The Atlanta Lawyer June/July 2011 | Page 23

sections update Labor & Employment section E by ian E. smith King & Spalding LLP [email protected] ach day hundreds of onlookers witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. In the same way, each May, with perhaps fewer onlookers and only slightly less pomp and circumstance, the Atlanta Bar Association and its sections perform a similar guard-changing ceremony. This year, however, before the Labor & Employment section’s leadership passed the baton, one final act remained. In addition to Judge Vineyard’s inspiring address, the Section honored the top labor and employment law student from each of the Atlanta law schools: Crystal Genteman (Georgia State University College of Law), Rachel S. Fox (Emory Law School) and Michael J. Moore (John Marshall Law School). Each winner received a plaque and $250.00. The Atlanta Bar staff members who work with the Labor & Employment Section were also honored for their steadfast support. On May 12, 2011, the section held its Spring luncheon, the last official act of the 2010-2011 Labor & Employment Section’s board. And the luncheon was a rousing success. Approximately 130 attendees turned out to hear guest speaker Magistrate Judge Russell Vineyard, of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, give his View from the Bench. They were not disappointed. Judge Vineyard emphasized the importance of lawyers representing parties in an employment discrimination case to focus on several principles he called the “pillars of professionalism,” which include competence, civility, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law, to justice, and to the public good. Judge Vineyard breathed life into each of those pillars by sharing very interesting stories from his days as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. The luncheon concluded with the announcement of next year’s board and with a seamless handover the section thanked Peggy Brockington for her leadership, service, and grace, and welcomed its new Chairman, Dan Klein. The 2011-2012 Labor & Employment Section’s Board includes Chair Daniel Klein, Vice-Chair William C. (Cory) Barker, Secretary/ Treasurer Ian E. Smith, Immediate Past Chair Mary M. (Peggy) Brockington, Robert Capobianco, Andrea Doneff, Amanda Farahany, Benjamin I. (Ben) Fink, Marcia Ganz, Ellen B. Malow, Adriana Midence, A. Lee Parks Jr., Michelle E. Shivers, and James M. (Jim) Walters. The Leader in Facilities Management Services IST is a full service Facilities Management and Legal Support provider specializing in the following services: • Copy Centers • Mail Rooms • Document Management • Fax Services • Reception • Day Porter Contact Amy Swart Executive Vice President & Partner IST Management Services Phone: (404) 582-8858 [email protected] the official news publication of the atlanta bar association June/July 2011 THE ATLANTA LAWYER 23