.com.
Young Lawyers Division Judicial Reception
The Young Lawyers Division will honor the Judges of the Second DCA, the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and Pinellas and Pasco Counties by sponsoring a Judicial Reception on April 1 at Hilton Clearwater Beach. There is no charge for judges and judicial assistants. Other lawyers and guests are $30 ($35 at the door), except for sponsoring law firms who receive complimentary admission for four with a $300 sponsorship. Colleen Carson, YLD President-elect is chair of the event and can be reached at 727-572-4545, ccarson@baskinfleece.com.
The Three Bears vs. Gold E. Locks
Gold E. Locks will once again attempt to prove her innocence in this mock trial for grade school students on April 20. All three bears (in full costume) and Gold E. Locks and their attorneys will attempt to see that justice is properly served at the Old Clearwater Courthouse in downtown Clearwater. Local grade school children will serve as the jury. Jewel White Cole is organizing this event, which will be held in Courtroom One on April 20 at 9am & 10:30am. For more details or to volunteer, contact Jewel by phone at 727-464-3354 or e-mail at jcole@pinellascounty.org.
3rd & 4th Grade Poster Contest
Third and fourth grade students from north Pinellas schools are invited to submit their works of art in the form of posters depicting the Law Day Theme, “The Legacy of John Adams From Boston to Gauntanao”. A team of volunteers will judge posters with 1st and 2nd place awards presented in each grade. First place winners receive a $50 cash award from the Clearwater Bar Foundation and 2nd place winners receive plaques. The winning posters will be displayed at the Pinellas County Courthouse. If you have children in any of our north county schools, make sure that their schools are participating in this wonderful event. The deadline is May 23, 2011. For more information or to help judge the contest, contact David Robert Ellis at 727-518-6544, dellispa@tampabay.rr.com or Clearwater Law Librarian Donna Haverkamp at 727-464-3411, dhaverka@jud6.org, Poster Contest Co-Chairs. |
