30 Lawyers Chosen From Throughout State To Participate In Annual State Bar Leadership Forum

Montgomery, Ala., January 5, 2010 – 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 VI of its Leadership Forum.

State Bar President Thomas J. Methvin of Montgomery (Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles P.C.) said, "The leadership forum is an innovative leadership-training program specifically geared toward increasing leadership skills among lawyers. We will share ways participants can develop these skills to better support the communities in which they live and practice their profession, encourage diversity and discuss the ethical issues that will confront them. Chief among these issues, attorneys in Class VI will learn about the state bar's efforts to help with Access to Justice for the poor, and what is their role."

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, 17 men and 13 women were selected for Class VI. 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. Methvin 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, participants are required to attend five separate training sessions including a two-day orientation program.

Significant features of the program include a core curriculum which combines professional leadership techniques; seminars and experiential-based learning which is not typically found in classrooms.
They will learn from such prominent leaders as:

• U.S. Representative Artur Davis
• Bradley Byrne, gubernatorial candidate
• Dr. Wayne Flint, Auburn University
• Stephen Black, Univ. of Ala.
• Dr. David Bronner, Retirement Systems of Alabama

The 16,300-member Alabama State Bar is dedicated to improving the administration
of justice and increasing public understanding and respect for the law.

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Members of the Leadership Forum Class of 2010