The Atlanta Lawyer - Official Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association Nov | Page 36

section update Public Interest Law Section Update By Beth Stephens, Chair Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. [email protected] T he Public Interest Law Section (PILS) has enjoyed an eventful fall. PILS hosted a very informative Lunch & Learn event on October 15th entitled “Making Change: Strategies for Impact Litigation.” Michael Caplan of Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore, LLP moderated a panel consisting of: Lisa Krisher, the Litigation Director for Georgia Legal Services Program; Charlie Bliss, the Director of Advocacy at the Atlanta Legal Aid Society; and Debbie Segal, the Pro Bono Partner at Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton, LLP. The panelists explored ways that public interest organizations can work with law firms to reform the law and advance social justice through strategic litigation. this conversation. Sharon Hill, the Executive Director of the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, moderated a panel consisting of The Honorable Dorothy T. Beasley, The Honorable Leah Ward Sears and The Honorable Susan E. Edlein. A Networking reception with food, wine and beer began at 5:30pm and the panel discussion followed. The panelists discussed their accomplishments, motivations and personal inspirations. All attendees were encouraged to bring a nonperishable, traditional Thanksgiving dinner item as a donation to Foreverfamily, a nonprofit, youth development organization focused on supporting children whose parents are incarcerated. On November 14th, PILS, along with the Women in the Profession Section (WIP), hosted a panel discussion entitled “Judicial Leadership in the Public Interest.” We were delighted that an esteemed group of women joined us for We are also planning some exciting events for the spring. So, please be on the lookout and join us for one of our events celebrating lawyers and judges who contribute to the public interest community here in Atlanta. 36 THE ATLANTA LAWYER November 2013 The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association