FAMILY LAW
SECTION UPDATE
FAMILY LAW
By Hannibal Heredia Hedgepeth, Heredia & Rieder LLC hheredia @ hhrfamilylaw. com
Winter Activities
The Family Law Section was involved in many activities this past winter. Our monthly breakfast featured speakers ranging from Fulton County Superior Court Family Division Judge Christopher Brasher to a professionalism CLE that examined conduct within our section and challenged how we, as a section, respond.
On February 14, 2017 Dawn Smith, Esq. chaired our inaugural CLE Trial Skills for the Family Lawyer. This daylong seminar included seasoned trial lawyers presenting practical tips on the presentation of evidence to judges and juries, jury selection, direct and cross examination, and opening and closing arguments. In addition, a judges panel consisting of Cobb County Superior Court Judge LaTain Kell, Fayette County Judge Christopher Edwards and Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shawn LaGrua presented what they view to be the top trial skills exhibited in their courtrooms by trial attorneys.
Kurt Kegel Memorial
The application process for the inaugural Kurt Kegel Memorial commenced this winter. Kurt Kegel was a family law practitioner and a former ABA Family Law Section Chair who passed away in April 2016. The purpose of the scholarship is to allow an attorney in practice less than three years, and who demonstrates an interest and commitment to the practice of family law, to attend the annual Family Law Institute in May. The scholarship will cover full tuition to the FLI and room and board for the conference.
Sox in a Box Fundraiser
Our yearlong fund raiser, Sox in a Box continued and will continue through the end of May. This is our section’ s clothing drive to collect new socks to donate to Threads, a clothing mission located in Midtown Atlanta devoted to clothing children in need with dignity from ages birth to fifth grade. Clothing missions are always in need of new socks and thanks to many, as the socks have been coming in.
Section End of the Year Party
Finally, no“ year” should end without a party. So, on May 25, the Litigation, Estate Planning and Probate, and ACYL sections are celebrating at Skyline Park atop of Ponce City Market. It should be a great time!
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 29