MEMBERSHIP
But You Said You ’ re A Lawyer !? Topics Every Lawyer Should Know ( a little ) About
KIER A . PRINCE City of Atlanta kiprince @ atlantaga . gov
A s always , if you missed our annual But You Said You ’ re A Lawyer ( BYSYAL ) program , you missed something great . Here is a quick recap of both days .
" From CAP to the Court " Moderator : Kellyn McGee ( State Bar of Georgia ) Panelists : Mercedes Ball ( State Bar of Georgia ), Warren Hinds ( Warren R . Hinds PC ), Andreea Morrison ( State Bar of Georgia ), and Adrienne Nash ( State Bar of Georgia )
The first panel to kick off our signature program truly set the tone for the program . If you have ever been faced with a bar complaint or grievance , you know how nerve wracking it can be to address the matter . Our panelists walked attendees through the procedure of how to sufficiently address a bar grievance from first contact to the final Supreme Court order . As each panelist stressed , it is always wise to find adequate counsel to represent you in these matters . With counsel , an individual has a representative who can respond unemotionally to the complaint when that individual may not be emotionally able to do so . The panelists wanted attendees to understand the importance of responding to a grievance in a timely manner . It is important to note that even if the grievance has no merit , an initial response must be provided .
" Practicing in Magistrate and Municipal Courts " Moderator : Hon . Matthew M . McCord ( Stockbridge Municipal Court , McCord Law PC ) Panelists : Hon . Cassandra Kirk ( Magistrate Court of Fulton County ), Hon . Matthew J . McCoyd ( Magistrate Court of DeKalb County ), and Hon . Rashida Oliver ( City of East Point Municipal Court )
Our second panel kept the ball rolling by providing general information on how to handle a case in municipal or magistrate court . Most citizens may find themselves in a municipal or magistrate court for minor citations . Many often have questions about the procedure and do not know the options that are afforded to them . Panelists , including most other municipal and magistrate judges , will provide defendants with basic information regarding the types of pleas an individual can make in open court . However , many individuals may not understand the ramifications of such pleas . Having a lawyer present for these issues is key , especially those who find themselves facing a license suspension . Also , this intimate panel gave a candid discussion on the operation of these courts post COVID-19 .
" Environmental Law " Speaker : Charles Denton ( Barnes & Thornburg LLP )
Our environmental law discussion provided a refreshing touch to our annual program . Laws in this field seem to be constantly changing with each new administration . Charlie Denton gave an overview on what environmental law encompasses and how it is used to protect the environment . This area leans heavily into administrative law at the federal and state level . It is important to remember that practicing environmental law requires some form of diplomacy . Thus , lawyers with a strong ability to work with people are critical and needed .
" Federal Criminal Law " Moderator : David Bouchard ( Finch McCranie LLP ), Panelists : Lynsey Barron ( Barron Law ), Ashley Hinkson ( Jones Day ), and Emily Ward ( Smith Gambrell & Russell LLP )
Our last panel of the day provided attendees with insight into practicing federal criminal law . Most of the high-profile cases
26 December 2022 / January 2023