News Post

By Melissa Warnke

On September 19, 2024, the Alabama State Bar hosted its inaugural Milestone Luncheon, honoring 164 distinguished members who have dedicated 50 years of service to the legal profession. The 80 honorees who were able to attend in person enjoyed revisiting their Admission Ceremony photos from 1974, while reflecting on their shared journey and the lasting impact they’ve had on Alabama’s legal landscape.

President Tom Perry opened the event with a heartfelt tribute. “It is both humbling and inspiring to be with you today,” Perry remarked. “This is more than a celebration of years; it is a tribute to a lifetime of dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the legal profession.”

Perry also transported the room back to 1974, a year that saw the end of the Vietnam War, the resignation of President Richard Nixon, and the introduction of the first personal computer. Gasoline was 53 cents per gallon, and a McDonald’s hamburger cost just 35 cents. As honorees and their guests reflected on the transformations that have reshaped the world and the practice of law, Perry reminded them that while the tools and context of legal work have evolved, the core values of the profession—commitment, integrity, and justice—remain unchanged.

Executive Director Terri Lovell spoke about the significance of the event, highlighting the need for such a celebration. “The excitement we feel today shows just how overdue this moment has been,” Lovell said. “In the past, this recognition was part of our annual meeting, but we felt it was time to expand this celebration.” She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event’s sponsors—Balch & Bingham, Bradley Arant, Jinks Crow, and Maynard Nexsen—whose generous support made the luncheon possible.

“We’re truly grateful to have you all here today,” Lovell added. “This is a chance to reconnect with old friends and celebrate the journey you’ve shared, one that has left an enduring mark on Alabama’s legal community.”

The event’s keynote speaker, The Honorable Keith Watkins of the Middle District of Alabama, captivated the audience with personal stories from his career and reflections on the sweeping changes he’s witnessed in the legal profession over the past five decades. Drawing on the words of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., he shared a powerful thought:

“The life of the law is not in the courthouse, it is in your house.”

Judge Watkins reminded the audience that the law is not just a set of rules enforced in courtrooms, but a living, evolving force that shapes and reflects everyday life. “For lawyers who have spent 50 years in the profession, their work extends far beyond the courtroom,” Watkins explained. “It touches families, communities, and the very fabric of society.”

The Alabama State Bar looks forward to continuing this meaningful celebration next year, and hopefully for many years to come. The event not only honored the accomplishments of the past but also emphasized the ongoing importance of the legal profession in shaping Alabama’s future.

To view photos from the Milestone Luncheon, visit www.flickr.com/asbgallery.