COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLES OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND INCREASED MINORITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW

Chief Judge Robert M. Bell
Court of Appeals of Maryland

On July 21, 2007 J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association hosted its annual New Admittees Reception at the home of the Honorable Sheila Tillerson Adams and Timothy Adams. This year’s reception set records in terms of attendance. More than 40 new admittees from Prince George’s and Montgomery County were congratulated and welcomed to the Bar by the membership.

The turn out from the bench set a precedent as well with every member from the Maryland judiciary represented. In attendance were Chief Judge Robert M. Bell and Judge Clayton Greene, Jr. from the Court of Special Appeals, Judge Arrie Davis from the Court of Special Appeals, Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. from the U.S. District Court, Administrative Judge William D. Missouri, Judge Michelle D. Hotten, Judge Herman Dawson, Sr., and Judge Larnzell Martin, Jr. from the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, and Judge Beverly Woodard from the District Court for Prince George’s County. And as usual, the membership inflated the attendance to even greater numbers. JFB extends a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors: Lawrence Hill, Theresa Moore, Debra Davis, Keith Parris, Michael Worthy, and J. Wyndal Gordon. Their generous
contributions made the reception a delicious success.

The consensus from the new admittees was feelings of pride and of belonging to an organization that values new and seasoned attorneys alike. The membership did an excellent job of educating the new admittees on the benefits of joining JFB, as well as offering “free legal advice” on the qualities necessary in striving for excellence. The co-chairs of the committee, Judge Tillerson Adams and Wennesa Bell Snoddy, are to be commended for their hard work and hospitality.

The quality of JFB continues to reach higher heights, and the 2008 New Admittees Reception will be no exception.

2006:

It was an excellent way to begin the month on the heels of the thought-provoking speech given by Court of Appeals of Maryland Chief Judge Robert M. Bell at the March membership meeting, which produced a record turnout.

Judge Bell departed from his planned speech concerning the attorney’s duty and obligation to be involved with the community once he saw that the majority of the members present were not newly admitted attorneys – but were instead “old heads.” Judge Bell spoke about things that were of concern to him and that should be of concern to every attorney: the manner in which this society is moving in terms of individual liberty; the attitude towards the third branch of government; and how society is beginning to treat lawyers.

According to Judge Bell, the judiciary is the weakest of the three branches. It has neither the power of the sword or the purse but it has the most critical role – to protect the foundation stone of the whole democracy. The judiciary must have the trust and confidence of the people or they will not have their decisions followed. Judge Bell stated that as lawyers and judges, we have to stand up and explain to those who are critical of judges what the role of the judiciary is and why it is so important to have a strong, independent judiciary. But despite the attacks on judges, it is even worse for lawyers.

Judge Bell stated that when lawyers are denigrated at every turn it undermines the authority and power and effectiveness of lawyers. Lawyers ought to be proud of being lawyers. If you get rid of lawyers, there won’t be anybody to protect those whose rights have been violated. Lawyers raise questions where appropriate and ensure that there is something that seems like justice. Judge Bell urged us to remind people what lawyers can do and have done.

In response to a question from a young lawyer, Judge Bell stressed that being involved in Bourne is valuable because there is something unique about being a black lawyer.

Bourne deals with issues that are not dealt with by the majority bar. Judge Bell pointed out the importance of mentoring new attorneys. Thanks again to Judge Bell for sharing his thoughts and experiences with us.

From Left to Right: Immediate Past President Snoddy,
President Burrell and Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert Bell
at J. Franklyn Bourne's New Admittee's Reception

 

President's Message
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February Joint Meeting 
Black History Month
Tuesday February 7, 2012 Greenbelt Courthouse
$30 & RSVP
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10th Annual Highschool Oratorical Contest
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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PAY YOUR 2012 DUES BY CREDIT CARD HERE
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February 2012 Newsletter
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With
Howard U. Sch. of Law
&
Black Women's Bar Association of Suburban Maryland