they keep coming back . I was president in 1999 – 2000 and we got our 6,000th member during my term . We were aware that technology was changing the way that lawyers relate to each other and to Bar organizations , but we could not really get our arms around the possibilities that technology opened up for us . Ms . Roberson : I did not find any particular part of my year as president particularly difficult . We all appreciate the time commitment involved in serving as president , but I was happy to do it and quite blessed that my colleagues at Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers had my back !
3
As you look at the Atlanta Bar Association today , what do you see as the biggest differ ences compared to when you were president ? Mr . Gambrell : A much larger membership makes individual communication and participation more difficult and remote . Judge Bedford : Much of what we envisioned and created has matured . The Bar is certainly more diversified and provides more opportunities for volunteerism and pro bono services than when I was President . Also , there is greater emphasis on acknowledging volunteerism and community service , thanks in large part to Rita Sheffey ! There is also more competition for Bar membership with the development of many specialty and minority Bars . Ms . Frederick : I am delighted that the organization is a lot more diverse than it was in the past . When I first became active , there were very few women and even fewer lawyers of color who were actively involved . Today ’ s leadership is more reflective of the profession and of the City of Atlanta than ever before ! Ms . Roberson : Since my Bar year is so recent , I have not noticed any significant differences other than Terri Bryant putting her distinctive stamp on the support provided by the Bar staff . I have also noticed what an incredible year Harold Franklin has had as president , in spite of a trial and travel schedule that would disable most of us mere mortals . I continue to be incredibly proud of our Bar !
4
What is your favorite memory of the Atlanta Bar
Association during the year you led it ? Mr . Gambrell : Executive Committee Meetings at the home of F . M . “ Buster ” Bird in Highlands , North Carolina . Mr . Strickland : See my answer to question 1 . Another highlight ( perhaps during my year as president-elect ) was convincing then Deputy Executive Director Diane O ’ Steen not to leave the ABA to take another job . Diane agreed to stay and within a few months , she became our Executive Director . Diane later became President of the National Association of Bar Executives . Diane remained with the Atlanta Bar until her retirement .
Judge Bedford : The whole year was a positive . One of the neatest experiences was when we sent several bus loads of Atlanta lawyers to South Georgia to help clean up after the devastating spring floods of 1994 . Early one morning , I stood in the parking lot at the Atlanta Stadium , along with Diane O ’ Steen , and watched as the buses loaded and drove off with all these Atlanta lawyers volunteering to help other communities with the flood damage . Ms . Frederick : Despite my grumbling at the rigorous rehearsal schedule , I greatly enjoyed participating in the Bard show . My predecessor Greg Smith started the show and I had no idea it would be such a professional production , or how talented members of the Atlanta Bar are . I am talent-free but they found a spot for me in two or three skits . I had a blast ! Ms . Roberson : My favorite memory is of our Board voting unanimously to step up and be counted in support of marriage equality before the U . S . Supreme Court at a time when the issue of equality was potentially divisive ( as such issues have been historically in our Bar and society in general ). Our board wisely understood the importance of showing leadership in the legal community in support of equality and civil rights for all adult citizens at a time when many Bars were reluctant to take a stand and demonstrate true leadership .
5
Do you have any advice for the incoming Atlanta
Bar Association leadership ? Mr . Gambrell : Keep up the good work ! Mr . Strickland : Pay attention to the fact that many lawyers do not participate in the work of the organized Bar . If possible , find a project for the Bar as a whole to undertake , so as to increase involvement of Bar members . Judge Bedford : Set aside a specific time each week to meet with the executive director , and fellow Bar leaders as needed . Try to be consistent with meeting with the executive director and other Bar staff . Focus on one major project for your Bar year and see it through to conclusion . Ms . Frederick : Do not try to do it all yourself . Trust your staff and the people around you to help get things done . Do not be afraid to try new things . Have fun ! Ms . Roberson : My advice to the incoming Bar leadership is to engage in a true partnership with the Board and the executive director . If you always remember that your year as president is about service to our Bar and not about you and any personal agenda you may have , then I can promise you a rewarding year ! ■
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 11