Equal Justice University 2012 Speakers

Equal Justice University 2012 Hosts Impressive Speakers

Attendees to this year's annual Equal Justice University were honored this year to have a great list of speakers. The event started out with a message from Judge Bernice Donald at Wednesday’s Welcome Lunch.  Judge Donald, a Federal Court of Appeals judge, was once an attorney at Memphis Area Legal Services. Judge Donald used personal examples to show the forward momentum of the access and equal justice goals. View Judge Donald's meaningful address here.

Wednesday night attendees heard from Mayor Bill Purcell, who is the former mayor of Nashville and a former legal aid attorney.  He spoke about the value of providing crucial services – like legal aid – during times of economic and political discord. His speech reminded us that tough times are often what show what people are truly made of and that they also build resiliency.  At this dinner, TALS also presented two statewide awards: the B. Riney Green Award and the New Advocate of the Year award. See the awards ceremony here.

On Thursday at our Leadership Lunch, Buck Lewis, Chairman of the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission gave the keynote address. Mr. Lewis passionately presented the case for action around access to justice matters - from increased pro bono participation to greater funding for legal aid.  He reviewed the accomplishments of the ATJ Commission and went over its aggressive strategic plan for the coming months and years. Listen to his speech here.