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Montgomery, Ala., February 1, 2008 - 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 IV of its Leadership Forum.

State Bar President Samuel N. Crosby (Stone, Granade & Crosby, P.C., Daphne) said, "This program was created to identify and train outstanding lawyers to be leaders in our state. Throughout Alabama, lawyers serve on non-profit boards, political organizations and community groups. Lawyers have an obligation to render service to others, and we want to further the leadership skills lawyers use and need to fulfill their ethical duties and responsibilities. We are making the state and the profession stronger by encouraging the development of these leaders."

This year, as the fourth class of potential leaders was being identified, more than 75 applications were received from private practitioners, government and corporate lawyers throughout the state. The law firms represented in the applications included small, medium and large-size firms as well as sole practitioners.

A rigorous selection process resulted in 30 lawyers being chosen for this year's class consisting of 20 men and 10 women. While there is no age requirement, participants must have practiced law for not less than five years nor more than 15 years.

The forum is designed to ensure committed and involved lawyers willing and able to fill significant leadership roles in the state bar and local bar associations, in community and in state organizations, and to serve as role models in matters of ethics and professionalism.

Crosby noted lawyers are moved naturally toward positions of leadership because it calls into play their creativity and critical thinking skills. "Leaders need to have good problem-solving skills and be able to think critically. As a collaborative process, leadership also involves working well with others," he said.

LEADERSHIP FORUM CLASS IV

In order to graduate, forum participants are required to attend five separate training sessions after which there is an induction ceremony. They will spend approximately 60 hours in meetings and workshops learning from prominent leaders such as Millard Fuller, founder and former president of Habitat for Humanity International; Dr. Wayne Flint, Auburn University; former Gov. Albert Brewer; Morris Dees, co-founder of The Southern Poverty Law Center; state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb; and, Leadership Forum alums, developing insight into local organizations, and inspiring their peers to become more active in the civic arena.

Topics for the sessions include: Principles of Leadership; Leadership Through Service; Access to
Justice; Civil Rights, and; Justice, Values and Professionalism.

Birmingham attorneys Keith Jackson (Jackson & Riley) and Kimberly Till Powell (Balch & Bingham, L.L.P.) chaired the Leadership Forum Selection Committee.

The 15,700-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.

NOTE: Below is a list of the Leadership Forum Class of 2008 organized by city.