Friends,

This is my final President’s Message for the College’s eBulletin. Next month, I will have the privilege of introducing San Francisco Fellow Susan Harriman as the 73rd President of the College at our Annual Meeting in Rome. Susan is dedicated to the mission of the College and will skillfully lead us in the right direction with her positive energy and passion for the College. 

Brett and I recently returned from our final regional meeting of the College year in beautiful Alaska. State Chair Neil O’Donnell and the Alaska State Committee organized a great program for the Northwest Region’s Fellows and spouses/guests. We have found the regional meetings to be a terrific way for Fellows to gather in special locales with the same quality speakers you find at our national meetings but at a lower price point. For example, the Alaska meeting speakers included a Major General (Ret.), a journalist, an author, a former state court judge and state Supreme Court Justice, the Director of the Berkeley Judicial Institute, and the winningest musher in history including four championships of the 1,000 mile Iditarod dogsledding race. All this in Alaska’s premier ski area, Mount Alyeska, in the shadows of impressive mountains overlooking the Cook Inlet and teeming with bears, moose, and Beluga whales. 

We particularly enjoyed spending time with Past President Doug Young and Terry and Past President Rodney Acker and Judy who joined us on a few trips this year since most of their meetings during their year as President were remote due to the COVID pandemic.

This month we conducted meetings with State and Province Chairs, encouraging them and their State/Province Committees to redouble their efforts to identify and nominate for fellowship the best trial lawyers in their areas. We also met this month with the diversity liaisons from the various states and provinces. These liaisons were appointed a few years ago in order to elevate the importance of identifying the best trial lawyers regardless of race, ethnicity, or geography. These efforts over the past few years have resulted in positive increases in the numbers of diverse candidates who meet and exceed the standards of excellence demanded for fellowship in the College. 

In May, in conjunction with the ACTL-Marshall Scholars Association Forum on the Rule of Law at the U.S. Supreme Court, we had the opportunity to acknowledge Justice Stephen Breyer for his honorable, dedicated, and civil service to the United States judicial system. In July, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was welcomed onto the Supreme Court. In Rome, the College will confer Honorary Fellowship on Justice Amy Coney Barrett. 

President-Elect Susan Harriman has organized a terrific slate of speakers for our 2022 Annual Meeting September 14-18 in Rome, Italy, and Executive Director Dennis Maggi and the National Office staff have arranged special venues and activities. We have good registration numbers for the meeting but a few spots remain. Please click here for more information. If you are unable to join us in Rome, there will be an opportunity to purchase the presentation videos after the meeting concludes. 

The speakers in Rome include the Honorable Joe Donnelly, former U.S. Senator and current Ambassador to the Holy See; Bernard Frischer of the Virtual World Heritage Laboratory of Roman Antiquities at the University of Virginia; Destiny Garcia, Executive Director of Clean Slate Utah, winner of the 2022 Emil Gumpert Award; Dr. Heather Thompson, author of Blood in the Water; Delia Gallagher, CNN’s Vatican Correspondent providing an up close look at Pope Francis; Honorary Fellowship to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett; Lord David Pannick, QC of Blackstone Chambers; Boma Alabi, a Nigerian trial lawyer; Angelo Matassa former military attaché with the Embassy of Italy in Canada discussing the prevention of international money laundering; and Kati Marton, author of Power with Purpose: the Astonishing Career of Angela Merkel. 

Brett and I look forward to meeting and spending time with Fellows at this year’s remaining State meetings and to joining many of our Fellows and spouses/guests at what promises to be an extraordinary meeting in Italy. 

Best Regards,

Doing Well by Doing Good: Enhancing Your Career as a Trial Attorney with Pro Bono Service

Fellow Fred D. Gray
Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Emil Gumpert Award Update

Emil Gumpert Award Increases to $150,000

Past President David Beck was inducted as a “Texas Legal Legend” by the Litigation Section of the Texas Bar Association this past June. The honor is intended to memorialize the stories of legendary lawyers with the hope that they will enhance the public’s understanding of the historical importance of lawyers and the importance of making a difference.

Fellow Gray Culbreath was awarded the Order of the Palmetto for dedicating twenty-two years of outstanding service to the South Carolina State Museum.

Fellow Alistair Dawson has been elected as Chair of the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees.

Fellow Fred D. Gray co-authored a book entitled Alabama v. King: Martin Luther King Jr and the Criminal Trial That Launched the Civil Rights Movement which was released in May. Gray was just 24 years old when he became the defense lawyer for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book takes readers behind the scenes of that landmark case.

Past President Jeff Leon was selected to serve as co-lead of the Commission Counsel for the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa, Canada. The Public Order Emergency Commission is an independent public inquiry established by the Governor in Council following the declaration of a public order emergency by the Government of Canada on February 14, 2022.

Alberta Province Committee Chair Kevin T. Mott has been appointed Queen’s Counsel for Alberta by the Lieutenant-Governor in Counsel. 

Fellow James A. O'Reilly, a pioneer lawyer in Aboriginal law, was appointed to the Order of Canada, which recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canadian society. It is one of the country’s highest honours.

Fellow Edward J. Walters Jr. has published a book entitled Ipse Dixit: Ruminations on a Career at Law. The book is a collection of articles, stories and interviews written over the course of his 45+ year career in the courtroom.

Democracy’s Last Line of Defense, Chicago, Illinois: A symposium entitled Democracy’s Last Line of Defense: A Symposium on Why and How to Preserve the Rule of Law and an Independent, Impartial Judiciary was held at The Old Post Office in Chicago, May 25-26, 2022. President O’Donnell attended along with approximately 250 lawyers, judges, politicians, academics, and media representatives. The first panel was focused on independent, impartial courts being critical to ensuring the fairness and legitimacy of democratic political systems. The panel addressed the nature of the assault on the courts and proposed tactics to defend against those assaults. The next panel addressed social media and countering disinformation in the courts. Other panels focused on the future of the Supreme Court in light of the presenters' perceived radical nature of the Court, racial justice and the courts, and implicit and explicit bias in the courts. Finally, five breakout groups discussed how corporate leaders, judges, practitioners, non-profits, and foundations can address these issues. President O’Donnell, on behalf of the College, was afforded an opportunity to speak and he encouraged all organizations to try to find a common interest and voice in support of the rule of law and judicial independence. He expressed hope that this was the first, and not last, of these types of meetings.   

Region 12 Spring Fling, Boston, Massachusetts: On June 10, President-Elect Susan Harriman was at the Region 12 Spring Fling, a Spirit of Boston Dinner Cruise, which brought together the Fellows from across New England for a lovely night on the water. Fellow Peter Ettenberg of the Massachusetts State Committee was responsible for organizing the event and State Chair Ellen Epstein Cohen was present, as were Past President Joan Lukey and her husband Phil Stevenson. They all enjoyed a lovely dinner with dancing. The cruise afforded President-Elect Harriman a great opportunity to meet and socialize with the many Fellows and guests in attendance. The outing was impacted a bit in terms of attendance by the NBA playoffs game between the Warriors and the Celtics, and President-Elect Harriman quietly enjoyed the outcome of the game as the evening came to a close and the Warriors came back from 5 down in the 4th quarter to win by 10.

Texas Fellows Luncheon, Houston, Texas: President O’Donnell attended the annual Texas Fellows luncheon on June 10, 2022, at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, joining approximately fifty Fellows who were in attendance. State Chair Robby Alden and President O’Donnell were pleased to be joined by Regent Lyn Pruitt; Emil Gumpert Award Committee Chair Kathryn Snapka; and Past Presidents David Beck, Doug Young and Rodney Acker. President O’Donnell used the opportunity to speak to the ongoing training programs conducted by the College, including the virtual Boot Camp Trial Training Program in London this past December as well as last May’s inaugural Diversity in the Courtroom Program held in Chicago. The luncheon occurred soon after the “Dobbs” opinion draft was leaked and there were discussions on the approach of the College to speak out on the protests at Justice’s homes and the threats to injure or kill justices, all of which are of great concern to the College. President O’Donnell also mentioned the formation of a Joint Committee consisting of the Judiciary and Judicial Independence Committees, which are exploring the Senate confirmation process for judicial nominees. The meeting also featured the presentation of the ACTL National Moot Court Competition awards to the winning Texas Tech team. Past President Acker was proud to be in attendance as a Red Raider. Fellow David Weinstein, former Chair of the Moot Court Competition Committee, spoke to the group; very appropriate since thirty-two years ago David was a member of the Texas Tech winning team and was named Best Oral Advocate in that competition.

Tri-State Regional Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana: On June 9-12, 2022, President O’Donnell and Brett attended the Tri-State meeting at the historic Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, organized by Alabama State Committee Chair Gaynor St. John. Regent Bob MacKenzie and Secretary Rick Deane were also in attendance. Friday’s General Session Speakers included Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director who spoke about tourism in the South and the Civil Rights movement; Nick Sellers, CEO of the 2022 World Games to be held this summer in Birmingham, Alabama; Frank Stitt, Chef, Author and Owner of Highlands Bar & Grill, a James Beard 2018 Best Restaurant. Saturday’s speakers included a panel of collegiate sports experts who discussed name, image, and licensing (NIL) issues as well as the future of paying college athletes; Zella Palmer, documentary filmmaker, author, and professor at Dillard University, who spoke about the Evolution of Louisiana Creole Cuisine; and former US Senator Doug Jones, who spoke about guiding the White House through the US Senate confirmation process. President O’Donnell thanked Fellows for their contributions to the College and discussed the Executive Committee’s concerns regarding the appropriateness of certain lines of questioning during Supreme Court selection hearings. Because of these concerns, the Judiciary and Judicial Independence Committees will be making recommendations for possible presentation to the US Senate.

New Brunswick Fellows Dinner, Moncton, New Brunswick: On June 13, 2022, President O’Donnell and Brett were joined in Moncton, New Brunswick, by Past President Rodney Acker and Judy, Past President Doug Young and Terry, and by Regent Michelle Awad and her husband Jack Graham. The New Brunswick Fellows Dinner was held at Little Louie’s Oyster Bar, and the meal was fantastic. Twenty were present for dinner and this was the first gathering since 2019. Province Vice Chair Ken McCullough hosted the event. President O’Donnell addressed the group, recognizing Province Chair Rob Purdy and speaking about the work of the General Committees and the State and Province Committees, including the recent Diversity in the Courtroom training program as well as the Just The Beginning internship program.

Novia Scotia Fellows Dinner, Halifax, Novia Scotia: On June 14, 2022, the Youngs, Ackers and O’Donnells traveled together following the dinner in New Brunswick to Halifax, Nova Scotia to meet again with Regent Michelle Awad and her husband Jack Graham. The Nova Scotia Fellows dinner was held at Shuck Seafood and Raw Bar, a few blocks from the host hotel, the Muir. President O’Donnell made remarks to the group and thanked Province Chair Robert Purdy and Regent Awad for their service. As with all of the Fellows and guests in the Atlantic Provinces, the Nova Scotia Fellows were warm, gracious and welcoming. 

Newfoundland and Labrador Fellows Dinner, St. John’s, Newfoundland: On June 15, 2022, Past Presidents Young, Acker and O’Donnell and their spouses traveled together to St. John’s, Newfoundland for the Fellows meeting in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Fellows dinner was held at the VU Resto & Bar in St. Johns. The venue had a sweeping view of St. John’s Bay, a very beautiful natural harbor which narrows at the mouth of the Bay leading to the ocean. Province Vice Chair Dan Simmons and Chair Rob Purdy hosted the group and President O’Donnell posthumously recognized Fellow Derek Hogan, who was inducted in 2021 but unfortunately passed away shortly thereafter. Several Fellows recognized Fellow Hogan’s special qualities. The highlight of the evening was the “screech-in” ceremony, unique to St. John’s. To become an honorary Newfoundlander, it is a requirement to drink a low-end strong rum, called Screech, and then kiss a cold, dead cod. Past Presidents Young and Acker, President O’Donnell, Terry and Brett all completed the task! 

Kentucky Fellows Dinner and CLE, Owensboro, Kentucky: On June 15, 2022, Treasurer William Murphy and his wife Pat had the opportunity to travel to Kentucky to attend the State’s Dinner meeting and a CLE presentation by the committee at the Kentucky State Bar Association Meeting. The Dinner meeting was held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and was attended by more than twenty Kentucky Fellows and guests. State Chair Freed served as master of ceremonies and paid homage to Fellow A.V. Conway, who was named the Kentucky Lawyer of the Year by the Kentucky Bar Association during the convention. State Chair Freed also graciously welcomed Treasurer Murphy and Pat and made special recognition of the only female Fellow in attendance, Lou Anna Red Corn. Fellow Red Corn, a Native American, was the first woman named as a Commonwealth Attorney in Kentucky. Treasurer Murphy was glad for the opportunity to join the Kentucky State Committee for this meeting.

Quebec Fellows Dinner, Montreal, Quebec: President O’Donnell and Brett traveled to Montreal to attend the Quebec Fellows Dinner on June 16, 2022, at The Mount Royal Club in downtown Montreal. Past President Doug Young and Terry joined the meeting. Immediate Past Province Chair Bernard Amyot and Province Chair Julie-Martine Loranger hosted. Approximately seventy Fellows and guests attended. President of the University of Montreal, Daniel Jutras, was the keynote speaker. Fellow Amyot served as master of ceremonies and President O’Donnell had the privilege of announcing to the group that Amyot had just been nominated to be the next Regent for the region. President O’Donnell’s remarks highlighted the recent virtual Boot Camp Trial Training Program in London/Wales and the Diversity in the Courtroom training program in Chicago. Past President Young then summarized the Forum on the Rule of Law held at the US Supreme Court. A highlight of the evening for President O’Donnell and Past President Young was presenting this year’s Gale Cup winners with plaques to commemorate their accomplishment.

Northwest Regional Meeting, Alaska: Anchorage, Alaska was the site of the Northwest Regional meeting July 7-10, 2022. Regent Carey Matovich greeted President O’Donnell and Brett and arranged for a short pre-trip to Denali Park. Past President Acker and Judy joined the memorable trip. Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska served as the venue for the regional meeting, with approximately forty Fellows in attendance. Alaska State Chair Neil O’Donnell hosted the meeting. Speakers included General Randy “Church” Kee, U.S. Air Force (retired) who spoke on Arctic security affairs and a panel including former Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Dana Fabe and former Alaska Third Judicial Presiding Judge Elaine Andrews, who provided excellent mediation tips and strategies. Former California Federal Judge Jeremy Fogel, executive director of the Berkeley Judicial Institute, addressed the future of virtual proceedings and cameras in the courtroom considering the COVID pandemic and was very interested in collaborating with the College’s Advocacy in the 21^st Century Committee and its chair Secretary-Designate John Day. The final speaker was the “winningest musher in the world,” Jeff King, four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.