MEMBERSHIP
Annual Meeting Recap
A full house welcomed Amy B . Cheng ( Nelson Mullins ) as the 116th President of the Atlanta Bar Association . She replaces Christopher P . Lightner ( Alston & Bird ) who completed his term with the ceremonial passing of the gavel at the Annual Meeting , May 23 , 2023 . The event closed the year and recognized that the Atlanta Bar Association turns 135 years old on June 1 , 2023 .
In her acceptance speech , Cheng remarked , “ It is only fitting that we first take a look back at the Association ’ s legacy as we envision its future .” She recapped the origin story ; the Association was founded in 1888 when a group of Atlanta lawyers assembled in the Fulton County courthouse and adopted the Constitution of the Atlanta Bar Association . Using this historical reference theme , Cheng discussed that the Atlanta Bar ’ s Membership continues with a passion for the law , a commitment to serving their community , and the dedication to carrying out the mission of the Association . The Bar ’ s service component signals a continuation of outgoing President Lightner ’ s significant focus on the Association ’ s tag line , “ Lawyers Who Serve .” Cheng made history herself as the first Asian American / AAPI President of the Atlanta Bar Association .
Cheng closed her remarks by recognizing her family , law firm co-workers , the support from Atlanta Bar ’ s past presidents , and the Bar ’ s diverse membership , saying , “. . . we are a team , each with an important role to play . So , as we enter this year ahead , it is my personal encouragement to each of you to lean into this great organization . There are so many opportunities to serve , . . . please come talk to me or any of our section leaders - all of whom are amazing .”
A few additional highlights from the Annual Meeting . Several group and individual awards were presented , including :
• Large Section of the Year : |
Litigation Section |
• Small Section of the Year : |
Estate Planning & Probate Section |
• Special Recognition : |
Judicial Law Section |
• Distinguished Service Award : E . Tyron Brown ( Hawkins Parnell ) |
• Professionalism Award : |
Sarah C . Babcock ( Truancy Intervention Project ) |
• Charles E . Watkins , Jr . Award : Betsy C . Griswold ( Intercontinental Hotel Group ) |
Two extra points , and both related to the Atlanta Bar Association professional staff .
• Executive Director & CEO Toni Roberts ( Atlanta Bar ) took a microphone through the audience and talked to former U . S . Magistrate Judge E . Clayton Scofield III ( Bar President during Atlanta ’ s 1996 Olympics ) and Harold Franklin ( Bar President actively involved with the Bar ’ s voting rights efforts in 2015 ). They each shared a few key accomplishments from their Bar leadership years .
• CLE Director Tanya H . Windham ( Atlanta Bar ) started the day on a high-note , literally , with an exceptional singing of our National Anthem . www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 31