PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
CELEBRATING SERVICE
“
The Atlanta Bar Recognizes Those Who Give Back
By Harold E. Franklin, Jr.
King & Spalding LLP
“The Celebrating Service
program is always special and
remarkable.”
P
lacing value on service to the less fortunate and the
community is among the most profound legacies of
our bar association of which we can all be proud.
Since the most recent issue of this publication, we held
our annual Legal Runaround 5K Race, welcomed new
members (at our New Member Reception), held dynamic
Section events and programs, including our annual barwide Celebrating Service Luncheon and Pro Bono Fair,
and commenced the school outreach portion of the Equal
Justice in Law Enforcement Initiative.
who has taken on significant personal risks to help or save
others. I had the honor of presenting the Peace Officer of the
Year Award to Officer Kyle Jackson, whose heroism literally
saved the life of a young child who was drowning. This
inspiring and fun event brought together the law enforcement
community, the legal community and others in a way that
benefitted the less fortunate. Strengthening the ties between
these communities benefits us all and allows us to express
our sincere appreciation for the selfless work and sacrifice
of the honorable men and women who protect and serve.
Each year, the Atlanta Bar Association holds its Legal
Runaround 5K Race Walk and Tot Trot. This year the event,
which was well-attended, was held at John Howell Park on
what turned out to be a beautiful day. In addition to being a
family friendly bar-wide event, the race allows the Atlanta
Bar Association (through the Atlanta Bar Foundation) to raise
funds for scholarships for the children of police officers who
have been disabled or killed in the line of duty. In addition
to this noble cause of supporting the exemplary service
and sacrifice of affected officers, we also honor an officer
Last month we held a New Member Reception to welcome
new affiliates to our association. The event was held on the
rooftop patio at Nelson Mullins in Atlantic Station and provided
a wonderful introduction to and information about our bar
services and programs. The relaxed setting, overlooking
a beautiful Atlanta skyline, provided a great atmosphere
in which a diverse mix of lawyers from numerous practice
areas, members of the judiciary, and present and past
leaders of our association were able to mingle with our
newest members. The event generated significant interest
4 THE ATLANTA LAWYER
October/November 2015
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association