MEMBERSHIP
Two Atlanta Bar CLE Programs : CLE By the Hour & Legends of the Bar with The Honorable Roy E . Barnes
A tlanta Bar CLE hosted its annual two-day CLE by the Hour program in February . The program covered various topics from professionalism to legal writing . On the first day of the program , attendees learned how to manage difficult clients and opposing counsel , and how to address harassment in the workplace . They also covered the basics of veterans law and environmental social governance ( ESG ) trends .
On the second day , attendees learned tips for contract drafting , brief writing , the use of special masters for trials , and how to navigate public and professional spaces in a divisive political world . For an hour , each of the eight panels offered insight on maintaining professionalism in tough situations and the nuances surrounding niche practice areas . Sticking to its namesake , each panel provided attendees with CLE credit .
If you missed any of these programs , you can always access them on the Atlanta Bar ’ s website in the online library . This month , the Atlanta Bar is hosting another signature program , Pro Bono Frenzy . Be sure to register to learn more about local pro bono organizations and how you can get involved while earning CLE hours .
The schedule of events can be found at atlantabar . org .
A tlanta Bar CLE hosted another Legends of the Bar series featuring former Georgia Governor , The Hon . Roy E . Barnes on January 18 , 2023 . This intimate conversation provided attendees with some light-hearted laughs along the way . The former Governor spoke of how he started his career in the legal community . Gov . Barnes came from humble beginnings in which neither of his parents graduated from high school . He reminded attendees of the importance of mentorship and pro bono work , citing that he only worked for a large firm for ten years .
As a staff attorney for Atlanta Legal Aid , he worked with many different clients . One client stuck with him and left a lasting impression . This elderly client , who was raising her two grandchildren , was involved in an accident with an uninsured drunk driver . She needed a new car and went to a car dealership . The dealership sold her a car under false advertisement of warranty . In the initial proceedings , the client received unfavorable results . The client was on the verge of losing hope in the legal system when she sought assistance from Gov . Barnes . He was able to assist her in receiving a favorable outcome .
Before the conversation ended , he reminded attendees that pro bono work can be satisfying . This work eventually led him to pursue public office . He expressed his gratitude of serving in these positions stating , “ Over the years , the people of this State have given me many gifts .” However , he hopes to be remembered for his work as a lawyer .
KIER A . PRINCE City of Atlanta kiprince @ atlantaga . gov
18 February / March 2023