Annually the American Bar Association sets a theme for Law Day and Law Week celebrations across the United States. The theme of Law Day 2008 is The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities and Equity.
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 Stephanie by phone at 813-223-7000 or sbolton@carltonfields.com, or you may contact any of the individuals listed below for details on a specific program.
Following is a description of the planned activities, including a new speech contest for high school students:
Law Day Luncheon & Annual Meeting
The Law Day Luncheon & Annual Meeting is set for Friday, May 9, at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Highlights of the event include the induction of the new association officers and directors, (to be elected in April). The event will also include the presentation of annual awards including the President’s Awards, the John U. Bird Judicial Excellence Award, the Ralph Richards Professionalism Award, the Allen G. Moore Gold Badge Award, the Liberty Bell Award and the George Greer Judicial Independence Award. See page below for award nomination details.
Award nominations are now being accepted. There will be an award for a member of the Clearwater Bar, a judge, a member of the public and a member of law enforcement. The deadline for nominations is March 15. Wally Pope is the chairman of the awards committee and can be contacted by phone at 727-461-1818 or fax at 727-441-8617. Nominations should include a narrative of the proposed nominee’s activities. Details of the award criteria are posted below.
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 around the ABA 2008 Law Day theme: The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity. Details on the theme and its application are available at www.lawday.org. High School Speaker Program
The High School Speakers Program is set for April 23. 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 100 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. Law Line
CBA annually coordinates Law Line, which benefits the public by giving free legal advice by telephone. The program is set for Wednesday, May 7, from 6:00-8:00 pm, and will cover various legal topics including probate, family law, business law, landlord/tenant, real estate, criminal law and more. Contact J. David Haynes to volunteer by phone at 727-584-6100, fax at 727-584-3733, or e-mail at jdhaynes@aol.com. Include a short bio and areas of expertise. 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 22 from 2:00-5:00 pm in Courtroom A and Courtroom D, Clearwater Courthouse. The finals are set for May 1 at 6:00 pm in Courtroom Two, Criminal Justice Center. This year’s debate topic is—“RESOLVED: The U.S. should begin appropriating funds for continued development of nuclear power to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses caused by burning of fossil fuels for energy.”
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. Contact Jason Ester at 727-464-3354, jester@pinellascounty.org or Zack Zuroweste at 727-796-7666, zz@lawpm.com to volunteer.
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 16 tentatively set for the beautiful Roof Top Terrace at Clearwater Main Library. There is no charge for judges and judicial assistants. Other lawyers and guests are $20 ($25 at the door), except for sponsoring law firms who receive complimentary admission for four with a $250 sponsorship. Jason Ester, YLD President-Elect, is chair of the event and can be reached at 727-464-3354, jester@pinellascounty.org.
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 16. 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. 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. 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 Law Day Luncheon. If you have children in any of our north county schools, make sure that their schools are participating in this wonderful event. 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.
5th Grade Essay Contest
All north Pinellas 5th graders are eligible to compete in the Clearwater Bar Foundation’s Law Day Essay Contest. This year’s topic focuses on The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities and Equity. Entries should be no longer than 700 words and will be judged on general appearance, structure, content, creativity, and originality. Prizes include cash prizes—1st place, $100; 2nd place, $75; and 3rd place, $50. Submissions must be made by April 7 to Clearwater Bar Foundation, 314 S. Missouri Ave., Suite 107, Clearwater, FL 33756. Contact Karen France, executive director, to volunteer to assist in judging the essay contest.
6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Speech Contest
For the second year there will be a speech contest for middle school students. Clearwater Bar Foundation will present cash awards to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, for $100, $75 and $50, respectively. The subject of the speeches will be based on the following Benjamin Franklin quote and its relation to The Rule of Law: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” To volunteer contact Christy Pemberton, 727-464-3354, cpemberton@co.pinellas.fl.us or Carl Brody, 727-464-3354, cbrody@pinellascounty.org.
Whether you choose to attend the Law Day Luncheon, make a presentation for the High School Speakers Program, answer phones for Law Line, or mentor high school debaters for the Great Debate, consider taking part in the Law Week 2008 celebration. More information on any of these programs is available by contacting Stephanie Bolton at sbolton@carltonfields.com or any of the individuals listed above for details on a specific program. Additionally, you may contact CBA staff by phone at 727-461-4869 or kfrance@clearwaterbar.org. 
Law Day Award Nominations Due by March 15
Nominations are now being accepted for Clearwater Bar’s Annual Law Day awards to be presented at the Law Day Luncheon on May 9, at the Belleview Biltmore. The awards and criteria are spelled out below. Submit letters of nomination to Awards Committee Chair, F. Wallace Pope, Jr., Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP, PO Box 1368, Clearwater, FL 33757, fax to 727-441-8617, or email to wallyp@jpfirm.com. Telephone Wally at 727-461-1818. The nomination deadline is March 15. Nominations will be considered by the Awards Committee and recommendations will be submitted for approval to the Board of Directors.
John U. Bird Judicial Excellence Award
In remembrance of Judge John U. Bird, this award recognizes a member of the present judiciary who demonstrates high ideals, personal character, judicial competence and service.
George W. Greer Judicial Independence Award
Established in 2005, this award recognizes a member of the judiciary for an extraordinary and exemplary demonstration of judicial independence.
Allen L. Moore Gold Badge Award
This award recognizes an outstanding law enforcement officer in north Pinellas County who has best demonstrated the ideals and objectives of our legal system and of the United States Constitution by virtue of: - Promoting a better understanding of the legal system, the persons who operate within it, and its functions;
- Creating, by act of example, a greater respect for the law and our system of justice;
- Stimulating a sense of community awareness and pride in the law as well as a sense of individual responsibility as to rights and responsibilities.
Ralph Richards Award
Presented to a member of the Clearwater Bar Association, this award recognizes an extraordinary sense of care, dedication, concern and service to both the legal profession and the community at large as exemplified by the late Ralph Richards.
Liberty Bell Award
The Liberty Bell Award is presented to a non-lawyer for outstanding service in one of the following areas: - Promoting a better understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights;
- Encouraging a greater respect for law and the courts;
- Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights;
- Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government;
- Fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.
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