The Revival of the Multi-Bar Leadership Council : A New
MEMBERSHIP
Era of Collaboration and Unity
QUIANA M . HOOD Co-Chair , Muti-Bar Leadership Council qhood @ jfllc . com
I n an era where division often overshadows unity , the Atlanta legal community is taking significant steps to promote collaboration , inclusivity , and civic engagement through the revival of the Multi-Bar Leadership Council ( MBLC ). The MBLC , originally founded in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks , has been reestablished to meet the current needs of the community . It aims to bring together diverse legal professionals , fostering a space where differences are celebrated , and shared goals are pursued .
from all corners of the legal community , including those who participated in its initial formation and newer members who recognize the importance of such an initiative in today ’ s climate . The revived Council includes leaders from various bar associations , each bringing their unique perspectives and commitments to the table .
( Courtesy photo )
The Rebirth of the MBLC
The MBLC was reconvened during a luncheon at the offices of Greenberg Traurig , LLP , a leading law firm that has generously agreed to host the Council ’ s meetings through April 2025 . This meeting marked a pivotal moment for the Atlanta Bar Association and the various affinity bar associations involved , signifying the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic and impactful collaboration .
The MBLC was initially founded by Seth Kirschenbaum , then-President of the Atlanta Bar Association , in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks . At that time , the Council served as a symbol of unity , showcasing the legal community ’ s commitment to working together across differences for the greater good . Emily Ward , current President of the Atlanta Bar Association , emphasized that the decision to revive the MBLC was driven by a “ need for civility and open demonstrations of all kinds of people working together and putting politics aside , doing our jobs and helping the community .”
The return of the MBLC has been met with enthusiasm
Leaders attending the organizational meeting for the Atlanta Multi- Bar Leadership Council on June 28 . L-R : Roodgine Bray , Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys president-elect ; N . John Bey , Gate City Bar Association president ; Mercedes Ball , Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys inter-bar relations representative ; Cherise Challenger , DeKalb Lawyers Association president ; Jill Pope , DeKalb Lawyers Association president-elect ; Seth Kirschenbaum , MBLC founder and Atlanta Bar Association past-president ; Emily C . Ward , Atlanta Bar Association president ; Benjamin Torres , Stonewall Bar Association president ; Eliyahu Wolfe , Jewish Bar Association treasurer ; and Vy Vu , Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association managing director .
Key Leaders and Supporters
The MBLC ’ s resurgence has been supported by prominent figures within the legal community . In addition to Emily Ward , notable attendees at the
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