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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