SIDESBAR WINTER 2021 - 5

MONTGOMERYBAR.ORG

the fact that the bar association is governed by a board of
directors that is to be representative of the perspectives of the
entire membership.
In conjunction with the end of my tenure as president,
and as part of what I came to more fully appreciate as the
year progressed, I impart this simple, pointed, and perhaps
somewhat obvious observation - that not every dispute
requires, nor warrants, the Montgomery Bar Association to
take an official position, particularly when there are members
offering vociferous and passionate arguments on both sides
of the issue and there is perhaps only a slight majority view
as opposed to an actual consensus. I understand that this
approach has irked some individuals on opposing sides of
numerous issues throughout this past year, but the fact of the
matter is that the association is more representative of our
full membership if we avoid taking unnecessary positions
that ultimately set the stage for further division.
Our membership is so incredibly blessed with talented
and bright individuals of differing backgrounds and
experiences, and most certainly differing perspectives. While
we may disagree with respect to the way to approach various
issues and disputes, we are nonetheless united in our mission
- to promote professional excellence, to facilitate access to
justice, and to protect the integrity of the legal system while
serving the members of our community. While we will
surely continue to debate what programs and what efforts are
justified, and of greatest importance, in the pursuit of that
mission, we must sincerely and deliberately continue to strive
to stay true to that mission and avoid unnecessarily declaring
allegiance to any one side, or perspective, or creed, except for
perhaps one ... and justice for all.
In closing, and as I think back on my year as president
and the many unexpected and unforeseen challenges it has
brought, I am so very thankful for the support that I have
received throughout the year from so many bar association
members. Whether it was a genuine and kind phone call
from President Judge Del Ricci to commiserate on the
cancelation of each successive bar association event and
offer some words of support, or a text from immediate
past president Greg Gifford to give me an atta-boy or to
say that he and his wife Mary were thinking about me on
the anniversary of my father's passing, or one of the many
emails from Bill Pugh, IV expressing praise for my latest
president's message, or a gracious message from Michelle
Berk conveying appreciation for my efforts on diversity, or a
kind and smile-inspiring communication from Judge Austin

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saying she's starting a fanclub for me, it has all meant so very,
very much to me. These kind gestures have truly carried me
through these challenging times and kept me focused on the
task at hand.
As I hand over the gavel to my accomplished and fully
prepared successor Jacqueline M. Reynolds, I will feel many
things - humbled that I was provided the opportunity to lead
this great organization, satisfied that I gave my best effort,
proud that I was able to pursue what is in the best interest of
this Bar Association, quite a bit relieved that I no longer have
to shoulder the burden of some of these difficult decisions,
confident in those that are coming behind me in the Leadership
Academy and otherwise, and most of all, hopeful that our great
organization will continue to evolve while never losing focus on
its mission.
I thank the entire Association for providing me this
gratifying, enlightening, and unforgettable experience. Wishing
everyone a safe and healthy 2021 full of achievement and
accomplishment.

WINTER 2021 5
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SIDESBAR WINTER 2021

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