president’s message
(State Court). I look forward to seeing that work through to
some meaningful recommendations and positive change.
We have some very special, dedicated public servants
among our local judiciary and we are fortunate to be their
colleagues. The Atlanta Bar has a history of supporting our
judges and we must always work to ensure adequate funding
and an independent judiciary.
We particularly appreciate all of the judges who are actively
involved with our committees and special projects, as their
input and insight are invaluable and it is wonderful getting
to know them. I cannot recall an instance when any of them
declined an invitation to participate in one of our efforts.
At the risk of omitting someone, I want to specifically
acknowledge a few who have gone the extra mile this year
with the Atlanta Bar:
• Judge Susan Edlein, co-chair of the Pro Bono
Committee and Celebrating Service and member of
the Reputation and the Public Trust Committee;
• Judge Diane Bessen, co-editor in chief of The Atlanta
Lawyer and outgoing chair of the Judicial Section;
• Judge Sara Doyle, co-editor in chief of The Atlanta
Lawyer;
• Judge Mel Westmoreland, member of the Reputation
and the Public Trust Committee and the Executive
;
Director Search Committee
• Chief Justice Carol Hunstein and Justice David
Nahmias, and Judges Chris McFadden, Brenda
Cole, and Al Wng on the Reputation and the Public
Trust Committee.
We also facilitated conversations between the court and the
media to discuss challenges and opportunities. A recent
meeting with Chief Judge Wright and Publisher Ed Baker
of the Atlanta Business Chronicle resulted in an invitation for
Judge Wright to write a series of ViewPoint articles. The first,
entitled “When Your Business Becomes Our Business,” was
published in early May. More articles will follow, and we look
forward to more meetings between media and judges, and
perhaps legislators. The Atlanta Bar can play an important
role in helping dispel some of the mistrust and fear, fostering
healthy relationships that expand and enhance accurate
reporting on our courts and educate the public to help elect
an independent judiciary.
Finally, we made a special effort this year to strengthen