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its Chief Judge for six years. Judge Downs has also been a pioneer in the concept of accountability courts. Accountability courts are used to rehabilitate non-violent offenders outside of the already overcrowded prison system.
After first warning the audience that she was not“ funny,” Judge Downs proceeded to entertain the crowd with some delightful, and quite funny war stories. Judge Downs spoke with great affection for her time on the Bench. No one in the room doubted that Judge Downs earned and deserved the Award.
The annual Bench and Bar marks the symbolic, if not the official, transition from the past year’ s Litigation Section Board to its new Board. The Section had an outstanding year. The monthly breakfast events presented a yearlong Life of a Trial series with different all-star speakers each month educating the membership on different parts of a trial. The Section supported many Bar programs with significant contributions, including its annual signature contribution to the Summer Law Internship program.
Ed Konieczny led the Section through this past year. Under Ed’ s leadership, the Section started its new Super pass program with a one-time discounted annual fee covering all of the Section events for the year. This program was a great success. The Section looks forward to the coming year with great enthusiasm. There is no doubt that incoming President, Rob Huestis, will continue the Section’ s growth trajectory.
Also essential to the success of this past year were the Section sponsors, Applied Technical Services, Duplicating Products, Aprio, Counsel on Call, Esquire Solutions, and JAMS. The Section thanks its sponsors.
Enjoy the Summer and we look forward to seeing you all at breakfast in the Fall. ▪
12 May 2018