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Montgomery, Ala., January 5, 2009 – Recognizing that young attorneys have a vital stake in the future of the state’s communities, both as policymakers and in their profession, the Alabama State Bar has announced the 30 lawyers selected for Class V of its Leadership Forum.

State Bar President J. Mark White of Birmingham (White Arnold & Dowd P.C.) said, “In addition to developing new leaders, the program will share ways participants can implement those skills to better support their communities and the profession, encourage diversity in the practice of law and discuss ethical issues.”

This year, the state bar received 75 applications from private practitioners, government and corporate lawyers throughout the state. These applicants included practitioners in small, medium and large-size firms as well as sole practitioners.

After a rigorous selection process, 19 men and 11 women were selected for Class V. While there is no age requirement, participants must have practiced law for not less than five nor more than 15 years.

Leadership Forum participants are selected based on their demonstration of outstanding leadership qualities and service to their communities. White noted that  lawyers naturally gravitate toward positions of leadership because those positions call into play their creativity and critical thinking skills. "Leaders need to have good problem-solving skills and be able to think critically. As opposed to the traditional law practice setting, which fosters competition, leadership is a collaborative process," he said.

In order to graduate from the Leadership Forum, forum participants are required to attend five separate training sessions including a two-day orientation program. They will spend approximately 60 hours in meetings and workshops learning from such prominent leaders as:

• Governor Bob Riley;
• Chancellor Bradley Byrne;
• Dr. Wayne Flint, Auburn University;
• Former Governor Albert Brewer;
• Morris Dees, co-founder, Southern Poverty Law Center;
• Stephen F. Black, Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility: and,
• Former graduates of Leadership Forum classes I-IV

Birmingham attorneys Kimberly Till Powell (Balch & Bingham , L.L.P.) and Samuel David Knight (Gordon, Dana, Still, Knight & Gilmore) chaired this year's Leadership Forum Planning Committee.

The 16,000-member Alabama State Bar is dedicated to promoting the professional responsibility, competence and satisfaction of its members; improving the administration of justice, and, increasing public understanding and respect for the law.

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Thirty Members of the Leadership Forum Class of 2009 are as follows: